26 Places to Visit in 2026

Though the first section of Palm Cove’s Wangetti trail in Queensland’s Macalister Range National Park may have only been completed in September 2024 (it will be 94 kilometres long when finished), the path it treads is as ancient as the plants you’ll walk – or ride – through. For Djabuganydji, Yirrganydji, Nyagali, Buluwanydji and Guluy peoples, the trade and celebration route was carved out tens of thousands of years ago: now, anyone can appreciate the beauty of this 130-million-year-old rainforest.

Read the full story on the Wangetti trail, Qld here.

The rich biodiversity found on the Houtman Abrolhos, an archipelago of 122 idyllic atolls scattered off the coast of Geraldton, deserves an international reputation. You’ll struggle to find many who even know about this chain, however. A mere 60 kilometres off the Western Australian coast, the ocean teems with life, with everything from sea turtles to bottlenose dolphins darting in and around the many reefs. On land, the birdlife is staggering: home to one of the world’s most important seabird breeding grounds, twitchers will be so busy spotting lesser noddies or osprey eagles, they’ll have to be careful of whiplash.

Read the full story on Houtman Abrolhos, WA here.

Few destinations evoke a feeling akin to that of Kruger National Park, a storied South African nature 360-kilometre-long reserve where the Big Five roam and safari trucks buzz about the place like tsetse flies. In 2026, the park will celebrate its centenary. The latest way to see this glorious wilderness? The park’s first seasonal camp with tents arriving in May and leaving, without a trace, by the end of September. 

Read the full story on Kruger National Park, South Africa here.

A flourishing ski field less than an hour out of Launceston? Welcome to Ben Lomond, a six-lift snowsport resort that’s as great for wildlife as it is for skiing and boarding. It’s not unusual to spot a wombat or a wallaby when making your way down the dolerite mountains and soon, with planned expansion of access infrastructure for visitors, it will be even easier to do just that. 

Read the full story on Ben Lomond, Tas here.

From Lebanese to Laotian cuisines, Sydney’s Western suburbs are an exhilarating culinary patchwork where almost anything is on the table (literally). With a spotlight now firmly set on the west thanks to the opening of the city’s first new airport since 1920 and what will be the state’s largest museum when it opens, Powerhouse Parramatta, there’s more reason than ever for Sydneysiders (and beyond) to step outside the CBD.

Read the full story on Western Sydney, NSW here.

Food is a big deal in Ciudad de México, the country’s sprawling, vibrant capital. Now, the world’s attention is turned to the beating heart of Mexico for a new reason: its place as a centrepiece of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In June, the tournament’s opening match will take place at the refreshed (to the tune of US$250 million) Estadio Azteca and all eyes will be on CDM. If you’re in town for the match, it’s likely your tastebuds will be tuned into everything the city has to offer, too.

Read the full story on Mexico City, Mexico here.

Though New Zealand has no shortage of walking trails, its newest addition – coming in early 2026 – will offer a new way to see the stunning South Island. The 32-kilometre Kawarau Gorge Trail snakes through Central Otago, linking Gibbston Valley to Bannockburn, winding past (and through) glacier-fed streams and deep ravines on its way. If you’re more of a wanderer than a hiker, there’s a more relaxed way to see this part of the country, too: may we recommend kicking off your boots at Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa?

Read the full story on the Kawarau Gorge Trail, NZ, here.

Could this soon become one of the world’s biggest ski destinations? If approvals to join the three resorts of Tres Valles in Chile – around 90 minutes drive from the capital of Santiago – go ahead, it may well be. With tens of thousands of hectares of skiable mountains, this ski field has more than enough powder to go around. And if you visit in 2026, when it’s possible the three resorts – Valle Nevado, La Parva and El Colorado – will be skiable on one single pass, you might be one of the first to experience this picturesque corner of Chile at its peak.

Read the full story on Tres Valles, Chile, here.

While it’s best known as Italy’s fashion capital, in February 2026 this historic city will be taken over by the high-octane thrills of the 25th Winter Olympic Games – and there’s plenty of new eateries, chic stays and charming neighbourhoods to keep you occupied amongst the action. Make the refreshed 19th-century palazzo Rocco Forte House your base, then take time to visit Europe’s largest urban spa park, De Montel Terme Milano. For creative inspiration, head to Fondazione Prada – artworks by the likes of Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons are part of the permanent collection – and wrap up your exploration with Japanese-meets-Italian fare at Bentoteca.

Read the full story on Milan, Italy here.

