August 2026 Newsletter Blog Post
🌍 Hello August! As summer begins to wind down, there's still plenty of inspiration for your next adventure. This month, we're taking you across the Atlantic to explore the charm, culture, and unforgettable experiences that make European vacations so popular. We're also sharing an important travel update about the upcoming ETIAS authorization for travelers heading to Europe, so you can stay informed before you go.
🍂 Discover Europe at Its Most Beautiful
There's something truly magical about Europe in the fall. As the summer crowds fade and the countryside transforms into vibrant shades of gold and crimson, it's the perfect season to slow down and experience each destination more deeply.
Our thoughtfully curated small-group journeys are designed for travelers seeking a more luxurious, meaningful way to explore. Imagine strolling through charming villages, enjoying vineyard tastings during harvest season, relaxing in boutique hotels, savoring unforgettable local cuisine, and connecting with the history, culture, and people that make each destination unique.
These bespoke itineraries balance iconic landmarks with hidden gems, offering plenty of time to recharge, embrace wellness, and immerse yourself in authentic experiences—not just check destinations off a list.
If you've been dreaming of Greece, Portugal, Italy, or beyond, we'd love to help you discover Europe in a way that's both effortless and unforgettable.
✨ Let's Talk Travel can create a personalized European journey that is as unique as you are.
✈️ Europe Travel Update: ETIAS Is Coming
If you're dreaming of a European getaway in 2027 and beyond, there's an important travel update to keep on your radar.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a new travel authorization that will be required for travelers from visa-exempt countries—including the United States—before visiting 30 European countries, such as France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Germany, and more. Think of it as Europe's version of the U.S. ESTA—it is not a visa, but a pre-travel authorization.
Here's what you need to know:
🛂 ETIAS is expected to begin in the last quarter of 2026. An official launch date has not yet been announced, and travelers do not need to apply yet.
💻 Applications will be completed online through the official ETIAS website or app.
📅 Once approved, an ETIAS authorization will generally be valid for up to three years, or until your passport expires—whichever comes first.
🌍 It allows multiple visits for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
If Europe is on your travel wish list, don't let this new requirement intimidate you. We'll stay on top of the latest updates and help guide you through the process when ETIAS officially launches, so you can focus on enjoying your vacation—not the paperwork.
💙 Thank You for Your Support!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who voted for Let’s Talk Travel in this year's Charlotte's Best awards! Whether you voted once or every single day, shared our posts, or encouraged friends and family to support us, we are incredibly grateful.
Your trust and encouragement mean the world to our small business. It’s because of amazing clients like you that we have the opportunity to do what we love—helping create unforgettable vacations and lifelong memories.
We can't wait to see the results this October and are honored to have such an incredible community cheering us on. Thank you for being part of the Let’s Talk Travel family—we'll be sure to share the exciting news as soon as the winners are announced! 💙
As we look ahead to cooler days and new adventures, we hope this month's newsletter has inspired you to start dreaming about your next getaway. Whether you're planning a bespoke European escape, staying informed about upcoming travel requirements like ETIAS, or simply exploring where your travels might take you next, we're here to make every step of the planning process simple and stress-free.
Thank you for being part of the Let’s Talk Travel family. We appreciate your trust, your support, and the opportunity to help you create unforgettable memories around the world.
Here's to your next adventure,
Beth Pesakoff
Owner & Travel Advisor
Helping you spend less time planning and more time making memories.
Happy travels! ✈️🌎