Return to the Icons - and the incredible side trips worth taking

Oh, the places you’ll go. Kick-start your travel plans for 2025 by returning to dream destinations and then taking a slight detour.

Santorini, Barcelona, Bali, Tokyo, Machu Pichu, Venice, the Amalfi Coast, Honolulu, London and Kruger National Park. These are all bucket-list destinations that travellers around the world continue to dream of. And while these iconic places remain incredible to visit, research shows that travellers are dreaming of zigging where others zag to experience new places. Sure, return to the icons in a mindful manner. But why not take it down a few gears and see more of the under-the-radar attractions, too? There are a lot of coins in fountains around the world thrown by people who want to return to certain cities. But here are some ideas to get you started that include the main attraction and its B sides.

1. Barcelona, Spain

La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona — La Sagrada Familia is a one-of-a-kind architectural masterpiece. (Image: Getty Images/Vladislav Zolotov)

Barcelona’s tourism trajectory really shot into the stratosphere after the 1992 Olympics. The best things to do in Barcelona have not changed with first-time visitors suitably bewitched by its art and architecture. Big-ticket items include Gaudi’s iconic architecture, the Gothic La Sagrada Família, and rambling along La Rambla. Look out for street mosaics, visit the Mercat de Sant Antoni and head to Barcelonata for a Spanish version of LA’s Muscle Beach.

Side trip: Girona, Spain

Girona, Spain is one of Spain’s most beautiful B Sides. Sip on coffees in Girona’s Old Quarter, climb to the Força Vella fortress, which was built in the first century (BC) and take some happy snaps in front of the coloured houses along the River Onyar. Stay at the bougie Hotel Palau Fugit so you can dine at Dit i Fet, led by alum of the three-Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca. The high-speed train from Barcelona will get you to Girona in under 40 minutes.

Side trip: Málaga, Spain

Pablo Picasso Birthplace Building in Malaga, Spain — Malaga is a renowned art destination, being the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. (Image: Getty Images/Ivan Spasic)

Málaga was founded by the Phoenicians in the 8^th century and is best known as the birthplace of Picasso. A mini-break in the Andalusian trading port should therefore include a visit to the Museo Picasso Málaga housing the painter’s art, personal effects and furnishings. Wander the maze of cobbled streets in the Old City, climb to Gibralfaro Castle and take a day trip to pueblos blancos (white towns) scattered around the town like cubes of sugar.

2. Santorini, Greece

The whitewashed villages of Santorini receive about 3.4 million visitors each year. Luckily, there are measures in place to safeguard the island’s success as a destination. The village of Oia has a Presidential Decree that regulates the number of bars, restaurants and cafes allowed to operate. The daily limit of cruise passengers the island receives has also been slashed from 20,000 to a maximum of 8000. Avoid the crowds by visiting the village of Finikia during the shoulder season and booking a sustainable stay at a boutique property such as Canaves Ena, part of the considered Canaves Collection.

Side trip: Folegandros

island of Folejandros — Beach seekers will love Folejandros. (Image: Bonita Grima)

There is no cruise ship terminal on the lesser-known Greek island of Folegandros. And that’s just how the Australian owners of the Greek island’s first five-star hotel like it. Launch yourself into the landscape from Gundari Resort, which offers curated nature-based experiences and luxury boat trips to secret beaches. Spend the day hiking the island’s ancient pathways before holing up at the clifftop resort to enjoy dinner at Orizon, where the menus were curated by Greece’s first Michelin-starred chef.

Side trip: Paros

Paros Islands, Greece — Paros is as gorgeous as Santorini. (Image: Getty Images/SHansche)

Paros is one of the most underrated islands in the Cyclades. It’s just as pretty as Santorini with its pops of pink bougainvillea and whitewashed villages. But the island’s fortunes are on the rise thanks to the star power of A-listers like Salma Hayek, Tom Hanks, Roger Federer, Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes, all of whom have been papped holidaying here. Take your entourage to Kolymbithres for a dip in the cyan seas before sauntering to Naoussa to find a local bar that best suits your vibe.

