The 26 Best Journeys For 2026, According To Travel Experts

What are one of the best locations to journey in 2026? When the world’s prime luxurious journey advisors collect in a single place, the conversations usually foreshadow the place vacationers will probably be heading subsequent. That’s undoubtedly the case at ILTM North America, held every fall at Baha Mar within the Bahamas. Now in its thirteenth 12 months, the posh journey convention has develop into a barometer for what’s trending and the place the long run is headed.

“International hoteliers are coming from around the globe—Tasmania, Queenstown, Japan, the Philippines—to one little beach resort in the Bahamas to sit together for four days and have conversations about how we can make travel the very best experience for the most demanding, discerning clients there are,” Simon Mayle, ILTM’s director, advised me in an interview.

With the occasion aimed on the U.S. outbound market—the market that drives world traits, based on Mayle—it’s no shock that ILTM is the place new lodge openings, cultural shifts and once-in-a-lifetime journeys come into focus.

Ahead of the convention, which is able to happen in October, I caught up with Mayle and three different notable journey advisors to see what locations they’ve on their radars for 2026—and past. From Brazil’s rising safari scene to the shores of Albania, their picks reveal not simply the place to go, however how journey itself is evolving.

The Expert: Simon Mayle – ILTM

According to Mayle, at the moment’s vacationers are on the lookout for greater than five-star service—they need that means. He factors to 2 themes shaping what’s subsequent: a renewed curiosity in gradual transport and an urge for food for locations that mix nature, tradition and household connection.

“We’re all living these crazy digital lives where we’re busier than ever,” he says. “So travel is about reconnecting with nature, with family, with yourself.”

That’s why Mayle sees development in experiences like luxurious rail journeys, personal yachts and lodges that immerse vacationers in native landscapes and traditions. Here are the locations on his radar proper now.

Palawan, Philippines

The Philippines is excessive on Mayle’s bucket checklist—“one of the few places I’ve not been,” he says. “Every connection I have with the culture is super interesting—that wonderful blend between Catholicism meets drag meets everything. And then there’s the incredibly blue water and thousands of islands. There’s a lot to explore.” In Palawan, Mayle is especially enthusiastic about El Nido Resorts, a group of eco-minded sanctuaries on islands throughout the nation.

Pantanal And Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Brazil hasn’t historically been seen as safari territory, however that’s beginning to change. In the Pantanal, formidable conservation initiatives are turning the area into a brand new wildlife frontier. “The leopard population is growing,” Mayle says. “One was just found in Rio for the first time in 50 years.” For vacationers who need to mix iconic metropolis tradition with a conservation expertise, Brazil now presents each.

Sumba, Indonesia

Far much less developed than close by Bali, Sumba presents a placing mix of pure magnificence and genuine tradition. “It looks like one of the most authentic places you could possibly go with the indigenous community still very much alive and kicking and living their true lives,” says Mayle. Add in wild horses working alongside the seashore at sundown and untouched coastlines, and Sumba looks like Southeast Asia earlier than mass tourism.

Sailing in Indonesia

Want to see extra of Indonesia? Dunia Baru, a handcrafted phinisi yacht, sails by a few of Indonesia’s most distant waters, from Komodo to Raja Ampat. With seven suites, it may be booked by the cabin or as a full constitution. “What a great luxurious experience to be on a boat like this with a group of friends,” says Mayle. “It couldn’t feel more remote, more exciting, more adventurous than anything else out there. And there’s the fact you can get to all these destinations on the boat and don’t have the pain of flying, connecting, unpacking and repacking.”

Queenstown, New Zealand

Mayle says that New Zealand is having a second. “Pre-pandemic, New Zealand was off the charts and then had a very quiet time. Now it seems to be having a massive renaissance,” he says. In Queenstown, Mayle says the brand new Roki Collection is elevating the vacation spot to a brand new stage. “There’s nothing that stands out in Queenstown in terms of true luxury, and this will change that,” he says. With a design that emphasizes astronomy, nature and structure, the property brings sophistication to one of many world’s most dramatic landscapes.

