Where to travel in 2026: LuxeWorld's curated picks
- Amber Bourke
- Sep 10
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 15
Choosing the right destination isn’t just about following the latest trend, it’s about matching a place to the kind of experience you want. Do you crave cultural immersion, natural beauty or a once in a lifetime celebration? At LuxeWorld, we help our clients uncover destinations that align with their style, passions and the memories they want to create. With 2026 just around the corner, our travel experts have handpicked six extraordinary destinations that promise indulgence, discovery, and unforgettable moments.
Japan remains one of the world’s most captivating destinations, with a seamless mix of tradition and innovation. In spring 2026, Kyoto’s cherry blossoms will create a dreamlike setting for temple walks and riverside picnics, while Tokyo buzzes with Micheli starred dining and cutting edge design. Beyond the cities, you can relax in a traditional ryokan, soaking in onsen hot springs framed by snow capped peaks.
For Australian travellers, Japan is especially appealing. The favourable exchange rate in 2025 made luxury more accessible, and that trend is expected to continue into 2026. Add to that the convenience of direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, plus a flight time of under ten hours, and Japan is one of the easiest international luxury escapes for Australians.
Best time to visit: March to May for cherry blossoms or October to November for vibrant autumn colours.
Must see highlights: Kyoto’s Gion district, Mount Fuji views, Hakone hot springs and the historic Nara temples.
Explore more destinations in Asia here.
Skip the crowded hubs of Europe in 2026 and set your sights on Croatia’s dazzling Dalmatian Coast. Dubrovnik’s medieval walls, the crystal clear waters of Hvar and the hidden coves of Korčula will offer the perfect blend of culture and relaxation. Sail the Adriatic aboard private yachts, enjoy vineyard tours on centuries old family estates and unwind in boutique villas perched high above the sea.
The Dalmatian Coast also offers something unique - a chance to explore multiple islands within a single trip. One day you could be strolling Dubrovnik’s marble streets, the next swimming off the deck of a private yacht in the turquoise waters of Vis.
For Australian travellers, Croatia offers an enticing alternative to the more well trodden paths of Italy or Greece. With favourable exchange rates, a weaker Euro against the Australian dollar is making luxury stays and experiences more accessible than ever. Direct connections via major European hubs such as Doha, Dubai and Singapore mean getting there is easier than it once was, and once you’ve arrived, Croatia rewards with a more authentic, less commercialised Mediterranean vibe.
Best time to visit: May–June or September, when the weather is warm and the crowds are lighter.
Must see highlights: Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Hvar’s beaches, Korčula’s wineries, island-hopping the Adriatic, and private boat trips to hidden coves.
Explore more of what Europe has to offer, here.
For an island escape closer to home, the Cook Islands are the South Pacific at their most authentic. With lush volcanic peaks, turquoise lagoons, and a warm, laid back charm, they offer the ultimate barefoot luxury holiday for 2026. Overwater bungalows, private snorkelling tours and Polynesian hospitality ensure every moment feels effortless and unforgettable.
Rarotonga, the largest island, is the beating heart of the Cook Islands, where travellers can explore volcanic peaks, vibrant markets and pristine beaches. And, just a short flight away lies Aitutaki, famous for its lagoon of patchwork of blues so vivid it feels otherworldly. Here, private cruises to uninhabited islets create the kind of once in a lifetime memories LuxeWorld specialises in curating.
For Australians, the Cook Islands offer the best of both convenience and exclusivity. Direct flights from Sydney to Rarotonga make access seamless, with onward connections allowing easy island-hopping between Rarotonga, Aitutaki, and beyond. Unlike busier neighbours like Fiji or Hawaii, the Cook Islands remain less commercialised, giving travellers the chance to truly immerse themselves in local culture and enjoy the South Pacific at its most genuine.
Best time to visit: April to October for sunny, dry weather.
Must see highlights: Snorkelling in Muri Lagoon (Rarotonga), a lagoon cruise in Aitutaki, hiking the Cross Island Track and joining traditional island nights of music, dance, and feasting.
Explore more of what Oceania has to offer, here.
The Canadian Rockies deliver some of the most dramatic landscapes on earth. Towering snow capped peaks, glacier fed lakes that glow turquoise and alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers make this region a true bucket list destination for 2026. Think stays in luxury wilderness lodges, private wildlife encounters, and unforgettable rail journeys aboard the Rocky Mountaineer.
