The Hottest Travel News Around The Globe

With travel well and truly back on everyone’s radar, keep up-to-date on what’s new and trending right now.

From a Balinese sanctuary that engages blind therapists to massage its guests to the debut of a new expedition to Timor-Leste, here’s all the travel news and inspo you need to lock in your travel plans for this year and beyond.

Copacabana Palace celebrates 100 years

Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro, continues to celebrate its centenary this year with a program of arts, gastronomy and cultural events that will sweep visitors up in the city’s party spirit. Check the #100doCopa hashtag in August to see Rio’s glitterati shimmying down the red carpet for a showstopping party. This year will see the landmark beachfront hotel expand the MITICO art series and curate one-of-a-kind experiences as part of its Master Series of world-renowned guests.

a top view of the outdoor pool in Copacabana Palace — Soak up luxury and elegance at Copacabana Palace.

Lazarus Island goes tiny

Adding to its Sustainable Destination cred, Singapore’s Lazarus Island (Pulau Sakijang Pelepah) is now home to five tiny eco-friendly, low-carbon emission cabins. A 15-minute boat ride from Sentosa Island, the beachside Tiny Away Escape bracelets an otherwise uninhabited area of Singapore Strait, providing the ultimate escape from the Garden City.

an aerial view of Lazarus Island in Singapore — Singapore’s Lazarus Island now boasts five tiny houses thanks to Tiny Away Escape. (Image: Monk3ySeendo)

Bali resort engages blind therapists

The Asa Maia resort in Uluwatu, Bali, has engaged blind therapists from the Indonesian Union for the Blind to provide massages to guests. According to general manager Axel Jehangir, they offer an exceptional experience thanks to their heightened sense of touch. Jehangir says that “as well as relieving aches and pains for our guests, this unique treatment offers job opportunities" to the therapists who have limited means of making a living.

a blind massage at Asa Maia, Bali — Opt for a ‘Blind Massage’ at Asa Maia, Bali.

Start your holiday early at La Prairie Art of Beauty Lounge

Pre-emptively hydrate your skin and achieve a post-holiday glow before you depart, with a 45-minute facial at La Prairie Art of Beauty Lounge at Sydney International Airport. In partnership with Heinemann Duty-Free, it’s the first of its kind in Australia and sits within the airport’s new luxury precinct.

a look inside the La Prairie Art Of Beauty Lounge — Pamper yourself at the La Prairie Art Of Beauty Lounge. (Image: Jersch Horizon Blue)

Insider tips

Research conducted by Pureprofile on behalf of Tourism New Zealand has found that 86 per cent of Australians surveyed wished they’d had a local recommendation before their trip. To avoid post-holiday regret, Tourism New Zealand has launched the Local Lens Series, which includes tips such as grabbing a lamb and gravy toastie at Kai Nui in Taumarunui or walking the poignant Bridge to Nowhere in the ‘Valley of Abandoned Dreams’.

verdant greenery surrounding the Whanganui River, NZ — Paddle down the scenic Whanganui River in New Zealand.

Kick up your heels in Cuba

Simply Cuba Tours has released a new 10-day experience designed to showcase the beauty of the Caribbean country. The tour includes Old Havana, the outstanding karst landscape of the Viñales Valley, the mountains of Soroa and the crystalline waters of Cienfuegos.

an old American car in Havana, Cuba — Discover atmospheric Cuba with Simply Cuba Tours.

The Cuba Vista tour kicks off in November 2023 and is sweetened by a range of experiences. Sip mojitos in dimly lit bars, drift across the dance floor during a salsa class, learn about Cuban culinary traditions and delve deeper into the country’s history, arts and culture.

a cuban woman smoking a cigar — Delve deeper into the country’s history, arts and culture by meeting locals.

New mindful trek with World Expeditions

Travel writer and author Nina Karnikowski will lead conscious travellers on a 15-day adventure around the Everest region of Nepal in October. The author of Go Lightly: How to Travel Without Hurting the Planet and upcoming travel memoir The Mindful Traveller, will share her insights on reflective writing, mindful photography and how to forge a deeper connection to place. Mindful Travel in the Himalaya with Nina Karnikowski runs from 13 to 27 October and includes accommodation, professional guides and porters.

a photo of Nina Karnikowski — Join Nina Karnikowski on a mindful Nepalese trek. (Image: Peter Windrim)

Intrepid debuts new Timor-Leste expedition

Intrepid has launched a new nine-day Timor-Leste Expedition, which aims to immerse travellers in the local way of life. The mountainous island is one of Southeast Asia’s least-visited destinations, and that’s precisely why Intrepid developed the itinerary: to promote sustainable economic growth, support local communities and deliver alternative destinations to travellers. The inaugural tour, which will highlight ancient traditions and stunning landscapes, will depart on 15 October.

a scenic landscape in Timor-Leste — Explore the unspoilt Timor-Leste with Intrepid Travel.

