20 travel adventures to book in 2026

If travel in 2026 has a defining mood, it’s immersion — the kind of adventures that stir something deeper within us, and that linger long after we leave a destination. And the data backs it up. UN Tourism’s latest outlook reports that global travel demand is set to outpace pre-pandemic levels through 2025 and into 2026, driven by a surge in interest in nature-based, wellness and cultural experiences. Meanwhile, the World Travel & Tourism Council has highlighted a pronounced shift toward ‘transformational travel’, noting that travellers are increasingly seeking journeys that offer personal growth and environmental connection.

As a result, adventure operators are reporting record enquiries for long-distance walking routes and multi-day endurance challenges; wellness boards from the Mediterranean to Japan are seeing sharp rises in bookings for restorative retreats; and destinations with strong craft, music and language traditions are experiencing a boom in travellers keen to learn, make and take part. Add in the growing popularity of immersive conservation-led encounters, such as bioluminescence quests and octopus intelligence expeditions, and it’s clear that travellers want experiences that engage all the senses. Here are 20 of the most epic trips we think you’ll want to book for 2026.

1. Go on a mini stargazing safari in Northumberland

Following a post-Covid surge in interest in astronomy, a wave of new facilities and experiences has opened across Northumberland. At the centre of this lies Kielder Observatory, the UK’s most revered astronomical institution outside of Greenwich. Set in a purpose-built timber structure high up in Kielder Forest, the public observatory and educational charity operates more than 700 events a year, appealing, in its own words, to “all ages from 6 to 100”. The focus is on making the unfathomable comprehensible and the involved fun. Expect sessions to run into the early hours, fuelled by the young staff’s enthusiasm and mugs of hot chocolate.

Elsewhere, purpose-built facilities at Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant, in the riverside village of Wark, and the Twice Brewed Inn and microbrewery near the Sycamore Gap memorial on Hadrian’s Wall, offer stargazing workshops as well as talks and demonstrations. Hesleyside Huts, on a 4,000-acre estate on the River North Tyne, has a luxury stargazing cabin with retractable roof, while sthe Lord Crewe Arms, in the wooded Derwent Valley, has rooms equipped with astronomy binoculars and telescopes. Of course, with 572 square miles of Dark Sky Park, you won’t struggle to find your own spot to enjoy this most accessible of pastimes.

2. Take a modern-day pilgrimage in Portugal

For centuries, long-distance walking trails through Europe would be tackled as ostentatious displays of religious devotion. Today, pilgrims more commonly carry trekking poles, wear GPS watches and come in search of a more secular form of salvation: peace, both external and within. Portugal’s Rota Vicentina is a great place to find both: a network of linear and circular trails showcasing the wild, deserted beaches, honey-hued cliffs and sleepy coastal towns of southwest Portugal.

Perhaps the most emblematic stretch is the 143-mile Fishermen’s Trail. It starts near Porto Covo, in Alentejo province, and extends all the way to Lagos in the Algarve, taking in some of Europe’s best-preserved coastal ecosystems en route.

3. Conquer Slovenia in six days

Slovenia is fast emerging as one of Europe’s top adventure destinations. The country’s diminutive scale means it’s easy to get around and nip between its picturesque lakes, mountains, walking trails and rivers, while numerous operators are emerging, offering ever-more exhilarating experiences.

Outventure-X ranks among the best with its Slovenia Outdoor Week designed for ‘outdoor rebels’. The six-day itinerary packs in a new adventure every day, including biking, climbing, rafting, via ferrata, hiking and paragliding. Arenas include the Vipava Valley, known for its wineproducing slopes; the Soča River, one of the most picturesque rafting destinations in western Europe; and the Julian Alps. It’s here where the grand finale plays out: climbing to the summit of 9,395ft Triglav, Slovenia’s highest mountain. If its silhouette looks familiar, it’s because the peak is commemorated on the Slovene flag.

4. Try forest bathing in Japan’s Kii Peninsula

Shinrin yoku — often translated as ‘forest bathing’ — is a Japanese philosophy of recuperation simply by spending time in the woods, which can help to reduce stress levels and increase wellbeing. Countless travellers visit the temples and shrines of the ancient Japanese capital of Nara, to tread among the beams and creaking floorboards. Far fewer, however, head to the cedar and cypress woods of the Kii Peninsula from which many of these timbers were felled. It’s here that travellers can get a sense of the country’s inner spiritual life.