3. Bali, Indonesia

Buahan resort in Bali, Indonesia — Look no further than Bali for a sustainable travel destination. (Image: Banyan Tree Escape)

It’s no secret that Aussies love Bali. But those going beyond the Indonesian island’s beach clubs and bars should look for the alt in Ubud, finding calm and harmony in the jungle-clad hills instead. More than one million Aussies visit Bali each year. And while the beachside resorts and hotels all offer a good time, there are also ways to do it differently. Plan to make your next stay sustainable at Buahan – A Banyan Tree Escape, Asa Maia or Soulshine Retreat, all of which give back to the local community.

Side trip: Lombok, Indonesia

Lombok Island in Indonesia — Next to Bali, Lombok is just as relaxing. (Image: Andrey Danilovich)

Lombok has long offered a laid-back alternative for surfers on the hunt for uncrowded waves in Indo. Though just 40 kilometres east of Bali, the island is still dotted with local villages that maintain their traditions. Enjoy island life with a stay in a traditional gladak at Salty Siesta managed by Aussie Wayne Moffat (former GM at Komune in Keramas). The accommodation is just steps from Selong Belanak Beach, one of the best surf spots for beginners. Visit the Lombok Eco Flea Market, snorkel around the Gili Islands, and swim at the iconic pink beach, one of only 10 in the world.

Side trip: Sumba, Indonesia

The island of Sumba is twice the size of Bali but has less than a sixth of its population. And unlike the rampant over-development in Bali, hoteliers such as Nihi Sumba tend to have a more pelan-pelan (slowly-slowly) approach to tourism. NIHI Sumba was the first luxury resort to open on the island where a wave was named after Australian surfer Mark Occhilupo. If Occy’s Left isn’t firing, the wellness retreat also offers equine meditation and yoga courses. Each stay at NIHI Sumba puts money into the Sumba Foundation, which supports community projects.

4. Venice, Italy

Venice canal — Venice is a collection of tiny islands connected by bridges and walkways. (Image: Getty Images/aapsky)

As anyone who has visited Venice in peak season will tell you, getting lost in the maze of backstreets is a must. Even in peak season, you can find glimmers of the real Venice which rises out of the water in the middle of the Adriatic Sea. Those with a fascination for the arts can discover museums and galleries around each corner that provide a sense of the villages and their former glory. A return to icons such as Venice also means going beyond a ride in a gondolier and overpriced coffee in Piazza San Marco.

Side trip: Pellestrina

Pelletrina's vibrant houses — Pelletrina is known for its vibrant and colourful houses. (Image: Getty Images/Orietta Gaspari)

The island of Pellestrina is Venice minus the camera-toting hordes. This little island on the far side of the Lido is known as the fisherman’s island by locals. Catch a vaporetto to the island of Lido then a bus and a ferry that connects with pretty Pellestrina. It’s okay to feel a tad righteous when you pull up a table at Da Celeste where the fisherman bring in their hauls of mussels and clams which will appear on your plate in spaghetti moments later.

Side trip: Treviso

Prosecco Valley — Prosecco is one of Treviso’s best-kept gems. (Image: Gito Trevisan)

Treviso is just 50 kilometres north of Venice. It’s where you will find rows of vineyards sewn into the World Heritage-listed hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. Bask in the landscapes of the ciglioni, the small plots of vines embroidered onto narrow terraced fields surrounded by forests, small villages and farmland. Cycle or hike the hills before taking a cooking class at Colline of Prosecco, sister school to Luciana Sampogna’s Cucina Italiana in Sydney. Or sign up for a Spotlight on Northern Italy with a carefully curated itinerary with Colette that explores the region propelled to fame for its Prosecco.