In central Morocco, Marrakech is defined by its vibrant palette – from ornately tiled riads to the conical piles of spices you’ll find while exploring the souks fringing the old city walls. Little wonder designer Yves Saint Laurent credited the city with helping him understand colour. Spend your days discovering the diverse works on display at the Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden, exploring the verdant gardens of Musée de la Palmeraie and immersing yourself in fashion history at the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech. Afterwards, retire to the newly opened Jnane Rumi hotel, where every corner has been curated by French-Moroccan artist Samy Snoussi.

Read the full story on Marrakech, Morocco here.

Beloved for its cyclist-friendly culture, Amsterdam invites visitors to explore its cobblestoned streets on two wheels. While you could easily spend days wandering through the landmark Van Gogh Museum – there are more than 200 paintings and 500 drawings by the eponymous artist on display – or cruising the city’s canals, a 25-minute bike ride from the city centre will lead you to the under-the-radar spot that’s a locals’ favourite. At working farm Over-Amstel Boerderij, you’ll sip shots of pear juice grown onsite, join a cheesemaking workshop and sample the fresh produce sourced from farms just down the road. 

Read the full story on Amsterdam, The Netherlands here.

Did you know that Armenia was one of the first countries in the world to convert to Christianity? It’s no surprise then that the churches and monasteries that pepper this mountainous terrain – which borders Turkey and Iran – and the journeys to reach them are infused with a sense of reverence. The most arduous of them all is the 1500-kilometre North-South Transcaucasian Trail that connects Armenia with Georgia – but on a World Expeditions Transcaucasian Trail Hike Armenia trip, you’ll tackle just a portion of the route. Over eight days, discover some of Armenia’s most sacred sites and traverse scenic landscapes – starting from the capital, Yerevan – in the company of expert guides who’ll reveal the country’s history during the trek.

Read the full story on the Transcaucasian Trail, Armenia here.

Come 12 August next year, the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands will also be a prime vantage point to view the total solar eclipse that’s due to sweep vertically down from East Greenland to Spain, with Mallorca within the path of totality. 

“It’s a spiritual experience,” says Raja Guha Thakurta, professor of astronomy and astrophysics at the University of California Santa Cruz, of the forthcoming astro event; the first in Spain since 1905. “When the moon completely covers the main part of the sun, you can take off your protective eyewear to see something unimaginable. The sun doesn’t look like a circle, it’s like a set of flames.” 

The professor will be on the deck of a ship anchored in Palma harbour as a guest speaker on Ponant Explorations and Smithsonian Journeys A Solar Eclipse at Sea voyage. An alternative viewing spot is the Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra hotel, set to open on the island’s Costa d’en Blanes in the northern spring of 2026.

Microchips and millennia, mountains and mystery, noodle soup and bubble tea: welcome to Taiwan’s capital, one of Asia’s most dynamic and progressive cities and for many, a hidden gem. This unsung glory of the East China Sea may produce semiconductors vital to the global tech industry yet it’s also home to some of the world’s finest Ming vases and Chinese treasures, housed at the National Palace Museum. It’s a buzzing place full of the sights, sounds and scents of East Asia and a rich history that stretches back to the stories of Indigenous tribes.

Commune with deities and make a wish at the Buddhist-Taoist-Confucian Longshan Temple in Wanhua District then wander historic streets that were once home to Chinese traders and Japanese rulers. Look up to spy the pagoda-shaped Taipei 101 skyscraper and the dramatic peaks beyond. Or get a different view of the tower from the new Capella Taipei, a 15-minute drive away in Songshan District. Catch the highly efficient metro system to get to the hiking trails of Elephant Mountain or unwind with an afternoon surf on Fulong Beach, reachable by train.

There are more than 50 ships resting on the seabed of Micronesia’s Chuuk Lagoon (formerly Truk Lagoon), the most notable being a former Japanese destroyer, the Suzuki Maru, which has evolved into a teeming artificial reef with hulls and hatches hosting clusters of vibrant coral, sea anemones and tropical fish. It’s just one of the bucket-list dive sites passengers will explore on this 15-night cruise from Fiji to Guam. The Federated States of Micronesia, set across 2900 kilometres of the western Pacific Ocean, comprises more than 600 islands: a mix of lush volcanic peaks and low-lying coral atolls fringed by impossibly clear waters. Onboard, guests can soak in the views from the ship’s seven decks or retreat to one of 132 spacious staterooms. On land, expect water-music performances from local women in Vanuatu’s Espiritu Santo and betel-nut smiles at Papua New Guinea’s port of Rabaul. The people of Micronesia are often grouped under one name but their cultures, languages and traditions are as diverse as the islands themselves.

Read the full story on Micronesia here.

