Terrance Talks Travel 2026

Happy New Year! And hopefully happy travels! As I always like to do at the beginning of a new year, I want to share some important updates and information.

Terrance Talks Travel 2026…Here’s what you need to know!

If you haven’t updated your driver’s license to a REAL ID, you will be fined $45 when you fly effective February 1, 2026. However, travelers who use Confirm.ID will be able to proceed through TSA security checkpoints. You don’t need a REAL ID if you have a valid passport, passport card, Global Entry ID or other types of accepted ID. Check with TSA for a list of official documents.

TSA has banned certain cordless curling irons and all lithium batteries from checked bags.

Good news! TSA has reversed its shoe policy and fliers can now leave their shoes on when clearing security. However, belts and jackets still need to be removed.

Click here to learn more about what you can bring in your checked and carry on bags!

Click here to find out when you are eligible for an airline refund (including the 24-hour cancellation rule)!

There are new EU (European Union) entry requirements. Remember that all passports must be valid for six months after your trip for most European countries so be sure to check your passport before you book your trip.

Click here to complete an official ETIAS application!

Learn how to apply for a new passport or renew a passport!

Many countries require a travel visa to enter (in addition to a passport).

Always check TSA website to find out the latest travel warnings, especially Level 4 warnings.

American health insurance does not usually cover healthcare abroad. It is advisable to purchase travel insurance that includes evacuations and hospitalizations.

Be sure to notify your credit card company when you will be traveling and anticipating higher usage than normal. Most companies now “freeze” your credit when they notice unusual activity. This is true in the continental U.S. as well as overseas.

Lost luggage is a big concern these days, especially with multiple flights and complicated itineraries. GPS trackers can help you find your luggage in real time!

TERRANCE TALKS TRAVEL 2026…Where to Go?

Travel experts always want to offer a list of popular or trendy destinations for every year. I prefer not to do that because you should decide where you want to go. That said, I do believe that many travelers will stick closer to home with everything going on right now. Many travelers got stuck in the Caribbean when flights were cancelled by President Trump (Venezuela). Because Trump is threatening more action with other countries, including Greenland, I expect there will be more possible flight interruptions.

I think that popular places to visit in 2026 will be Albuquerque, NM (Rt. 66 anniversary); Jekyll Island, GA; Crystal Coast, NC; Miami, FL; Copper Canyon, Mexico; Mexico City (first World Cup game); Cape May, NJ; Grand Strand (Myrtle Beach), SC; Hawaii, Alaska, the Caribbean and all of our national parks (due to our country’s 250th anniversary), especially Dry Tortugas, Yosemite, Shenandoah, Jackson Hole and Great Smoky Mountains. Some of the national parks now require reservations, especially during peak travel times (summer and holidays) so be sure to make them as far out as you can. Some even work on a lottery system. If you want to book a cabin or campsite or buy permits or tickets, you also need to plan ahead, especially for popular parks.

I think due to significant cost increases, Disney attendance will be down. So if you can find some good deals and go in the off or low season, it may be a good time to go. The same is true for the Hawaiian islands.

River cruises and short ocean cruises (3-7 days) will be popular. I suggest the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua as good alternatives to pricier and ‘over touristy’ options of Costa Rica and Panama.

Click here to discover the best adventures in America!

TERRANCE TALKS TRAVEL 2026: Small town vacations (<15,000 year round population)

For those who appreciate that small town vibe, I have a few suggestions: Telluride, CO; Carmel by the Sea, CA; Sedona, AZ; Beaufort, SC; Kennebunkport, ME; Mackinac Island, MI; Mystic, CT; Taos, NM; Hood River, OR; Eureka Springs, AR; Okracoke Island, NC; Edisto Island, SC; Woodstock, VT; Hatteras, NC; Bar Harbor, ME; and Jackson, WY.

SPACE VACATIONS ARE COMING SOON!

Galactic Resources Utilization Company (GRU) has announced that they are building a hotel on the moon! We don’t have a lot of details at this time except that they have an ambitious target date of 2032. It will be modular design using many resources already on the moon. Effective January 15, 2026 GRU will be accepting applications and deposits for a select few. At this time, the deposit is one million dollars per person, which is required at the time the application is submitted. Less than six people will be allowed on the initial trip. No word as to how long this moon vacation will last but for a million bucks I hope it would be for a few days at least! GRU will be responsible for designing something sustainable on the moon but will most likely contract with a hotel and transit company, such as Hilton and Space X.

To learn more about their timeline and more specifics on their plan, click here!

The key to any good trip is planning, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Terrance Talks Travel is loaded with hundreds of travel posts. Use the site search box to find exactly what you’re looking for.