After a period of shifting global priorities and renewed appreciation for meaningful travel, 2026 is emerging as a defining year for exploration. Travellers are venturing farther with a heightened interest in destinations that provide not only escape but also cultural exploration, immersion in nature and personal renewal. The demand for transformative experiences is at its strongest, as travellers seek journeys that foster authentic connections with place, people, and purpose.
"We're witnessing a shift towards intentional travel in 2026," says Cristina Levis, CEO at AKTG. "Our guests aren't just seeking beautiful destinations - they want experiences that challenge perspectives, forge genuine connections and create lasting impact. Whether it's witnessing the Northern Lights at their most spectacular, exploring newly accessible archaeological wonders or connecting with nomadic cultures, these travellers are choosing journeys that will fundamentally enrich their understanding of our world. This isn't just about ticking boxes; it's about collecting moments that will define a lifetime."
Here, A&K's international network of destination experts reveal the places that will entice exploration in 2026.
- Kenya
Kenya has been synonymous with safari since the very idea of modern safari took shape more than a century ago, and it continues to captivate with its extraordinary landscapes, diverse wildlife and cultural richness. In 2026, travellers seeking a fresh perspective should look to Amboseli National Park, which enjoys near mythic status among wildlife lovers, thanks to its position in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, the particular grandeur of its landscape and the vast herds of elephants that inhabit it. The mid-year opening of Kitirua Plains Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary, in Amboseli marks a milestone moment for Abercrombie & Kent, arriving six decades after Geoffrey Kent pioneered the modern luxury safari in Kenya. Set within a 128-acre private concession, the lodge features just 13 organic standalone suites, including 2 two-bedroom suites, surrounded by untamed wilderness where some of Africa’s last great tuskers roam – an enduring symbol of A&K’s safari legacy.
A&K EXPERT INSIGHT "We're witnessing the emergence of 'legacy safaris' - multigenerational groups seeking transformative wildlife encounters that blend meaningful conservation work with a solid safari experiences Kenya remains the gold standard, with families now extending stays to include hands-on conservation alongside traditional game drives, creating deeper emotional connections to wildlife preservation."
- Choquequirao, Peru
While Machu Picchu continues to draw global travellers and Lima asserts itself as a culinary capital (home to Maido, crowned #1 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025), Peru’s next frontier for adventure seekers is Choquequirao. Often called Machu Picchu’s sister city (similar in scale and complexity, yet accessible only on foot), it currently welcomes fewer visitors in a year than Machu Picchu does in a single day. Plans for a future cable car could change that, making now the ideal time to explore away from the crowds.
A&K EXPERT INSIGHT "We're seeing an increase 'archaeological adventure' bookings - travellers who want to earn their cultural discoveries through physical challenge. Choquequirao represents the perfect storm: untouched Incan heritage, serious trekking credentials, and the ticking clock of impending accessibility. It's become the ultimate bragging rights destination for guests who've already conquered other iconic climbs and are seeking the next cultural pinnacle."
- Egypt
In a country that never stops revealing its ancient secrets, Egypt’s biggest reveal is still to come. After years of anticipation, the Grand Egyptian Museum, set in the shadow of the Giza Pyramids, will finally open 1 November 2025. The world's largest archaeological museum will house 100,000 artefacts, including 5,340 of King Tutankhamun's treasures displayed together for the first time since their discovery in 1922. Abercrombie & Kent’s newest Nile cruiser, Nile Seray, will debut in 2026, offering a fresh take on river travel. Expect polished interiors, just 32 expansive suites, and a rooftop pool deck designed for sipping hibiscus tea as the temples of Luxor and Aswan drift by. Every cruise onboard Nile Seray includes insider access to spectacular tombs in the West Bank: Queen Nefertari, Seti I, Ramses VI, and King Tutankhamun.
A&K EXPERT INSIGHT " Egypt is drawing sophisticated travellers seeking genuine cultural immersion and the Grand Egyptian Museum opening has created a 'now or never' mentality - guests are booking far ahead to secure private access before global tourism rebounds fully. We're also seeing a trend towards Egyptology-focused trips with genuine archaeological involvement."
- Lapland
As the northern lights are expected to continue their electrifying crescendo through 2026, the Nordics are hitting peak cool. Seeing the phenomenon is wild but never guaranteed – and there are so many more reasons to go to these storied, soul-stirring lands of ice and snow. Treehouse hotels and futuristic cabins are materialising in spectacular wilderness locations. This is the home of ice therapy and cold-water swimming, wellness practices which are stitched into the fabric of society and everyday life in this region. Coolcations continue to be hot, while the skyrocketing astro-tourism trend is luring more eyes-on-the-skies travellers than ever in 2026, as the solar maximum reaches the peak of its 11-year cycle. 2026 is forecasted to have more frequent, brighter, and more colourful lightshows of the aurora borealis than average, including green, pink, purple, and even rare reds and blues.
