If 2025 was all about European summers and Bali resets, then 2026 would be the yr Aussie vacationers department out – ditching the same old hotspots and heading to smaller, slower, completely beautiful locations. Suppose untouched tropical islands, creative cities in the course of a glow, and opulent eco-retreats the place seaside days, resort vibes and sundown cocktails are non-negotiable.
These are the locations which can be quietly climbing up on everybody’s want lists, and are set to outline journey in 2026.
Fu Quoc
Vietnam
Picture credit score: Tourism in Vietnam | Web site
A tropical island getaway with white sand seashores, lush jungle backdrops and seafood-filled evening markets.
Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s reply to tropical island fantasy – smooth seashores, jungle-covered coves and resort swimming pools you will by no means wish to depart. Days right here fly by in a dreamy approach: using scooters across the island, hopping between seashores, snorkelling within the turquoise waters, and stopping at markets to purchase grilled seafood and coconut ice cream. If Vietnam is in your record (it must be), this island is the important addition.
Labuan Bajo
Indonesia
Picture credit score: Ayana Komodo Waisiko Seashore | Equipped
Luxurious, eco-island ambiance, pink seashores, manta rays and sundown sails on the gateway to Komodo Nationwide Park.
Labuan Bajo appears like Santorini, a lot nearer, much less crowded and rather more wild. As soon as a sleepy fishing city, it is now the posh jumping-off level to Komodo Nationwide Park, the place manta rays, coral gardens and actual dragons await. Count on waterfront resorts, romantic cruises, and relaxed Indonesian appeal with out paying European costs.
Hamilton
New Zealand
Picture credit score: 100% New Zealand | Web site
A cool river city with illuminated caves, lush gardens and straightforward day journeys to Raglan’s surf seashores.
Skip the same old suspects in New Zealand and fly straight to Hamilton, a straightforward and handy base that blends tradition, nature and nice cafes. Suppose glowworm caves, riverside walks, stunning gardens, and black sand browsing alongside the way in which. With new direct flights from Sydney, tapping into the Waikato’s underappreciated appeal is simpler than ever.
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Palau
Picture credit score: Qantas | Web site
Crystal blue lagoons, pristine coral reefs and World Warfare II wrecks in one of the vital picturesque locations within the Pacific.
Koror seems to be like a screensaver: neon lagoons, coral reefs and forest-covered islands unfold throughout the Pacific Ocean. With new direct flights from Australia and surprisingly good worth, it is all of a sudden extra inexpensive – providing snorkeling, island hopping and blissful seaside days with out the crowds.
Arusha
Tanzania
Picture credit score: Aselia Africa | Web site
A bustling cultural hub that includes the brand new Jane Goodall Museum, African product makers and conservation-focused safaris.
Arusha is creating quickly, and is not only a safari gateway, however a thriving inventive metropolis on the foot of Mount Meru. Count on design-led studios, vibrant cafés, native entrepreneurs, and inexperienced experiences at each flip. Add the opening of the Jane Goodall Museum in 2026, the brand new stadium, and electrical energy.
Brussels
Belgium
Picture credit score: Cathay Pacific | Web site
Europe’s latest tradition is stuffed with luxurious resorts, rooftop bars and the grand opening of the Canal Heart Pompidou.
Brussels is within the midst of a harmful flare-up, reworking from a bureaucratic powerhouse right into a inventive powerhouse. Expansive new artwork areas, revived Belle Époque landmarks and chef-driven eating halls make it good for a European journey that mixes tradition and cocktails. Spring festivals, artwork gala’s and the Belgian Grand Prix add to the thrill.
Abrolhos Islands
Western Australia
Picture credit score: Tourism WA | Web site
Distant coral reefs, epic marine life and off-the-map island adventures off the coast of Western Australia.
Floating off Geraldton, the Abrolhos Islands are a wild blue frontier, a group of 122 coral reef-ringed atolls the place birdlife, tales of shipwrecks and crystal-clear snorkeling take heart stage. With extra sea turtles than people and barely any footprints, it is likely one of the final untouched escape spots in Australia.
Taipei
Taiwan
Picture credit score: Taiwan Tourism | Web site
Evening markets, temples, towering metropolis views, simple adventures in scorching springs, mountaineering and seashores.
Dynamic, scrumptious and straightforward to discover, Taipei blends trendy vitality with deep cultural roots. Eat noodles at evening markets, go to temples, discover imperial treasures, then take the metro to hike mountain trails or chill out on surf-friendly seashores. It’s the most underrated capital in Asia.
Naoshima
Japan
Picture credit score: Yayoi Kusama and Tadasu Yamamoto | Japan journey web site
A dreamy artsy island getaway stuffed with Tadao Ando’s museums, outside installations and sea-soaked tranquility.
Naoshima Island is Japan’s mixture of fantasy artwork, with museum-filled hills, funky institutions, quiet fishing lanes and well-known seaside sculptures. With model new modern Art Museum The gallery stays open and a boutique is on the horizon, and now is an efficient time to wander via the galleries and take within the ocean views earlier than everybody else will get to comprehend it.
Dominica
Caribbean
Picture credit score: Lonely Planet | Web site
Pristine rainforests, scorching springs and the world’s first sperm whale sanctuary.
Dominica is about to have its world second. The island is dwelling to almost 200 sperm whales, and is about to determine the world’s first sperm whale sanctuary in early 2026 – defending 800 sq. kilometers of Caribbean waters and offering vacationers with tightly regulated, low-impact encounters with whales. On land, it is pure wilderness: two-thirds of the island is untouched rainforest dotted with waterfalls, scorching springs and volcanic peaks.
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