What's Hot for 2026

Conscious cuisine means embracing culinary experiences with a story and soul, creating more meaningful connections with the land and people of a destination. From tasting ancestral grains to sharing food memories passed down through generations, it’s about reconnecting with our past and sharing new ideas. Uncover Phnom Penh’s vibrant street food scene with Vanarith Nop, a local guide who grew up foraging native plants in the Cambodian jungle, step back in time at Babylonstoren’s 19th-century farmhouse preserving the skills of a bygone era, or share a meal of fresh pasta and local wine in the countryside home of a Sardinian family.

Avoid the crowds, embrace the silence, explore by night. The allure of nocturnal excursions is more appealing than ever before, be it under the stars of a pollution-free sky or guided by the glow of the Midnight Sun. Dive into an underwater world illuminated by bioluminescent plankton in the waters of Bawah Reserve in Indonesia. Kayak through the Norwegian fjords under the bright light of the Midnight Sun. Witness nature transform under the cover of darkness on a guided night safari in Zambia’s South Luangwa. Stop and listen to the sounds of nature on a guided moonlit walk through the Ecuadorian cloud forest.

In an increasingly busy and crowded world, the magic of a quiet wildlife encounter continues to inspire our travels. In Africa, this means going beyond the ‘Big Five’ to explore lesser-visited national parks and reserves where the vehicles are few and the wildlife more abundant. It’s not just Africa: quiet wildlife encounters can be found all over the world for those willing to explore. Spot leopards in Sri Lanka’s Kumana National Park, track elusive jaguars in the Brazilian Pantanal, or glimpse majestic polar bears in the Canadian Arctic.

In 2026, some of the world’s most iconic hospitality brands will launch a series of new luxury ships designed with ‘cruise curious’ guests in mind: small, exclusive and experience-led. Celebrate the New Year in style with fireworks over the Arabian Gulf on board Explora II, embark on an unforgettable sea safari around the Seychelles’ remote Aldabra Islands on board the new Aqua Lares, and brace yourself for the ultimate yachting experience with the launch of OE Corinthian in June 2026, a new superyacht from the brand behind the iconic Orient Express train.

Around the world, seasonality is changing and booking patterns are following suit. Shoulder season is becoming the best time to travel, as travellers seek quieter moments in their favourite destinations. In Japan, that means swapping the Spring cherry blossoms for snow-dusted landscapes in January or the autumn colours of October. In the Indian Ocean, travelling during the ‘rainy’ summer season brings fewer crowds, better value hotel rates and great water visibility for snorkelling – and usually, very brief rain showers.