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Get ready to dust off your passport - 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years in travel.
From culinary capitals, sun-drenched coastlines and snowy escapes to soul-soothing wellness retreats, epic nature adventures and the world’s biggest events, this year’s standout destinations promise something for every traveller.
From direct flights to exciting new routes, Brisbane's expanding connections mean the world is more accessible than ever. In this guide, we’ve handpicked the best places to go in 2026 so you can start planning and booking your unforgettable travel adventures:
Beach escapes
Cebu, Philippines
Cebu is a vibrant Philippine island escape known for its powdery white-sand beaches, crystal clear waters and incredible island-hopping spots like Malapascua and Moalboal. With calm turquoise coves and world-class marine life just offshore, it’s a beach lover’s paradise with splashes of culture, great food and warm hospitality.
Getting there
Santo, Vanuatu
Santo is a laidback South Pacific escape known for its powder-white beaches, crystal-clear lagoons and striking natural beauty. From the stunning Champagne Beach to snorkelling the WWII shipwrecks at Million Dollar Point, Santo offers a slower, more immersive island experience that’s equal parts relaxation and adventure.
Getting there
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Rarotonga is framed by an island-wide ring of impossibly blue lagoons and silky-soft beaches ideal for swimming, snorkelling and sunset strolls. With uncrowded shores and laid-back island charm, it’s the kind of place where beach days naturally stretch into beach weeks.
Getting there
Food & wine
McLaren Vale, South Australia
McLaren Vale is one of Australia’s most progressive wine regions, known for its Mediterranean-style wines, sustainability-first vineyards and a food scene that champions local produce. Cellar doors range from architecturally striking to charmingly rustic, while long lunches spill into afternoons overlooking vineyards and coastline. With bold reds, vibrant whites and a relaxed pace, McLaren Vale is ideal for travellers who like their food and wine experiences grounded, generous and unpretentious.
Getting there
San Sebastián, Spain
San Sebastián is a culinary powerhouse where pintxos bars, Michelin-starred restaurants and ultra-fresh seafood define the city’s flavour-packed identity. Its walkable old town and beachfront boulevards make it effortless to eat your way between the myriad of bars and restaurants.
Getting there
Seoul, South Korea
Seoul’s food scene is a thrilling mix of sizzling BBQ joints, late-night street eats and innovative chefs reshaping modern Korean cuisine. Craft cocktail bars and boundary-pushing fine dining experiences make the city a must for travellers who love exploring through flavour.
Getting there
Snow & ski
Queenstown, New Zealand
Three hours flying time, Queenstown is Brisbane’s easiest international ski getaway, where The Remarkables and Cardrona deliver reliable snow and awe-inspiring alpine scenery. Après-ski here is just as appealing with cozy bars, lakeside restaurants, and mountain views that make winding down a joy.
Getting there
Banff & Lake Louise, Canada
Banff and Lake Louise offer alpine views straight out of a postcard, with towering peaks and turquoise lakes surrounding some of North America’s finest slopes. Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy extensive terrain, charming mountain villages and cozy lodges after a day on the snow.
Getting there
Hakuba, Japan
Hakuba is legendary for its unmatched powder, ski-in/ski-out resorts and family-friendly terrain that suits all skill levels. After skiing, you can soak in relaxing hot springs while taking in the serene Japanese alpine landscapes.
Getting there
Wellness & slow travel
Tasmania’s East Coast
Tasmania’s East Coast is a haven for wellness where quiet beaches, boutique lodges and pristine wilderness invite you to deep exhale. Long, leisurely lunches and coastal walks make it easy to unwind and reconnect with mind and body.
Getting there
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s boutique retreats, tropical beaches and lush tea plantations set the scene for restorative escapes. Yoga, meditation and immersive landscapes help reset, recharge, and embrace holistic wellbeing.
Getting there
Provence, France
From lavender fields that stretch to the horizon to village markets overflowing with fresh produce and local wines, the region is made for long lunches and leisurely wanders. Historic hilltop towns, gentle countryside walks and boutique stays create a restorative escape where the biggest decision of the day is whether to watch sunset from a vineyard terrace or a cobblestoned square.
Getting there
Wildlife & nature immersion
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Kangaroo Island is a native wildlife haven where sea lions, penguins, kangaroos, koalas and echidnas roam freely across rugged landscapes. Spectacular coastal scenery and untamed wilderness provide the backdrop for outdoor adventures.
Getting there
Borneo
Borneo’s rainforests are teeming with unique wildlife, from orangutans to exotic birds and reptiles along winding river safaris. Exploring its lush landscapes offers a rare chance to connect deeply with nature in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.
Getting there
Namibia
Namibia captivates travellers with its dramatic deserts, sweeping savannahs and vast, unspoiled wilderness. Epic safaris to see ‘the big five’ (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and African buffalo), starlit skies, and encounters with native wildlife make it a truly immersive nature adventure.
Getting there
Cultural & heritage trips
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is a trove of culture and heritage where ancient temples, serene gardens and traditional houses transport visitors to Japan’s historic heart. Strolling its cobbled streets offers a deep dive into centuries-old customs such as tea ceremony, geisha culture, kimono making and calligraphy.
Getting there
Rajasthan, India
Rajasthan dazzles with its majestic palaces, formidable forts and vibrant markets, offering one of the most colourful cultural experiences in the world. Rich traditions and intricate craftsmanship make every corner a feast for the senses.
Getting there
Hội An, Vietnam
Hoi An enchants with lantern-lit streets, riverside markets and centuries-old architecture that preserve its historic charm. The UNESCO World Heritage site is often called a ‘living museum’ because of its remarkably well-preserved state, making it an immersive experience for Vietnamese culture and history.
Getting there
Big-event destinations
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh comes alive every August with the Festival Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival, showcasing thousands of performances across theatre, comedy, music and more. The city buzzes with creativity, making it a must-visit destination for entertainment lovers.
Getting there
Milan, Italy
Milan will take centre stage in 2026 as part of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, hosting events across the city and nearby Dolomites. Visitors can combine world-class sporting spectacles with Milan’s vibrant cultural scene for an unforgettable entertainment experience.
Getting there
Las Vegas, United States of America
Las Vegas is synonymous with entertainment, from dazzling shows and world-famous casinos to nightlife that never sleeps. In 2026, the city is also perfectly placed for travellers heading to the FIFA World Cup across Canada, the United States and Mexico, offering an unbeatable base to combine live sport with iconic entertainment. The new Sphere entertainment venue takes the city’s immersive experiences to the next level, offering a wraparound visual and sound spectacle unlike anything else in the world.