From Japan’s continued appeal to the rising popularity of off-the-beaten-track escapes, booking data from Australia’s leading tour operator, Inspiring Vacations, reveals the most popular destinations for Aussie travellers.
Boasting one of Australia’s most extensive product portfolios – including small group tours, classic group touring, solo tours, private journeys, independent travel, rail holidays, Tailormade itineraries and Fly, Stay, Cruise packages – Inspiring Vacations helps advisors confidently match travellers with the right holiday experience.
With tours spanning all seven continents and destination expertise across Japan, South America, Africa, Europe and Asia, the award-winning Australian operator gives advisors access to a diverse range of curated travel experiences.
These are the top five tour destinations driving demand, along with the itineraries advisors should keep on their radar.
Osaka Castle, Japan.
1. Japan
Recommended tour: 16 Day Unforgettable Japan Small Group Tour
Japan continues to be one of the strongest performing destinations for Australian travellers. In 2025, the Land of the Rising Sun welcomed a record one million Aussies, with Inspiring Vacations data reporting a 128.5 per cent increase in traveller interest between 1 January and 20 May 2026.
In response to this demand, the company has launched a new collection of journeys through Japan, including the 13 Day Japan in Depth tour, plus a Discovery extension series.
Inspiring Vacations’ Chief Product Officer and co-founder Brendon Cooper said that the new itineraries are ideal for repeat visitors. “Japan continues to be one of the most in-demand destinations for Australian travellers, but we’re increasingly seeing people return for a second or third trip wanting to go beyond the major highlights.
“Japan in Depth and the Discovery Series were created by true Japan enthusiasts, designed to take travellers beyond the Golden Route and uncover a completely different side of the country.”
South America remains a top destination for Inspiring Vacations’ clients.
2. South America
Recommended tour: 19 Day Inspiring South America Small Group Tour
South America remains one of Inspiring Vacations’ most popular long-haul destinations, appealing to travellers seeking culture, cuisine and enchanting sights. A recent survey conducted by the company ranked Small Group Tours as the number one preferred touring style.
South America is ideal for clients wanting to experience this style of travel, with every Inspiring Vacations itinerary on the continent operated as a Small Group Tour.
The 26 Day Inspiring South America & Galapagos Small Group Tour continues to attract travellers looking to extend their exploration. For those seeking a more comprehensive journey, the 44 Day South America, Patagonia, Galapagos & Antarctica Cruise combines some of the region’s most iconic destinations with a HX Expeditions Antarctic voyage.
Wildlife and nature ranked as travellers’ number one special interest, Inspiring Vacations data reveals.
3. Africa
Recommended tour: 13 Day Cape, Kruger & Victoria Falls Premium Small Group Tour
Africa is another top-selling destination, supported by enduring interest in wildlife encounters and a myriad of diverse travel experiences. In fact, a recent Inspiring Vacations survey found that nature and wildlife rank as travellers’ number one special interest.
All Africa tours are also operated as Small Group Tours, providing travellers with an intimate, immersive experience in some of the continent’s most celebrated destinations.
Among the most popular itineraries are the 21 Day Ultimate African Safari with Cape Town, as well as the extended 25 Day South Africa to the Serengeti & Masai Mara Premium Small Group Tour, and the 24 Day Namibia & Okavango Discovery with Victoria Falls.
Sri Lanka emerged a top close-to-home travel destination.
4. Sri Lanka
Recommended tour: 14 Day Ultimate Sri Lanka Premium Small Group Tour
Travellers looking for a destination closer to home should look no further than Sri Lanka. The island nation continues to attract attention with its ancient architecture and palm-fringed coastlines.
The 15 Day Private Sri Lanka Adventure is a favourite amongst travellers seeking accessible and affordable private touring options.
The 19 Day Sri Lanka Uncovered, The Historical North & The Maldives itinerary combines the cultural highlights of Sri Lanka with time to unwind in the Indian Ocean. Independent Maldives extensions are available for those needing a holiday after their holiday.
The destination also complements Inspiring Vacations’ recently refreshed India portfolio, creating opportunities for advisors to engage travellers already considering their next South Asian journey.
Lake Iskanderkul, Tajikistan.
5. Central Asia
Recommended Tour: 22 Day Five Stans Unveiled
Central Asia is also emerging as one of the top tour destinations of the Inspiring Vacations portfolio, driven by travellers looking to escape traditional touring routes. The region’s Silk Road heritage and historic cities continue to appeal to solo adventurers in particular.
The latest booking data from Inspiring Vacations shows that solo travellers are almost twice as likely to explore Central Asia than pairs.
“Central Asia is one of the most surprising and rewarding regions I’ve ever travelled to,” said Inspiring Vacations’ Senior Product Manager, Martin Ruffo.
“I was lucky enough to travel through this region and I can honestly say nothing quite prepares you for it…vast, quiet and completely humbling.”
The 25 Day Timeless Stans & Turkmenistan Premium Small Group Tour is another popular itinerary, supported by the company’s recently launched Five Stans & The Silk Road destination guide which helps advisors identify the most suitable journey for their clients.
Supporting advisors across destinations
Alongside its extensive product range, Inspiring Vacations offers travel advisors a dedicated Trade Partnerships team and phone line for booking assistance. Advisors can call Monday to Friday, 7am – 5pm AEST on 1300 88 66 88 in Australia and 0800 475 025 in New Zealand and select ‘Travel Agent’ for the direct line.
The recently redesigned Travel Agent Hub provides access to incentives, marketing collateral, training resources and industry news, while monthly 30-minute webinars connect advisors with destination experts, product updates, technology enhancements and current offers.
Advisors can register for Inspiring Vacations’ End of Financial Year Savings webinar spotlight on Thursday 25th June at 1pm AEST via the Travel Agent Hub.
AloJapan.com