BEST PLACES TO TRAVEL IN 2026
Planning your next adventure? If 2026 is your year to explore the world, there’s no shortage of incredible destinations waiting for you. Whether you’re dreaming of tropical islands, epic road trips, vibrant cities or unforgettable wildlife, these are the best places to travel in 2026.
At Ultimate Travel, we’ve spent years helping thousands of backpackers and young travellers experience these incredible destinations through expertly planned group tours. Here’s our pick of the top destinations to add to your 2026 travel bucket list.
Australia – The Ultimate Gap Year Experience
If you’ve always dreamed of moving abroad, working while you travel or completing the ultimate road trip, Australia should be at the top of your list.
From iconic cities like Sydney and Melbourne to tropical islands, rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef, Australia offers something for every type of traveller.
Must-visit places
Sydney
Byron Bay
Surfers Paradise
K’gari (Fraser Island)
Airlie Beach
Whitsundays
Cairns
Great Barrier Reef
Why visit in 2026?
Working Holiday opportunities
Incredible weather
World-famous beaches
Amazing wildlife
Easy backpacker travel routes
Best for: Gap years, backpacking, campervans and group tours.
New Zealand
If dramatic landscapes are your thing, New Zealand should be next on your list.
Home to glaciers, alpine lakes, volcanoes and some of the world’s most scenic roads, it’s one of the best countries to explore by campervan or on a guided group tour.
Highlights
Queenstown
Milford Sound
Rotorua
Mount Cook
Franz Josef Glacier
Lake Tekapo
Perfect for:
Adventure lovers
Hikers
Campervan travellers
Nature photographers
Thailand – The Perfect First Backing Trip
Thailand continues to be one of the world’s favourite backpacking destinations and for good reason.
Think island hopping, incredible street food, jungle adventures, vibrant nightlife and some of the friendliest locals you’ll ever meet.
Don’t miss
Bangkok
Phuket
Phi Phi Islands
Krabi
Khao Sok National Park
Koh Samui
Koh Tao
Best for
First-time backpackers
Solo travellers
Budget travel
Island hopping
Vietnam – Culture Meets Adventure
Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most rewarding destinations, combining incredible food, rich history and breathtaking scenery.
Whether you’re cruising through Ha Long Bay, wandering Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets or riding through the mountains of northern Vietnam, every day feels different.
Top experiences
Ha Long Bay cruise
Hoi An Ancient Town
Ho Chi Minh City
Hanoi
Mekong Delta
Bali – More Than Just Instagram
Bali offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.
Spend your mornings chasing waterfalls, afternoons learning to surf and evenings watching the sunset from beach clubs overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Perfect for:
Digital nomads
Couples
Solo travellers
Wellness retreats
The Philippines
Crystal-clear lagoons, hidden beaches and world-class snorkelling make this a dream destination for ocean lovers. With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines is one of the most beautiful destinations on Earth.
Top places:
El Nido
Coron
Cebu
Siargao
Fiji – Paradise in the South Pacific
If your dream holiday involves turquoise water, white sand beaches and snorkelling with colourful marine life, Fiji is hard to beat.
It’s also the perfect stopover before or after travelling Australia or New Zealand.
Why Travel with Ultimate Travel?
Travelling independently is exciting, but joining a group tour means you can experience more with less stress.
When you travel with Ultimate Travel, you’ll enjoy:
Expert local guides
Accommodation organised for you
Bucket-list activities included
Like-minded travellers from around the world
Safe, stress-free travel
Lifelong friendships
Whether you’re starting a gap year, travelling solo or ticking destinations off your bucket list, our tours are designed to help you experience the very best each destination has to offer.
Ready to Travel in 2026?
If you’re wondering where to travel in 2026, you can’t go wrong with Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Vietnam, Bali, the Philippines or Fiji. Each destination offers its own unique mix of adventure, culture, wildlife and unforgettable experiences.
Whether you want to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, hike through New Zealand’s mountains, explore Thailand’s islands or discover Vietnam’s vibrant culture, there’s never been a better time to start planning your next adventure.
Explore Ultimate Travel’s group tours and make 2026 your biggest year of adventure yet.
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