Palm Beach, Florida

Known for its manicured Worth Avenue buying, Gilded Age estates, and storied social scene, Palm Beach has lengthy been a winter playground for America’s elite. “It’s got that old-school Floridian charm that intrigues a Brit—an American glamour that captures our interest in the same way that Downton Abbey might capture the interest of an American,” says Mayle. Now, a quietly cool new wave of resorts is including contemporary attraction. Mayle factors to the Vineta Hotel, a 41-room reimagined historic property from the Oetker Hotels, because the type of boutique opening redefining the realm. “It’s a beautiful little property that’s a hundred years old,” he says.

Puglia, Italy

Mayle lately spent every week road-tripping by Puglia, calling the expertise “perfect.” He was struck by the baroque structure, walkable historic cities and the heat of the southern Italians. “I love the southern Italians. They’re so full of personality,” he says. Lecce left the most important impression. “Wow—the architecture, the city at night, it’s really walkable. It’s really beautiful. You’re constantly being surprised by something.”

Albania

Right on the Adriatic, Albania is moving into the highlight as Europe’s new summer season scorching spot. “It’s the next obvious place where you blend beautiful beaches with great people and family-style cooking,” says Mayle. Beaches like Ksamil (generally known as the Maldives of Europe), historic cities akin to Berat and a welcoming tradition are a part of the draw—together with costs that stay modest in comparison with close by Mediterranean hotspots like Croatia and Greece.

The Bahamas Out Islands

Closer to dwelling, the Caribbean continues to evolve. Mayle highlights an upcoming mission within the Out Islands from The Ocean Club, a Four Seasons Resort. “It’s exciting to see the Out Islands getting more attention,” he says.

The Expert: Georgia Schley Ritchie – The Travel Counsel

For Georgia Schley Ritchie, a former lawyer who based an Atlanta-based company, The Travel Counsel, luxurious journey is all about matching purchasers with experiences that really feel each extraordinary and private. Her host company—Global Travel Collection—is likely one of the largest luxurious journey networks on the planet. Ritchie advised me in an interview that her staff handles “absolutely everything,” however their specialties embody safaris, Japan and Europe.

Right now, she sees two clear shifts: the rise of “coolcations” (cooler locations for summer season journey) and renewed consideration to underexplored corners of basic spots. “We definitely see people steering more to countries like Iceland, Norway and Scotland,” she says. She additionally encourages vacationers to go throughout shoulder season: April, May, September. “You can get away from the crowds—and escape the heat.” Here are the locations she’s most enthusiastic about.

Sicily, Italy

Sicily could have had its “White Lotus” second, however Ritchie says the island is much from overexposed. “People have been to a lot of other places in Italy, but not always Sicily,” she notes. With historic ruins, dramatic coastlines and an rising food-and-wine scene, Sicily presents extra selection than many individuals notice. She’s a fan of Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte property in Palermo set in a restored palazzo, as one of many island’s standouts. “It’s a renovated palace, just fabulous,” she says. And whereas most vacationers nonetheless gravitate towards Taormina and the east coast, Ritchie believes the west will see extra curiosity as luxurious choices increase.

Namibia

For safari lovers who’ve already ticked off Botswana or Tanzania, Namibia presents a contemporary perspective. “It may not be a first-time safari destination, but I would say for the next one, go to Namibia. It’s very cool,” she says, pointing to the sheer range of experiences in comparison with different safari locations. Think desert-adapted elephants and lions, surreal dunes of the Namib Desert and stark, cinematic landscapes.

Rwanda

Demand for gorilla trekking reveals no indicators of slowing, and Ritchie says Rwanda is main the best way and a particular “hot spot” for the type of once-in-a-lifetime experiences individuals are prioritizing now.

Zimbabwe

Ritchie lately visited Zimbabwe along with her daughter and enterprise accomplice and got here away impressed. “We finished at Lake Kariba at a six-star property called Fothergill Island, and it was amazing,” she says. Combined with Victoria Falls—one of many pure wonders of the world—Zimbabwe is reemerging as a premier safari vacation spot. “It went off the radar for a while, but it’s back,” she says.

Bhutan

Earlier this 12 months, Ritchie led a consumer journey to Bhutan, and it left an enduring mark. “That should be on everybody’s bucket list. It’s not overtouristed because they took care of that when they decided they were going to open the country to tourism. It’s very interesting, amazing food, a beautiful country. The people are amazing,” she says. Her prime place to remain is &Beyond Punakha River Lodge, which she describes as “to die for.”

