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These are the places to go in 2026, as chosen by our travel experts.
Track rhinos across the Namib, sail between volcanic isles in the Galapagos, hike misty trails in the Japanese Alps and discover ancient artistry in the highlands of Yunnan. These are the best places to go in 2026 – a year that promises transformative travel and inspiring new openings.
- 01. JANUARY – SOUTH AFRICA
- 02. FEBRUARY – VIETNAM, CAMBODIA & THAILAND
- 03. MARCH – JAPAN
- 04. APRIL – CHINA
- 05. MAY – ITALY
- 06. JUNE – BOTSWANA & NAMIBIA
- 07. JULY – SCANDINAVIA & ICELAND
- 08. AUGUST – INDONESIA
- 9. SEPTEMBER – AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
- 10. OCTOBER – PATAGONIA: CHILE & ARGENTINA
- 11. NOVEMBER – GALAPAGOS, ECUADOR & PERU
- 12. DECEMBER – SRI LANKA & THE MALDIVES
WHY – It’s peak summer in the Cape Winelands, with warm days and golden vineyards. The New Year crowds have dispersed, making it a quieter, more rewarding time to visit South Africa – restaurants are less full and the pace is more relaxed. This is also a perfect time for malaria-free safaris in the Eastern Cape, ideal for families combining culture and nature with stylish downtime.
HIGHLIGHTS – Unwind with private tastings in Franschhoek, explore Cape Town’s Table Mountain trails, or head off-grid into the Cederberg for starry skies and ancient rock art. For inspiration, take a foodie road trip through the Cape Winelands. End the trip with a tailored family safari at one of our preferred Eastern Cape lodges.
TOP TIP – Book a private villa in the Winelands for multi-generational groups – La Clé des Montagnes is one of our favourites, with a helipad, wine estate cellar access and nature trails from the grounds. Many come with chefs and curated experiences, from cooking classes to kids' treasure hunts among the vines.
HOT HOTEL – Generating buzz as one of the Cape's most thoughtful new retreats, Future Found Sanctuary offers immersive wellness in a lush mountainside estate just 20 minutes from Cape Town. Meanwhile, GweGwe Beach Lodge opened in 2024, introducing a bold new vision for marine safaris on South Africa’s Wild Coast – brilliant paired with a big five safari at Kwandwe.
JANUARY – SOUTH AFRICA
FEBRUARY – VIETNAM, CAMBODIA & THAILAND
WHY – With dry weather across much of the region, this is the best time to explore the highlights of Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. Temperatures are comfortable, and the light is ideal for photography.
HIGHLIGHTS – From Hanoi’s old-world charm to the golden temples of Angkor and Bangkok’s street food buzz, this is Southeast Asia at its most captivating. Treat yourself to the dazzling white beaches of Vietnam’s central coast, or stay at Zannier’s Phum Baitang for a serene Angkor base. COMO’s properties across the region offer wellness-led luxury with Asian flair.
TOP TIP – Explore the floating villages of Tonle Sap with a local conservationist, or sample Saigon’s after-dark flavours on a Vespa tour led by a chef who’ll take you to their favourite hidden kitchens.
HOT HOTEL – Lightfoot favourite Namia River Retreat opened in Hội An in late 2024, bringing stylish cool to the Vietnamese coast. We’re also excited about the Park Hyatt Phu Quoc, opening early 2026 – a beachfront retreat with a focus on local design and sustainability.
WHY – As cherry blossom season begins to sweep the country, Japan comes alive with delicate beauty. March brings milder weather and fewer crowds than the April peak.
HIGHLIGHTS – Experience blossom viewing in Kyoto’s gardens, soak in an onsen in the Japanese Alps. and visit samurai villages in the Hokuriku region. For a tranquil Kyoto retreat, Aman’s forested hideaway blends minimalism with meditative calm. Add a few days in Osaka for art, street food and a burst of urban energy. Lightfoot’s private guides open doors to local artisans, food masters and cultural rituals.
TOP TIP – Consider Kyushu for an off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom experience, with fewer tourists, exceptional hot springs, and rich samurai heritage.
HOT HOTEL – Capella Kyoto opens spring 2026 with serene onsen suites, refined interiors and a deep connection to Kyoto’s cultural heritage. Patina Osaka, opened May 2025, brings bold design and creative flair to Japan’s newest cultural capital. Meanwhile, Gōra Kadan Fuji, opened July 2025, introduces ultra‑luxury ryokan style with private onsen suites and sweeping Mt Fiji views.
MARCH – JAPAN
APRIL – CHINA
WHY – April is an ideal time to explore the diverse landscapes of Yunnan, with spring blooms and comfortable weather. It’s also a great time to explore Beijing’s history without summer heat.
