Trailblazing Travel: 25 off-the-beaten track places to visit in 2025

Blaze your own path next year by considering these underrated destinations that are overlooked by most Australians but offer fresh and often more meaningful travel experiences.

With the new year upon us, many of us are planning where we want to head next. Be the person at the dinner table telling stories about intrepid journeys to far-flung lands, from the vast landscapes of Mongolia to the wild beauty of Norway’s Arctic North. Why not swap out your favourite destination, such as Bali, for an off-grid paradise like Sumba. Or simply take a detour while visiting iconic destinations, such as Barcelona, to stay in a new hilltop hotel overlooking the charming medieval town of Girona. We understand travelling to largely undiscovered places can be a vexed issue, but by spreading the love and load of tourism in a respectful way, we can also have a positive impact on these communities. Here’s to happy, mindful travelling in 2025.

1. Madeira, Portugal

Well known for its fortified wine, this Portuguese island is closer to Africa than Europe but has drawn comparisons to Hawai’i for its lush interior landscape, dramatic ridges and coastlines, and crystal-clear seas.

an aerial view of Madeira Island — A scenic mountain staircase crisscrosses the island. (Image: Getty/Aleh Varanishcha)

Madeira is paradise for keen walkers, with more than 1000 kilometres of tracks following 15^th-century stone irrigation systems known as levadas all over the island.

hiking to Pico Ruivo, Madeira Island — Lose yourself in a sea of clouds at the peak of Pico Ruivo. (Image: Getty/Borchee)

Dominating the luxe accommodation landscape, Savoy Signature is a collection of seven properties around the island, with its most recent openings The Reserve, a luxe and exclusive stay within Savoy Palace, and laid-back boutique hotel NEXT.

2. Girona, Spain

Located in Catalonia on the Costa Brava, Girona is a quieter alternative to nearby Barcelona. The medieval city is a rabbit warren of winding, narrow streets and comprises one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe.

a panoramic view of Girona and Cathedral in Catalonia, Spain — Girona is where architecture blends with nature. (Image: Getty/bloodua)

Elevating your experience here literally and figuratively, the new five-room Hotel Esperit Roca is perched atop Sants Metges mountain.

The luxe stay harmonises with the surrounding environment through its natural design and boasts sprawling views over this enchanting city.

a bathtub inside Habitacio Junior Suite Empordà, Hotel Esperit Roca — Soak up the rugged landscape from your private tub at Hotel Esperit Roca.

3. Sumba, Indonesia

Just 50 minutes by plane from Bali lies an off-grid paradise of dense jungle, unspoiled surfing beaches and plateaus of rice paddies. Slated as the new Gili or Komodo islands, Sumba is a natural beauty with rich Indigenous culture.

the Cap Karoso resort in Sumba Island — Cap Karoso is set within a dense jungle.

Many of its residents live in traditional huts and practise Marapu, an endemic religion that follows ancient practices such as animal sacrifice and rituals performed by shamans.

the poolside chill spot at Cap Karoso resort in Sumba Island, Indonesia — The luxe eco retreat sits ocean-facing on a tropical landscape.

While this island feels lost in time, the new modernist Design Hotel, Cap Karoso, brings contemporary design and cultural experiences with luxury hospitality.

4. China

Aussies have been timid to return to China post-pandemic. But a recent poll by the Global Times Institute found that nearly one-third are interested to learn more about a country that, in recent years, has been bathed in a negative light. And there’s never been a better time with the announcement of a handy 30-day visa-free travel policy for Australian citizens.

an aerial view of the Hangzhou, Grand Canal in China at night — The Grand Canal runs from Hangzhou to Beijing. (Image: Getty/zhaojiankang)

What visitors find beyond its mega cities and world-famous sites is a country blessed with dramatic landscapes of mountains, gorges and meandering rivers, ancient tribal villages, millennia-old temples, Imperial palaces and 59 World Heritage sites.

an aerial view of Fanjingshan Mountain, Guizhou, China — Fanjingshan is China’s fifth-largest Buddhist mountain. (Image: Getty/outcast85)

5. Dolomites, Italy

The wildly beautiful Dolomites in the northern Italian Alps is now home to Cammino Retico, a seven-day hiking trail that does a 168-kilometre loop through soaring limestone peaks, across plateaus, undulating valleys and past alpine lakes.