The smallest of Hawai‘i’s four main islands – and the oldest in the archipelago – Kaua‘i is gathering pace as a getaway that offers the aloha spirit of old. This is the Hawai‘i where drivers dodge chickens as they cross roads, shave-ice vendors operate out of ramshackle vans and beaches are unspoiled and uncrowded. A cruise of the remote Nāpali Coast delivers staggering cliffs, gushing waterfalls and pods of Hawaiian spinner dolphins that leap out of the ocean, while a food tour unlocks the island’s flavours. “Food is a huge thing for us,” says guide Tatiana Lee, who takes guests for “locally owned, locally sourced” spicy tuna rolls and nigiri, IPAs and stouts (including one brewed with coffee) and an epicurean burger. “Kaua‘i is a magical place,” she says. “It’s like paradise.”

Picture a wild stretch of coast on a quiet island in the Scottish Hebrides: grey seals lazing on the shoreline, mountain goats navigating jutting cliff rocks and minke whales gliding through the North Atlantic Ocean. Now imagine walking that coast in anticipation of visiting some of the world’s finest whisky distilleries on a single-day, self-guided tour.

Round out your ramble by sitting in front of a roaring fire holding a glass of single malt at the new Ardbeg House hotel, a short walk from the Ardbeg Distillery (one of nine whisky makers on Islay). The property has 12 rooms and suites, each designed to honour the Celtic legends of the remote isle. Guests can sample rare and limited-edition drams at the dedicated bar and dishes in the adjoining restaurant are focused on locally sourced ingredients such as hand-dived Islay scallops with samphire and Ardbeg smoked venison pie.

Hop on a two-hour ferry ride from the mainland for bird- and wildlife-watching, golfing, hiking or whisky-tasting. Or catch one of the daily flights to the island from Glasgow, host of the Commonwealth Games (23 July to 2 August 2026), for the ultimate post-Games adventure.

It’s the diversity of cultures – Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, African – mixed with local and regional dishes that have helped take this coastal city from brief stopover to an essential stop. “Lima’s food is an interesting blend of a lot of cultures,” says Paola Miglio, editor-in-chief of the online Peruvian food publication El Trinche. “It’s not exactly a fusion. It’s more like an adaptation process.”

Maido, the current number one on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, is the love child of Peruvian/Japanese confluence Nikkei and other local cuisines from chef Mitsuharu Tsumura. Situated near the coast in Miraflores, it offers a changing menu featuring the likes of squid ramen with Amazonian chorizo. Elsewhere, in the bohemian neighbourhood of Barranco, Central topped that same list back in 2023. Chef Virgilio Martinez’s menu is divided not into entrée, main and dessert but by altitude, starting below sea level and climbing to the peaks of the Andes. “It’s a mix of everything that’s putting Lima in the spotlight,” says Miglio.

While you’re in town, naturally you’ll want to eat ceviche, recognised by UNESCO as a unique expression of Peruvian culture. Where to taste this national dish? “I go to La Mar a lot,” says Miglio. “It’s like a beachside cevichería but in the city. The produce is amazing.”

For many travellers, Japan is synonymous with its buzzing metropolises – and rightly so. Tokyo hums with more than 37 million residents, while Osaka’s neon-lit Dotonbori is world-famous for its takoyaki (octopus balls) and lively street food scene. But Miyako-jima, known for its residents’ longevity, offers a different side to this vibrant country, where life is unhurried. Located less than three hours by plane from Tokyo, this beach-lover’s paradise is home to some of Japan’s most pristine stretches of white sand and impossibly clear turquoise water. It’s also where you’ll find some of the country’s freshest seafood – think snapper caught that morning by local spearfishers – and world-class snorkelling just a few strokes from shore.

Read the full story on Miyako-jima here.

When the British punk movement began, it was a catalyst for new forms of expression, not only in music but also in fashion and art, that resonate in London to this day. “The celebration of punk is very much alive here,” says Ladbroke Grove local Selena Dion, who works in music management, as she sifts through the racks at Rough Trade, a seminal record store off Portobello Road that opened in 1976. “And not only in this area.” 

In Soho, the one-time home of the Sex Pistols is now a suite at the Chateau Denmark hotel and in Kensington, The Design Museum has a long-running exhibition on the Blitz club, exploring ’80s style and its connection to punk. In 2026, the new London Museum will open in Smithfield, with pieces by Vivienne Westwood and Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren, the late design duo who famously created the template for punk style. Channel the designer’s rebellious brilliance closer to home when the Westwood/Kawakubo exhibition opens next month at Melbourne’s NGV. And expect London to be calling.