5. Machu Picchu

women from Peru's sacred valley — Women from Peru’s Sacred Valley connect with their ancestry. (Image: Intrepid Travel)

The colourful lliklla worn by the ‘mamas’ of the Huilloc community is enough to make travellers go weak in the knees. Especially when the women from the Quechuan community are backdropped by the soaring peaks of Machu Picchu, which they’re seeing for the first time alongside you on an Intrepid Travel tour. The most crowded time to see Machu Picchu is in June and July when numbers are capped at 5600 a day. Join eco-conscious Intrepid Travel and explore the Inca trail in the off-season.

Side trip: Huchuy Qosqo

Peru's village — Exploring Peru’s ancient gems makes for an epic travel diary. (Image: Intepid Travel)

For tourism to be sustainable in Peru, visitors need to veer off the well-trodden paths to discover the archaeological sites and local villages that are every bit as culturally rich yet without the crowds. Joining a tour with a company such as Intrepid helps make a visit to this cradle of civilisation sustainable as it supports programs that provide opportunities for Peruvian communities. The fact it takes a full day to get to Huchuy Qosqo means only the adventurous and acclimatised need apply.

Side trip: Waqrapukara

Waqrapukara, Peru — Waqrapukara is great for those looking for a different adventure. (Image: Getty Images/daboost)

See and experience the attractions of Peru first-hand by moving away from Machu Picchu in favour of the less-trammelled archaeological sites of Waqrapukara. There’s more effort required to get to some of the under-the-radar Inca empire attractions. But it’s worth pulling on those hiking boots to avoid the mosh pit of Machu Picchu. A foray to Moray, for example, will reward those fit enough to tackle the Inca trail to the terraced farm site where you will only ever see a handful of other travellers.

6. Oahu, Hawai‘i

Honolulu's Chinatown — Don’t miss Chinatown’s top restaurants and trendy stalls.

Hawai‘i is a dream destination for a lot of Australian travellers. And while going for a surf or swim at Waikīkī Beach is compulsory, there are also alternative wonders to find in Honolulu. Wander the historical district of Chinatown – one of the oldest in the US – to find lei vendors, street food stalls doling out dumplings and neon-lit remnants of the former red-light district. The precinct is shaping up to be one of Honolulu’s hippest hoods for dining, drinking and the arts.

Side trip: North Shore, Hawai‘i

Turtle Bay resort in Hawaii — Say aloha to one of Hawai‘i’s most popular resorts. (Image: Getty Images/GEFHunter)

Hawai‘i’s North Shore is a zoo during the big-wave season between November and February when pro surfers flock here to ride giant waves of 30 feet or more. But the North Shore, just a one-hour drive from Waikīkī, can feel surprisingly chill when those big winter swells subside. Visit between May and September and you’ll find dreadlocked locals selling pineapples out the back of their vans. You might even spot local singer Jack Johnson riding his bike down to the beach. Stay and play at Turtle Bay Resort. Or rent a condo with your entourage.

Side trip: Kualoa Park

Millions of people visit Oahu each year. And while Kualoa Ranch is a major draw for set-jetters drawn to the locations where movies such as Jurassic Park and 50 First Dates were filmed, Kualoa Park can get overlooked. ‘Kualoa’ translates to ‘long ancestral background’ and the area is recognised on the National Register of Historic Places for its cultural significance. It’s free to visit and is a popular spot for fishing, snorkelling and kayaking to Mokoli’i, an offshore island. Birdwatchers should BYO binoculars as the salt marsh here is a nesting area for the endangered ae‘o (Hawaiian stilt).

7. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo, Japan's bright neon streets — There’s more to Tokyo than its bright neon streets. (Image: Getty Images/Juergen Sack)

The manic neon-lit streets of Tokyo remain as magical as ever. But what a lot of visitors don’t understand is that it’s possible to get lost in the many alleyways that wind around the city in hubs such as Kagurazaka and Shimokitazawa. Want to get a feel for what it’s like to live like a local? Join the dots between Tsukiji fish market, Hedgehog Café Harry in Harajuku, and Karaoke-Kan where you can connect with other international travellers under the glow of disco lights in the bar where Lost in Translation was filmed

Side trip: Nagoya, Japan

Nagoya Castle, Japan — Nagoya Castle was the first to be designated a National Treasure. (Image: Getty Images/Marina Luiz)

Despite being Japan’s fourth largest city, not many visitors to Japan navigate their way to Nagoya. The major Japanese port was established as a castle town during the Edo period. The many buildings from this era that were damaged during the air raids of 1945 have since been restored, including Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine and Osu Kannon Buddhist temple. Time your visit to coincide with the annual Shichi-Go-San festival which is a kawaii procession led by children aged three to seven on a tour with InsideJapan Tour.