Iceland And The Nordics

Cooler climates are more and more interesting to her purchasers, with locations like Iceland, Norway and Scotland turning into summer season favorites for vacationers seeking to escape the warmth. Ritchie lately sailed with Ponant in Iceland. “It was everything you’d want in a luxury small cruise line,” she says. “It was amazing service, incredible food. It was French and had a really interesting clientele. It’s a small ship, and it never felt crowded. The service was impeccable.”

Explora Journeys

She additionally praises Explora Journeys, a more moderen small ship cruise line she compares to “a Four Seasons on the water,” due to its elegant design, standout artwork and numerous eating choices. “We love Explora and everybody that we’ve put on it has loved it, too.”

Madrid, Spain

As a self-professed palace lodge junkie, Ritchie is very excited concerning the reimagining of Santo Mauro, a historic palace remodeled by designer Lorenzo Castillo. “Anything that he touches is absolutely splendid,” she says. Madrid itself can be gaining floor as extra vacationers look past Barcelona. With world-class museums, tree-lined boulevards and an evolving eating scene, it presents the proper mixture of historical past and modernity.

Utah

Closer to dwelling, Ritchie is watching the rise of Black Desert Resort in Utah. Set among the many pink rocks close to Zion National Park, the sprawling mission combines championship golf with luxurious residences, a wellness-focused spa and out of doors journey. “It’s the kind of place that can redefine what a U.S. desert vacation looks like,” she says. With nationwide parks close by and a design that blends seamlessly with the panorama, Black Desert presents vacationers an American various to long-haul journey journey.

The Expert: David Rappel

For greater than three many years, Miami-based advisor David Rappel has specialised in high-touch, extremely personalized itineraries for an elite world clientele. He says his type is hands-on: “My phone is never off,” Rappel advised me in an interview. And he describes himself as extra of a concierge-style journey advisor: “I’m very involved, down to the smallest touches that make a client’s stay exactly what they want.”

Rappel is affiliated with Global Travel Collection, a division of Internova, and his purchasers—from tech entrepreneurs to C-suite executives to well-known celebs—count on not simply five-star service however seamless logistics, personal entry and even safety issues. And the sky is the restrict: He orchestrated a personal “Amazing Race”-style scavenger hunt throughout Hong Kong for one consumer. “I have discovered all is possible for a price,” he says. Closing down the Sistine Chapel for a consumer? No downside. The solely want he couldn’t grant was closing the Sydney Bridge for a personal dinner, which one consumer needed.

Rappel says that ILTM North America is the place he reconnects with trusted companions and discovers the latest properties that may outline what’s subsequent in journey. “I hear about new trends at the show, and I am looking forward to hearing about new opportunities for my clients,” he says. Here are the locations and resorts on his radar.

Abacos, The Bahamas

“This is an easy-to-get-to destination from the USA. These islands are a perfect escape, less than an hour by flight from Florida,” he says. While Nassau is the gateway, Rappel urges vacationers to discover the Out Islands, the place the seashores are quieter and the ambiance extra unique. “The Out Islands are worth the visit.” One of essentially the most anticipated openings is Montage Cay within the Abacos, a private-island resort that may convey Montage’s model of understated luxurious to the Out Islands. Rappel additionally notes that the one-to-one peg between the Bahamian and U.S. {dollars} makes it a simple alternative for American vacationers.

New York City

“What can’t be said about this city, from the museums to Broadway. As always there is something new, in this case it’s two hotels,” says Rappel. The first is the newly reopened Waldorf Astoria New York. “The Grande Dame is back,” he says, noting that it’s “the glamour of the Gilded Age meets modern expectations.” The lodge has returned with simply 375 rooms and suites—down from greater than 1,400 pre-renovation. The smaller scale means more room, gentle and a focus to element. “The next highly anticipated hotel opening is a true favorite of mine from Miami Beach: the Faena New York.” Expect a daring design, cool artwork programming and simply 120 rooms and suites.

London

London continues to be a favourite for his enterprise and leisure purchasers, and Rappel is watching two new arrivals carefully. The first is The Chancery Rosewood, a change of the previous U.S. Embassy on Grosvenor Square right into a “hospitality wonderland.” The second: Six Senses London, the Asian wellness-focused model’s entry into the U.Ok. market. Located in Bayswater, it is going to characteristic a three-floor spa and an enormous indoor pool. “Highlights include 3,500 square feet dedicated to fitness and a 65-foot indoor swimming pool,” says Rappel.

Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, Rappel is worked up about Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve inside the protected Papagayo Peninsula. With simply 36 villas and 14 property houses, the property will emphasize sustainability and cultural immersion alongside Ritz-Carlton’s signature service. “It’s the kind of place that forces even established neighbors like Four Seasons to step up their game,” he says.

The Expert: Jason C. Miller – Accomplished

Jason C. Miller didn’t begin his profession in journey—he spent a decade in prescribed drugs earlier than founding Accomplished in 2006. But his pivot wasn’t simply skilled; it was private. “I decided to turn my love of travel into a career…one focused on meaningful connections, top-notch service and truly memorable experiences around the world,” he advised me in an interview. Today, Miller leads a world staff that designs journeys for vacationers who count on type, depth and insider entry each step of the best way.

Miller says he’s most enthusiastic about how luxurious metropolis resorts are evolving and “bringing wellness, heritage and cutting-edge design into urban environments,” he says. “Travelers want to be in the heart of the action without giving up the chance to recharge, and 2026 will be a big year for city stays that feel as restorative as a resort.”

He’s additionally seeing an evolution with established luxurious manufacturers which are main the best way in a brand new type of journey—“one that mixes culture, design, wellness and personal touches to create trips people remember just as much for how they felt as for where they went.”

For Miller, ILTM North America is an opportunity to remain forward of the curve. “ILTM North America is one of the most inspiring events in the travel industry. It has that perfect mix of being intimate but still super impactful…bringing together top hotels and destinations from around the globe with the best North American travel advisors,” he says. “I always walk away with fresh ideas, new connections and a better sense of where luxury travel is headed.” Here’s what’s on his radar for 2026.

New York City

Echoing fellow advisor David Rappel, Miller has his eye on two main Manhattan openings that promise to reshape the town’s luxurious panorama: Waldorf Astoria New York (“a true icon is making a comeback—blending its rich history with a fresh take on luxury,” he says) and Faena New York (“Faena’s signature blend of art, culture, and hospitality will bring fresh energy to New York City’s luxury scene”).

The Chancery Rosewood, London

Miller additionally agrees with Rappel relating to London’s Chancery Rosewood. “A historic landmark (former U.S. Embassy) turned modern masterpiece, offering Rosewood’s signature residential style in one of London’s most prestigious locations,” he says.

Six Senses’ European Capitals: London, Rome, Milan

Wellness within the coronary heart of the town—that’s what excites Miller about Six Senses’ growth into Europe’s capitals, together with new areas in London, Rome and Milan. “Six Senses always delivers the wellness experience they’re known for—this time in major cities,” he says.

Mandarin Oriental, Vienna

Vienna is having a second, and Mandarin Oriental, Vienna is cementing it with this transformation of a Nineteenth-century courthouse. “This one should be the perfect mix of Viennese heritage and contemporary sophistication, destined to be a new hot spot in Vienna,” says Miller.

Orient Express: Trains, Hotels And Yachts

Orient Express is weaving a community of experiences that span land and sea. La Dolce Vita, its new luxurious prepare, will revive the golden age of rail throughout Italy. Hotels in Rome and Venice will carry that aesthetic into hospitality. “Orient Express is redefining glamorous, multi-modal luxury travel with the launch of La Dolce Vita train and their two new luxury hotels in Rome and Venice,” Miller says. And the upcoming Orient Express yachts will convey luxurious onto the water.

Branded Yachts: Ritz-Carlton And Four Seasons

Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons are additionally bringing five-star service to the seas. “I think the luxury branded yachts are going to change the cruise scene, especially a younger demographic and those that don’t usually cruise—more of a luxury hotel on the water,” says Miller.

MORE FROM FORBES:

ForbesThe Star Of ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ Shares His Best Travel Tips And His Latest Project—A Travel Rewards Credit CardBy Laura Begley BloomForbesHow This Hospitality Visionary Is Rewriting The Rules Of Luxury TravelBy Laura Begley BloomForbesThe 20 Best Cities To Live In The World, According To A 2025 ReportBy Laura Begley Bloom