The standout journeys of 2025 - and the destinations topping 2026 wish lists

BEST FOOD MOMENT: I found my way to Attimi among crowds of Broncos fans streaming to Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium but, once inside the intimate 28-seater restaurant, in Paddington, was immediately transported to Italy. Attimi is chef Dario Manca's tribute to his homeland's diverse culinary riches, from Sardinian-smoked stracciatella starters to cured coral trout with prosciutto and cardamon sauce, from coastal Abruzzo. Attimi is further evidence that Brissie is beginning to rival Melbourne and Sydney's restaurant scene. attimi.com.au

BEST STAY: After spending two nights at Eratap in April, I'm still plotting how to get back to this relaxed, barefoot luxury Vanuatu resort, set on a peninsula half-an-hour from the capital Port Vila. With a lagoon on one side and reef out the front, Eratap offers great surfing, snorkelling and kayaking and has 14 spacious villas, with plunge pools, around which to get torpid. From breakfast on the beach to sunset cocktails, this is an irresistible place for a tropical island holiday and Vanuatu needs us, as it recovers from the December 2024 earthquake. eratap.com

HOT LIST 2026: Few countries remain as "out there" as Mongolia. It's the planet's second largest landlocked nation, sandwiched between Russia and China, with its endless grassy steppe, Gobi Desert to the south, Altai mountains in the west and its nomadic people, a third of whom still live in gers (yurts). Next year, I'm dreaming of joining Australian adventurer Tim Cope, who once spent three years riding a horse from Mongolia to Hungary, on a trek following the migratory routes of traditional nomadic families through its vast landscape. worldexpeditions.com

BEST DESTINATION 2025: An Intrepid cycle trip was the perfect way to discover the delights of Slovenia, a compact country that's long been overshadowed by its glitzier neighbours Italy and Croatia. Starting in Ljubljana, a medieval gem and one of Europe's prettiest capitals, we explored natural wonders such as Lake Bled and the gargantuan Postojna Caves, then puffed our way through the soaring Julian Alps to a fittingly dramatic finale in the stunning coastal town of Piran. intrepidtravel.com

BEST FOOD MOMENT: Dining at Skord is an illuminating lesson in what's possible when you're unwaveringly passionate about local produce. Apart from salt, it only uses Finnish ingredients that are grown outside or in the wild. Located in the heart of Helsinki, the intimate nine-table venue serves a four- and six-course tasting menu that's a masterclass in pairing hyper-seasonal produce with foraged ingredients and wild game meat. The biggest surprise? A dangerously drinkable sparkling rosé made from redcurrants. skord.fi

BEST STAY: There are several yurt camps dotted around Lake Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan's largest and most spectacular alpine lake, but none offer Barbulak's combination of comfort and cultural insight. Opened in June, the property has 14 spacious yurts huddled around an outdoor fire pit, an excellent restaurant and stride-stopping views of the snow-dusted Tien Shan mountains. During an entertaining workshop, we learned how to make traditional nomadic felt decorations, a labour-intensive process that concludes with a high-spirited boogie. barbulakyurtlodge.com

HOT LIST 2026: Saudi Arabia's ambitious pivot into tourism continues with a 28,000-square-kilometre development on the Red Sea that will eventually include 90 islands and 50 resorts. Providing access to pristine coral reefs harbouring dolphins, turtles and more than 1000 species of fish, the project will use 100 per cent renewable energy and cap visitor numbers to preserve the environment. Of the properties that have already opened, Shebara is top of my wish list, thanks to its striking orb-shaped villas. shebara.com

BEST DESTINATION 2025: I'd thought of Rottnest Island in Western Australia as a quokka-filled day trip, but I vastly underestimated just how long you can linger here. Beyond the adorable marsupials lie shipwrecks and lighthouses, underground military tunnels, an island museum and endless ways to explore - on foot, by pedal or segway, or zippy electric scooters. You can swim and snorkel or sip a cocktail at a beachside bar, before settling into one of the many accommodation options. rottnestisland.com

BEST FOOD MOMENT: Dining at Marguerite feels like stepping inside a giant terrarium. Located within Singapore's Flower Dome, this Michelin-starred restaurant by Australian chef Michael Wilson is surrounded by thousands of blooms. The degustation menu is extraordinary, each course as delicately styled as the gardens around you, and the setting is intimate and immersive. It's a rare experience where food and environment combine to create something unforgettable. marguerite.com.sg