HIGHLIGHTS – From the snow-capped peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain near Lijiang to the cobbled streets of the ancient town itself, Yunnan offers nature and culture in equal measure. Add a few days in Beijing for imperial treasures and a stay in a restored courtyard hutong, and consider finishing in Shanghai to experience China's contemporary art, dining and waterfront energy.
TOP TIP – Time your China holiday to avoid public holidays (like Tomb Sweeping Day in early April), but rest assured that Lightfoot’s private guide can weave through the expected crowds when visiting popular sites. In Shanghai, ask your Lightfoot specialist to arrange access to private galleries or a table at one of the city's rising chef-led spots.
HOT HOTEL – Rosewood Shenzhen and Rosewood Hangzhou, both opening in 2026, highlight China’s growing appetite for design-led, culturally grounded luxury. In Beijing, Mandarin Oriental Qianmen (opened 2024) offers understated elegance in restored courtyard homes. Lightfoot favourite The Upper House continues to expand with new openings slated for Shenzhen and Xi’an over the next two years.
WHY – With spring in full swing and summer crowds not yet arrived, Italy is a dream in May. From the Amalfi Coast to the Dolomites, it’s a time for alfresco lunches, wildflowers and cultural events.
HIGHLIGHTS – Hike in the Italian Alps, explore Milan’s design scene, enjoy Puglia’s gorgeous food and countryside, or discover the Italian Riviera and lesser-known regions like Le Marche. The Lefay Resorts in Lake Garda and the Dolomites offer wellness with a view.
TOP TIP – Plan your visit around the Venice Biennale or one of Italy's many spring food festivals. With the Winter Olympics shining a global spotlight on northern Italy this year, May is the perfect time to explore the region's alpine landscapes in a quieter season. You'll also enjoy easier access to popular cultural sites like the Vatican or Uffizi.
HOT HOTEL – Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli opens April 2026, bringing restored grandeur to a storied Venetian palazzo. Meanwhile, Belmond Villa San Michele near Florence reopens the same year after a full redesign, blending monastic heritage with refined, art-led luxury.
MAY – ITALY
JUNE – BOTSWANA & NAMIBIA
WHY – June marks the start of the dry season and brings superb wildlife viewing. In Botswana, the Okavango Delta’s floodwaters are just beginning to rise, drawing game to the newly formed channels. Namibia offers cooler temperatures, clear skies and dramatic desert light – perfect for photography and soul-stirring adventures.
HIGHLIGHTS – Begin your safari in Botswana’s private concession camps in the Okavango Delta, then travel to the wild banks of the Linyanti River for thrilling big game encounters. In Namibia, explore the red dunes of Sossusvlei or track desert-adapted wildlife on foot in Damaraland.
TOP TIP – For a truly off-grid adventure, venture to Namibia’s Skeleton Coast – a hauntingly beautiful wilderness few get to explore. And don’t forget to pack layers: early mornings in both regions can be surprisingly chilly.
HOT HOTEL – In Namibia, Zannier Sonop continues to set the benchmark for luxury desert lodges, recently earning Three MICHELIN Keys – a national first. In 2026, the launch of Hoanib Elephant Camp and Nkasa Linyanti Camp will further expand Namibia’s high-end frontier, joined by Vestige, whose collection of low-impact luxury lodges will open up the country’s remote north. Meanwhile in Botswana, Elela by Singita promises next-level intimacy and design-led safari in the Okavango Delta’s pristine private concessions.
WHY – Summer brings endless daylight and mild temperatures to northern Europe. July is ideal for fjord cruising, hiking, and experiencing Nordic festivals under the midnight sun.
HIGHLIGHTS – Kayak in Norway’s Geirangerfjord, pick cloudberries in Swedish Lapland, or take a RIB cruise on Iceland’s Glacier Lagoon to get up close to icebergs and playful Harbor Seals.
TOP TIP – Travel by train between Oslo and Bergen for one of Europe’s most scenic rail journeys, and include a ride on the Flam Railway for jaw‑dropping views.
HOT HOTEL – Deplar Farm in northern Iceland is a remote, stylish escape offering peak ascents, e-biking, fly fishing for Arctic char, lava heli-tours, stand-up paddleboarding on Stífluvatn Lake, white-water rafting, sea kayaking, and whale watching. In Norway, Åmot in Sunnfjord blends traditional architecture with modern comforts in a secluded valley setting, while the upcoming Six Senses Svart, set beneath the Svartisen glacier, is poised to redefine Arctic sustainability when it opens in 2026.
JULY – SCANDINAVIA & ICELAND
AUGUST – INDONESIA
WHY – August falls within the dry season for most of Indonesia (excluding Raja Ampat, which is best November to March), offering ideal conditions for diving, sailing, and cultural immersion.