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Cruise news

Sea Zero

Hurtigruten Norway has given the world an early glimpse of its first zero-emission ship, set to launch in 2030. Electric and equipped with batteries that charge in port, its raft of futureproofing concepts includes retractable sails with solar panels.

the Hurtigruten’s zero-emission ship sailing — A first look at Hurtigruten’s zero-emission ship.

Set the pace

Sparkling new travel brand Explora Journeys is shaking up the ocean-going experience with its slower pace of voyages that aim to help guests relax, reconnect and get under the skin of the places they’re sailing to – whether that’s the bonnie British Isles, epic Arctic Circle or the heady Caribbean.

the ship of EXPLORA I Caribbean — Sail with EXPLORA I.

Play the hits

Holland America Line is marking 150 years of sailing in 2023. As part of its celebrations around the globe, guests onboard the anniversary sailings can tuck into recreated historical dishes such as roast chicken paysanne with pommes frites, as well as commemorative cocktails with throwback happy hour prices.

Cruise with character

The craggy cliffs, medieval castles and quaint villages found along the Rhine River are storybook settings already. But, as part of its Storyteller Series, Avalon Waterways has added Scottish actor and author Graham McTavish of Outlander fame to the mix with its Kiltn’ It: Facts, Fiction & Fairytale Settings on the Rhine cruise. Bookmark it now.

Thousands of readers have cast their votes in a worldwide survey, revealing the best islands in the world to add to your travel radar.

The best island escapes have a way of making us feel instantly lighter – whether it be the pink-hued fringing reefs, green coconuts, powdery sands between your toes or crystalline water that shifts between turquoise and aquamarine with the light. Perhaps it’s the easy-breezy atmosphere that makes your worries melt as quickly as a tropical ice block in the sun. But how does one choose which island to visit?

Travel + Leisure has released its list of the best islands in the world as part of its 2026 World’s Best Awards, shining a spotlight on 25 idylls worth adding to your travel radar. More than 661,000 votes were cast across all award categories, including the best train journeys in the world, from more than 207,000 readers, who weighed in to share their opinions. From accessible Pacific gems to volcanic Portuguese outposts and stirring Scottish isles, the top-voted islands have revealed travellers’ appetite not only for relaxation, but also for adventure and cultural discovery.

And taking out the No.1 ranking? A blissful Thai island set in an inlet of the South China Sea.

1. Koh Samui, Thailand

Thailand’s second-largest island, Koh Samui, has been named the number one island in the world for 2026, scoring an impressive 95.64 out of 100. Travellers appreciate the island’s diversity – offering everything from pristine beaches and lush rainforests to elephant sanctuaries and breathtaking Buddhist temples.

The destination has received increased attention from tourists over the past year or so, thanks to the hit HBO series The White Lotus setting its third season at the uber-luxurious Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui (we can dream, right?). Whether you’re checking into this five-star resort or an affordable jungle villa, Koh Samui will no doubt cast its spell on you.

2. Maldives

maldives aerial — The Maldives are known for their overwater villas. (Credit: Unsplash/Ishan @seefromthesky)

The atolls of the Maldives continue to hold universal allure, owing to their unbelievably glassy waters, indulgent overwater resorts and abundant marine life luring the diving crowd. And now they are even easier to access than ever, thanks to Luxury Escapes recently launching Australia’s first direct flight to the Maldives.

3. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

yellow iguana on Galapagos Islands — Spot the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos Islands. (Credit: Simon Berger)

Giant tortoises. Cheeky sea lions. Marine iguanas. With its unique environment where guests can follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, unparalleled wildlife encounters and expedition spirit, it’s easy to see why this island group in the eastern Pacific Ocean tops bucket lists the world over.

4. Bali, Indonesia

The River Café at Maya Ubud Resort & Spa, Bali — A secluded riverside infinity pool hangs over the sacred Petanu River at Maya Ubud Resort & Spa.

Bali is a tried-and-true crowd-favourite among Aussie and NZ travellers not just for its convenient proximity to the east coast of Australia, but for its surf breaks, laid-back beach club lifestyle and delicious food. Plus, prices are a fraction of what they are back home.

5. Phuket, Thailand

Rich in dramatic limestone cliffs, elephant sanctuaries and a dynamic meld of cultures, Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and one worth planning a tropical escape to.

6. Seychelles

a white-sand beach with giant boulders at La Digue, Seychelles — Etched on La Digue Island are huge granite rocks. (Credit: Getty/Diamond Dogs)

The independent island nation of Seychelles commonly conjures images of secluded beaches studded with oversized granite boulders and lined with shady palms. But it is also home to thriving vanilla plantations, multi-ethnic culture, French and British architecture, as well as island-hopping opportunities.

7. Fiji

Top view of Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort pool — Spend warm days soaking up the sun, playing golf or relaxing by the pool at Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort.

Fiji was voted one of the best islands in the world for several reasons: it is convenient to get to (located around four hours from mainland Australia), home to wildly beautiful marine environments and boasts of the friendliest locals in the world.

