The Manual featured Classic Vacations® CEO Melissa Krueger in an article on how luxury travelers are planning European vacations earlier to secure the accommodations and experiences they want. The feature highlights Classic Vacations’ Summer 2026 Travel Trends report, noting strong demand for Italy, Greece, France, Spain, and Portugal, with premium room categories, suites, and sought-after experiences increasingly booking nine to twelve months in advance.
Krueger shared that travelers are approaching Europe with a longer planning window and a stronger focus on access, local expertise, and more personalized experiences. She also pointed to rising interest in lesser-traveled destinations such as Puglia, Sardinia, Montenegro, Paros, and Naxos, as travelers look for slower, more immersive ways to experience Europe beyond the traditional hotspots.