6 TRAVEL DESTINATIONS TO WATCH IN 2026, ACCORDING TO LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR JENNIE JENSEN OF MONTERRA TRAVEL
- Feb 2
- 6 min read
A featured article of Jennie Jensen's Monterra Travel Agency on The Scout Guide Boise & The Treasure Valley Magazine
After a year shaped by European classics and once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list trips, Scouted luxury travel advisor Jennie Jensen of Monterra Travel is seeing clear shifts in how—and where—her clients want to travel next. With more than 25 years in the industry, Jennie has built a reputation for crafting intentional, well-paced journeys that feel both elevated and personal.
“I really love seeing new destinations and creating itineraries for my clients,” she says. “I get excited when they talk about where they want to go—and why.”
Here, Jennie shares six destinations and travel trends that defined her clients’ experiences in 2025 and are poised to shape travel in the year ahead.
Scouted Destination No.1: Tanzania & Zanzibar: Safaris and Overwater Bungalows
Africa was a standout for Jennie this year, especially Tanzania and the surrounding region. “I had a few Tanzania safari trips, and with the right outfitter, a trip to Africa can be an amazing experience,” she explains. “I partner with a select group of trusted safari companies that excel at handling every detail, ensuring my clients are cared for from the moment they book through their arrival in Africa and every step of the safari experience.”
2025 Planned Trips
A high-end 10-day safari that included Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, with every detail taken care of.
A honeymoon on a tighter budget with a five-day safari followed by three nights in an overwater bungalow in Zanzibar, perched over crystal-clear water.
Why It’s Big for 2026
Customizable safaris paired with beach escapes offer that “trip of a lifetime” feeling, whether you’re splurging or staying mindful of budget — especially when every detail is handled by a trusted team.
Scouted Destination No. 2: Norway—Fjords, Trains & Family Ties
Norway continues to be a dream destination, and Jennie saw that firsthand with about half a dozen trips headed there in 2025. “Norway has an otherworldly aspect to it, and it often falls high up there for bucket list travel,” she says. “To see the beautiful Norwegian fjords firsthand is worth the trip alone, but there’s so much more experience.” Some clients rented a car to get off the beaten path, while others opted for the iconic route by train, visiting Bergen, Flåm, and Oslo along one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. “As one of the most scenic train rides in the world, it’s no wonder why people make Norway a top destination. I have family in Bergen and know the country well, so I feel very comfortable booking travel there.”
Why It’s Big for 2026
Spectacular scenery, safe cities, and flexible ways to explore make Norway a perfect fit for travelers who want “wow” moments without complicated logistics.
Scouted Destination No. 3: Switzerland & its Neighbors—Fairytale Views & Easy Travel
Switzerland topped many lists in 2025, appealing to many of the same instincts as Norway: dramatic landscapes and smooth logistics. “People are drawn to Switzerland for the mountains, lakes, and cute fairytale villages,” Jennie notes. “Plus, it’s clean, safe, and an easy country to navigate, whether by car, train, or by private transfers.”
Because of its size and location, she encourages clients to add neighboring countries. Switzerland is small and it’s easy to cover a lot of area in a short amount of time,” Jennie explains. “Making side trips to Austria, Germany, and Italy is very achievable. Plus, it’s a great way to add to your ‘places I’ve been’ list.”
Why It’s Big for 2026
Switzerland offers a storybook backdrop with the chance to easily hop into nearby countries — perfect for travelers who want to maximize experiences without feeling rushed.
Scouted Destination No. 4: Central & Eastern Europe— Croatia, Montenegro, and Next Wave Cities
Looking ahead, Jennie sees a strong pull toward less crowded, more authentic corners of Europe. “People who have been to Europe many times are finding the less popular destinations of Eastern Europe like Serbia, Romania, and Slovenia, and Eastern Europe locales, Croatia and Montenegro, appealing,” she says. “These up and coming destinations are less crowded and less traveled, offering more authentic experiences.”
Part of the allure is the local feel. “Restaurants and shops are designed for locals rather than tourists, which keeps prices fair and the overall cost of travel more accessible,” she says. “Clients feel like they are visiting a place with culture, and not just there for the attractions.”
She’s also personally diving into this trend. In July, Jennie and her family will:
• Sail the Croatian islands on a small ship with only 20 cabins, staying in harbor overnight so they can explore towns in the afternoon and evening without rushing back.
• Continue on to Slovenia to explore mountain regions and learn more about the country for future client itineraries.
“The summer nights are very warm, and the evenings are the best time to see the small towns come to life when the locals come out to cool down,” she adds.
Why It’s Big for 2026
Travelers who’ve already checked off Western Europe are looking for places that feel more local, more cultural, and more affordable, even if that means embracing the occasional language barrier — which, as Jennie notes, can make it feel like “a long way away from home” in the best way.
Scouted Destination No. 5: South America—Culture, Landscapes & Emerging Luxury
For 2026 travel, Jennie is seeing a surge of interest in Central and South America, specifically to Costa Rica, Argentina, and Colombia. “These countries are rich in culture, arts and have very diverse landscapes that haven’t been well traveled,” she reports. “Plus, the people in Central and South America are very friendly and accommodating, making travel seem safe and secure.”
Luxury hotels are being built to meet demand, not just in major cities like Buenos Aires and Bogotá, but also in jungle, forest, beach, and mountain areas such as Patagonia. One of her favorite newcomers is Colombia’s Casa Oropéndola (https://www.casaoropendola.com/), perched on a lush mountainside in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, nestled between rainforest and coffee plantations.
Jennie is especially excited for her own upcoming adventure to Patagonia in January. “I’m traveling with the adventure travel outfitter Backroads (https://www.backroads.com/). They not only offer adventure-filled itineraries, but also luxury stays and thoughtfully curated cultural experiences that deepen each guest’s connection to the region.”
Why It’s Big for 2026
South America is emerging as a rich, layered alternative to Europe, with growing high-end options and fewer crowds — ideal for travelers seeking both comfort and discovery
Scouted Destination No. 6: Asia & Cruising—Big Variety, Minimal Packing
For those craving something distinctly different, Jennie is seeing growing interest in Asia, especially when it’s experienced in tandem with cruising. “Few regions rival Asia’s diversity, where Japan’s alpine landscapes give way to Cambodia’s pristine beaches, creating a journey rich in contrast and possibility.”
To make such exotic locales more approachable, many of her clients are choosing to explore by ship. “This May I have travelers booked on a Viking cruise from Bali to Thailand. It’s a great way to see new lands without having to pack and unpack every couple of days,” she says. “Given the many different cruise lines and types of cruises, there is something for everyone — expedition, small ship, adults only (Viking), and family cruising.”
Why It’s Big for 2026
Asia offers huge variety in one trip, and modern cruises allow travelers to sample multiple cultures and landscapes with far less logistical stress.
Why Travelers Love Working With Jennie
Jennie leads with listening. She starts with your nonnegotiables, then refines the plan into a focused, well-paced trip that fits you. She also nudges travelers beyond the obvious, encouraging smaller towns and local experiences over big-city checklists.
She loves the work and it shows, from thoughtful itineraries to the relationships she builds with clients. Her simple approach: start with where you want to go and why, then design the trip without the pressure to do it all.
Ready to plan your 2026 travels? Contact Jennie Jensen at 408.364.6219 or :jennie@monterratravel.com and explore her website (https://www.monterratravel.com/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/monterra_travel/.
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