a woman standing at Lago di Carezza in Dolomites, Italy — Take in the beauty of the Insta-famous Lago di Carezza. (Image: Getty/Oleh Slobodeniuk)

Along the way, hikers can stay in more than 50 accommodation options in the 10 remote villages the route connects to, from a farm stay in Cesiomaggiore to a villa within the walled city of Feltre.

a scenic mountain landscape surrounding Val di Funes, Dolomites, Italy — Be rewarded with panoramic views over Val di Funes. (Image: Getty/ Dieter Meyrl)

6. Seychelles

Made up of 115 tiny islands off the East African coast, Seychelles is a paradisical scene of white-sand beaches, azure waters and lush vegetation punctuated by palm trees.

a white-sand beach with giant boulders at La Digue, Seychelles — Etched on La Digue island are huge granite rocks. (Image: Getty/Diamond Dogs)

Considered the Galapagos of Africa, it’s a biodiversity hotspot with raised coral atolls, including the Aldabra, which is home to more than 150,000 giant tortoises, and underwater reefs reaching depths of the Grand Canyon.

Venture to this staggering region with Aqua Expeditions, which will cruise to rarely visited destinations such as the Seychelles and Tanzanian Islands in East Africa for the first time in 2025.

a giant tortoise on the sand, Seychelles — Aldabra is home to a thriving population of giant tortoises. (Image: Getty/Chalabala)

7. Batumi, Georgia

Wedged between Europe and Asia, Georgia is a country of contrasts. Its landscapes range from semi-arid deserts to Europe’s highest mountain range, it has a blend of medieval history and Soviet influences, is home to one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world, and is the birthplace of wine.

Drawing design mavens to the Black Sea gem of Batumi – a port town and one of UNESCO’s Creative Cities – is the recent opening of ROOMS, a 1970s-style bolthole in a renovated 19^th-century building in the town’s historic quarter.

the exterior of Rooms, Batumi, Georgia — Settle into this 1970s-style bolthole. (Image: Design Hotels)

8. Rwanda

The recent opening of Bisate Reserve is another reason to add the East African nation of Rwanda to our travel lists. This luxe four-villa lodge is an evolution of Wilderness Rwanda’s Bisate experience near Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas.

a rainforest lodge at Bisate Reserve, Rwanda — Stay in a rainforest lodge at Bisate Reserve. (Image: Felix Studios)

Expert-guided gorilla encounters, nature trails and birdwatching are some of the experiences on offer, with every stay anchored around conservation, contributing to reforestation and rehabilitation initiatives, local community upliftment and the preservation of mountain gorillas.

a mother and baby gorilla in the wild, Bisate Reserve, Rwanda — Mountain gorillas move freely in the wilderness. (Image: Felix Studios)

9. Chiloé Island, Chile

Off the coast of Southern Chile, Chiloé Island is the second largest island in South America. Its intense biodiversity from verdant forests to rich wetlands drew the attention of Charles Darwin and its isolation has shaped a unique cultural identity.

an aerial view of Chiloé Island, Chile — See the misty green isles of Chiloé. (Image: Unsplash/Jaume Galofré)

With a design inspired by the colourful stilted fishing houses, known as palafitos, luxury hotel Tierra Chiloe has a shingle-clad exterior that is typical on the island with locally made handicrafts, carvings, rugs and the like filling its interior.

colourful palafitos houses perched on stilts at Chiloé Island, Chile — Palafitos houses are perched on stilts. (Image: Getty/chaolik)

10. Tonga

Award-winning wildlife photographer Craig Parry has pointed his lens towards Tonga for more than a decade and he wants to share the magic with other passionate adventurers and photographers in 2025. Parry will join guests on two small-group tours from Vava’u that include guided whale swims to capture majestic humpbacks underwater as they migrate through the Kingdom of Tonga.

a humpback whale swimming in the blue ocean — Swim with the humpbacks in Tonga. (Image: Getty/Philip Thurston)

11. Adirondack, New York, USA

The Adirondacks is a vast wilderness region in northern New York, which has often been overlooked for its more famous neighbour the Catskills. But a new rail trail is shining the spotlight on this region of glacier-carved mountains, conifer forests and shimmering lakes.

