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December 1, 2025 — 5:00am
Top destinations for 2026: Experts’ travel predictions
Senior travel industry experts spill the secrets on the hottest destinations, must-do adventures, personal wish-lists and biggest trends shaping travel in 2026.
COUNTRIES
Paul Ryan, Inspiring Vacations
Paul Ryan is the chief executive and co-founder of Inspiring Vacations.
Where I’ll be going in 2026… First up is Japan. I’m blessed to be able to combine work and travel, so I also have trips planned for Peru, Patagonia and the Adriatic in 2026.
Where the world will be going in 2026...
South America and South Africa are destinations many people are booking for. Sri Lanka is high on the list because it offers everything you could want on a holiday: friendly people, culture, history, food and varied landscapes. It’s also great value for money which is always a plus.
Where everyone should be going in 2026... The five Stans: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Central Asia and the historic Silk Road route is a fascinating part of the world. We’ve just concluded a very successful first season and 2026 is in hot demand.
The one place I want to revisit in 2026… South America. I will soon visit Chile, and it’s tempting to combine Argentina, Peru and Bolivia when you’re already so close. Each country has its own flavour and there’s always more to discover.
The biggest travel trend in 2026 will be... Solo travel. We launched a range of Solo Journeys this year, and it’s been hugely popular as people are tired of waiting for their friends or partner’s diary to align, so they’re taking off solo, eager to meet like-minded travellers.
My one travel resolution for 2026 is… Travel more, especially with family and friends. Working in travel offers amazing opportunities to see the world, but it’s always nice to share experiences with loved ones. As my kids are older now, having at least one family holiday a year is a great way to keep in touch with them.
Adam Schwab, Luxury Escapes
Adam Schwab is the co-founder and chief executive of Luxury Escapes.
Where I’ll be going in 2026... The Maldives, the UK to visit family, Dubai, New Zealand, South Africa, Whistler and Thailand.
Where the world will be going in 2026... Everyone in this part of the world seems to be talking about Palau as a mini-Maldives on our doorstep. South Korea is also going to have its moment as a super cool alternative to Japan. Dubai has become so much more than just a fly-through destination and Bali isn’t showing any signs of slowing.
Where everyone should be going in 2026... The Maldives and Sri Lanka.
The one place I want to revisit in 2026... Canada for skiing. The last time I broke my leg, so I’m hoping to remain injury free.
The biggest travel trend in 2026 will be... Spring and autumn are the new summer. More and more people are ditching peak summer for shoulder-season travel, especially to Europe. It’s not just because of the significant cost savings, but also fewer crowds of fellow tourists in stifling heat. Travel outside of peak times helps you get a better sense of what it’s like to live like a local.
My one travel resolution for 2026 is... To get better at combining work trips with fun and not just do FIFO trips – even if it’s just an extra day, especially when it’s international travel.
Ryan Thomas, My Holiday Centre and Ignite Travel Group
Ryan Thomas is the chief executive of My Holiday Centre and Ignite Travel Group.
Where I’ll be going in 2026... Japan, Thailand, the UK, Europe and Fiji are all high on 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 laid-back island time. That mix is what I love most about travel.
Where the world will be going in 2026... Asia is set for a huge year, with Sri Lanka, Vietnam and South Korea really picking up. Travellers are craving destinations that combine authenticity, great food and value for money, and these regions deliver all three.
Where everyone should be going in 2026... The Cook Islands and Palau. Both are incredible, under-the-radar destinations that are about to become much easier to reach with new direct flight routes launching. Now’s the time to experience them before the crowds catch on.
The one place I want to revisit in 2026... Far North Queensland. It’s such a special part of Australia, with that perfect balance of reef, rainforest and relaxation.
The biggest travel trend in 2026 will be... Event travel. People are combining their passions with their holidays to get the best of both worlds. Whether that’s heading overseas for a major sporting event, a theatre production or immersion in music festivals. It’s a more meaningful way to experience a destination and creates an added level of excitement.
My one travel resolution for 2026 is... Less isn’t more – more is more, and the more you do, the happier you’ll be. It’s about saying yes to every opportunity to travel, explore and connect. Even a quick getaway or weekend road trip can lift your mood and give you a new perspective.
