American travelers abandon the multi-city Italy itinerary in record numbers, turning instead to lesser-known regions where a single base can anchor a week or more of unhurried exploration. Italy has emerged as one of the year’s standout destinations for travelers who want depth over distance, with Puglia, Sicily, Le Marche and the Italian Lakes absorbing much of that demand.
Italy’s popularity indicates a measurable change in how people structure trips. The European Travel Commission and Eurail’s Long-Haul Travel Barometer for 2026 found that the share of vacationers identifying as slow travelers rose from 22% in 2025 to 26% in 2026.