A&K EXPERT INSIGHT "The Nordic region is experiencing unprecedented demand as travellers chase the 'peak aurora' moment of the solar maximum. But we're also seeing a shift towards wellness-focused Arctic experiences - ice therapy retreats, midnight sun meditation, and biophilic design hotels. It's wellness tourism meets celestial theatre, appealing to guests seeking both physical and spiritual transformation."
- Iceland
As the Northern Lights are expected to continue their electrifying crescendo through 2026, Iceland is hitting peak cool. The land of fire and ice offers the ultimate "astrotourism" experience, with the solar maximum reaching its 11-year peak coinciding perfectly with the total solar eclipse crossing Iceland on 12 August 2026. But there's so much more than celestial spectacle: dramatic volcanic landscapes, pristine glacial lagoons, and geothermal wonders create an otherworldly backdrop for adventure. The rise of coolcations continues to draw travellers seeking dramatic natural phenomena, whilst Iceland's sophisticated infrastructure of design hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants ensures luxury alongside the raw wilderness. From the mystical Northern Lights in winter to the midnight sun of summer, Iceland delivers year-round magic for those seeking transformative natural encounters.
A&K EXPERT INSIGHT "Iceland has become the ultimate 'phenomenon destination' - travellers aren't just seeking beautiful places, they want to witness rare natural events. The 2026 eclipse creates a once-in-a-lifetime astronomical tourism opportunity, whilst the solar maximum ensures the most spectacular Northern Lights in over a decade. We're seeing bookings surge as guests realise this convergence of celestial events won't happen again for generations."
- Madhya Pradesh, India
Launched in 1973 to protect the species, Project Tiger laid the foundation for India’s long-running conservation success. Twenty years after the pivotal 2006 Tiger Census revealed the population at a historic low, those efforts have paid off: India’s wild tiger numbers have soared to around 3,682, over 160% higher than its once-dire low, and now accounting for roughly 75% of the world’s wild Bengal tigers. And there's no better place to find them than the lush forests of Madhya Pradesh, the state with the highest concentration of these iconic big cats.
In addition to greatly improving the endangered creature’s chance of survival – and our chance of spotting them on tiger safaris - there’s a marked increase, too, in super-special places to stay around these national parks. In Pench National Park, the history of Jamtara Wilderness Camp is closely intertwined with the early efforts of Project Tiger, while in Bandhavgarh National Park, another tiger stronghold, the Oberoi Vindhyavilas just opened and has reported excellent tiger sightings by guests. Additionally, the brand’s much-anticipated Oberoi Rajgarh Palace is set to open near Madhya Pradesh’s Panna National Park.
A&K EXPERT INSIGHT "India's conservation success story is driving a new breed of 'impact safaris' - travellers who want to witness rewilding in action. Tiger tourism has evolved from pure wildlife spotting to understanding ecosystem restoration, with guests increasingly booking longer stays to engage with conservation projects. The luxury lodges opening around tiger reserves show how high-end tourism can fund wildlife protection."
- Mongolia
While many travellers once considered Mongolia too remote, too vast and too wild, United is appealing to the adventurous traveller with its recent launch of seasonal nonstop service from Tokyo/Narita, making it the first U.S. airline to serve Mongolia. Home to one of the world's last surviving nomadic cultures, Mongolia’s sense of heritage and tradition runs deep. Traditional gers, or yurts, dot the high plains, the spirit of the steppe permeates daily life, and crowds gather in stadiums to cheer on ancient sports dating back to before Genghis Khan. And while Mongolia is changing, it remains the land of the "eternal blue sky" – a place where the night skies bloom with a million stars.
A&K EXPERT INSIGHT "Mongolia represents a frontier of cultural immersion - travellers seeking authentic nomadic experiences. The improved flight connections have made it accessible to time-pressed travellers who want profound cultural encounters. We're seeing huge interest from guests who've 'done' everything from beach holidays to expedition cruises and want something that challenges their worldview and has the brag factor.
- Okavango Delta, Botswana
With the world speculating about where certain high-profile newlyweds are planning to retreat after their wedding, couples everywhere are reimagining what a honeymoon can be. And while many will anticipate glamorous European islands or iconic beach destinations, the real story is the rise of remote luxury. More than ever, couples are seeking escapes that feel deeply personal, wildly romantic and decidedly off the grid. And there is no better embodiment of that than Botswana’s Okavango Delta. With its private concessions, untamed wilderness and exclusive lodges that blend understated luxury with complete seclusion, the Delta offers newlyweds not just privacy, but a personal invitation into one of the most pristine ecosystems on earth. It’s the type of destination that delivers a once-in-a-lifetime journey that is both aspirational and intimate.
A&K EXPERT INSIGHT "The Okavango represents the pinnacle of 'ultra-private luxury' - couples are increasingly seeking destinations where exclusivity isn't just about price, but genuine remoteness. With just six suites at Baines' Lodge, guests often encounter more elephants than people during their entire stay.
- Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula just may be the last true frontier for eco-luxury adventure. Home to Corcovado National Park (known as “the most biologically intense place on Earth”), Osa Peninsula contains a staggering abundance of wildlife: nearly 3% of all species on the planet, from jaguars to tapirs, scarlet macaws and all four of Costa Rica’s monkey species. As Costa Rica’s better-known hotspots draw ever-larger crowds, Osa remains blissfully off-the-beaten-path (since it's only accessible by boat) making it paradise for wildlife lovers and travellers in search of authentic adventure.
A&K EXPERT INSIGHT " "The Osa Peninsula perfectly captures the 'last frontier luxury' trend - guests seeking places that feel genuinely undiscovered yet offer sophisticated comfort. Whilst accessible by domestic flight to Puerto Jiménez or Drake Bay, exploring the peninsula by yacht unlocks unparalleled access to Corcovado National Park and remote coastal areas unreachable by land. This yacht-based approach is becoming increasingly popular for remote destinations worldwide, offering the perfect blend of expedition-style exploration with five-star amenities."
- Seoul, South Korea
All eyes have been on Japan since it was one of the last countries to open to tourism post-Covid, which means South Korea just may be Asia’s most compelling cosmopolitan alternative, rapidly emerging on travel wish lists thanks to the surging global appeal of K-culture, from K-pop and K-dramas, to trendsetting beauty and design and culinary innovation. This is “cool Korea” in full bloom, a place where cutting-edge tech and fashion seamlessly mingle with centuries-old palaces, vibrant neighbourhoods, and a dynamic food scene that rivals anywhere in Asia.
A&K EXPERT INSIGHT "Seoul is riding the perfect wave of K-culture global dominance and improved accessibility. We're seeing an increased interest; travellers want to experience the authentic Korea behind the cultural exports. The city represents the new Asian luxury travel paradigm: hyper-modern yet deeply traditional, cosmopolitan yet uniquely Korean."
- Dolomites, Italy
The 2026 Winter Olympics kick off in nearby Cortina d’Ampezzo in February, but once the games conclude, savvy travellers can take advantage of the gleaming new hotels and revitalized villages, without the Olympic crowds. A cluster of exciting hotel debuts include the reopening of Aman Rosa Alpina in San Cassiano and the stylish reimagining of Hotel Ancora in Cortina this summer, and the First Hotel Cortina and Hotel Cristallo reinvention as a Mandarin Oriental, both opening later this year.
A&K EXPERT INSIGHT "The Dolomites represent the perfect 'post-Olympic opportunity' - all the infrastructure benefits without the crowds or inflated prices. We're seeing luxury travellers increasingly seek destinations with Olympic pedigree but authentic local culture. The region's combination of dramatic Alpine scenery, world-class hotels, and Italy's inherent sophistication makes it irresistible for guests who want mountain adventure with Italian flair."
- Slovenia
Savvy travellers seeking to avoid the crowds are discovering Slovenia - a sophisticated Alpine escape that offers all the mountain drama and cultural richness of its better-known neighbours. This compact gem nestled between Austria and Croatia delivers extraordinary diversity: from the fairy-tale Lake Bled to the underground marvels of Škocjan Caves, from the wine regions of the Vipava Valley to the pristine Triglav National Park. Slovenia's culinary scene is having its moment too, with chef Ana Roš's two-Michelin-starred Hiša Franko leading a new generation of innovative restaurants that celebrate hyper-local ingredients and foraging traditions. With Ljubljana pursuing bold sustainable tourism initiatives and a new wave of design-conscious boutique properties opening across the country, Slovenia represents the future of responsible luxury travel - intimate, authentic, and refreshingly uncrowded.
A&K EXPERT INSIGHT "Slovenia embodies the 'anti-overtourism' movement perfectly - guests are actively seeking destinations that offer authentic European experiences without battling crowds at every turn. We're seeing a 75% increase in enquiries as travellers discover Slovenia delivers everything they love about the Alps and Mediterranean, but with genuine local encounters and sustainable tourism practices. It's become the ultimate 'insider's Europe' destination."
- Mallorca, Spain
Already on eclipse-chasers’ radars, Mallorca lies at the heart of the August 12, 2026 total eclipse. Once a seasonal playground, it has emerged as one of Europe’s most alluring year-round luxury destinations, featuring dramatic mountain-meets-sea landscapes, 300 days of sunshine, and a flourishing culinary scene. Recent and upcoming openings from leading hospitality brands – including Four Seasons (2025) and Mandarin Oriental (2026) – are elevating the island’s accommodations to new heights.
A&K EXPERT INSIGHT "Mallorca has evolved into Europe's ultimate year-round luxury escape, capitalising on the 'climate refuge' trend as travellers seek reliable sunshine without long-haul flight guilt. The August 2026 eclipse creates a unique astronomical tourism opportunity, but the real draw is the island's sophisticated infrastructure - Michelin-starred dining, world-class hotels, and cultural depth that rivals any European capital.
