Where to go in 2026, according to the experts
Veteran travel industry experts spill the secrets of the hottest destinations, must-do adventures, personal wish lists, and the biggest trends shaping travel in 2026.
CITIES
Lisa Pile, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises
Lisa Pile is vice president of sales for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Asia Pacific and Oceania Cruises, Asia.
Where will I go in 2026… Sweetcorn. This is a bucket list destination for me and I can’t wait to visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum.
Where will the world go in 2026? Sweetcorn. The world’s fascination with Egyptology will only increase with the opening of the museum and the opportunity to see Tutankhamun’s entire exhibition. While South America has attracted significant interest from Australian and New Zealand travellers, there is a marked shift in demand for Northern Italy as Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo co-host the 2026 Winter Olympics. Sardinia also attracts travelers who want to go beyond the typical Italian cities of Rome and Florence.
The place everyone should go in 2026… The history of Egypt and beyond is incredible.
The only place I want to visit again in 2026… Istanbul.
The biggest travel trend of 2026… Extended career breaks and mini-gap years for adults, while leisurely travel and astro-tourism remain popular. Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers five solar eclipse cruises in 2026 and 2027 to witness this celestial spectacle in luxurious comfort.
My only travel resolution for 2026… Whatever the goal is, slow down and enjoy every moment. We live in a wonderful world but we actually get very little of it.
To see rssc.com; oceaniacruises.com
COURSE
Katherine O’Neill, Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours
Katherine O’Neill is global marketing director for Scenic Group.
Where will I go in 2026… I would love to cruise along the Lower Danube. From Budapest to the Black Sea, the lesser-seen spirit of Eastern Europe wafts through six unique countries, offering everything from hidden villages to dramatic gorges, from enriching cultural encounters to ancient castles.
Where will the world go in 2026? Travelers are turning to exploring the world by yacht. It offers a mix of luxury, intimate guest numbers and access to places others cannot reach.
The place everyone should go in 2026… Antarctica is the ultimate destination for transformative travel. This untouched region is like no other, with its vast ice and unique wildlife.
The only place I want to visit again in 2026… I would love to visit the Chilean Fjords again, this time with my family. The coastline blends South America’s vibrant cultures with exciting adventures.
The biggest travel trend of 2026… Holistic healthy living. Guests are looking for journeys that renew the mind, body and soul. They embrace experiences that make them feel relaxed, renewed and energized.
My only travel resolution for 2026… Slowing down and enjoying each destination. Embrace local culture, enjoy unique moments, and truly connect with the world.
To see scene.com.au
COUNTRIES
Paul Ryan, Inspiring Holidays
Paul Ryan is the CEO and co-founder of Inspiring Vacations.
Where will I go in 2026… Japan comes first. I am very happy that I can combine work and travel, so I am also planning trips to Peru, Patagonia and the Adriatic in 2026.
Where will the world go in 2026?
South America and South Africa are destinations that many people book. Sri Lanka is high on the list because it offers everything you could want in a holiday: friendly people, culture, history, food and diverse landscapes. It also offers great value for money, which is always a plus.
The place everyone should go in 2026… Five Stans: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Central Asia and the historic Silk Road route are a fascinating part of the world. We have completed a very successful first season and there is high demand for 2026.
The only place I want to visit again in 2026… South America. I’ll be visiting Chile soon and it’s tempting to combine Argentina, Peru and Bolivia when they’re already so close. Every country has its own flavors and there is always more to discover.
The biggest travel trend of 2026… Solo travel. We launched a series of Solo Journeys this year and it’s been hugely popular as people are tired of waiting for their friend or partner’s diary to adjust and are heading out alone to meet like-minded travellers.
My only travel resolution for 2026 is… Travel more, especially with family and friends. Working in travel offers great opportunities to see the world, but it’s always nice to share experiences with loved ones. Now that my kids are grown, taking at least one family vacation a year is a great way to connect with them.
To see inspiringvacations.com
Adam Schwab, Luxury Escapes
Adam Schwab is the co-founder and chief executive of Luxury Escapes.