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Side trip: Ise-Shima, Japan

Ise Shima in Japan — Ise-Shima houses some of Japan’s most sacred shrines. (Image: Rachel Claire)

Ise-Shima is Japan without the crowds. It’s here, more than 450 kilometres from the neon glare of Tokyo, that you will find a network of Shinto shrines, female ama divers foraging in the depths of Ago Bay for pearls and seafood, and local artisans who continue to produce their wares (like shaved bonito, or katsuobushi) in the traditional manner. The region in the Mie prefecture is home to Ise Jingū, the shrine the Japanese revere as the ‘soul of Japan’ and 60,000 hectares of Ise-Shima National Park. Catch the bullet train to Nagoya and then transfer to a local Kintetsu train.

8. Positano, Italy

coffee table and chairs in Positano, Italy — Positano overflows with old-world charm and beautiful views. (Image: Getty Images/samael334)

Pack your bags with a few floral summer dresses, sunglasses and sandals and you can flit from the day to the night posing and pouting with your posse in Positano. This dramatic stretch of coastline south of Naples is blessed with both beautiful beaches and people who are known to stroll the trendy streets in skimpy bikinis and Euro-style trunks. Hit the piazzetta in the evening to observe the passing hip parade during the daily passeggiata. Watch out for local lotharios, the IRL version of a Tinder swindler.

Side trip: Praiano, Italy

Cue that iconic scene in Friends when Ross is yelling ‘pivot’ while trying to coax a couch around a stairwell with Rachel and Chandler. Praiano is giving ‘Pivot’ away from Positano. But instead of the mundane task of moving furniture, you’ll be hauling your carcass up and down the steps to gorgeous La Gavitella Beach from your digs at Casa Angelina. The cliffside hotel is the antithesis of the Amalfi Coast’s often-exhausting main-character energy.

Side trip: Nerano, Italy

Nerano in Amalfi Coast, Italy — The delightful village of Nerano is yet another slice of paradise on the Amalfi Coast. (Image: Getty Images/Pablo Sebastian Intelisano)

Sustainability is something we need to come back to when pondering a visit to the Amalfi Coast. While Sorrento and Positano are touristy towns we will always return to, it’s worth taking a detour to Nerano, which tumbles into the Tyrrhenian Sea. From here, take a hike to the township of Ieranto for a swim in the turquoise bay surrounded by olive trees and native fauna that belong to the Fondo Ambiente Italiano (an organisation that safeguards Italy’s artistic and naturalistic heritage).

9. London, UK

Big Ben in London — London continues to draw millions of visitors. (Image: Getty Images/Elena Zolotova)

London remains one of the most exciting cities in the world. London will always be one of our first loves for its iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve visited England’s capital, its main attractions continue to delight. Explore the cobblestoned streets to find artisan cheese shops such as Neal’s Yard Dairy in Covent Garden, independent shops selling vintage records in Camden, and edgy wine bars in Brixton.

Side trip: English countryside, UK

Spread out and see more of the English countryside with a luxury train ride onboard the Britannic Explorer. The old-world 18-cabin train designed by Albion Nord was inspired by the UK’s greatest landscapes. Embrace the art of slow travel on a three-night journey through Cornwall, the Lake District and Wales while enjoying a window on Britain in motion.

