Listen to “288. Italy Travel Trends for 2026 and Beyond” on Spreaker.
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Planning a trip to Italy in 2026? Get insider insight on shifting travel trends, the best times to go and the rise of slow, regional experiences that make a journey unforgettable. You’ll also uncover tips for avoiding common pitfalls, navigating hidden costs, and making the most of technology and social media without letting them overwhelm your adventure, but to help you shape an Italian trip that’s smooth, inspiring, and uniquely your own.
Summary
In this episode, host Katy Clarke dives into everything you need to know about planning a trip to Italy for 2026 and beyond. From shifting travel trends and the best times to visit, to smart strategies and the rise of slow, regional travel, Katy shares tips to make your adventure unforgettable. She also looks at the impact of technology, social media, and AI on trip planning, and why personalized advice matters when navigating crowded hotspots and hidden costs. Whether you’re just starting to plan or finalizing your itinerary, tune in for insights and inspiration to make your journey to Italy smooth, memorable, and truly your own.
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What you'll learn in this episode
- Autumn and shoulder seasons like September, October, and April are becoming the best times to visit Italy, as summers grow hotter and more crowded, but they can still be busy – consider November and March
- Currency shifts and rising hidden costs – like city taxes and car rentals – are impacting trip budgets, making smart planning more important
- Slow travel and regional exploration beyond the big tourist centers are growing trends, with agriturismi, train travel, and local connections offering authentic experiences
- Technology, AI, and social media shape how people plan and experience Italy, but they have limitations, and human/local expertise is still essential
- Planning ahead while staying flexible is key: book major logistics and special experiences early, but allow room for serendipity and personal travel style
- After many years, Katy has decided to close the Italy Travel Planners Facebook group, due to the resources and energy it took to maintain this very large group, and as people move to other platforms. Instead, the focus is now on providing value through the podcast, the Untold Italy app, and a new Untold Italy Substack, where Katy is already sharing thoughts, mini guides, and special recommendations in a more curated and enjoyable way
Timeline Overview
- 06:30 Unpredictable currency shifts and why acting early matters
- 09:24 Emerging Italian travel trends shaping future trips
- 11:21 Agriturismo and authentic local experiences
- 17:12 Tourist surges and the influence of social media
- 23:24 Priceless Italian experiences and practical travel tips
- 31:29 Balanced planning strategies and the value of local advice
- 37:14 Stress-free trip planning with expert support
Italian places, foods and concepts mentioned
Places
- 20 regions of Italy – there are 20 regions of Italy to visit: Abruzzo, Aosta Valley, Apulia (Puglia), Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lazio, Liguria, Lombardy (Lombardia), Marche, Molise, Piedmont (Piemonte), Sardinia (Sardegna), Sicily (Sicilia), Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, Tuscany (Toscana), Umbria, Veneto
- Trastevere – neighbourhood of Rome
- Roccaraso – small Campania resort which went viral on TikTok and then flooded by visitors
- The Tiber River – the river that runs through Rome, perfect for an early morning or evening stroll
- The Arno River – the river of Florence, also perfect for strolling
Words / Concepts
- Carpe Diem – a term used by the Roman poet Horace, which is used to refer to ‘seizing the day'
Related content on Untold Italy
Podcasts
- Ep 267 – Italy in your pocket!
- Ep 256 – Unlocking Italy’s Untold Charm – Stories from Professional Trip Planners
- Ep 252 – Let’s go skiing in Italy – The Dolomites, Alps, and Beyond
- Ep 219 – 10 (or more) Reasons to Visit Sardinia
- Ep 215 – Discover regional Italy without a car
- Ep 212 – Untold Italy – Our story
- Ep 210 – Travel Smart to Italy – Your Guide to New Regulations and Important Dates
- Ep 207 – How to find the perfect stay for your Italy trip
- Ep 201 – Beyond the Colosseum – Hidden Secrets of Rome
- Ep 188 – How to enjoy the incomparable Italian Coast
- Ep 195 – How to plan your Italy trip for free
- Ep 176 – A week in Tuscany with Untold Italy
- Ep 159 – Popular tourist scams in Italy and how to avoid them
- Ep 128 – How to spend 5 days – in South Tyrol and the Dolomites
- Ep 126 – What is an Agriturismo? (and why you should stay in one)
- Ep 116 – Extend your Italy trip budget with these travel hacks
- Ep 104 – Experiences to include in your dream trip to Italy
- Ep 085 – Hiking the Dolomites
- Ep 081 – Packing for Italy
- Ep 064 – Stunning South Tyrol and the Dolomites
- Ep 053 – Planning the perfect Italy itinerary
- Ep 040 – Top 5 Small Cities to visit in Italy
- Ep 008 – Accommodation in Italy – hotels, AirBnB, agriturismo and more
Articles
- 15 Fascinating Ancient Sites in Rome for History Lovers
- Venice Tourist Tax – Latest information
- Umbria Travel Guide
- Piedmont Travel Guide
- Emilia-Romagna Travel Guide
- Puglia Travel Guide
- Liguria Travel Guide
- The Best Cinque Terre Itinerary
- Where to Stay in Cinque Terre: Area and Hotel Guide
- Italy Trip Planning Guide
- Best Agriturismo in Tuscany
- Best Agriturismo Umbria
- Best Agriturismo and Masseria in Puglia
- Italy Accommodation Guide
- How to travel by train in Italy
- Train strikes in Italy
- Best travel apps for Italy
- How much does a trip to Italy cost?
- Hidden gems in Italy – off the beaten path from north to south
- Best cities to visit in Italy
Plan your Italian adventures with Untold Italy
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Founded in 2022, our small group tour company takes curious travelers on multi-day adventures to Italy's lesser-known regions and to secret spots in places that are better known. Departing in Spring and Fall/Autumn, each trip focuses on food and wine, local traditions and uncovering the Italy you've always dreamed of > learn more.
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