Being set on the edge of the urban sprawl of Osaka, the town of Yoshino is a popular place to try out the practice. It’s also a good place to get to grips with local forestry culture. By day, you might join an art workshop working with cedar shavings, the wood imparting a soft, warming light; by night you might stay in the Yoshino Cedar House, a high design lodge that’s faintly like a treehouse in its shape, with views of forested mountains from its sunny verandah.

(Japan's Kii Peninsula is the ultimate place to try forest bathing—here's why.)

5. Wallow in a warm mud bath in Italy

Rising from the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea around 15 miles off the north coast of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands remain one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. There are seven in total, each with a distinct identity largely defined by geology and landscape. Vulcano, at the southernmost end of the archipelago, is celebrated for its therapeutic thermal mud baths and fumaroles (openings in the earth’s crust that vent steam). The sulphuric fumes take a bit of getting used to, but bathing in the bubbling, slate-grey mud is tremendously soothing for muscles, boosting circulation and aiding skin conditions. Once you’ve cleaned up, the island’s web of hiking trails and dark-sand beaches invite exploration. The cliff-edge Therasia Resort Sea & Spa, with its volcanic backdrop and dramatic sunsets, makes for an ideal base.

6. Get a change of scenery on a grief retreat

When it comes to losing a loved one, they say time heals all wounds, but what if you could ease the pain and share stories with others in a supportive, restorative setting? In recent years, grief retreats have emerged around the world, offering calm, compassionate spaces to help attendees process loss. Activities range from journalling and guided reflection to immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of nature, as well as releasing emotions through conversation, tears and gentle movement — all proven to be cathartic. A change of scenery only heightens the healing. From eye movement desensitisation and yogic therapies on St Lucia’s sandy shores to holistic hammam rituals among Greece’s olive groves, there’s a retreat to suit everyone’s journey.

7. Sweat it out in an urban sauna in London

For many, the ideal sauna setting conjures images of tranquil Nordic lakes or ethereal boreal forests. But in recent years, the sauna has found a new home — right in the heart of the city. London is leading this urban wellness trend, offering city dwellers the chance to sweat out stress on a lunch break and return to the office feeling reinvigorated and renewed.

One of the most striking options is Rooftop Saunas in Hackney, perched high above an East London office block with sweeping views of the skyline, offering a serene escape in the clouds. Also in Hackney, the Community Sauna Baths offer a more rustic charm, tucked away in a slightly ramshackle yard filled with potted plants. Further south, Peckham’s Sauna Social Club lets you unwind in a converted railway arch, where the gentle rumble of passing trains overhead adds to the ambient hum.

(In need of a reset? Here are 12 UK spa hotels to book.)

8. Soak with seaweed in Brittany

Throughout history, people have turned to the sea — and its saltwater and seaweed — for their healing properties. But it’s Brittany that lays the strongest claim to being the birthplace of modern thalassotherapy, with the first dedicated centre established here at the end of the 19th century.

Today, the practice is only growing in popularity across this windswept Celtic peninsula, where the wild Atlantic provides a picture-perfect backdrop. Among the grandest is Les Thermes Marins de Saint-Malo, housed in an elegant belle époque building overlooking a sandy beach in the historic port town. Also highly regarded is Thalasso Concarneau, perched above a peaceful bay on the peninsula’s southern coast. The original, however, is Valdys Resort Roscoff, founded in 1899 and still welcoming guests with heated saltwater pools, saunas and salt cabins. The views are just as restorative: think rock pools, tidal sands, offshore islands and the presence of the rolling Atlantic all around.

9. Take a football pilgrimage across South America

Home to some of the world’s most storied clubs, atmospheric stadiums and vociferous supporters, South America is an unrivalled footballing hotbed. The beautiful game is central to the culture and identity of countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Colombia and joining local fans at a match during your travels is an experience that will live long in the memory.

Games such as the Superclásico between Boca Juniors and River Plate, and stadiums such as the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro are legendary. But soaking up the atmosphere from the stands at a lower-profile match is also incredibly rewarding, as well as far cheaper and easier to organise — particularly in Buenos Aires, which has scores of clubs within an hour’s drive. It’s a world away from the overly sanitised and commercialised experience often found at top-flight football in the UK. And beyond the matches themselves, there are also some fascinating stadium tours and museums, including at Montevideo’s iconic Estadio Centenario, host of the first World Cup in 1930.