Side trip: Bradford, UK

Bath in Bradford, UK — Bypass Bath for Bradford’s scenic attractions. (Image: Getty Images/Michael C)

Expect the city of Bath to be crewed out with visitors for the celebrations held in honour of Jane Austen’s 250^th anniversary. While you can certainly dip your toe in Bath’s Austen 250 celebrations, we recommend bypassing Bath for Bradford, Austen for Bronte. The West Yorkshire city with the industrial heritage has been named as the 2025 UK City of Culture which means an exciting year ahead for the city that is the gateway to the West Yorkshire Moors (Wuthering Heights country).

10. Kruger National Park

lioness in Kruger National Park — A lioness walks between safari trucks. (Image: Quentin Long)

Kruger National Park is a classic safari destination offering wildlife adventures that rank among the best in the world. All the Big Five are in the park, which is home to two million hectares of wilderness. But not all safaris are created equally in Kruger; with properties such as the andBeyond Ngala Private Game Reserve granted access to a 14,700-hectare private concession within the park. Expect animals to pass by your room on the way to the waterhole on the banks of the dry Timbavati River.

Side trip: Mozambique

Medjumbe Island is a castaway’s dream. (Image: Getty Images/Mauricio Tavares)

Tourism in Mozambique is in its infancy, which makes it the ideal destination for those who have already experienced a game drive safari in Africa. In addition to Niassa Game Reserve and Maputo Elephant Reserve on the mainland, Mozambique is home to Medjumbe Island, one of the country’s hidden gems. Given travel to Mozambique is still developing, it’s advisable to ask a reputable operator such as Bench Africa to tailor a tour to suit.

Side trip: Madagascar

Those who want to see as much as they can in a short amount of time should consider a 12-night cruise from Port Louis in Mauritius to Cape Town. The list of shore excursions on Norwegian Dawn’s Africa cruise is extensive, which means you can catapult from your cabin into the wild African landscape without the gruelling overland legs. The sailing itinerary includes stops at Nosy Be, Madagascar, known for its lemurs; Richards Bay, the gateway to Zululand; Elizabeth Bay, near Addo Elephant Park; and Mossel Bay, famed for its magnificent beaches.

From sophisticated new sleeper trains and opulent hotel openings to the exploration of new frontiers, we’re now finding ourselves in our own gilded era of travel. These 21st-century travel experiences are leading the way.

If we were to turn back the clock 100 years, there was a real romance to travel – the dawning of a glamour-filled jet age, refined rail sojourns and first-class cruising where the voyage itself trounced the destination.

We’re feeling a similar excitement in the air about travel in 2026. Think state-of-the-art cruise liners allowing access to destinations formerly off-limits, resort launches where avant-garde architecture takes centre stage, and a return to the days of luxury locomotives. This reoccurrence of the advances, adventure and elegance of a bygone era has not only come full circle; it’s now superior.

How? Travel has become more mindful, intentional and accessible. This includes environmental initiatives by operators determined to leave less impact on the planet and a shift towards a deeper cultural exchange with the local communities we visit. Whether it’s exploring previously hard-to-reach cities such as Uzbekistan’s Khiva, staying with a family to experience village life in Nepal or discovering new frontiers in Antarctica, our round-up of ‘new golden age’ travel experiences is a snapshot of how we are travelling today, as well as into promising new horizons.

Exploring the emerging city of Khiva

The walled inner city of Khiva, Uzbekistan. (Credit: Getty/Mlenny Khiva)

Uzbekistan’s Silk Road city of Khiva used to be off the radar for many travellers, but 2026 has changed all that. You can thank a new bullet train service connecting Khiva to Bukhara and Samarkand, slashing the trip from the capital of Tashkent from 15 hours to under eight. Add renovations to Urgench International Airport, and interest in this fascinating city is rapidly on the rise.

Quick to react has been Golden Eagle Luxury Trains and The Samarkand Express which have added Khiva to their 2026 rail itineraries, while Cox & Kings has included the Central Asian city to its multi-country 2027 ‘Stans’ itinerary.

Check out Khiva’s preserved inner-walled fortress, the first UNESCO site in Uzbekistan, explore ancient minarets and ornate mausoleums, and try traditional fare at Terrassa Cafe & Restaurant. Looking for fancy digs? The Mercure Khiva is due to swing open its doors later in 2026.

