Skip The Tourist Traps, Here’s Our Top 10 Trending Travel Destinations For 2026

If 2025 was all about Euro summers and Bali resets, 2026 is shaping up to be the year Aussie travellers branch out—ditching the usual hotspots for smaller, slower and seriously stunning destinations. Think tropical islands that still feel untouched, artsy cities in the middle of a glow-up, and eco-luxe escapes where beach days, resort vibes and sunset cocktails are simply non-negotiable.

These are the destinations quietly climbing everyone’s wishlists and set to define travel in 2026.

Phu Quoc

Vietnam

Image credit: Vietnam Tourism | Website

A tropical island escape with white-sand beaches, lush jungle backdrops and seafood-packed night markets.

Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s answer to the tropical island fantasy—powdery beaches, jungle-backed coves, and resort pools you’ll never want to leave. Days here slip by in the dreamiest way: riding scooters around the island, hopping between beaches, snorkelling turquoise water and stopping at markets for grilled seafood and coconut ice cream. If Vietnam’s on the list (it should be), this island is the essential add-on.

Labuan Bajo

Indonesia

 Image credit: AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach | Supplied

Eco-luxe island vibes, pink beaches, manta rays and sunset sails at the gateway to Komodo National Park.

Labuan Bajo feels like Santorini—just much closer, less crowded and far more wild. Once a sleepy fishing town, it’s now the luxe launchpad to Komodo National Park, where manta rays, coral gardens and actual dragons await. Expect waterfront resorts, romantic cruises and laidback Indonesian charm without the European price tag.

Hamilton

New Zealand

 Image credit: 100% New Zealand | Website

A chilled river city with glowworm caves, lush gardens and easy day trips to Raglan’s surf beaches.

Skip the usual NZ suspects and fly straight into Hamilton—an easy, laidback base blending culture, nature and cool cafés. Think glowworm caves, riverside walks, beautiful gardens and black-sand surf just down the road. With new direct flights from Sydney, it’s never been simpler to tap into the Waikato region’s underrated magic.

Koror

Palau

 Image credit: Qantas | Website

Crystal-blue lagoons, pristine reefs and WWII wrecks in one of the Pacific’s most photogenic destinations.

Koror looks like a screensaver: neon lagoons, coral-loaded reefs and jungle-topped islands scattered across the Pacific. With new direct flights from Australia and surprisingly good value, it’s suddenly within reach—offering snorkelling, island-hopping and blissful beach days minus the crowds.

Arusha

Tanzania

 Image credit: Asilia Africa | Website

A buzzing cultural hub with a new Jane Goodall museum, Afro-minimalist makers and conservation-focused safaris.

Arusha is evolving fast—no longer just a safari gateway but a thriving creative city at the foot of Mount Meru. Expect design-led studios, lively cafés, local entrepreneurs and conservation experiences in every direction. Add the 2026 opening of the Jane Goodall museum and a brand-new stadium, and the energy is electric.

Brussels

Belgium

 Image credit: Cathay Pacific | Website

Europe’s newest culture crush with design hotels, rooftop bars and the huge Kanal–Centre Pompidou opening.

Brussels is in the middle of a serious glow-up, transforming from bureaucratic hub to creative powerhouse. Vast new art spaces, revived Belle Époque landmarks and chef-driven food halls make it perfect for a culture-meets-cocktails Euro trip. Spring festivals, art fairs and the Belgian Grand Prix add even more buzz.

Abrolhos Islands

Western Australia

 Image credit: Tourism WA | Website

Remote coral reefs, epic marine life and off-the-map island adventures just off the WA coast.

Floating off Geraldton, the Abrolhos Islands are a wild blue frontier—122 coral-fringed atolls where birdlife, shipwreck stories and clear-water snorkelling take centre stage. With more sea turtles than people and barely any footprint, it’s one of Australia’s last truly untouched escapes.

Taipei

Taiwan

 Image credit: Taiwan Tourism | Website

Night markets, temples, sky-high city views and easy adventures to hot springs, hikes and beaches.

Dynamic, delicious and ultra-easy to explore, Taipei blends modern energy with deep cultural roots. Slurp noodles at night markets, visit temples, browse imperial treasures, then hop on the metro to hike mountain trails or unwind at surf-friendly beaches. It’s Asia’s most underrated capital.

Naoshima

Japan

 Image credit: Yayoi Kusama and Tadasu Yamamoto | Japan Travel Website

A dreamy art-island escape filled with Tadao Ando museums, outdoor installations and sea-drenched calm.

Naoshima is Japan’s art-meets-island fantasy—museum-studded hillsides, quirky installations, quiet fishing lanes and iconic seaside sculptures. With a brand-new contemporary art museum open and boutique stays on the horizon, now’s the time to wander between galleries and ocean views before everyone else catches on.

Dominica

Caribbean

 Image credit: Lonely Planet | Website

Pristine rainforests, hot springs and the world’s first sperm whale reserve.

Dominica is about to have its global moment. Home to roughly 200 resident sperm whales, the island is on the brink of establishing the world’s first-ever sperm whale reserve in early 2026—protecting 800 square kilometres of Caribbean waters and offering tightly regulated, low-impact whale encounters for travellers. On land, it’s pure wilderness: two-thirds of the island is untouched rainforest dotted with waterfalls, hot springs and volcanic peaks.