Individuals journey for milestone occasions, even when it results in stress and arguments

Results from a brand new AAA research reveal that 61 % of Americans anticipate to journey in 2026 — from Gen Z to child boomers — and that of these folks, 76 % will plan a visit round an vital milestone, equivalent to a birthday (32 %), household reunion (30 %), anniversary (22 %), or wedding ceremony (19 %). My favourite truth: A big variety of respondents plan to journey for a buddy’s milestone (29 %). Here’s to supporting our pals and their huge celebrations. Other milestone occasions included graduations (12 %), honeymoons (10 %), and marathons or races (7 %).

Gen Z and millennials lead the drive to journey for milestone moments, in keeping with the survey: About 89 % of Gen Z and 88 % of millennial respondents anticipate to journey for a milestone occasion, versus 57 % of child boomers and 71 % of Gen X. Many respondents say that touring with family and friends for particular events may be disturbing (59 % reported having an argument with a journey associate), and that they’re solely prepared to journey sure distances (solely 9 % are prepared to journey internationally). The on-line survey — carried out by AAA and Bread Financial, a monetary providers firm — had 1,714 US respondents age 18 or older who anticipate to journey in 2026 for private, non-work-related causes. It’s time to plot and plan: Where will you journey in 2026, and what main occasion will you have a good time whereas away?

Helmets now necessary gear on Italy’s slopes

Whether you’re in Italy now for the Olympics or planning future winter journey there, maintain this truth in thoughts: Italy has handed a brand new nationwide helmet requirement for all winter sports activities fanatics. That means, if you happen to’re snowboarding or snowboarding at any ski resort or snow park — even if you happen to ski into Italy from one other nation, for example — or if you happen to’re sledding on toboggan runs, you’ll be required to put on a helmet (and it will need to have the CE, or Conformité Européenne, mark, that means it meets European Union security requirements). Previously, solely these beneath 18 needed to put on helmets. The rule now applies to all ages nationwide, together with in South Tyrol, an autonomous province in northern Italy. Get caught with no helmet, and also you threat getting fined as much as 200 Euros (about $235) for the primary offense or dropping your elevate go for as much as three days for repeated violations. In Europe, guidelines differ by nation and state. Austria’s Tyrol and Vorarlberg states (close to Italy) haven’t any authorized necessities, however different states have necessary helmet guidelines for anybody as much as 15 years outdated, in keeping with SnowOnline, a German winter sports activities web site. Similarly, Poland, Slovenia, and Croatia require helmets for kids, however there aren’t any authorized necessities for any age in France, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, or Sweden. Italy additionally requires skiers to have private legal responsibility insurance coverage, however all these guidelines goal to make it safer on the slopes for everybody.

Maine hosts skijoring races

Don’t miss an thrilling winter racing occasion that includes horses, skiers, snowboarders, gates, jumps, and high-speed thrills. Skowhegan hosts New England’s premiere equestrian skijoring competitors on Feb. 21, when groups compete for money prizes, swag, and a 12 months’s price of bragging rights (it’s now one among three such competitions in Maine, dubbed the Skijor Triple Crown, with different races in Bangor and Topsham). During Skijor Skowhegan, a staff time-trial race, a horse and rider pull a snowboarder or alpine skier down a 1,000-foot-long monitor that has gates, jumps, and rings to navigate alongside the way in which — at speeds of as much as 30 mph. Teams get judged on velocity throughout this chip-timed race, but in addition obtain time penalties in the event that they don’t efficiently navigate the challenges alongside the way in which. Each staff will get two runs and might register in one among three divisions: Pro, for extremely expert opponents with quick horses and skilled skiers and snowboarders who’re anticipated to make use of the jumps included within the course; Novice, for beginner-level opponents on slower horses and with novice skiers or snowboarders who aren’t anticipated to hit jumps; and the Snowboarding division, if there are at the least 5 groups with taking part snowboarders. Local companies wish to sponsor groups, so you probably have a staff and need 50 % of your registration charge refunded on race day, examine “yes” to volunteer for sponsorship when registering or let the race organizers know as quickly as doable. You should deliver your personal horse, which may solely run for one staff. If you’re on the lookout for a staff, examine the Facebook web page Skijor Maine. The occasion, which is run by the nonprofit Main Street Skowhegan to assist revitalize the city, takes place on the Skowhegan State Fairgrounds with gates opening at 10 a.m., the opening ceremony at 10:45 a.m., and races beginning at 11 a.m. Since the spectator stands are product of steel, deliver a pad, bleacher chair, or blanket to take a seat on — it could possibly get chilly. Admission free, however $20 for parking. Dogs should be on a leash. https://somersetsnowfest.org/skijor-skowhegan.

Kari Bodnarchuk may be reached at travelwriter@karib.us.

Kari Bodnarchuk may be reached at travelwriter@karib.us.