Riding the rails on the Eastern & Oriental Express

inside the Eastern & Oriental Express — Onboard the train, rich fabrics are complemented by elm, cherrywood and teak marquetry. (Credit: Ludovic Balay)

Recapture the romance of rail travel through the tropics of Southeast Asia on the refurbished Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia.

The resurgence of train travel reflects how we are travelling today – slower and with a new appreciation for both scenery and cultural exchange. Include a large dollop of old-world glamour, and the three-night Wild Malaysia tour truly delivers. Winding its way deep into the Malay jungle, the journey makes plenty of pit stops for exploration along the way.

Having been resurrected from a 1970s sleeper, the luxury locomotive now comes replete with plush interiors of hand-cut marquetry dressed in oriental silks and embroidery – there’s even a Dior Spa. Watch the world go by from the Observation Car, indulge in fine wining and dining, kick up your heels in the Piano Bar, then snooze it all off in your sumptuous sleeper car.

Embracing Mother Nature in Peru

Travelling to Peru is like stepping into a kaleidoscope of contrasting cultures and landscapes. Whether you’re learning about shamanic natural remedies in the pre-Inca Colca Valley, cruising the wilds of the Amazon on a luxury river ship or discovering firsthand why the contemporary capital of Lima is celebrated for its culinary and artistic scenes, there are myriad reasons why this colourful country is topping wish lists.

One such experience is the Ultimate Peru by River and Rail journey (five days) by Abercrombie & Kent, available in 2026. This incredible river cruise allows you to truly connect with the jungle rhythms of the Amazon via skiff and on foot with in-the-know local guides, and includes nights onboard newly launched luxury riverboat Pure Amazon, an A&K Sanctuary.

Spot exotic creatures such as sloths, macaws, piranhas, and pink dolphins on the daily excursions, before juxtaposing these wild encounters with a return to pure pampering on the boat.

Seeking sustainable community experiences in Nepal

tharu woman — Tharu woman and master weaver Parbati Chaudhary in Bhada Village. (Credit: Bheem Thapa)

While Nepal has traditionally attracted visitors to traverse its majestic mountains – Everest and Annapurna in particular – travel experiences in this beautiful Himalayan nation are expanding.

Home stays, where you reside with Nepali families and take an active part in their daily lives, are a growing attraction. It’s a win:win for local youths – who took their country back after bloody protests in 2025 – wanting to stay in Nepal rather than moving abroad for work, as well as foreigners seeking a deeper cultural experience. Nepali women, Indigenous people and marginalised castes are also benefitting from home stays, upping the feel-good factor even further.

Leading the charge is Community Home Stay Network, which links travellers to local-family hosts. Travel off-the-beaten path to homes in areas including Tharu in the south, learn how to cook Nepali style, and take part in traditions such as making moonshine, dancing and weaving straw handicrafts.

Exploring new frontiers in Antarctica

an ice window at Wilhelmina Bay — A breathtaking ice window captured at Wilhelmina Bay on the Antarctic Peninsula. (Credit: Renato Granieri)

Gone are the days when a trip to Antarctica meant a perilous voyage through the Drake Passage on a vessel holding the mere essentials. Innovative cruise ships now offer a smooth and sophisticated passage to the White Continent, as well as experiences formerly off-limits.

Abercrombie & Kent’s 19-day Antarctica, South Georgia and Falklands: Holiday Voyage captures it all. Spot breaching whales and gracefully gliding albatrosses from the deck, before stepping onto this Narnia-like landscape with daily Zodiac excursions. Observe adorable penguin and fur seal colonies, visit Antarctic communities that were previously too remote, and get so close to colossal icebergs that you’ll feel humbled by their scale.

Silversea‘s Antarctica Fly Cruise voyages will soon include a stay at The Cormorant at 55 South, the southernmost hotel on Earth purpose-built to bring uncompromised comfort to guests travelling to Antarctica.