8. Sri Lanka

sri lanka train — Sri Lanka is known for its lush landscapes. (Credit: Unsplash/gemmafjam)

Located in the Indian Ocean just off the south-eastern coast of India, Sri Lanka beckons with flavour-packed cuisine, lush jungle and relaxed surf scenes that have visitors longing to return.

9. Dominica, the Caribbean

With rainforest covering around two-thirds of the land mass, this Caribbean destination is all about getting outdoors. Swim under thundering waterfalls, hike volcanic terrain and snorkel around Scotts Head.

10. Zanzibar, Tanzania

Boasting a vibrant fusion of African, Arabic and Indian cultures, Zanzibar is a unique place to book for your next island escape. The postcard-worthy beaches harbour dolphins and sea turtles, while the landscapes are home to endangered monkeys, rhinos and antelopes.

11. Golden Isles, USA

Comprising Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island, and St. Simons Island, the Golden Isles lie along Georgia’s Atlantic coast. Expect sweeping salt marshes, stretches of sun-drenched beaches and landmarks revealing a fascinating southern history.

12. Sardinia, Italy

sardinia boats — Sardinia is blessed with blue waters. (Credit: Unsplash/Fadi al Shami)

If you haven’t yet visited Sardinia, consider this your sign. This relatively undeveloped island, placed 200 kilometres off Italy’s mainland just south of Corsica, offers a distinctive local cuisine and mysterious Bronze Age ruins. An absolute must is joining a boat charter to the La Maddalena Archipelago – I’ve never seen water so clear and blue!

13. Skye and the Hebrides, Scotland

Not all islands come ringed with palm trees and tropical waters. In Scotland, the Isle of Skye and the Hebrides offer windswept coastlines far from civilisation, historic castles and a Lord of the Rings vibe.

14. Malta

the Valletta city pictured from above — Soak up the Baroque beauty of Valletta City. (Credit: Visit Malta)

One of the world’s best islands for both history and stunning blue water, Malta is famed for its golden limestone architecture, megalithic temples and Baroque buildings. Make sure to visit the striking Blue Lagoon.

15. Grenada, the Caribbean

Dubbed the ‘spice isle’, Grenada’s main hilly island is home to an abundance of nutmeg plantations, along with colourful Georgian buildings and diverse landscapes, from flowing waterfalls to castaway beaches.

16. Madeira, Portugal

coastal views at Porto da Cruz, Madeira — The majestic coastal beauty of Madeira’s Porto da Cruz. (Credit: Lauren de Sousa)

This subtropical Portuguese archipelago is a speck in the North Atlantic Ocean. Praised for its stirring volcanic landscapes, fortified wine and hiking trails, Madeira is a wonderful destination for food lovers as well as nature seekers.

17. Azores, Portugal

A lush paradise in the Atlantic, the Azores comprise nine volcanic islands, with São Miguel being the most popular among tourists. Bubbling geothermal hot springs, green crater lakes, whales, and dolphins are all reasons to visit.

18. Maui, USA

Maui is Hawai’i’s second-largest island and is known for its crystal-clear snorkelling at Molokini Crater, epic sunrises, waterfalls, scenic drives and luxurious beach resorts.

19. Sicily, Italy

sicily architecture — Sicily boasts charming architecture. (Unsplash/Val Vesa)

It’s little wonder Sicily has become such an enviable tourist destination, voted one of the best islands in the world. Not only does it offer sparkling turquoise coves and Italy’s tallest active volcano, but it’s also home to ancient Greek ruins and charming towns dotted with restaurants dishing up twirls of silky spaghetti.

20. Milos, Greece

Ah, Milos. This Aegean outpost in the Cyclades region is proving that the Greek islands will always be a slice of paradise to travellers with its moon-like landscapes, quieter atmosphere and pebbly beaches dotted with sun-baking locals.

21. Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Discover vegetation-lined walking trails, nature sanctuaries, luxury yacht trips and famous seawater-flooded grottos on this dreamy Caribbean island.

22. Crete, Greece

a boat moored in the seaside village of Loutro Crete — Loutro is a charming seaside village in Crete that is surrounded by turquoise waters.

The largest and most populous island of Greece, Crete is the place to go for towering mountain gorges, world-renowned beaches, historic old towns and a distinct blend of Minoan, Greek Orthodox, Venetian, and Ottoman influences.

23. Vieques, Puerto Rico

The lesser-known Caribbean island of Vieques is where wild horses roam the countryside, wildlife refuges and bioluminescent bays where microorganisms light up the water with an otherworldly blue-green glow.

24. Paros, Greece

The lively main fishing town of Paros gives the island plenty of charm – think whitewashed houses, cobbled alleys, vine-draped tavernas and boutique shops. But don’t miss the sailing cruises and unique rock formations dotted around the island.

25. Kauaʻi, USA

Kauaʻi coast — Hike dramatic coastlines on Kauaʻi. (Credit: Unsplash/Jake Houglum)

Part of the Hawaiian archipelago, Kauaʻi is best known for its striking natural beauty, where godly green cliffs tumble into azure ocean and rainbows spring from misty waterfalls.