Capturing the shift towards travel defined by purpose over place, our World Edit reveals the most compelling destinations to visit in 2026.

Many of us have a wishlist list of places we want to visit and personal reasons why. Escape. Transformation. Reconnecting with family heritage. Chasing the remarkable. Or the simple itch to disrupt routine.

Rather than planning trips around generic bucket-list attractions, travellers are increasingly choosing journeys shaped by personal intentions and motivations. From unique cultural encounters in Hokkaido to this year’s World Capital of Architecture, a private wellness island in Cambodia to Central Asia’s emerging culinary hotspot, the best places to travel in 2026 chart a map of the modern traveller’s shift towards intentionality. Our World Edit reflects where, how and – crucially – why we are travelling this year and beyond.

Spiritual and cultural discovery in Bhutan

Bhutan is a place of cliff-hugging monasteries, vibrant temples and unworldly mountain vistas. But there’s far more going on than meets the eye.

The country is in the process of building Gelephu Mindfulness City, an urban project aiming to be a global hub for Bhutanese spirituality. Bhutan also runs almost entirely on renewable energy, acting as a model for integrating sustainable practices into everyday life.

Venture high into the mountains to discover a different way of being and seeing in a country setting the standard for tourism on its own terms. Don’t miss the spectacular Tiger’s Nest monastery, the spiritual centre of Bumthang or the fertility temple of Chimi Lhakhang.

See the northern lights at their most incredible in Norway

If there’s ever a time to chase the northern lights, it’s now. The mind-bending spectacle is peaking as part of a once-in-a-decade solar maximum that’s expected to wane late 2026. Travellers pursuing understanding of this mysterious natural show should set sail along the coast of Norway, where impossibly beautiful ribbons of flamingo pink, emerald and icy sapphire ripple across the sky.

Hurtigruten runs dedicated northern lights cruises, such as the 12-day Astronomy Voyage on Original and the 15-day Astronomy Voyage on Signature. Onboard aurora experts will break down this rare and complex phenomenon during scientific lectures and photography workshops, providing curiosity-fuelled guests with rich and unforgettable encounters with the lights.

Heritage tourism on the island of Madeira

One of the best places to visit in 2026 – while it is still a relatively under-the-radar destination for Australians – is Madeira. The Portuguese island group is a speck in the Atlantic, closer to Africa than mainland Portugal. It’s famous for its rugged mountain landscapes, volcanic coastlines and unique fortified wine.

At a time when heritage tourism is becoming increasingly common, a member of our team travelled here to reconnect with family roots. But the island is also a living archive of general history. Discover colonial architecture, religious temples and seaside military fortresses all hemmed by stunning natural assets.

Song Saa Private Island’s new Saraan Sanctuaries

Experience a brand-new holistic wellness sanctuary on a private island that cares as much about the regeneration of its environment as it does personal transformation.

Song Saa Private Island comprises two islands – Koh Bong and Koh Ouen – connected by a wooden walkway. Australian founder Melita Koulmandas came across the pair of islands in 2006, when its reefs were deteriorating, and has since worked with nearby communities to restore the ecosystem. Creating Song Saa Foundation, Koulmandas established Cambodia’s first marine-protected reserve.

Now, the all-new Saraan Sanctuaries nurtures body and mind with a well of place-rooted experiences. Go wild foraging with a resident botanist, enjoy a treehouse spa treatment among a jungle canopy and stay in an overwater villa.

Inside the new Grand Egyptian Museum

Egypt’s newly opened, long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is reframing Giza and its pyramids. The landmark attraction brings together more than 100,000 ancient Egyptian treasures – once scattered across the globe – making it the world’s largest archaeological museum.

The GEM is driving renewed interest in Egypt, with a new metro line planned to terminate at the museum. Cruise lines are also bringing a fresh focus to the country with new ships and updated itineraries, including A&K’s new Nile Seray ship and Uniworld’s 12-day Splendors of Egypt & the Nile voyage – making Egypt one of the top places to travel in 2026.

Affordable stays that don’t sacrifice style in Auckland

As travellers increasingly seek top-quality experiences at accessible prices, TRIBE Auckland Fort Street is setting the benchmark. The 60-room hotel is part of a new wave of design-forward, affordable stays catering to travellers wary of the rising cost of living, yet who don’t want to lower their expectations

Opened in October 2025, the first-ever TRIBE property in New Zealand brings a youthful yet sophisticated energy to Auckland’s multi-cultural centre. Expect sleek furnishings with contoured edges in guest rooms, and a cafe-meets-cocktail concept at So-Cal-inspired restaurant Sienna.

Just a short walk away, sister property JOE&JOE embraces the concept further with bunks from just $50 a night, stylish private rooms and a rooftop bar fostering social connection.

