The Best Destinations For Luxury Travel In 2026: Japan, Antarctica, And More

Published on October 5, 2025

As luxury travellers successful Australia are becoming much adventurous, Japan has opened up arsenic Australia’s starring destination for 2026, pinch Italy taking 2nd place. This represents a displacement toward destinations that person taste value and are easy accessible, which has characterised nan recreation decisions of able Australians arsenic they activity experiences beyond their borders. Virtuoso’s 2026 Luxe Report, which tracks luxury recreation plans from nan opinions of much than 2,400 recreation advisors passim Australia and New Zealand, indicates that able Australians are quickly moving distant from nan accepted recreation habits of wealthier Australians. Popular travelling destinations proceed to pull nan attraction of luxury travellers; however, nan recently launched recreation patterns are creating tourer experiences successful different locales that are appealing to those looking for retreats successful remoteness.

Japan Leads nan Charge successful 2026

Japan has seen a emergence successful popularity, overtaking Italy arsenic nan number 1 destination for Australian luxury travellers. The allure of Japan lies successful its blend of taste richness and easiness of movement. Cities for illustration Tokyo and Kyoto person captivated travellers, offering a operation of accepted civilization and modern amenities that cater to some solo travellers and families alike. Japan’s accelerated emergence arsenic a apical destination highlights Australians’ increasing liking successful destinations that connection a equilibrium of taste immersion and convenience.

This inclination reflects broader world recreation preferences. Australians are progressively drawn to destinations that connection authentic experiences, wherever they tin prosecute pinch section civilization while enjoying businesslike carrier systems and luxury amenities.

Antarctica connected nan Rise

A important displacement has been noted successful nan emerging fame of Antarctica, now considered nan apical “destination connected nan rise” for Australian travellers. The expanding request for expedition cruises and remote, adventurous destinations is evident successful nan surge of liking successful Antarctica, Greenland, and Iceland. These regions, known for their pristine environments and constricted visitant access, entreaty to luxury travellers looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

This surge successful request for distant locations besides highlights a increasing desire for solitude and biology consciousness. Bhutan, pinch its committedness to sustainable tourism, is different destination gaining attention. These choices are portion of a broader world inclination of travellers seeking unique, less-explored destinations to guarantee an exclusive experience.

Expanding Horizons successful Europe

While European destinations stay celebrated among Australian tourists, nan scenery is shifting. Rather than flocking to nan well-trodden paths of Paris, Rome, and London, Australians are progressively seeking retired lesser-known gems. Riga, Albania’s coastline, Montenegro’s Adriatic resorts, and Malta’s historical towns person each go basking spots for those looking to flight nan over-touristed areas. This displacement aligns pinch a broader inclination towards sustainable travel, pinch much Australians prioritising nan avoidance of overcrowded destinations.

Focus connected Wellness and Slow Travel

The inclination towards wellness travel is increasing crossed generations, pinch much travellers focusing connected wellness and well-being alternatively than short-term indulgence. Australians are opting for slow, longer trips pinch a attraction connected rejuvenation and taste engagement, peculiarly among older travellers. This is reflected successful nan expanding request for wellness-focused holidays, which harvester relaxation pinch enriching taste and culinary experiences.

Private buyouts, yacht charters, and ultraluxe packages are besides seeing a rise, arsenic Australians look for exclusive experiences wherever everything is handled for them. These tailored experiences are becoming much targeted, pinch luxury recreation shifting towards a much personalised, immersive approach.

Top 2026 Travel Trends

The recreation trends for 2026 underscore a displacement towards meaningful recreation experiences and a attraction connected value complete quantity. The Virtuoso Luxe Report highlights that nan apical recreation trends include:

• Expedition cruising: Gaining fame owed to request for longer and much immersive voyages.
• Multigenerational family travel: Families are spending much clip together connected extended trips.
• Active and escapade trips: Australians are opting for much physically engaging holidays, specified arsenic trekking aliases cycling.
• Ocean and luxury cruising: With longer voyages becoming much popular, there’s an accent connected exploring distant destinations by sea.

These trends bespeak that Australian travellers are seeking much important and enriching recreation experiences. They are looking to put successful longer, much meaningful trips that align pinch their interests and lifestyle, making each travel consciousness for illustration an arena successful itself.

Top Travel Rankings for Australians successful 2026

According to nan Virtuoso Luxe Report, nan pursuing destinations are dominating Australian luxury recreation plans for 2026:

Top Global Destinations

1. Japan
2. Italy
3. Greece
4. Croatia
5. Fiji

Destinations connected nan Rise

1. Antarctica
2. Sri Lanka
3. Norway
4. Vietnam
5. Egypt

Top Cities

1. Tokyo
2. Kyoto
3. Paris
4. Barcelona
5. London

Top Honeymoon Destinations

1. Fiji
2. Maldives
3. Greece
4. Italy
5. Bali

A New Era for Australian Travel

In summary, 2026 promises to beryllium an breathtaking twelvemonth for Australian luxury travellers, pinch Japan and Antarctica starring nan charge. These destinations bespeak a broader inclination towards meaningful, immersive experiences that harvester adventure, culture, and sustainability. Whether it’s exploring Japan’s historical sites aliases embarking connected a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to Antarctica, Australian travellers are investing much successful fewer, but much meaningful trips.

The inclination toward slower, intentional kinds of travel, arsenic good arsenic a broader request for experiences related to wellness and luxury, indicates a caller section of recreation wrong Australia. Australians are looking to prosecute much profoundly pinch destinations, prioritizing nan acquisition itself complete nan destination’s notoriety.