Travel goals for 2026: Why experiencing a city like a local should be at the top of your list

As a new year approaches, it’s only natural to start thinking about what you want to accomplish in the months ahead - and for many people, travel sits high on that list. But in a world where famous destinations are starting to feel increasingly similar, one question keeps coming up: how do you make a trip truly memorable? The answer might be simpler (and more carioca) than you think: experience a city the way locals do.

Travel today is no longer just about checking landmarks off a list. More and more, people are searching for experiences that bring together culture, food, history, and human connection. In other words, travelers want to get close to the soul of a place. And when we talk about Rio de Janeiro, that soul lives in the boteco tables, in the small streets full of stories, and in the corners you won’t find in traditional guides.

For 2026, the trend is clear: travelers are looking for fewer checklists and more meaningful encounters. They want stories to take home, flavors they’ll remember, and moments that reshape the way they see a destination. This shift is no coincidence — it’s a response to an increasingly digital, fast-paced, and standardized world. Authenticity has become a luxury. And the best part? It’s a luxury that’s within reach when you choose the right kind of experience.

And if Rio de Janeiro is part of your travel goals for 2026, here’s something important to know: experiencing the city like a local is easier than it seems. At Taste Rio Tours, we create experiences that bring you closer to what truly makes Rio… Rio.

Its flavors, its stories, its casual and welcoming spirit. Whether you’re walking through Copacabana during a Bar Food Tour, exploring the Historic Downtown from a different angle, or discovering hidden corners far from the tourist paths, every experience is designed for travelers who want authenticity instead of repetition. It’s the difference between seeing Rio and living Rio - and that might just be the best travel goal you set for the year ahead.

When you choose to explore a city through its people, its stories, and its food, something shifts - the trip stops being “just another destination” and becomes a memory you’ll carry for years. And this type of experience works for every traveler: families, solo travelers looking for something beyond the obvious, couples wanting a fresh perspective, and even corporate teams seeking connection and inspiration outside meeting rooms.

So as you prepare your goals for 2026, consider adding one that can transform the way you travel:

Experience each destination with depth, respect, and curiosity - like a local.

In the end, that’s how the best stories begin - in the details that don’t fit in a postcard but stay with you long after you’ve returned home.

Here’s to a new year filled with new paths, new flavors, and new discoveries.

And may every place you choose bring you closer to what truly matters: the connections that make a journey worthwhile.