Our Top Travel Destinations So Far For 2026
Our guests have kept us busy this first quarter! From new guests, returning clients and referrals, our team have been flat-out designing some incredible and varied holidays so far this year. Travel in 2026 is shaping up to be slower, deeper, and more intentional than ever before. Take a look at our top travel destinations so far for 2026.
Where our guests are heading next…
At Travel Differently, we’re seeing guests move away from rushed itineraries and toward longer journeys that prioritise culture, nature, and meaningful connections. From Patagonia to the Galapagos, travellers are choosing experiences that allow them to truly immerse themselves in the places they visit.
Here we take a closer look at the travel trends this year and at our top travel destinations so far for 2026.
Chile Holidays
South America continues to dominate bookings so far this year, with Chile emerging as the standout destination.
Home to spellbinding landscapes, diverse adventure experiences, world class wine, and some of the clearest night skies on the planet, Chile has featured more than any other destination: either as a standalone trip or combined seamlessly with Argentina, Bolivia, or Peru. Its easy to see why Chile is our top travel destination so far for 2026.
With guests seeking out trekking adventures in Patagonia to the iconic Torres del Paine, self-driving the epic Carreta Austral and exploring the Chilean Lake District. Itineraries also include slow travel in Atacama with guests staying four to five nights to make the most of this incredible region. Think multi-colours lagoons, salt flats, geysers, and moon valleys. The remote and mysterious Easter Island is also proving popular with 20% of bookings to Chile including this as a destination to see the giant stone Moais.
Inspired to go trekking in Chile? Take a look at our Classic Chile Highlight Itinerary (£4,318pp)
Ecuador and Galapagos combined trips
Close behind is Ecuador: our second most popular destination for 2026. Small in size yet incredibly rich in experiences, Ecuador encapsulates many of South America’s highlights in one journey.
Notably, 65% of travellers are choosing to experience the Galapagos Islands by land rather than cruise, with a further 21% opting for a combination of land and cruise. Our Galapagos land‑based tours move beyond traditional tourism models, allowing guests greater interaction with local communities, more time to observe wildlife, and increased flexibility.
This approach supports environmental stewardship and ensures tangible economic benefits for the Galapaqueños.
Beyond the islands, itineraries often include the bird‑filled cloud forests of Mindo, the snow‑capped volcanoes of Cotopaxi National Park, and the Amazon Rainforest: one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
Always dreamt of swimming with sealions and seeing Blue footed boobies in the wild? Take a look at our Ecuador Highlights and Galapagos Island-Hopping (£4,500pp).
Trips to Brazil
In third place is Brazil, a country of extraordinary scale and diversity. As the world’s fifth largest destination, Brazil offers endless opportunities for nature, adventure, and relaxation.
Travellers are booking trips to observe jaguars in the vast wetlands of the Pantanal, experience the thundering Iguazu Falls, soak up Rio’s magnetic energy, and unwind on the barefoot beaches of Ilha Grande.
Thinking of a holiday in search Jaguars, or to witness the amazing Iguazu Falls and Rio? Take a look at our Wild Brazil: Pantanal, Iguazu & Rio (£5,115pp).
Also performing strongly in South America
Argentina, Peru, and Colombia continue to perform well, both as standalone trips and in combination with people seeking out the following:
- Argentina: culture, cuisine, and iconic landscapes. Our Authentic Argentina Holiday(18 days from £6,638pp) has been hugely popular as more people want to experience the ‘real’ Argentina not just the highlights.
- Peru: ancient history paired with dramatic mountain scenery. Our Slow Travel Peru (21 days from £4,550pp) trip has been really popular with guests looking to be away for longer, perhaps on a retirement trips or part of a larger sabbatical as it offers extended time in The Sacred Valley to enjoy a range of activities and excursions.
- Colombia: vibrant cities, coffee regions, and Caribbean coastline. Colombia is still definitely having its moment, with several repeat clients of our booking our Colombia Active Adventure (18 days from £5,100pp) getting away from the tourist route and taking on the epic Lost City Trek.
Beyond Latin America
While Latin America remains our core area of expertise, we are seeing growing interest in destinations further afield as repeat travellers and recommended new guests look for new horizons. Bhutan, India, and South Africa are emerging favourites, offering immersive journeys focused on spirituality, wildlife, and meaningful local interaction.
Bhutan in particular is really having a moment, as the once super expensive destination now has lower daily fees than ever before. ($100 per guest per day, as opposed to a previous $250) This huge difference makes longer, slower, more adventurous and immersive trips to Bhutan more affordable than ever. We have seen an increased interest in more unique, longer multi-day treks such as the incredibly beautiful 6 day Yaksa Trek, where you’ll barely see another tourist for hours at a time. Witness pristine Himalayan views, walks through forests of rhododendrons, amble past yak herders in quiet solitude and bed down in comfy tents each night with hearty food made for you by our expert trek team. A real Travel Differently way to see Bhutan, and something more and more of our guests are booking. Inspired to travel to Bhutan? Take a look at our Slow Travel Bhutan Beyond the Highlights (£6,300pp)
How long are people travelling for in 2026?
Our longest itinerary so far is 93 days in duration, with our shortest coming in at ten days. The most popular length is three weeks in duration, showing a great appetite for longer, more immersive experiences, rather than quick getaways.
So far, 30% of bookings include two or more countries showing a growing interest in those looking to maximise their time in South America.
When to book South America holidays?
Based on current trends, most travellers are booking six months in advance, with Patagonia and Pantanal wildlife trips requiring 6–12 months’ notice due to limited seasons and accommodation availability.
As a general rule, the sooner you can plan the better. It ensures you have more time to create the ideal itinerary at the right pace, best availability, and price. For useful information on entry requirements, take a look here.
In Summary
Every Travel Differently itinerary is created from scratch, designed around your pace, interests and values. Speak to our experts today on 020 3909 9573 or Enquire Here and start planning your Travel Differently adventure!
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