See myholidaycentre.com.au; ignitetravel.com
CITIES
Lisa Pile, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises
Lisa Pile is the vice-president of sales for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Asia Pacific and Oceania Cruises, Asia.
Where I’ll be going in 2026... Egypt. It’s a bucket-list destination of mine and I cannot wait to visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum.
Where the world will be going in 2026... Egypt. The world’s fascination with Egyptology will only be elevated by the opening of the museum and the opportunity to see the full exhibition of Tutankhamen. South America is seeing significant appeal from Australian and New Zealand travellers, while there is a clear shift in demand regarding Northern Italy because Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo are co-hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics. Sardinia is also attracting travellers willing to venture beyond the typical Italian cities of Rome and Florence.
Where everyone should be going in 2026... Egypt and beyond – the history is incredible.
The one place I want to revisit in 2026... Istanbul.
The biggest travel trend in 2026 will be... Extended career breaks and mini gap years for adults while slow travel and astro-tourism continue to be popular. Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers five solar eclipse voyages in 2026 and 2027 to witness this celestial spectacle in luxurious comfort.
My one travel resolution for 2026 is... To slow down and enjoy every moment, no matter the destination. We live in a magnificent world, but we actually take in very little of it.
See rssc.com; oceaniacruises.com
CRUISING
Katherine O’Neill, Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours
Katherine O’Neill is the director of Scenic Group, global marketing.
Where I’ll be going in 2026... I’d love to cruise along the Lower Danube. The lesser-seen spirit of Eastern Europe from Budapest to the Black Sea winds through six unique countries, offering everything from hidden villages and dramatic gorges to enriching cultural encounters and ancient fortresses.
Where the world will be going in 2026... Travellers are gravitating towards exploring the world by yacht. It offers a blend of luxury, intimate guest numbers and access to destinations others can’t reach.
Where everyone should be going in 2026… Antarctica is the ultimate destination for transformative travel. This pristine region is unlike any other with its endless ice and unique wildlife.
The one place I want to revisit in 2026... I’d love to revisit the Chilean Fjords, this time alongside my family. The coastline blends the vibrant cultures of South America with exhilarating adventure.
The biggest travel trend in 2026 will be... Holistic wellness. Guests seek journeys that restore mind, body and spirit. They are embracing experiences that leave them feeling relaxed, renewed and energised.
My one travel resolution for 2026 is... To slow down and savour every destination. Embrace local culture, indulge in unique moments and to truly connect with the world.
See scenic.com.au
ADVENTURE
Brett Mitchell, Intrepid
Brett Mitchell is the managing director of Intrepid, Australia and NZ.
Where I’ll be going in 2026... I’m taking my family back to my birthplace, Zimbabwe, for the first time. We will join Intrepid’s eight-day Botswana Family Safari. I can’t wait to show my kids where I was born and share a safari adventure as a family.
Where the world will be going in 2026... With FIFA World Cup matches across North America in June and July, I predict we’ll see lots of football fans heading over. We’re already seeing that trend with Canada bookings up 90 per cent, and Mexico up 20 per cent during those months.
Where everyone should be going in 2026... South-eastern Anatolia in Turkey is packed with UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Cities such as Sanliurfa and Gaziantep are welcoming travellers while preserving their culture.
The one place I want to revisit in 2026... I grew up in Western Australia, so I’d love to get back to Exmouth and Karijini on Intrepid’s 12-day West Coast and Karijini Adventure. The landscapes are unreal, and I’m especially keen to go diving and hopefully spot some whale sharks.
The biggest travel trend in 2026 will be... The rise of community wellness [run clubs, group fitness and lifestyle gyms] is influencing how people travel. We’ve seen a 16 per cent year-on-year rise in active trips, with walking and trekking up 17 per cent. To meet that demand, we’ve launched 28 new active adventures.
My one travel resolution for 2026 is... With screens taking over so much of our lives, my goal is to carve out more quality time with my family through travel. It’s a chance to unplug, slow down and make memories together.
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