ASK BOB

'WHAT TRAVEL TRENDS WILL

SHAPE 2026 AND 2027?'

Bob Cook is Director of Sales at Go Travel. He has decades of experience advising travelers.

Slow travel with more extended stays tops our list. Instead of packing itineraries with many places or port stops in a short time, more travelers will opt to spend extended time in fewer places, immersing themselves in local life.

Trips will need to reflect individuals’ values, interests — whether wellness, adventure, culture, and more. There’s a renewed emphasis on making time to focus on wellness, sleep, and mental health. Wellness is no longer just spa treatments and yoga; there’s more attention to restorative rest and mental reset.

Travelers are seeking meaningful connections: local cuisines, local guides, and experiences that genuinely engage with culture rather than just being “touristy.” Smaller, boutique stays will take precedence over big, generic resorts to get more of that local flavor and character.

“Coolcations” will be the “in” thing. That means going somewhere that’s cooler or traveling off-peak to avoid excessive heat, big crowds and long lines at major attractions.

Family and multi-generational travel includes visiting places or taking tours and cruises that cater to families -- comfortable family-friendly amenities, multi-room/stay suites, combining relaxing and adventure experiences. Many more seniors are treating grandkids on memorable trips.

Events and cultural moments will continue to drive travel. Planning will focus on trips around major global events, festivals, and cultural moments. Our nation’s 250th birthday in 2026 presents numerous opportunities for domestic travel. Our YMCA Alumni Queen Mary 2 cruise, beginning in New York Harbor on July 4, 2026, sold out in just a few days after it was announced with more than 50 members, family and friends sailing.

There will be two celestial events, starting with an annular solar eclipse (also known as the "ring of fire") on Feb.17, 2026, and a total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027, which will pass over Iceland, Greenland, and Spain.

As always, your YMCA Alumni/Go Travel agents are ready to help you make plans for your personal and family travel, as well as booking your YMCA Alumni group trips and cruises.

EXPLORA JOURNEY:

'FABULOUS!' 'FANTASTIC!'

Our YMCA Alumni Travel Club cruise from Istanbul, Turkey to Venice, Italy on the gorgeous, new Explora cruise ship was a big hit in October. Here's what Craig and Ellen Schaeffer and Molly McGregor and sis Michelle Lever had to say:

"Fabulous!!! Explora is the nicest ship we have been on, and we have been on several great ships. The ship and food are fantastic." --Craig and Ellen (left photo)

"Great trip. Explora was fabulous. We’ll be travelling on future YMCA Alumni trips together." --Michelle and Molly (right photo)

Book your next YMCA Alumni Travel Club adventure for 2026 and 2027 now. It just might be "fabulous" and "fantastic," too.

May 6-14, 2027

NEW TRIP JUST ANNOUNCED

'DANUBE DREAM' RIVER CRUISE

"Danube so blue and beautiful, you surge through valley and meadow. Vienna greets you, silver ribbon which unites the land."

--Johann Strauss II

Cruise along the peaceful and storied Danube River through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary—stopping at some of Central Europe’s most splendid capitals and charming towns along the way.

Indulge in legendary Central European cuisine on this culinary-focused cruise. We'll sample regional specialties with onboard tastings and with a special dinner featuring a wonderful menu created just for you.

We begin our YMCA Alumni Travel Club journey with two nights in Prague, the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic, known as “the heart of Europe.”  On to Passau, Germany, at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. Take a culinary walking tour where authentic German treats and drinks add to the experience. In Linz, Austria, walk around the Hauptplatz, Austria’s largest medieval square.

Enjoy the magnificent views as our Danube River cruise takes us through the picturesque wine region of the Wachau Valley. Stops include Melk to visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey and Dürnstein to see the famous blue and white Stiftskirche and taste some of the local wines. Vienna, the “City of Music,” makes an immediate impression with its lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace and neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House.

In Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, take a guided walk through the delightful Old Town and to the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. We conclude with two nights in Budapest, the vibrant capital of Hungary, where a local expert shows us all the must-see sights during a unique guided foodie tour.