a mountain road in Adirondack High Peaks — Take the scenic mountain road leading to the Adirondack High Peaks. (Image: Getty/aoldman)

The multi-use Adirondack Rail Trail covers 54 kilometres between Lake Placid and Tupper Lake, and will accommodate bikes, wheelchairs and strollers as well as snowmobiles, cross-country skis and snowshoes during winter.

the view of Lower Ausable Lake from the Indian Head Lookout in the Adirondack Mountains, New York — Dramatic views of Lower Ausable Lake await. (Image: Getty/lightphoto)

12. Colorado, USA

Astronomy enthusiasts, tin-foil-hat wearers or anyone with a curiosity about our galaxy should add Colorado to their travel wish list.

a starry night over Monarch Lake in the Colorado Rocky Mountains — Stargaze the pristine night skies over Monarch Lake. (Image: Getty/bauhaus1000)

One of the planet’s best stargazing destinations, the state is home to 11 DarkSky International Parks, six DarkSky International Communities, and even a UFO watchtower in the San Luis Valley, which is deemed a hotspot for alien activity.

the view of the Milky Way in Colorado — Swap the city lights for the twinkling Milky Way. (Image: Getty/Adventure Photo)

13. Mongolia

It’s a destination on the rise with millennial travellers increasingly seeking out untouched experiences. Intrepid has curated a Trans-Mongolian Railway Adventure that enhances accessibility for these explorers.

the Trans-Siberian Railway train, Mongolia — Travel the Trans-Siberian Railway with Intrepid. (Image: Supplied)

The 11-day adventure traverses Mongolia’s vast landscapes and dives into its rich cultural heritage and nomadic culture, taking in its beauty from the steppes of Khustai National Park to the dunes of the Gobi Desert.

wild horses in Hustai National Park, Mongolia — Wild horses graze at Hustai National Park. (Image: Getty/Ondrej Prosicky)

14. Amazon, Peru

The Amazon – its snaking river, dense rainforest and exotic wildlife, including macaws, howler monkeys and jaguar – is the stuff of travel dreams. Abercrombie & Kent helps travellers realise this dream with the launch of its luxe Peruvian Amazon riverboat, Pure Amazon, in 2025.

the Peruvian Amazon riverboat of Pure Amazon — Sail Peruvian waters onboard Pure Amazon.

The all-new boutique boat will offer three- and four-night cruises along South America’s mightiest river. Pinch-me experiences include guided nature walks to spot sloths, paddling on lagoons in search of the elusive pink river dolphins, fishing for piranhas and visits to remote Amazonian communities are included.

a bedroom facing the river aboard Peruvian Amazon riverboat of Pure Amazon — Take in the views of the Amazon from bed.

15. Pakistan

Pakistan, a seldom-visited part of the world, is emerging as a spectacular trekking region, home to five of the world’s highest peaks, as well as narrow valleys and teeming rivers.

a blue river flowing through Karakoram mountain — A turquoise blue river flows through Hunza Nagar valley. (Image: Unsplash/Jawad Sarwar)

Daring to venture to this geographically forbidding place – where the locals are warm and welcoming – Intrepid has launched a 10-day tour that treks through the Karakoram Mountains.

the Karakoram mountain range in Pakistan — The rugged mountains encompass India, Pakistan, and China. (Image: Getty/mantaphoto)

16. Southern India

Southern India has long been an antidote to the steamy north, with travellers and locals seeking respite on beaches such as Goa and in the serene backwaters of Kerala, a colossal web of waterways dotted with languidly moving kettuvallams (houseboats), which you can experience with CGH Earth’s Spice Coast Cruises.

a traditional houseboat along the Kerala backwaters — Hop aboard a Kettuvalam along the Kerala backwaters. (Image: CGH Earth Experience Hotels)

On the east coast, the city of Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry) was listed as one of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel experiences for the year ahead for its Gallic architecture, French history, spiritual centres and coastline.

a boatman sitting at the edge of the Spice Coast Cruises houseboat on the river, Kerala Backwaters — Sail down the river on a traditional houseboat. (Image: CGH Earth Experience Hotels)

