Hawaii is one of those destinations that travelers always dream of moving to, which is why renting a luxury home on vacation often makes more sense than staying in a luxury hotel. Founded by realtor Tyler Coons in 2006, Exotic Estates curates some of the most rarefied properties on the Big Island, Maui and other Hawaiian hotspots. Honu Pani is one of the most exclusive villa rentals in the Aloha State with a verdant setting, Asian-influenced design and a jaw-dropping ocean view. For $4,200 to $10,000 a night, Honu Pani has five bedrooms, an infinity pool and a plush home theater. Think of it as your own private White Lotus—minus all the drama.
Lost amid the chaos of all the cancelled flights and airport delays is the fact that new premium carriers—also known as boutique airlines—are aggressively entering the market. Magnifica Air, a Florida-based startup readying for takeoff in 2027, is a cross between a private jet and commercial first class. Initial routes are expected to link key business and leisure markets, including New York, Miami, Los Angeles and Houston. Meanwhile, Taipei-based Starlux Airlines is offering both short-haul service within Asia and long-haul flights to the West Coast of the United States, and soon-to-launch Riyadh Air will operate a fleet of Boeing 787s from the airline’s main hub in Saudi Arabia.
A new roster of luxury hotels and resorts can help inspire any 2026 itinerary—from a quick urban escape to a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. A recurring theme for new properties is the renaissance of glamour. In Europe, legendary landmarks—from Venice’s iconic Hotel Danieli to London’s majestic Admiralty Arch—are being meticulously restored and reborn under luxury brands such as Four Seasons and Waldorf Astoria. Other powerhouse hospitality groups are staking claims in the world’s most coveted destinations: Aman will debut in the Baja desert, Bulgari will bring its Italian chic to the Maldives, and Capella will make its Japanese debut in Kyoto’s historic heart. Here are Forbes Travel Guide’s 23 most anticipated hotel openings for 2026.
A recent ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) determined that pets on flights can now be classified as baggage. This means that if an airline loses your four-legged family member during a flight in Europe, it isn’t required to pay you more compensation than it would for a lost bag. Here’s what you need to know about flying with a pet in Europe.
Winter may not technically begin for a few weeks, but all skiers know that when the chairlifts start running, the season is here. And with it comes a crop of new luxury chalets and mountain lodges to the real estate market. From the Rockies and the Dolomites to the Sierra Nevadas and the Alps, these peak properties offer a jump on lift lines and lavish après ski amenities.

