2026 Travel Trends, 100 Years of Etiquette & Smart January Buys

2026 Travel Trends — Purposeful, Experiential & Flavor-Forward

Travel in 2026 is all about doing less, but doing it better. Instead of cramming calendars with nonstop trips, travelers are prioritizing meaningful experiences, longer stays, and intentional planning that blends adventure, culture, and rest.

Purposeful travel means choosing trips that matter—whether that’s a family getaway, an outdoor escape, or a food-forward adventure that lets you slow down and soak it all in.

What to Do Now

If summer travel is on your radar, now is the time to start watching flights and hotel availability. Prices tend to reward early planners, especially for popular destinations.

• Travel Tuesday Tip: Shop for flights on Tuesdays when deals are more likely to appear.
• Pro Move: Use your browser in incognito mode to avoid cookies that can track searches and potentially drive prices up.

Active Culinary Travel Takes Off

One of the fastest-growing trends blends outdoor activity with regional food and wine experiences. Think hiking by day, local cuisine by night—travel that feeds both the soul and the appetite.

The Weirdest Etiquette Advice from the Past 100 Years

Good manners have always evolved—but some advice from the past now feels downright bizarre. A look back at etiquette rules from the 1880s through the 1970s reveals just how much society, parenting, and social norms have changed.

Highlights include:

• 1880s: Women limited to one glass of champagne and expected to keep their hair up at all times—except in private.
• Early 1900s: Children were expected to never contradict adults and keep opinions to themselves.
• 1910s–1920s: Parents were advised to avoid hugging or kissing babies to prevent “spoiling” them.
• 1940s: Salt and pepper were inseparable at the table—always passed together.
• 1960s: The right hand was strictly the “social hand,” reserved for handshakes—not coughing, drinks, or purses.
• 1970s: Dinner bills were to be discussed before the meal to navigate changing gender roles.

It’s a reminder that what once passed for “proper” can feel completely out of touch just a few generations later.

What to Buy in January — The Smart Shopper’s Sweet Spot

January is one of the best months of the year for strategic shopping, thanks to post-holiday sales and inventory resets. Whether you’re upgrading your home, health, or wardrobe, this is when deals shine.

• Fitness & Wellness: Gym memberships, home workout equipment, smartwatches, and activewear
• Home Goods: Bedding, towels, blankets (hello, white sales), humidifiers, and routers
• Electronics: TVs and tech discounted after football season to make room for new models
• Winter Apparel: Coats, boots, gloves, and scarves—buy now for next year
• Thrifted Finds: Donation drops surge after the holidays, making thrift stores goldmines

OUTDOORS FIELD REPORTS & COMMENTS

We want to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments, or stories to share about bighorn sheep, outdoor adventures, or wildlife conservation, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call or text us at 305-900-BEND (305-900-2363), or send an email to BendRadioShow@gmail.com. Stay connected by following us on social media at Facebook/Instagram @thebendshow or by subscribing to The Bend Show on YouTube. Visit our website at TheBendShow.com for more exciting content and updates!

https://thebendshow.com/

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WESTERN LIFESTYLE & THE OUTDOORS

Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt & Rebecca ‘BEC’ Wanner are passionate news broadcasters who represent the working ranch world, rodeo, and the Western way of life. They are also staunch advocates for the outdoors and wildlife conservation. As outdoorsmen themselves, Tigger and BEC provide valuable insight and education to hunters, adventurers, ranchers, and anyone interested in agriculture and conservation.

With a shared love for the outdoors, Tigger & BEC are committed to bringing high-quality beef and wild game from the field to your table. They understand the importance of sharing meals with family, cooking the fruits of your labor, and making memories in the great outdoors. Through their work, they aim to educate and inspire those who appreciate God’s Country and life on the land.

United by a common mission, Tigger & BEC offer a glimpse into the life beyond the beaten path and down dirt roads. They’re here to share knowledge, answer your questions, and join you in your own success story. Adventure awaits around the bend. With The Outdoors, the Western Heritage, Rural America, and Wildlife Conservation at the forefront, Tigger and BEC live this lifestyle every day.

To learn more about Tigger & BEC’s journey and their passion for the outdoors, visit TiggerandBEC.com.

https://tiggerandbec.com/