Our travel enthusiasm isn’t slowing down anytime soon it seems with a new report revealing the top destinations Aussies are already planning to holiday in 2026.
The 2026 Virtuoso Luxe Report has unveiled the key trends that are shaping our travel habits next year, as well as some of the most popular trips on our radar.
More than 2,400 travel advisors from agencies around the world took the Luxe Report survey, drawing on their knowledge, professional experience, and client requests to offer insight into what’s next for travellers.
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Japan is the most popular destination for Aussies in 2026. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
More than half of Virtuoso advisors surveyed from Australia and New Zealand anticipate a slight rise in travel demand next year, while 23 per cent predict a significant increase – up 12 per cent year-on-year.
Spend per trip is also expected to remain high. According to the report, 63 per cent foresee a modest increase, while 16 per cent predict a substantial rise in spending.
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Rather unsurprisingly, Japan has overtaken Italy as the top global destination for Australian and New Zealand travellers for the first time among Virtuoso’s clients, also ranking first for solo travel.
Fiji has entered the global top five, while also claiming number one for both honeymoons and family travel.
Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Egypt have climbed the list of rising destinations, each offering unique culture and value, while stylish alternatives to European icons, like Malta, Albania and Montenegro, are also trending.
Fiji has climbed the rankings and landed in fifth spot overall. (Supplied)
Staying cool also remains a trend in 2026, with Antarctica, Norway, Iceland and the Arctic all landing in the top 10 list of destinations on the rise.
Antarctica in particular has increased in interest thanks to a boom in expedition cruising.
In fact, expedition cruising is the number one travel trend for the next year, according to the report.
It’s followed by Multigenerational family travel, family travel (immediate family), action and adventure trips, and ocean cruising.
Expedition cruising is the biggest travel trend in 2026. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Key findings from the 2026 Virtuoso Luxe Report:Top Global Destinations Destinations on the RiseJapanItalyGreeceCroatiaFiji Destinations on the RiseAntarcticaSri LankaNorwayVietnamEgyptTop CitiesTokyoKyotoParisBarcelonaLondonTop Travel TrendsExpedition cruisingMultigenerational family travelFamily travel (immediate familyActive / adventure tripsOcean cruisingTop Cruise ItinerariesAntarcticaMediterraneanDanube RiverAlaskaGreek Isles
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