From Bucket List To Boarding Pass: 5 Trips To Book In 2026, According To Our Team

We’ve all fallen victim to the “yeah, soon one day” thought trap. The result? Sold-out clothes. Concert tickets falling between our fingers. Dishes get taken off menus. And heck, a friend moving away before that Gold Coast trip makes it out of the group chat. 

As for where we’re going? We’ve done our homework. Here’s where the team is dreaming of jetting off to make this the year it finally happens.

Samoa And Tonga

 It’s a tropical double-whammy for senior client service manager, Pia Prestley. "I'm booking in warm weather, beautiful water, beaches and cultural experiences in Tonga and Samoa," she notes, diving right in. 

And diving right in, she literally will be, with a full stack of snorkelling nooks across the two countries. Plus, extra beachy relaxation comes in the form of not battling crowds and maneuvering through cabanas. “I think it's still a bit under the radar, so keen to check it out,” adds Pia.

Just a stone’s throw from Aotearoa, for Pia, an island trip is a no-brainer for 2026.  

Tokyo

Sprawling with neighbourhood galleries, cult fashion districts and time-honoured tea rituals, Tokyo is a playground for design lovers—and a full-sensory feast—for client services manager, Maddy Ainsworth. “I'm a vintage shopping addict, and Tokyo has arguably the best vintage shops in the world,” she says.

“Sashimi is my favourite thing in the world, so I'd love to go and spend an entire day at the Tsukiji Fish Market and go to town checking all of the amazing sushi and street food snacks,” shares Maddy.

Tokyo’s pretty much handing you a holiday on a silver platter.

Gold Coast 

“I'm dead keen to lock in a trip to the GC,” confesses commercial content editor, Bridget. “So many friends have come back raving about it—especially for surfing.”

It’s a trip that’ll command plenty of open tabs; there are that many beaches, breaks and neighbourhoods to explore on the Gold Coast. Chasing a clean break and a ready-made crew? Burleigh and Coolangatta are the classics, but the lesser-hyped pockets of Currumbin and Palm Beach are gems. And if you’re keen to go all-in, surf schools and beachfront stays will sort you out.

“Catch me on the Gold Coast come 2026 on a longboard with a cocktail in hand.”

Cruise into 2026 knowing your next beach day is stamped and booked.

San Francisco

“I’ve been fanging to check out San Fran for years now, after I was robbed of the opportunity to study abroad,” shares commercial content producer, Isabella Jeffrey. 

“Regardless of that, the art, culture, food, hills and home to Princess Diaries—I’m still sold.” 

The backdrop to our producer's comfort film, San Francisco is packed with cultural corners beyond the silver screen to explore. From a bustling Chinatown to the Museum of Modern Art, and fresh, Bourdain-approved seafood straight from the bay at Swan Oyster Depot. Add brisk walks up and down the iconic hills, and you’ll be digesting both full minds and full bellies alike.

Make this the year and book in time for summer.

New York City

Not one to shy away from a long-haul flight, Urban List contributor Ava Wardecki has her eye on the Big Apple. “It’ll be a trip where my head is permanently perched upwards. Spending far too long gazing at intricate facades and building details. Then, popping inside for exhibitions galore.”

The Met, The Guggenheim, Smithsonian Design Museum, Museum of Fashion Institute of Technology—there’s no shortage of art and society fixes. 

“Of course, it’ll be visit a-la-Tim Gunn: suited up and strolling around as part of a Sunday ritual, pretending that I’m 100% a local.” 

Editor's note: This article was produced in partnership with Air New Zealand. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.

Image: Urban List.