10. Play padel under the sizzling Spanish sun

A dynamic blend of tennis and squash that’s played in teams of two, padel is one of the world’s fastestgrowing sports and has built a reputation for being as sociable as it is inclusive. The compact court keeps the running manageable, making it perfect for players of all ages and abilities, while the game’s energy and teamwork make every match fun. Add the Mediterranean sun on your back and it’s a sporting escape that doubles as a proper holiday.

Four-star Oliva Nova Beach & Golf Resort, around an hour’s drive south of Valencia, bills itself as Europe’s ‘padel hotspot’, with seven courts and a range of group and individual holidays and private coaching breaks. Between sessions, unwind with a round on the 18-hole golf course, stroll along the golden sands of the Costa de Valencia, or soak up the local culture in the nearby port city of Dénia.

11. Train for a triathlon in Lanzarote

Triathlons have exploded in popularity over the past two decades, morphing from a niche pursuit for the all-rounder to a full-blown sporting movement. Whether you’re a beginner looking to bring focus to your running, swimming and cycling, or a seasoned triathlete keen to fine-tune your technique, Club La Santa in Lanzarote is the ultimate place to train. Its Olympic-calibre facilities include a wellness and fitness centre, an athletics stadium with a running track, three 50-metre pools and a saltwater lagoon for openwater swimming, while the resort is awash with experts in everything from bike set-up to swimstroke analysis. Various triathlon-themed breaks are available and, if three sports aren’t enough, there are 500 weekly activities to keep you moving.

(How Lanzarote's volcanic landscape has inspired generations of Canary Islanders.)

12. Try trail running in the Lofoten Islands

Be warned: after trail running in Norway’s magnificent Lofoten Islands, your local Parkrun is going to feel incredibly tame. Towering pyramidal peaks plunge into pristine waters; deserted paths take you high onto ridge tops, offering dramatic views of the Norwegian coastline; and the ominpresent daylight in the Arctic Circle in summer means a midnight run is as feasible as a midday one. Pure Trails specialises in off-road, off-grid running trips to some of the world’s most exciting locations and this is one of its best, with guests gliding around the archipelago’s on a 56ft liveaboard sailing boat called Moondance, cherrypicking its most scenic corners. Pace and distance are tailored to ability, all runs are guided and the food served on board is far more sophisticated than you’d expect this far from civilisation.

13. Dive with the elusive octopus in Seattle

Since the release of My Octopus Teacher on Netflix, interest in the ocean’s most enigmatic creature has surged, inspiring a wave of travellers eager to experience these intelligent animals up close. Known for their shapeshifting skills, problemsolving brainpower and quiet curiosity, octopuses have become the new stars of underwater exploration. In Seattle, this fascination takes shape beneath the surface of Puget Sound, where divers plunge into chilly waters in search of the giant Pacific octopus. Night dives at sites like Alki Beach offer an extraordinary way to connect with marine life. With a pro guide to point out the creatures’ favourite hiding spots, you’ll have a rare chance to watch these eight-armed wonders in their element, silently scuttling across the sea floor, as curious about you as you are about them.

14. Listen to whale song in the Azores

Wildlife travel is evolving, with a growing trend towards immersive, conservation-led encounters that bring visitors closer to the natural world in meaningful ways. In the Azores, a remote Portuguese archipelago in the mid-Atlantic, travellers have the opportunity not just to spot whales, but to hear them. Whale song is more than sleep-inducing white noise, it’s the sound of one of nature’s most mysterious giants communicating across the deep. Some 28 species pass through these waters, including blue whales in spring and sperm whales year-round. By listening to their song, you can help identify individual whales and log migration data — all while tuning in to the ocean’s most hauntingly beautiful soundtrack.

15. Learn about rewilding in Romania

In Romania, vast tracts of virgin forest — spanning around 600,000 acres — have become a stronghold for rewilding projects, where reintroduced European bison, brown bears, wolves and lynx now roam. With expert guides and WWF conservationists, visitors can take part in one of Europe’s great conservation success stories, joining hikes through mist-shrouded fir and spruce forests in search of these elusive inhabitants.