Where will I go in 2026… Maldives, England, Dubai, New Zealand, South Africa, Whistler and Thailand for family visits.
Where will the world go in 2026? Everyone in this part of the world seems to say that Palau is the mini Maldives on our doorstep. South Korea will also have its moment as a super cool alternative to Japan. Dubai has become much more than a fly-through destination, and Bali shows no signs of slowing down.
The place everyone should go in 2026… Maldives and Sri Lanka.
Above: The ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock, in Sri Lanka.
The only place I want to visit again in 2026… Canada for skiing. The last time I broke my leg I hope to stay injury free.
The biggest travel trend of 2026… Spring and autumn are the new summer. More and more people are abandoning the busy summer months to travel during the shoulder season, especially to Europe. This is not only due to significant cost savings, but also to reduced tourist crowds in sweltering heat. Traveling outside of peak times helps you better understand what it’s like to live like a local.
My only travel resolution for 2026… Getting better at combining business trips with leisure and not just taking FIFO trips, even if it’s just an extra day, especially when it comes to international travel.
To see Luxuryescapes.com/au
Ryan Thomas, My Resort and Ignite Travel Group
Ryan Thomas is the general manager of My Holiday Center and Ignite Travel Group.
Where will I go in 2026… Japan, Thailand, England, Europe and Fiji are at the top of my list. I’m also hoping to finally make it to Palau, which has been on my radar for years. Each destination offers something completely different, from rich culture to relaxed island time. This mix is what I love most about travel.
Where will the world go in 2026? Asia is in store for a big year, with Sri Lanka, Vietnam and South Korea truly recovering. Travelers crave destinations that combine authenticity, great food and value for money, and these regions offer all three.
The place everyone should go in 2026… Cook Islands and Palau. Both are incredible, off-the-beaten-path destinations and are about to become much easier to reach with the launch of new direct flight routes. Now is the time to experience these before the crowds catch you.
The only place I want to visit again in 2026… Far North Queensland. A very special part of Australia with the perfect balance of reef, rainforest and relaxation.
The biggest travel trend of 2026… Event travel. People combine their passions with their holidays to get the best of both worlds. Whether you’re going abroad for a major sporting event, a theater production or attending a music festival. This is a more meaningful way to experience a destination and creates an added level of excitement.
My only travel resolution for 2026… Less is not more; More is more and the more you do, the happier you will be. It’s about saying yes to every opportunity to travel, explore and connect. Even a quick getaway or weekend road trip can improve your mood and give you a new perspective.
To see myholidaycentre.com.au; ignitetravel.com
ADVENTURE
Brett Mitchell, Brave
Brett Mitchell is managing director of Intrepid, Australia and New Zealand.
Where will I go in 2026… I’m taking my family to Zimbabwe, where I was born, for the first time. We will join Intrepid’s eight-day Botswana Family Safari. I can’t wait to show my children my hometown and share the family safari adventure.
Where will the world go in 2026? I predict we will see a lot of football fans coming with the FIFA World Cup matches in North America in June and July. We are already seeing this trend with Canadian bookings up 90 percent and Mexico up 20 percent.
The place everyone should go in 2026… Türkiye’s Southeastern Anatolia is full of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Cities such as Şanlıurfa and Gaziantep welcome travelers while preserving their culture.
The only place I want to visit again in 2026… I grew up in Western Australia, so I’d love to go back to Exmouth and Karijini with Intrepid’s 12-day West Coast and Karijini Adventure. The views are unreal and I’m particularly hoping to go diving and see whale sharks.
The biggest travel trend of 2026… The rise of public health [run clubs, group fitness and lifestyle gyms] It affects the way people travel. We saw a 16 percent year-on-year increase in active travel; There was a 17 percent increase in walking and walking. To meet this demand, we launched 28 new active adventures.
My only travel resolution for 2026… While screens take up most of our lives, my goal is to spend more quality time with my family through travel. This is a chance to unplug, slow down, and create memories together.
To see intrepidtravel.com