For Australian travellers, the Canadian Rockies tick all the boxes for a long haul luxury escape. Direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Vancouver make the journey surprisingly seamless, with onward connections to Calgary or Edmonton placing you at the gateway to the Rockies in just over 14 hours of travel time. For many Aussies, Canada combines the best of both worlds: a safe, welcoming destination with the added thrill of landscapes and wildlife so different to home.
The Rockies are particularly appealing for families, couples, and milestone travellers alike — whether it’s sipping champagne by Lake Louise, spotting grizzly bears in Jasper, or carving down pristine ski slopes in winter. And with favourable exchange rates and a strong service culture, Canada offers excellent value for luxury travellers seeking adventure with all the comforts.
Best time to visit: June–September for hiking and sightseeing, or December–February for skiing.
Must see highlights: Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Jasper, the Icefields Parkway and a Rocky Mountaineer rail journey through the mountains.
Explore more destinations in North America, here.
Most travellers head to Peru with Machu Picchu at the top of their list, and rightfully so. The legendary Inca citadel is one of the world’s most extraordinary sights. But in 2026, we encourage you to look beyond the ruins and spend time in Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire and a destination in its own right.
Cusco is a city where history, culture, and luxury converge. Its cobble stoned streets are lined with Spanish colonial architecture built atop ancient Inca foundations, while its vibrant markets and artisan workshops bring Andean traditions to life. Travellers can enjoy stays in converted palaces and boutique hotels, private guided tours of nearby archaeological sites, and world class dining that fuses Peruvian flavours with contemporary flair.
For Australian travellers, Peru offers both adventure and accessibility. Direct flights from Sydney to Santiago with onward connections to Lima make the journey smooth, with Cusco just a short domestic hop away. Many Aussies dream of visiting Machu Picchu, but by adding extra days in Cusco you’ll experience the rich tapestry of Peru. From local festivals and lively plazas to excursions into the Sacred Valley. This balance of iconic highlights and immersive culture makes Cusco a destination that lingers long after you’ve left.
Best time to visit: May to September, during the dry season for clearer skies and easier mountain travel.
Must see highlights: Plaza de Armas, San Pedro Market, the Sacsayhuamán fortress, the Sacred Valley, and of course, a journey to Machu Picchu.
Explore more destinations in South America, here.
Emerging as one of the Middle East’s most enchanting destinations for 2026, Oman is a land of striking contrasts. From golden deserts and rugged mountain ranges to dramatic coastlines and elegant cities. A journey to Oman offers experiences that feel both timeless and refreshingly undiscovered. You can stay private stays in luxury desert camps beneath star-filled skies, dhow cruises along the Musandam Fjords and indulgent spa retreats at Muscat’s finest five-star resorts.
For Australians, Oman provides an exciting alternative to the more familiar hubs of Dubai or Abu Dhabi. With one stop connections from Sydney and Melbourne via the Middle East, Oman is easier to reach than many realise and once there, travellers are rewarded with an authentic Arabian experience that blends adventure, culture, and understated luxury. It’s the ideal destination for those who want something different: fewer crowds, immersive traditions, and landscapes that range from pristine beaches to the rolling dunes of Wahiba Sands.
The country’s rich heritage is woven into every experience, from wandering through Muscat’s souks and admiring the grandeur of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque to venturing into mountain villages where ancient customs are still alive. Oman appeals to Australians seeking meaningful journeys, those who want to combine luxury with cultural depth, and adventure with warm Arabian hospitality.
Best time to visit: October to April, when the climate is cooler and perfect for outdoor exploration.
Must see highlights: Wahiba Sands desert, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat’s souks, the Musandam Peninsula, and Jebel Akhdar mountain escapes.
Explore more destinations in the Middle East, here.
Plan Your 2026 Escape with LuxeWorld
From Japan’s cherry blossoms to Oman’s desert camps, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of extraordinary journeys. Each of these destinations offers not just sights to see, but experiences to savour — from wine beneath the Andes to lagoon cruises in the South Pacific.
At LuxeWorld, we don’t just book travel, we create moments that matter. Our advisors take care of every detail, ensuring your 2026 escape is seamless, personal, and entirely unforgettable.
Ready to start planning? Contact a LuxeWorld travel advisor today and let us curate your 2026 journey.
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