17. Lithuania

Lithuania is rich in natural beauty with its diverse landscapes including forests, lakes, sandy dunes and the Baltic Sea. It’s also a feel-good place to travel to with its capital Vilnius named the European Green Capital of 2025 for its strong commitment to sustainability.

an aerial view of the Vilnius Old Town, Lithuania — There is a sense of novelty about the Old Town. (Image: Getty/iiokua)

The country in northeastern Europe is also known for prioritising the happiness of its residents. promoting initiatives concerning clean air and water, biodiversity preservation and green spaces, of which more than half of the city is covered with; the other half is packed with cobblestoned laneways and spires.

old colourful townhouses in the center of Vilnius, Lithuania — The medieval town of Vilnius is filled with heritage architecture. (Image: Getty/ ewg3D)

Its second-largest city Kaunas has also recently earned a UNESCO designation for its unparalleled Art Deco architecture.

the Kaunas Old Town in Lithuania at night — Unearth the mystique of Kaunas Old Town at night. (Image: Getty/Krivinis)

18. Malta

For a small island nation, Malta sure packs a punch. This laid-back Mediterranean idyll lies 80 kilometres to the south of Italy and experiences some 300 days of sunshine a year.

turquoise blue waters lapping against a golden sandy beach at Ramla Bay, Gozo, Malta — Soak up the golden Mediterranean sun on Ramla Bay. (Image: Getty/kparis)

There are three inhabited islands, Gozo, Comino and mainland Malta and its fortified capital Valletta is one of Europe’s smallest and most walkable capital cities.

boats moored at Blue Lagoon, Comino, Malta — A dazzling teal lagoon sits between Comino and Cominotto islands. (Image: Unsplash/
Mike Nahlii)

Join Explore Worldwide’s eight-day Malta and Gozo Discovery to delve into the rich history of the capital and enjoy languid time on unspoilt Gozo.

the Dwejra lagoon on the island of Gozo — Dwejra is a seawater lagoon on Gozo Island. (Image: Getty/Karina Movsesyan)

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19. Norway

Norway has become nirvana for those seeking a slower pace of travel, untamed landscapes and hyperlocal experiences. The Salten District in the Arctic North is a stand-out for ‘natural therapy’.

the port of Bodø, Norway at night — Bodø is renowned as Norway’s new cultural capital. (Image: Getty/Ruben Ramos)

Salstraumen leans heavily on its natural beauty and local produce, with Manshausen Island the very definition of wild luxury.

a house on a hill by a lake in Saltstraumen, Bodø, Norway — A lake house is set on Saltstraumen, home to the world’s strongest tidal current. (Image: Unsplash/Secret Travel Guide)

Its main hub, Bodø, was given the title of European Capital of Culture for 2024 for its flourishing performing arts scene and lively network of small bars and restaurants.

northern lights in Bodø, Norway — Get a chance to see the northern lights in Bodø. (Image: Unsplash/Joshua Kettle)

20. Whanganui, NZ

Across the ditch, this UNESCO City of Design is a storied place with a creative legacy, from historical Maori art and craft to the visionary architects who created the city’s landmarks.

the Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery, New Zealand — Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery is a significant cultural opening in New Zealand Aotearoa. (Image: Supplied)

After its $70 million redevelopment, Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery – which holds more than 8000 items of national and international significance – has reopened after almost a decade of anticipation.

women dressed in traditional clothing at the gallery opening of Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery — Gain insight into Māori culture and heritage. (Image: Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery)

21. Hamburg, Germany

To liken a hotel to a bunker would usually suggest a drab experience but it’s anything but in Germany’s second city.

Hamburg Hochbahn train and Landugsbrücke clock tower from above — Take the Hamburg Hochbahn train. (Image: Getty/Alexander Bagno)

St Paul Bunki is a 50-metre-tall former Nazi bunker in Hamburg housing REVERB, a colourful Hard Rock Hotel, a food-sharing restaurant with live music, funky bar and cafe.

the Warehouse district Speicherstadt in Hamburg, Germany — Hamburg is the world’s largest warehouse district. (Image: Getty/nantonov)

It’s centrally located to explore the cool city of Hamburg, an affluent city nestled between the River Elbe and the North and Baltic Seas that boasts a happening nightlife.