Avalon Waterways offers you a complimentary excursion in each port, and you may choose between Classic, Active, or Discovery options. Your suite includes a wall-to-wall window with an open-air balcony. Enjoy special entertainment, enrichment lectures and so much more throughout your cruise.

Please note: Avalon river ships carry only 166 passengers, so please don't delay registering. This cruise is very popular and will sell out quickly. By using Go Travel's insurance program when you book, you can cancel without penalty in case "life" gets in your way.

Call (407) 774-2229 il for details and to speak to a YMCA Alumni/Go Travel agent. Or send an email inquiry.

2026 YMCA ALUMNI

TRAVEL CLUB ADVENTURES

Left: The Rocky Mountaineer, Classic Canada and New England; Right: Alaska, Madrid, The Caribbean

SPRINGTIME IN THE CARIBBEAN

MARCH, APRIL AND MAY 2026

CHOOSE YOUR DATES AND CRUISE

"The world is a book and those who do not travel

read only one page." --St. Augustine

It's springtime in the warm and beautiful Caribbean. This YMCA Alumni option offers YOUR CHOICE of four relaxing cruises, port stops on two of Celerity's most exciting ships -- The Celebrity Apex and The Celebrity Beyond.

Our YMCA Alumni/Go Travel pricing is significantly less than the cruise line's pricing and includes Wi-Fi and a drink package. Come as a couple, solo traveler or bring the whole family by picking a cruise that matches your schedule. YMCA Alumni Travel Club pricing ranges from $1,962-$2,400 pp depending on stateroom choice.

April 18 - 25, 2026 aboard the Celebrity Apex. Round trip from Port Canaveral, FL with port stops in Key West, FL, Bimini, Bahamas, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and Turks & Caicos.

April 25 - May 8, 2026 aboard the Celebrity Apex. Port Canaveral to Southampton, UK with port stops in Bermuda, Azores, and Lisbon, Portugal, and Southampton (close to London), UK (transatlantic cruise).

April 26 - May 2, 2026 aboard the brand new Celebrity Beyond. Round trip from Miami, FL, with port stops in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, St.Thomas, San Juan, Puerto Rico and Perfect Day, Cococay, Bahamas.

JUNE 5-12, 2026:

ALASKA: THE LAST FRONTIER

“To the lover of wilderness, Alaska is one of the most wonderful countries in the world.“ --John Muir

We'll cruise before the huge summer crowds arrive. We depart from Vancouver, B.C., and return to Seattle aboard the Celebrity Edge. This is an ideal seven-night trip for bringing along family and friends. This will be our Travel Club's third Alaska cruise. Visit Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, cruise the Endicott Arm to the Dawes Glacier and disembark in Seattle. YMCA Alumni Travel Club pricing from $1,905 to $3,297 depending on stateroom choice.

JULY 20-25, 2026

THE ROCKY MOUNTAINEER

“While you look out the panoramic windows of the train, the staff’s focus is on serving you fine wines and freshly prepared food.This is one of the most incredible luxury train trips in the world.”

--AFAR Magazine

The Rocky Mountaineer travels through stunning scenery with highlights viewed from the train’s expansive glass-dome coaches. Your journey will be complemented by vibrant storytelling, regionally-inspired cuisine, and exceptional Premier Class service onboard the train.

Arrive in Denver and depart the next morning for Glenwood Springs, heading through the famed Big 10 curve and the Moffat Tunnel, high in the Rockies. Continue your journey west to the unique and iconic desert town of Moab. Travel from Moab to the historically vibrant city of Salt Lake City for our final night.

SEPTEMBER 13-23, 2026

CLASSIC CANADA AND NEW ENGLAND

"I always seem to get inspiration and renewed vitality by contact with this great novel land of yours which sticks up out of the Atlantic."

-- Winston Churchill

A colorful 10-day YMCA Alumni fall cruise along Eastern Canada and New England's Atlantic Coast for some unforgettable leaf-peeping and ocean scenery. Our cruise aboard the Sapphire Princess begins in Quebec City -- Le Bijou Boréal (The Boreal Jewel), and ends in historic Boston, MA. Your YMCA Alumni hosts are Patrick and Jan Murphy of the Schreiner Chapter. Balcony cabin range: $2,424 - $2,782 ($240-to-$700 saving from direct booking).