HIGHLIGHTS – Sail through Komodo on a private phinisi, hike volcanoes in Java, and discover traditional village life in Sumba whilst staying at Lightfoot favourite Cap Karoso. Indonesia rewards those who go beyond Bali.
TOP TIP – A private phinisi yacht charter like RASCAL offers flexible, fuss-free island hopping with expert crews. August is ideal for sailing around Komodo, when conditions are at their best and most boats are based in the region.
HOT HOTEL – The Plataran Borobudur, completing a full renovation in 2026, will be a standout base for temple visits and Javanese culture. Meanwhile, Ta'aktana on Flores brings barefoot luxury to the shores of Labuan Bajo.
WHY – As spring arrives, landscapes across Australasia come alive. From Tasmania’s blooming coastal trails to ski season in Queenstown and the warming waters of the Great Barrier Reef, September offers diversity without the crowds.
HIGHLIGHTS – Dive with marine biologists on the Great Barrier Reef, explore the cutting-edge art and food scene in Hobart, or take a scenic flight over Fiordland’s snow-dusted peaks. This is a shoulder-season sweet spot for nature lovers and experience seekers.
TOP TIP – September offers excellent conditions for exploring Tasmania’s east coast or Bruny Island – combine beach walks with wildlife encounters and a private oyster-shucking session on the beach.
HOT HOTEL – The Lindis in New Zealand’s Ahuriri Valley continues to impress with bold architecture and panoramic alpine views. In Queenstown, the newly opened Roki offers ultra-sophisticated luxury on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, ideal for ski season adventures or springtime escapes.
SEPTEMBER – AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
OCTOBER – PATAGONIA: CHILE & ARGENTINA
WHY – Spring has arrived in Patagonia, with lodges reopening and the landscape stirring to life after winter. Trails are quieter, wildlife is active, and the views are unmatched.
HIGHLIGHTS – Explore Torres del Paine with expert guides, spot condors and guanacos, and stay in remote estancias where the wind is your only companion.
TOP TIP – Book early: October marks the start of the operational season, and the best lodges fill fast. It's also an excellent time for puma tracking and photographic safaris before peak season sets in.
HOT HOTEL – Explora El Chaltén, Awasi Patagonia and Tierra Patagonia continue to lead the way in immersive, low-impact exploration. Joining them in 2026 are two new Explora lodges: a long-awaited retreat in El Calafate and another on the edge of Torres del Paine, both promising privileged access and bold design.
WHY – November is one of the best times for wildlife encounters in the Galapagos and ideal for trekking in the Andes. It marks the start of seabird breeding and sea lion pup season.
HIGHLIGHTS – Spot blue-footed boobies and giant tortoises in the Galapagos, hike to Machu Picchu with a private guide, explore the Sacred Valley, and discover Lima’s emerging food scene with chef Penelope. In Ecuador, immerse yourself in cloud‑forest wilderness at Mashpi Lodge, perched deep in the Andean highlands.
TOP TIP – Chartering a small yacht such as Aqua Mare or Galapagos Tribute gives you unparalleled access to the Galapagos with flexibility and comfort – we can also arrange for an expert naturalist to accompany you throughout.
HOT HOTEL – Belmond Monasterio remains a Lightfoot favourite in Cusco, where colonial architecture meets refined Andean style. Delfin Amazon Cruises offers a more adventurous counterpoint – an elegant base from which to explore the Peruvian Amazon in comfort.
NOVEMBER – GALAPAGOS, ECUADOR & PERU
DECEMBER – SRI LANKA & THE MALDIVES
WHY – Dry weather in the south and west means it’s the perfect time for golden beaches and cultural adventures in Sri Lanka, paired with post-trip relaxation in the Maldives.
HIGHLIGHTS – Safari in Yala, tea trails in the Hill Country, and Galle’s festive buzz. Finish with an overwater villa stay in the Maldives – go barefoot at Gili Lankanfushi, or dial up the glamour at Patina Maldives or St. Regis Vommuli.
TOP TIP – Hike part of the new Pekoe Trail with expert guides to uncover the natural treasures of Sri Lanka’s highland heart before retreating to beachside bliss.
HOT HOTEL – Uga Prāva, opened in May 2025 in Tangalle, and Uga Halloowella, opened in January 2025 near Hatton, bring quiet sophistication to two of Sri Lanka’s most scenic locations. We’re also excited about Uga Giri, debuting in Ella in April 2026, offering elevated views and refined design in the heart of tea country.
Looking ahead to 2026? Let Lightfoot Travel design your most extraordinary year yet. Whether it’s a solo escape, a multigenerational milestone, or a slow journey into the wild, our team of specialists are here to craft the story you’ll never forget.
Get in touch today to start planning.
Photography credits: Unsplash and hotels' own
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