If your travel radar is set to “what’s next,” this week’s Smart Travel delivers.
Europe’s familiar icons may still be drawing crowds, but new research shows long-haul travelers are increasingly steering toward quieter corners from Southern Finland to Northern Italy, helping spread demand beyond the usual summer incentive travel hotspots. Meanwhile, Mandarin Oriental is amplifying its presence in Egypt, pairing two storied Nile-side hotels with its first luxury river cruise to create a land-and-water journey through Luxor, Aswan and Cairo.
In the skies, Lufthansa is refreshing its A380 Business Class with privacy-forward upgrades, while on the ground, Amtrak is rolling out its next-generation Airo fleet as part of a sweeping modernization of U.S. passenger service.
All of that and more in this week’s Smart Travel, where we catch up on the latest must-know headlines shaping the way we move, meet and plan.
Overseas Demand Fuels Europe’s Tourism Dispersion Push
New research from Mabrian and The Data Appeal Company, presented at the European Travel Commission’s Annual Meeting in Pärnu, Estonia, shows overseas markets are playing a growing role in spreading visitor demand beyond Europe’s traditional hotspots.
The study examined travel patterns from six key long-haul markets (the United States, Canada, Australia, China, Japan and South Korea) and found rising interest in lesser-known regions across Northern Italy, Spain and Portugal, as well as Southern Finland, Poland and parts of Central Europe. These emerging destinations are attracting groups drawn to nature-based and active experiences, particularly during shoulder seasons.
Air connectivity is reinforcing the shift. In 2025, available direct air seats from the six markets to European destinations increased 5.2%, with particularly strong gains from China, Japan and Australia. The U.S. remains the most connected long-haul market, accounting for more than 36 million seats to Europe.
Researchers also noted a moderately counter-seasonal pattern, with many overseas visitors avoiding peak summer months, especially July and August, in favor of spring and fall travel. Asian markets, in particular, show strong shoulder-season preferences.
“Overseas demand is becoming a powerful engine for diversifying European tourism,” said Carlos Cendra, director of marketing and communications at Mabrian.
Mandarin Oriental Expands Egypt Footprint with Two Landmark Hotels and First Nile Cruise
Mandarin Oriental is deepening its presence in Egypt with an ambitious, destination-led expansion that links two historic hotels in Luxor and Aswan with the brand’s first luxury Nile River cruise. The move builds on the planned 2027 reopening of Mandarin Oriental Shepheard, Cairo, creating a fully integrated land-and-river journey across some of Egypt’s most iconic cultural sites.
The group will assume management of the legendary Old Cataract in Aswan beginning in May 2026, with a full renovation slated for completion in July 2027, when it will reopen as Mandarin Oriental Old Cataract, Aswan. Overlooking the Nile and facing the Temple of Khnum, the reimagined hotel will feature updated rooms and suites, six dining venues and The Spa at Mandarin Oriental.
In Luxor, Winter Palace Hotel will close in early 2026 for a comprehensive restoration before reopening in July 2027 as Mandarin Oriental Winter Palace, Luxor. Located near the Temple of Luxor, the property will offer refreshed accommodations, multiple dining venues, spa facilities and refined event spaces set within historic gardens.
Complementing the hotels, Mandarin Oriental will debut its first river cruise experience, offering three-, four- and seven-night sailings between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel, currently in design development, will feature spacious suites, three dining venues and curated cultural programming designed to deepen guests’ connection to the Nile.
“Egypt is one of the fastest growing global destinations and presents a rare opportunity to create a journey that is both culturally rich and uniquely Mandarin Oriental,” said Group Chief Executive Laurent Kleitman.
Lufthansa to Retrofit A380 Fleet with New Business Class Seats
Lufthansa is upgrading the business class cabins on all eight of its Airbus A380 aircraft as part of the most extensive fleet modernization program in the airline’s history. The retrofit begins in early February at Elbe Flugzeugwerke in Dresden, starting with the A380 known as “Mike-Charly,” and is expected to be completed across the fleet by mid-2027.
The updated A380s will feature new business class seats from Thompson, offering direct aisle access for every passenger, a seat width of 22.8 inches and a fully flat bed measuring at least 6.6 feet. Additional enhancements include Bluetooth connectivity and adjustable privacy partitions designed to elevate both comfort and personal space.
Because Lufthansa can rely on an existing certification for the cabin product, the airline does not need to undergo a lengthy approval process. As a result, the first retrofitted aircraft is scheduled to return to service from Munich in April.
“Lufthansa operates the only strong A380 fleet in the EU, stationed at our 5-star airport,” said Heiko Reitz, hub manager Munich, Lufthansa Airlines. “The retrofit underscores our commitment to providing a top flight experience on the long-haul aircraft that is so popular with our customers.”
Once complete, each A380 will offer 68 new business class seats, alongside eight in first class, 52 in premium economy and 371 in economy, reinforcing the aircraft’s role as the largest long-haul jet in Lufthansa’s fleet.
Smithsonian Journeys Expands 2027 Portfolio with New Land, Cruise and Eclipse Experiences
Smithsonian Journeys has unveiled an expansive lineup of new departures for 2027, ranging from in-depth land programs in Asia to solar eclipse voyages, active adventures and an expanded slate of river and small-ship cruises.
Among the headline additions is a new 14-day land journey through Japan and South Korea, exploring Seoul, Kyoto and Tokyo with visits to the DMZ and views of Mount Fuji. The program joins a broader portfolio of small-group experiences designed to blend cultural immersion with expert-led learning.
The 2027 calendar also introduces three solar eclipse trips, including a 12-day Nile River voyage timed to witness totality over Luxor’s ancient temples, an eclipse cruise along the Iberian Peninsula and a one-week stay in Andalusia positioned within the path of totality.
Cultural Stay programs continue to expand, with weeklong immersions in Copenhagen, Paris and Madrid, as well as a 23-day “Living in the Greek Isles” experience on Poros. For planners seeking a deeper academic focus, a two-week seminar at Oxford University’s Merton College offers lectures, tutorials and campus life at one of the world’s oldest institutions.
Active groups can choose from new itineraries in the Azores, Sicily and the Aeolian Islands, and New Zealand’s South Island, each limited to small groups and focused on moderate-level hiking and outdoor exploration.
On the water, Smithsonian Journeys is broadening its partnerships with AmaWaterways and Ponant Explorations. New offerings include a Baja and Sea of Cortez small-ship cruise and two new river itineraries: a 15-day journey along France’s Seine, Saône and Rhône rivers and a 16-day exploration of Vietnam and Cambodia along the Mekong.
Amtrak Unveils New Airo Fleet as Nationwide Modernization Accelerates
Amtrak has introduced its next-generation Airo trainsets, marking one of the most comprehensive fleet overhauls in company history. At a preview event in Washington, Amtrak President Roger Harris joined federal transportation leaders and Siemens Mobility executives to showcase the first completed Airo train.
Read More: Travel and Experience by Train
The Airo fleet emphasizes greater comfort, improved reliability and enhanced onboard connectivity. The trains are part of a broader modernization effort aimed at expanding capacity and delivering a more consistent experience across key corridors nationwide.
The first Airo trains are expected to enter service on the Amtrak Cascades route in 2026, connecting Seattle, Portland, Vancouver, B.C. and Eugene, Oregon. All eight Cascades trains are slated to complete manufacturing next year. Production for Northeast Regional Airo trains will also wrap in 2026, with testing underway ahead of planned revenue service in 2027.