OCT. 31-NOV. 7, 2026

EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF SPAIN

"You can't buy happiness but you can go to Spain and that's pretty much the same thing!" -- Unknown

Embark on an unforgettable guided luxury motor coach tour through the marvelous cities of Madrid, Seville, Granada, Valencia, and Barcelona, all while enjoying the benefit of the “All-In-Inclusive” advantage of C.I.E. tours. Our YMCA Alumni trip covers 9 days, 8 nights, and includes 13 meals. Your luggage is taken care of from the coach to your hotel and back each day. Cost: $3,395 pp.

OCT. 31- NOV. 7, 2026

YARN, FUN AND SUN

Here’s a very special seven-day Caribbean cruise vacation aboard the Celebrity Apex for our YMCA Alumni members who love to knit. You’ll join fellow knitters from all over the country for a knitting adventure like no other.

This cruise is the perfect blend of knitting immersion, tropical exploration, and pampered relaxation, all surrounded by like-minded yarn lovers. A special guest on our cruise will be knitting guru Steven B., the “Glitter Knitter,” (pictured) known for his bold designs and fearless creativity. Prices range from $1,949 to $2,249 pp depending on stateroom choice. There is a $250 event fee per participant.

NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF TRAVEL

BEST AND WORST AIRPORTS NAMED

More than 30,300 travelers from the United States and Canada surveyed from July 2024 through July 2025 by data and analytics firm J.D. Power have picked North America’s best and worst airports. The best mega airport is Minneapolis-St. Paul, while Newark Liberty, NJ, is the worst. The best large airport is John Wayne in Orange County, CA, with Philadelphia International named the worst. The best medium-sized airport is Indianapolis International, while St. Louis Lambert Field is considered the worst.

NEW ENTRY SYSTEM IN EURO UNION

Some 29 Schengen area countries (those with open borders in the European Union) have begun a six-month rollout of a new Entry and Exit System (EES). With it, conventional passport processing will be replaced with fingerprint and facial scans. That doesn't mean you can leave your passport at home; travelers will still need to provide authorities with personal information like their passport details and travel dates. (Children 12 years old and younger will be exempt from fingerprint scanning.)

UBER LAUNCHES 'SENIOR ACCOUNTS'

Rideshare company Uber, is launching “Senior Accounts” nationwide, following test runs in Phoenix and Orlando. The service, which will be integrated into Uber’s Family Profile feature, is described as a simplified version of the app. It offers larger text, fewer buttons, and easy-to-navigate screens. Uber simultaneously rolled out a "stripped-down" solution for all older adults trying the platform for the first time. "Simple Mode," found in the Account section of the app, is geared toward older users who still want full control of the account but the same streamlined interface. Click HERE for details.

PARIS TO BERLIN BY RAIL OPENS UP

For the first time, Paris and Berlin will be directly connected by a high-speed rail line, reducing travel time to just eight hours. This new service marks a major step toward a more railway-focused Europe, challenging the dominance of air travel. The new route will operate daily, with one train in each direction, The inaugural ticket prices are set at €59.99 for second-class and €69.99 for first-class. 

GO TRAVEL TV

WATCH 100+ TRAVEL VIDEOS

It’s such a big world out there — so many great choices. Go Travel has created literally hundreds of videos, shorts, live broadcasts, podcasts, and playlists all about travel destinations, cruise ships, land tours, and more. Take a look at Go Travel TV on our special YouTube channel. Get inspired. It’s just a click away.

407-774-2229

Be sure to identify yourself as YMCA Alumni

when you call or email us.

Go Travel/YMCA Alumni Travel Club

2811 W. State Rd.

Longwood, FL 32779

ymcaalumni@gotravel.com

GOING PLACES is written, edited and produced by

Craig Altschul and Peggi Simmons

Next issue of GOING PLACES: January 15, 2026

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