Italy is consistently one of the most popular travel destinations for Jaunt Away clients. Maybe it’s the food, the gorgeous scenery or the incredible architecture but overall, an Italian escape is a surefire win because of the way this beautiful country makes travelers feel.
While Lake Como is magnificent, it’s no longer Italy’s best-kept secret. Crowds are thicker, prices are steeper and availability at the best properties is lower. The savvy traveler can get an equally picturesque, luxurious and unique experience by visiting some lower-traffic options instead.
Lake Garda offers a dramatic beauty and charm in its own league. Quaint villages, excellent local wine and a more relaxed energy abounds. Lake Orta is smaller, quieter and almost cinematic in its intimacy. It’s the kind of place that makes travelers feel like they’ve discovered a hidden gem. For those who want the romance of Italian lakes without shoulder-to-shoulder tourism, these two northern Italian destinations are top tier.
Travel south and you’ll find Puglia is still having its moment. The heel of Italy’s boot continues to be one of the strongest-trending destinations in the country. Among the whitewashed villages of Alberobello (pictured below), visitors can discover the masserie (farmhouse estates) converted into extraordinary hotels and a food culture that rivals anywhere in Italy. Puglia rewards travelers who make the effort to get there but the best properties fill quickly, so early booking is essential.
One of the clearest takeaways for Italy in 2026 is that demand for boutique and design-forward hotels is outpacing that of traditional luxury hotels. Today’s travelers want to immerse themselves in personality, story and a deep sense of tradition. Italy’s wealth of converted palazzos, historic villas and architecturally inventive new properties are perfectly positioned to deliver on that quest for experiential travel (like Mezzatorre, pictured above). Many boutique hotels offer an ideal launching pad for the exciting experiences travelers seek, like private food and wine tastings, exclusive access to local amenities and expert options that you won’t find through a basic search engine.
Italy is always surprising and never disappointing. Filling your Italian itinerary with unique opportunities, charming locations and insider know-how will turn a great trip into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you’re looking for a guide to help, let’s talk!
Opening June 26, the Four Seasons Mykonos beachfront location offers breathtaking seaside views on the azure coastline of Kalo Livadi Bay yet is just a 20 minute drive to the international airport. This property truly brings a new level of luxury to the Greek Islands.
Whether you plan to spend slow mornings relaxing on the hotel’s private beach or at one of two infinity pools or set off on a daytrip to explore this iconic seaside locale, this luxury space provides a sophisticated retreat with Four Seasons’ signature service at every turn. Refined dining, lively local attractions and a warm welcome make this hotel the perfect spot for a Greek getaway.
One question I hear often is whether it is a good time for Americans to travel to Europe. Based on my recent experiences and word throughout the travel planning community, the answer is much more encouraging than some headlines suggest.
Overall, Europeans continue to view American tourists favorably and welcome us (and our tourism dollars). Some European hotels are specifically designed to suit American tastes and look forward to our bookings. I have found a warm welcome personally and through my clients in most of the top destinations such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Spain and other European hot spots.
My bottom line: Go! Travel thoughtfully, respect local customs, be friendly and let your curiosity lead the way. I believe Europe is still very much open for Americans in 2026 and they are happy to see us!
I recently returned from an Italian vacation with my husband exploring the southern part of the country — Ischia, Puglia and Sicily. Earlier this year, I ventured through the northern part of the country so I’ve had some immersive time lately in one of my favorite countries. If only I could squeeze in one more trip before the end of the year … but I think Italy will have to wait until 2027 for me to return.
Each region feels delightfully distinct, from the landscapes to the food to the pace of life. In Ischia and Sicily, some of our favorite days were spent out on the water, soaking in the coastline from a different perspective. In Puglia, I loved exploring Alberobello, Lecce and Matera, each with its own charm, history and atmosphere.
And the food! One of my favorite things about Italy is how regional the cuisine is. Every area has its own specialties and traditions, and it is such a joy to taste and explore the differences. The tomatoes, strawberries and pistachio gelato were unforgettable.
We stayed at three incredible hotels. Mezzatorre in Ischia, Borgo Egnazia in Fasano and Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina. Each was completely different in style and vibe, yet each exceptional in its own way. Of course, I couldn’t fully turn off “work mode,” so we visited a few additional properties along the way.
Two more of my standout Italian discoveries:
One of the best things about Italy is that you can return again and again and have a completely different experience every time. There are simply too many incredible regions to see in one trip.
Next on my list: Sardinia. Viva l’Italia!
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