Central Asia’s emerging foodie capital

The city of Almaty in Kazakhstan is simmering with new energy. Long framed by its Soviet past, the metropolis is rewriting the script – think creative pulse, emerging restaurants and cultural influence translated into contemporary forms.

Particularly for curious gourmands, Almaty is among the best places to travel in 2026. Roam the vibrant Green Bazaar food markets, where Kazakh stalls offer irimshik (caramelised fermented milk) and kurt (a dried cheese) – portable fare bearing traces of nomadic life. Or try beshbarmak, a national dish of hand-pulled noodles soaked in a hearty meat broth.

And for traditional food perched at 1700 metres in the Medeu mountains, Auyl is one of Almaty’s must-try restaurants. The air here is thinner; the flavours, anything but.

Germany’s other capital of cool

From its Nordic-influenced design to its fortune-building trade history, the German port city of Hamburg has always been at the crossroads of innovation. With more ambitious design projects in the pipeline, there’s even more reason to visit in 2026.

Look out for teamLab Borderless Hamburg, which imports its concept from Tokyo and will be a permanent exhibition at the new UBS Digital Art Museum – set to be the continent’s largest immersive art space.

To discover more of what the city does best, make sure to visit the Flohschanze flea market, the shimmering Elbphilharmonie concert hall and canal-lined Speicherstadt – the world’s largest continuous warehouse complex.

Equine tourism in Portugal and beyond

2026 marks the Year of the Horse – and not just in the Chinese Zodiac. More than ever, equine escapes are growing in popularity everywhere from Africa to the Andes, providing fresh air, a chance to slow down and deeper insights into destinations’ cultural identities.

In the Alentejo region of Portugal, south of Lisbon, Monte Velho Equo-Resort offers nearly 250 metres of equestrian paradise and is home to some of the world’s finest Lusitano horses, native to the country. Saddle up for world-class dressage training and stay overnight for a luxurious farmhouse experience.

Elsewhere, you can ride Spanish horses through tranquil woods in Italy’s Reschio Hotel. Or perhaps experience Patagonia’s jaw-dropping Andean peaks on horseback with Australian-owned specialist agency Globetrotting.

World Capital of Architecture for 2026

With the completion of La Sagrada Família nearing 100 years on from architect Antoni Gaudí’s death and special events in celebration, Barcelona is in the spotlight as the designated UNESCO World Capital of Architecture for 2026.

For a quieter encounter with Barcelona’s artistic heritage, drift uphill to the Joan Miró Foundation, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. It’s filled with paintings and sculptures by influential surrealist Joan Miró, known for his use of bold colours and unusual forms – plus, offers cinematic views over the city from the north terrace. Or take to the streets and hop between Miró’s public works.

Indigenous cultural tourism in Japan

It’s hardly headline news that visiting Japan is all the rage right now. But most travellers are still skimming the surface.

The island of Hokkaido, home to Niseko, is a magnet for skiers and snowboarders, visited by 170,000 Australians each year. Yet few visit in the summer months and even fewer meet Hokkaido’s Indigenous Ainu people, who are beginning to share their culture with open-minded tourists.

The presence of the Ainu dates back to the 13th century, and while they have been forced to assimilate for centuries, tourism may be a way to help keep their incredible knowledge and traditional practices alive – from bow and arrow hunting demonstrations amid native katsura trees to teaching visitors about the Ainu language, considered critically endangered by UNESCO. You can visit the museum-like Ainu Cultural Centres anytime, and book an Ainu forest bathing experience through JBT Hokkaido.

US sports culture

From Texas to New York City, the true spirit of the USA can be found in its thriving sports culture. Here, college sport is a colossal phenomenon and major events from the Super Bowl to the NBA Playoffs attract worldwide visitors.

To truly soak it all in, join the ‘tailgaiting’ parties in stadium carparks – a lively pre-game tradition where sporting fans gather to drink, eat and socialise from the back of parked vehicles, often amid loud music and community games.

And come hungry. Cracker Jack popcorn, hot dogs and pretzels are a rite of passage, though many venues offer foodie delights specific to local names and flavours. Or perhaps catch one of the wacky events held by the International Federation of Competitive Eating (yes, it’s a thing), such as Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest, held each year on 4 July and attracting around 40,000 spectators.

The other side of Los Cabos

Some people travel for indulgence and beach club bliss. But more and more are prioritising local encounters that dive below a destination’s top layer.

Go beyond the celebrity gloss and glamour in Los Cabos to find an authentic window into Mexican life told through its artisans and chefs. Learn how the Bautista family’s handwoven rugs and blankets connect them to their ancestors on the Discover Todos Santos tour by Cabo Adventures. Take part in cigar-rolling workshops. Grind fragrant spices during an open-air cooking class at Flora Farms. The true treasures of Los Cabos lie in the hands of its makers.