Lonely Planet has unveiled its Best in Travel 2026, highlighting the world’s top destinations and experiences for the year ahead. Among the standouts, Australia makes a splash with South Australia’s Ikara-Flinders Ranges on the Top Places Hotlist, alongside Melbourne’s food scene and Victoria’s Bathing Trail in the Experiences Hotlist.
Globally, the list features everything from rafting the Colorado River and attending a Premier League match in England, to tracking desert elephants in Namibia and exploring the street art of Bristol, England. Emerging gems include Reunion Island, São Paulo’s Liberdade district, and the USA’s Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
“Seeing the Ikara-Flinders Ranges and South Australian outback on this list is thrilling,” Lonely Planet’s Senior Director of Trade Sales and Marketing Chris Zeiher said. “And Melbourne’s food scene? World-class, eclectic, and unforgettable.”
The Best in Travel 2026 collection celebrates 25 top destinations and 25 must-do experiences, curated from Lonely Planet’s global network of writers, contributors, and editors. Each entry offers local insights, expert tips, and immersive inspiration for travelers planning their next adventures.
To complement the guide, Lonely Planet has launched Lonely Planet Journeys, a bespoke travel-planning service connecting travelers with local experts. To mark the release, 23 bookable trips inspired by the Best in Travel destinations are now available.
Whether you’re chasing classic bucket-list moments or discovering off-the-beaten-path gems, 2026 is shaping up to be a year full of adventure, culture, and unforgettable experiences.
Top Aussie Picks:
- Ikara-Flinders Ranges & Outback, South Australia – Epic landscapes ready to explore.
- Melbourne, Victoria – Savor the city’s vibrant and experimental food scene.
- Victoria’s Bathing Trail – A unique coastal experience not to be missed.
Get the Guide: Best in Travel 2026, $32.99 RRP, available here. Learn more about Lonely Planet Journeys here.