Spotting bison grazing in forest clearings, waiting in bear hides for a glimpse of the Carpathians’ top predator and tracing the ice-cream-cone-shaped pawprints of a lynx through the undergrowth are all part of the adventure. After a day in the wild, travellers warm up with hearty Romanian soup in guesthouses, cabins or wilderness camps, while wolves call across the darkness like a lullaby.

16. Kayak through bioluminescence in Puerto Rico

Bioluminescence experiences are lighting up itineraries around the world, as more travellers seek out natural wonders that blur the line between science and magic. Few places showcase the phenomenon better than Puerto Rico’s Fajardo Bay, which on moonless nights transforms into an ephemeral spectacle of sparkling white, blue and turquoise. Every lap of a wave or sweep of a paddle causes the trillions of bioluminescent phytoplankton living in the Laguna Grande to glow, creating a disco-ball effect on the water.

Local guide and marine biologist Dalberto Arce, one of the founders of Kayaking Puerto Rico, is passionate about sharing this transient wonder with travellers. Kayaks leave at dusk, following fellow sparkle-seekers through a tunnel of red mangroves to a lagoon where every movement sends a shimmer through the darkness — as if the sea were trying to rival the night sky.

17. Try concert hopping in Chicago

If you’ve stood in line for a festival and heard a milieu of languages chatting in shared enthusiasm about an artist, you’ll know that ‘gig-tripping’ is a hot topic: American Express’s 2025 Global Travel Trends Report found that 60% of participants were planning to travel for live entertainment. And it’s not just the stadium shows that get all the attention: an increasing number of travellers are taking off for more niche events, from futurist raves in South Africa and underground electronic events in Germany to desert DJ sets in Morocco.

Visit Chicago in July and August to combine the best of both worlds. Sing your heart out to big-name acts at Lollapalooza, then stick around for the Chicago Jazz Festival, or discover DJs putting the dancefloor into a trance at the Chicago House Music Festival. For food-lovers, the Taste of Greektown and Sangria Festival are also not to be missed.

18. Celebrate craft heritage in Mexico

Across the globe, travellers are increasingly seeking out hands-on ways to connect with culture, swapping passive sightseeing for immersive craft experiences that preserve traditional skills and support local artisans. From weaving workshops in the Andes to pottery studios in Japan, these creative exchanges are becoming a key part of culturally conscious travel. In Mexico, a country famed for its artistry, visitors can dive deep into this heritage on guided tours that champion local craftspeople. Spend mornings shaping clay in a Zapotec pottery studio, afternoons learning natural dyeing techniques with cochineal and indigo, and evenings sampling mezcal among the mountains that inspire so much of the region’s artistry. It’s a hands-on, sensory journey into colour, culture and community, one that celebrates the makers keeping Mexico’s creative heart beating.

19. Learn a new language in Okinawa

Language-immersion lodges are on the rise, with the market set to more than double by 2033, according to a DataIntelo report. Japan, in particular, is seeing a spike in these stays, helping travellers demystify the Japanese alphabet and helping them connect with local people in a way few others can. Set in a residential neighbourhood in the tropical Okinawan capital Naha, the Genki Japanese Language and Culture School plunges you into the proverbial deep end, both via daily language classes and chats over coffee in the student lounge. Select the homestay accommodation option and you’ll be bunking in with an Okinawan family, tasting traditional soba-based dinners and learning about the island’s unique Sino-Japanese fusion culture via time-honoured local tales. Away from the capital, the school can also arrange surf lessons and snorkelling trips to see Okinawa’s coral reefs.

20. Go back to your roots in Ghana

Countries with long histories of emigration are seeing a spike in ancestry-inspired travel, fuelled by advances in DNA testing that now let you uncover your ancestral story with a simple saliva swab. Places such as Ireland, Scotland, Poland, Italy and India have all introduced dedicated genealogy resources, family history tours and even heritage train rides, like the Pravasi Bharatiya Express.

In West Africa, Ghana has become a focal point for travellers tracing family roots. Trips often combine welcoming ceremonies and cultural immersion with reflective visits to historical sites, including the UNESCO-listed Elmina Castle — a 15th-century fort once central to the transatlantic slave trade — alongside artisanal villages renowned for beading and brass-casting traditions. These journeys offer both connection and contemplation, allowing visitors to engage with history while celebrating local culture.