In this captivating coastal city on Vietnam’s central coast, street food is unlike anywhere else in the country. Just over an hour by plane from Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang’s shorelines are lined with stalls inviting visitors to pull up a red plastic stool for bowls of mì quảng: turmeric-infused rice noodles in a rich, soul-warming broth, topped with protein such as pork, shrimp and quail eggs, which can be as little as $1.80. Its fine-dining scene is equally as impressive. The city recently became the third in Vietnam to earn a place in the Michelin Guide and is home to Central Vietnam’s only Michelin-starred restaurant La Maison 1888, located within the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort – the perfect excuse to combine a stay and a feast. Built dramatically into the cliffs of the Son Tra Peninsula and spanning 39 hectares of jungle-clad coastline, this property feels like a different world entirely.

Read the full story on Da Nang here.

This remote archipelago off the coast of British Columbia is known for its mystical energy, shaped by a deep preservation of Haida culture, ocean mist drifting through moss-draped cedars and its sense of isolation (it’s home to just 5000 residents).The quickest way to get there is a two-hour flight from Vancouver and visitors are now asked to sign a pledge to tread lightly and respectfully through this treasured land. Travellers can learn the stories of the islands from the Haida Gwaii watchmen – cultural guardians who protect sacred sites – at ancient village locations throughout the national park. Here, you might dine on crab pulled straight from nearby waters at Haida House at Tllaal or enjoy BC wines paired with locally sourced dishes at Gather, a tiny, much-loved restaurant championing the region’s produce. The best time to visit depends on your pace: from October to May, surfers flock to North Beach, Hiellen, Jungle Beach and Rennell Sound, while June through August is ideal for hiking, fishing and water sports.

Read the full story on Haida Gwaii here.

A stroll along Sunset Strip and a shop on Melrose Avenue are two obvious must-dos in West Hollywood. But this ever-evolving pocket of California, with its deep film history and vibrant LGBTQ+ community, has cemented itself as one of LA's must-visit neighbourhoods. Just an easy 35-minute drive from LAX airport, 1 Hotel West Hollywood is an ideal base: close to the action, yet its natural materials and lush greenery make it feel like a breath of fresh air from the buzz outside. Pull up a stool at Bar Bacetti for inventive cocktails that fuse Italian aperitivo traditions with modern mixology, before slipping into one of Ardor’s lush, plant-canopied booths for some of the freshest dishes in California (think hamachi crudo with kiwi, Cara Cara orange and jalapeño oil). And if you’re craving a taste of home, Great White café has you covered with stellar flat whites and perfectly smashed avocado toast.

Read the full story on West Hollywood here.

When Oulu, one of the world’s most northern cities, located just below the Arctic Circle, was named a European Capital of Culture for 2026, scientists and artists joined forces to work on an ambitious art trail.

Set to be a highlight of the year-long Oulu2026 celebration, Climate Clock will open in June with seven installations scattered across the region. The works will honour Oulu’s natural beauty (lakes, lush forests and rivers) and also aim to inspire climate change action. Other events reflecting this city’s creativity and intrinsic merriment (the country has topped the World Happiness Report eight years running) include the Air Guitar World Championships, an electronic music festival called Frozen People, held on an ice-covered sea, a poetry week and, during summer, the Arctic Food Lab program will champion foraging and local produce, from salmon to wild berries. Want to stay awhile? Lapland Hotels Oulu will fully reopen in January after an extensive renovation, making it a handy base after flying direct to Oulu from Helsinki.

“I’ve always had a connection to the Grampians, even though I raised my family in Melbourne, “ says native flower farmer Fiona Lucas, who grew up on a farm in Wimmera, in Victoria’s regional west. “When I left full-time work, I knew I had to get in front of that view again. We bought a property where the Major Mitchell Plateau and Mount William merge.

“In 2019, I joined the Grampians division of the Australian Plants Society, which runs the annual Pomonal Native Flower Show. Through this I got involved with the Wama Foundation, which opened Australia’s first space for environmental art in July. Many of the plants in Wama’s Endemic Botanic Garden were propagated in the Pomonal Community Nursery. People here are keen to pitch in and create something. I lost 200 acres (81 hectares) and my entire native plantation in last year’s Boxing Day fires. So many people lost everything but it’s a resilient community.”

Soaring skyward from dappled green lagoons, Lagen Island’s limestone cliffs are exultant in their reach, as though throwing their arms up in delight at the scene they find themselves in. Such is the theatre of this tiny private island in the Philippines’ Palawan province, south-west of Manila.

Step into the serene, clean lines of Lagen’s El Nido and the feeling that nature is the star of this show intensifies. A recent refurbishment pared back the number of rooms from 50 to a more intimate 42, while relocating the pool has allowed the island’s pristine beach to take the spotlight. In line with the resort’s sustainability ethos, the decor takes a light touch, dominated by open spaces and Filipino craftsmanship.

A new two-level spa, designed to bring the lush greenery of the rainforest inside, offers a Watsu pool, hot- and cold-water therapy and three treatment rooms.