Eating croissants under the Eiffel Tower, staring up at the bright lights of Times Square and standing on the Inca Trail admiring the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu – what’s on your travel bucket list? We’ve compiled six experiences you should add to your must-do list in 2026.
Words: Jeremy Rochow
WILDLIFE
Into the African wild
Take an African safari that’ll get you so close to elephants, leopards and other wildlife that you’ll feel like you’re in a David Attenborough documentary. Sit aboard an open-top Jeep in South Africa’s famous Kruger National Park and witness giraffes gracefully gliding across the African plains, be dazzled by zebras as they drink at one of the many waterholes and watch a pride of lions in full flight.
Explore Botswana’s Chobe National Park – home to the densest population of wildlife on the African continent. The deep blue water of the Chobe River winds its way through the park’s sandy terrain.
You can see the Big Five – lion, cheetah, rhino, elephant and buffalo – at Chobe. And, when the dry season begins, large herds of elephant and buffalo congregate at the river’s permanent water source.
The riverfront even offers the opportunity for travellers to see crocs, hippos and the slightly odd leguaan – the second-longest lizard in Africa. You can almost hear Attenborough’s iconic voice narrating this spellbinding adventure of a lifetime.
Group of plains zebras, Chobe National Park, Botswana.
RAIL JOURNEY
Ride the Rocky rails
The Rocky Mountaineer leaves the Pacific Northwest city of Vancouver and rattles its way along the historic 19th-century railway. It winds its way through the Rocky Mountains, stopping at several spectacular destinations, including Lake Louise, Banff and Jasper.
The train is made for the picturesque landscapes it passes, with glass-domed windows giving passengers full views of stunning snow-capped mountain peaks, roaring rivers and deep valleys.
There are several rail routes you can take as you make your way through the Rockies. Travel through Kamloops and Lake Louise on your way to Banff and pass many landmarks, including Castle Mountain – named for its imposing appearance and resemblance to a medieval castle.
Rocky Mountaineer train.
No matter the season, Lake Louise looks as if it’s been lifted straight from a postcard. During the warmer months, kayak on this glacial lake and look out for bears, moose and various smaller animals like marmots and pikas that call the region home.
In winter, admire the picturesque scenery while relaxing with a mulled wine at the world-famous Fairmont Chateau on the banks of the lake.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Lunar new year in China
China is now the fifth most popular tourist destination for Australians, and this country truly has something for everyone.
For history buffs, there are world-famous icons like the Great Wall and Summer Palace. Foodies will be in heaven with eight regional cuisines, each with their own dishes and flavours.
Travellers looking for a cultural experience like no other should consider visiting China during lunar new year, also known as the spring festival.
While holidaying in China during new year celebrations is exciting, it isn’t for the faint hearted, with huge crowds and lots of people travelling home to visit their families.
Most tourist attractions like Shanghai Disneyland and the Terracotta Warriors are still open during the 15-day festivities.
But to get the best experience, visit smaller towns for vibrant and atmospheric celebrations. Nanjing in Eastern China is home to the Qinhuai Lantern Festival.
As the country’s biggest lantern festival, this isn’t just a light show, but a celebration of the region’s heritage that has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike for centuries.
The lanterns, each telling their own story, are placed along the Qinhuai River which winds its way through the city. As the sun sets the lanterns come to life, turning the area into a glittering wonderland – what a way to celebrate Lunar New Year.
Lunar new year celebrations, China.
CRUISE
Luxe European cruise
Sail through the Mediterranean in style, discover cascading cliffs and quaint villages, and dive into turquoise waters during a summer European cruise.
Bordering several European countries, including France, Italy, Greece and Spain, and Africa to the south, this ancient sea offers an experience of a lifetime. There are plenty of cruise liners offering Mediterranean voyages, but you’re looking to tick off a bucket-list item, so why not choose something that offers unrivalled luxury?
Sail through the French Riviera or down the Italian coast. Stop at the opulent principality of Monaco and take in the many sights, including the world-famous Casino de Monte-Carlo. The region is dotted with some of the world’s oldest UNESCO heritage sites.
See archaeological masterpieces such as the Greek Theatre of Taormina. Here you can explore the ancient ruins while enjoying the tranquil views of the Mediterranean coast.
Sail to the island of Corsica, stopping at Calvi and explore the medieval Genoese Citadel sitting atop rocky cliffs overlooking the moon-shaped harbour.
Greek Theatre, Taormina, Sicily.
A NATURAL PHENOMENON
Lighting the night sky
The northern lights – also known as aurora borealis, meaning light of dawn – are a natural phenomenon that should be on your bucket list.
Witness this spectacular light show as bands and rays of colour shimmer across the clear night sky during the colder months.
Arctic countries such as Canada, Greenland, Scotland and of course Finland and Norway offer the best opportunity to see the northern lights.
There are even tours in Nordic countries that give travellers the chance to follow the aurora borealis as it sweeps across northern Europe.
Take the breathtaking Flam Railway in Norway and wind your way through the winter wonderland. Set sail from Bergen to Kirkenes and witness the northern lights from your cabin as they light up the spectacular landscape before you.
Once you’re in Finland, get the full Nordic experience. Go dog sledding, take a reindeer safari and visit Santa Claus’ magical village in Lapland.
Aurora borealis over Hamnøy Norway.
THE FINAL CONTINENT
Antarctica adventure
Travel to the end of the earth to a location where the wild reigns supreme. Cross the notoriously rough Drake Passage on a cruise or take the two-hour flight from Chile to explore this icy continent.
Summer means lots of daylight hours, so there’s plenty of time to experience everything this wild destination has to offer.
Watch whales duck, dive and play at the bow of the ship, hike along penguin highways and kayak through the frigid waters while being awestruck by towering icebergs of various shapes and sizes.
Embark on Zodiac excursions in search of seals or blue-eyed shags. On land, the white mountains and glaciers are the backdrop for playful penguins. Watch as these tuxedoed birds slide down icy slopes on their bellies and huddle together to keep warm.
As you board the plane or cruise to depart this icy wonderland, you’ll take one more glance before ticking it off your bucket list.
A Zodiac boat excursion explores icebergs, Antarctica.
IMAGES: Getty.
Ready to tick off a bucket-list experience?
An RAA travel agent can help. Visit travel.raa.com.au or call 8202 4589.