When it comes to protecting this fragile eco-system, the future is also looking bright: HX Expeditions has partnered with the University of Tasmania to create a world-first educational course allowing cruise guests to dive into Antarctic science and sustainability, while A&K pours funds into conservation efforts and uses energy-efficient hybrid ships – all in trademark luxury, of course.

Indulging in New Zealand’s exceptional dining

Ayrburn, Queenstown — The Ayrburn precinct serves up delicate dishes.

By welcoming the Michelin Guide to sample Aotearoa/New Zealand’s finest gastronomy for the first time, our cousins across the ditch have now become serious players on the world culinary scene.

And there’s never been a better time to experience NZ’s greatest gastronomy with the inaugural guide currently going to press. Sample haute cuisine in Queenstown with a side serving of theatrics by culinary director Paul Froggatt at Essence in the new ROKI Collection hotel, and pull up a chair at Amisfield for its delicious degustation experience under new chef Sung Peng, with the world-renowned restaurant slated to reopen in July.

And it’s not just Queenstown holding all the culinary cards. The Michelin inspectors travelled to rate the best epicurean artistry in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, Te Whanganui a Tara/Wellington and Ōtautahi/Christchurch against the world’s most renowned restaurateurs (bring loose pants).

Bedding down at design-led hotels and farm stays

a woodfired sauna at Azuma Farm Koiwai — A woodfired sauna deepens the meditative state at Azuma Farm Koiwai. (Credit: Azuma Farm Koiwai)

New grand dames on the global hotel stage are receiving a standing ovation for their triumphant 2026 openings.

Return to old-world elegance at the Orient Express Venezia, a reimagined former 15^th-century royal residence set in Venice’s Palazzo Dona Giovannellii. It certainly makes for a regal stay, with grand Neo-Gothic windows and restored Baroque splendour blending seamlessly with modern luxury flourishes. Also bringing the fantasy factor is France’s Zannier Île de Bendor on a petite private island off the Provençal coast. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea – and with three luxe, design-led accommodation concepts to choose from – this resort exudes golden-era glamour.

In a breath of fresh air, we’ve also seen an uptick in farm stays. Trade the urban rush for a rambling rural retreat at Sibbjäns, Sweden’s first boutique farm stay, or opt for horseback riding followed by woodfired saunas on the sprawling eight-hectare Azuma Farm Koiwai in Japan.

Cruising the Danube on a festive Eastern Euro adventure

The magical Pécs Christmas Market in Hungary. (Credit: Emily Murphy)

Dreaming of a white Christmas? While floating past snow-dusted, fairytale cities on a river ship in Eastern Europe makes for an amazing voyage, when you add the magic of Christmas the whole experience becomes, well, more magical.

From twinkling trees and tinsel to red-nosed reindeer and wreath decorations, the festivities greet you the moment you step aboard AmaMagna by AmaWaterways. The ship then spirits you away along the Lower Danube for a seven-night Gems of Southeast Europe adventure from Romania to Hungary.

Explore Bulgaria’s medieval city of Veliko Tarnovo, glide into the dramatic Iron Gates crossing into Serbia; and sip on fine wines at Croatia’s Kast Winery (one variety made famous by Queen Elizabeth II). The highlight? For many it’s wandering the shimmering Christmas markets in Hungary’s Pécs. Peruse stalls selling unique handicrafts, try the traditional treat of kürtőskalács (chimney cake), and warm your cockles with a cup of mulled wine.

Delving into the buzzing city of Beijing

Lama Temple, Beijing — Calm and chaos at Lama Temple in Beijing. (Credit: Natasha Bazika)

Walking the line between its imperial past and a frenetic, futuristic present – Beijing is an exciting city to dive into.

If you want to be centrally located, the palatial Peninsula Beijing is hard to beat. From here, strap in at street level for a stroll among the city’s famed hutongs (ancient alleyways), pausing to taste traditional delicacies such as jianbing (savoury breakfast crepe) and dumpling soup. Then scope out the narrow lanes dotted with siheyuan courtyard homes (there are only 1000 left), and if you love to shop, head to Taikoo Li Sanlitun for a mix of luxury brands and local labels.