Hamburg at night — Get a sense of the city’s ritz and glitz. (Image: Getty/Rudy Balasko)

22. Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is an intoxicating mix of old and new. Its city skylines are dominated by blue-domed mosques, piercing minarets, intricately tiled mausoleums and bustling bazaars that contrast with cosmopolitan buildings and a mélange of cultures and ethnicities due to a political and social shift after Soviet rule.

Shah-i-Zinda or Shohizinda (The Living King), a necropolis in Samarkand, Uzbekistan — Marvel at Uzbekistan’s old Islamic architecture. (Image: Getty/monticelllo)

Travelling the ancient Silk Road trading route from Tashkent to the blue-tiled city of Samarkand, then onto 2000-year-old Bukhara is the stuff of bucket lists.

a man walking down the sidewalk in Bukhara, Uzbekistan — Take a leisurely jaunt through the vibrant streets. (Image: Unsplash/AXP Photography)

Crooked Compass is a boutique tour company specialising in off-the-beaten-track tours, with 10 itineraries that cover Uzbekistan’s treasures and one that takes in the wonders of the five ’Stans.

a blue-domed mosque in Samarkand, Uzbekistan — Samarkand is home to impressive blue-domed mosques. (Image: Unsplash/AXP Photography)

23. Namibia

Named for the ancient Namib Desert, which stretches along its entire 1500-kilometre coastline, Namibia is a vast and sparsely populated land, home to the rugged wilderness of Damaraland and the Kalahari Desert teeming with resilient wildlife.

African lions in Kalahari desert — Sunbathing lions are a common sight in Africa. (Image: Getty/EcoPic)

Australian touring specialist Wendy Wu Tours has just launched its first foray into this diverse African nation.

acacia tree skeletons in Deadvlei — Remnants of Acacia trees in Deadvlei. (Image: Getty/jacobeukman)

The 12-day tour includes highlights such as a safari in Etosha National Park, a visit to semi-nomadic Himba village and the otherworldly red dunes of Sossusvlei.

Bushmen rock paintings in Brandberg mountain, Namibia, Africa — Learn the meaning behind the engravings along the ancient walls. (Image: Getty/Smitt)

24. Costa Rica

Travel + Leisure named Costa Rica its Destination of the Year for 2024. But Americans are already in the know (three out of four tourists here are from the United States). Yet few Australians have experienced la pura vida (the pure life) of Costa Rica. This country is blessed with dense rainforests, pristine beaches, and thriving national parks.

an aerial view of Andaz in Costa Rica — Andaz Costa Rica Resort is nestled atop a hill overlooking Culebra Bay.

It’s a cultural melting pot, from the Costa Rican cowboys or ‘Sabanero’ inland to the vibrant Afro-Caribbean cultures on the east coast. And, up on the North Pacific coast, countless beaches and a host of new luxury resorts, including the Andaz at Peninsula Papagayo and Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique (slated to open in March) make for the perfect sun-and-sand escape.

boating along the river in Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica — Go paddle-boarding or kayak up the river at Peninsula Papagayo.

25. Bacalar, Mexico

Just south of the sugar-white coastline of Tulum lies the quieter enclave of Bacalar. This laid-back town with simple comforts is within reach of the Lagoon of Seven Colours, named so for its staggering hues. Here you can swim, kayak and unwind in the overwater hammocks, or snorkel the stromatolites around the edge of the adjoining Cenote Cocalitos.

a hut in the middle of Bacalar Lake, Mexico — Lake Bacalar is also called the Lagoon of Seven Colors. (Image: Getty/diegocardini)

Alongside the lagoon, sustainably built Boca de Agua offers ‘treehouse’ accommodation nestled in lush jungle. Bacalar is around a 2.5-hour drive from Tulum, but the new Maya Train, which operates between Cancún and Campeche, will eventually connect through to Tulum and Bacalar – so travellers can easily hop between the paradisiacal destinations of the Yucatan Peninsula.

daybeds on Bacalar Lake, Boca de Agua, Mexico — Laze by the lake on a daybed at Boca de Agua. (Image: Design Hotels)

Need more inspiration? Here are the 50 greatest travel experiences to have on the planet right now.

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.