You’ll only need to use three days of PTO with a quick trip to Puerto Rico. | Photo by Reynaldo #brigworkz Brigantty via Pexels
Airbnb recently released its 2026 travel trends predictions, forecasting what kinds of trips people will prioritize this year — and we’re sharing how you can do it from Lakeland. We ended things with our pitch for traveling to Swan City; feel free to share with your cross-country friends who never visit.
Quick trips
The predicted trend: Quick, 1-2 day trips to “vibrant cities filled with music, dance, historic sites, and authentic cuisine”
Our recommendation: San Juan, PR. Fly out of Lakeland International Airport on a Wednesday and return on Saturday when you need a lightning-fast getaway to a beach destination.
When you travel alone, no one can tell you not to eat Key lime pie for breakfast.
Photo via Vrbo
Passport vs. pals
The predicted trend: Solo travel heats up, with solo voyagers “uncovering the next wave of up-and-coming hotspots.”
Our recommendation: Key West, FL. Airbnb says this will be one of the year’s hottest solo travel destinations for outdoor adventures + fresh food served seaside. It’s one of Editor Connor’s favorite places to visit — you might even make new friends on a Conch Train tour.
Hey, neighbor. The latest U-Haul Growth Index is out, and Lakeland ranked No. 11 on its list of the top growth metros — that means more one-way customers moved to the area than those who moved out. Good thing we have guides for new residents.
Number
$5.1 million. That’s the total allocation United Way of Central Florida has approved for its Community Investment Team this year. The funds will go toward 69 organizations, with a focus on critical programs for youth opportunity, financial security, and community health + resiliency.
Civic
At the first City Commission meeting of the year, Mayor Sara Roberts McCarley was sworn in as the first female to be elected to the seat in Lakeland. Commissioner Guy LaLonde Jr. will serve as mayor pro tem, who will preside over meetings in Roberts McCarley’s absence. (LkldNow)
Try This
Hi-ho. The seventh Central Florida Comic Con will feature stars like Steve Whitmire, a former puppeteer of Kermit the Frog. Find your rainbow connection at the convention, happening Saturday, Jan. 17-Sunday, Jan. 18 at the RP Funding Center. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Drink
Follow the yellow brick road to Haven Coffee Roasters this Saturday, Jan. 10 for a “Wicked” pop-up. The cafe will offer Elphaba-worthy drinks and Glinda-approved giveaways for “One Short Day” at its Winter Haven + Auburndale locations.
Festival
Does it get more Florida than a deep-fried Cuban sandwich burrito? Find out at the Florida State Fair, Feb. 5-16 in Tampa, where even more extreme foods, like Reese’s Pieces donut burgers, are on the menu. (WFTS)
Kickstart the new year by expanding your business’s reach. Our business promo portal puts your message in front of our thousands of highly engaged local subscribers in as little as two days. Plus, first-time customers save 15% with code NEW15 at checkout. Get started.
Wellness
Interested in a THC or CBD journey in 2026? Women-owned and operated brand TribeTokes is offering 15% off with code DRYJAN15, plus a free CBD/CBG tincture when you spend $40. Try pineapple THC gummies or mini THCA prerolls for some California sober fun during dry January.†*
Health
Did you find yourself straining to hear during holiday gatherings? Make 2026 a year of better hearing with Horizon IX. This revolutionary hearing aid delivers natural sound so real, experts are calling it a miracle. Dual processors separate speech from noise for effortless clarity so you won’t miss a single word. Start your 45-day no-risk trial.*
We shared four spots from our Restaurant Roundup that are set to open in Lakeland this year on Instagram, and followers couldn’t help but shout out more restaurants they’d like to see in Swan City:
“Man... I sure wish we could get a good French restaurant.” — @dwight.macpherson
“A Portillo’s wouldn’t hurt” — @tvdirksholar
“I’m still waiting for the day when we get Pollo Tropical” — @jen_0399
“Now I just need @blazepizza to be here” — @nyletteadagostinoo
Are you resolving to drink more water this year? Set yourself up for success with a sleek, insulated water bottle that keeps liquids chilled for up to 24 hours. Bonus: It’s dishwasher safe.
Here’s a shocking effect from a quiet 2025 hurricane season: Florida no longer has the highest lightning density in the US. Thanks to fewer tropical storms here, Oklahoma is now the most lightning-prone state. Maybe storm chasing will be the next travel trend.
}})