And it wouldn’t be a well-rounded trip to this history-rich city without experiencing its highlights reel. Admire golden-topped architecture in the Forbidden City, take a hike on the Great Wall of China and pay a visit to Tiananmen Square for both remembrance and observation on how it operates today.

Embarking on a round-the-world cruise

Can’t decide where to go on a cruise? On a round-the-world voyage you can live out all your dreams at sea.

It’s not a new idea – the first world cruise occurred more than a century ago on Cunard’s RMS Laconia in 1922 – but a reimagining. If you don’t have a spare year up your sleeve, you can now join for specific legs of the journey (unlike the 1922 trip), and ships have been modernised with sustainability measures, contemporary designs and a less formal feel.

Queen Anne, also by Cunard, cruised the world in 2026 with guests joining at handpicked ports, including in Central America for the extraordinary experience of crossing the Panama Canal. If you want the full adventure by circumnavigating the globe, Queen Anne will set sail on another world voyage in 2028.

Discovering the joys of small-group travel in Spain

Intrepid Travel's olive oil and wine tasting at Molino El Vínculo, Grazalema — Sample organic wine and olive oil on a tasting tour in Molino El Vínculo in Grazalema with Intrepid Travel. (Credit: Intrepid Travel/Tim Luck)

Small-group touring is a travel trend currently soaring, with many embracing it as an authentic, intimate and insightful way to visit a country – with VIP benefits to boot.

The small-group format, typically capped at five to 15 guests, is now accounting for around 62 per cent of group travel worldwide. And operators such as Intrepid Travel, APT Luxury Travel and Janesco Travel are among the frontrunners in this space, handling all navigation and insider experiences within an intimate group led by expert guides.

Seeking a Spanish sojourn? Small-group journeys to the vibrant southern Andalusia region are now topping bucket lists. Be mesmerised by flamenco dancers from a professional dance school (rather than touristy versions), learn how to make authentic sangria with a private class, skip queues at the Real Alcázar of Seville royal palace, and score a seat at the best Andalusian restaurants, sans waitlist.

Learning from the past in Japan

inside the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum — The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum presents a sobering dive into the nuclear event. (Credit: Eleanor Edström)

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to experience a war-time atomic bomb, hopefully the closest any of us will ever get is a visit to Nagasaki.

While on a cruise excursion to the Japanese city aboard the Diamond Princess, you can visit the fascinating hypocentre of the Second World War bomb dropped to widespread annihilation in 1945. While there is no doubt this is heavy material to digest on a tour, it comes with a message of hope – that the horror of a nuclear war should never happen again.

There is also much more to this 11-day Japan Explorer Cherry Blossoms with Princess Cruises voyage. Witness the world’s most active volcano in Kagoshima, join a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto and marvel at Mt Fuji in Shimizu. Also don’t miss the onsen experiences onboard the ship or its many mouth-watering local culinary offerings. Next departure is March 2027.

Supporting a typhoon-ravaged community in Vietnam

Zannier Bai San Ho — Time to kick back at Zannier Bãi San Hô. (Credit: Amber Hunter)

When typhoon Typhoon Kalmaegi ripped through Vietnam’s south-central coast in November 2025, it left a devastating trail of destruction.

And Zannier Bãi San Hô, an expansive 98-hectare beachfront resort, took a direct hit. An incredible five-month clean-up and restoration has now seen the Green Globe-certified retreat reopen, thanks in large part to the local community who rallied to help rebuild it. The support goes both ways; the 180-strong resort staff is made up of 177 locals – their livelihoods dependent on it.

You can help by simply booking a stay here. It’s hardly a punish, when you consider the beauty and luxury of this place; picture private pool villas and powder-white beaches. Take to the sapphire waters for water sports, visit local fishing villages and sweat it out at the onsite fitness centre. Or, if relaxing’s more your jam, simply loll by the pool with a good book.