What Luxury Travel Really Looks Like in 2026 (Hint: It’s Not Just 5-Star Hotels)

🧭 Show Notes

Luxury travel isn’t just about five-star hotels—it’s about expert planning, trusted partnerships, and thoughtful details that turn a trip into an unforgettable experience.

In this episode of Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint, Cheryl sits down with Francisco Rello, Business Development Manager at Classic Vacations, to pull back the curtain on what really elevates a vacation—from VIP hotel recognition to rising global travel trends and the power of working with a travel advisor.

With nearly a decade in the travel industry (and a background as a Disney Cast Member!), Francisco shares behind-the-scenes insights on curated travel experiences, advisor-supplier collaboration, and why travelers who value service, experiences, and peace of mind are turning back to expert planning.
✨ In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What luxury travel really means today (and why it’s different for every traveler)
• How Classic Vacations partners exclusively with travel advisors to deliver seamless, VIP-level experiences
• Why small details—welcome amenities, celebration notes, personal recognition—make a big impact
• Top trending destinations travelers are loving right now
  (Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean—and even Africa safaris!)
• Underrated and second-city destinations to avoid overtourism
• Why experiences now matter more than “just the hotel”
• How sustainability is shaping the future of luxury travel
• When the best time to book a vacation really is (hint: it’s not just about price)
• Why booking online can’t compete with having a travel advisor in your corner

🌍 Destinations & Trends Discussed:

• Europe’s continued popularity (Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal)
• Multi-island Hawaii travel without a passport
• All-inclusive travel in Mexico & the Caribbean (plus the rise of niche groups like pickleball travel!)
• Africa as an emerging bucket-list destination
• Tahiti & Fiji as underrated dream escapes
• Hotels evolving into experience-driven destinations

🎧 Why This Episode Matters:

If you’ve ever wondered why some trips feel effortless while others feel overwhelming—or how luxury travel has evolved beyond price tags and star ratings—this conversation explains it all. It’s a must-listen for travelers who want meaningful experiences, expert guidance, and travel done right.

✈️ Ready to Elevate Your Next Trip?

If today’s episode inspired you to plan a more thoughtful, stress-free vacation, connect with Cheryl Johnson of Nostalgic Travel. From honeymoons and milestone celebrations to bucket-list journeys, Cheryl partners with trusted suppliers like Classic Vacations to create trips that feel personal, polished, and unforgettable.

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