Episode #288: Italy Travel Trends for 2026 and Beyond

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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’

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