BEST STAY 2025: Why isn't everyone talking about Cempedak Island, Indonesia? A short ferry ride from Singapore delivers you to an adults-only hideaway. Its double-storey bamboo villas have no walls to interrupt the sea breeze, and a private plunge pool looks out over the ocean. The moment that crystallised the stay was a massage in the open-air day spa as a tropical thunderstorm rolled in. I could hear the rain drumming above and feel the breeze stirred by the storm. cempedak.com

HOT LIST 2026: Normandy in France should always be on the hot list for any history buff. For us, 2026 is the year we go. Inspired by my son's interest in World War II, we've booked a private D-Day and battlefields tour for our family of four. Beyond history, Normandy charms with quiet villages and as the home of camembert and world-class ciders. I'm hoping it's a destination where history, culture and local flavours come together for one unforgettable family trip. en.normandie-tourisme.fr

BEST DESTINATION 2025: Who'd have thought the best travel secret I find all year is 90 minutes' drive from Brisbane Airport? Bribie Island never had a reputation as a travel destination. But there are secrets all over. Like taking a four-hour beach drive to kayak secret lagoons in a wilderness that feels like K'gari (Fraser Island). Or hiring a tinny to find dugongs swimming off empty beaches. Or just taking a walk along the foreshore at dreamy Bongaree. visitmoretonbay.com.au

BEST FOOD MOMENT: Tenterfield won't become the next Mudgee - it's too far away to be overrun by Sydneysiders. But its emerging food scene makes it as worthy. Stonefruit epitomises that. Surely NSW's best up-and-coming restaurant, it was created by a clever 30-something Sydney couple looking for an escape. I sat outside in a courtyard surrounded by century-old brick walls lined with grapevines eating local beef tartare with oyster cream, washed down with locally-grown shiraz. Bliss. stonefruit.bar

BEST STAY: Completely hidden behind thick green hedges, Villa Royale in Palm Springs, California, is as much time capsule as a place to sleep. It was built in 1947, and Irving Shulman wrote Rebel Without a Cause here by the pool where guests sunbathe looking across palm trees to the snow-covered San Jacinto Mountains. Discretion is key, but everyone's stayed here; even, allegedly, the Beatles. There's a retro-style magic to being in Palm Springs; and nowhere captures it quite like Villa Royale. villaroyale.com

HOT LIST 2026: It gets left off most Aussies' travel itineraries - but I like that Portland (Oregon's capital) feels like it's a secret. There's a lot to like; how about that it's the best place in the US to get a decent coffee! Portland's a foodie haven, practically everything's farm-to-table; even food trucks here would get a chef's hat in Australia. Hipsters love it for art and culture and vibe, but I'm more excited about the wilderness on its doorstep; or even in the middle of the city, like Forest Park, one of America's largest urban parks. travelportland.com

BEST DESTINATION 2025: I'd always imagined Nepal as a destination for hardcore backpackers and serious trekkers, but even for a less-adventurous traveller like me, there was plenty to appreciate. From the ornate royal architecture and UNESCO world heritage sites to the rich cultural traditions, the layers of history and the generous warmth of the Nepalese people, Kathmandu feels both ancient and alive; spiritual yet simultaneously earthy and pragmatic. I came home with so many unforgettable memories, and can't wait to return, to explore further and perhaps even try some (light) trekking. ntb.gov.np

BEST FOOD MOMENT: It's less a single moment and more an entire hour - between 7am and 8am - in India. Hotel breakfasts here are truly epic. I'm usually not a morning person, but no matter where I was in the country, I'd wake up genuinely excited to see what that morning's buffet spread offered. The skill of Indian chefs is unparalleled - they work with such complex flavours and spices, yet the food is always so exquisitely balanced, and the variety of dishes and regional differences were as surprising as they were unimaginably delicious. It was pretty rough coming home to Vegemite toast. insightvacations.com

BEST STAY: An intimate health retreat converted from a historic villa in Alto Adige in Italy's mountainous north-east, Villa Eden, in the spa town of Merano, has cutting-edge health technology with a focus on longevity. There's a gallery of photographs of famous guests, from Maradona and Pavarotti to Barbra Streisand. We stayed in the sumptuous Fendi suite (where the Fendi fashion family stay) with our own spacious terrace. Being Italy, the food was outstanding. And while I loved the opulence, the real luxury for me was going to meals in my robe and slippers. villa-eden.com

HOT LIST 2026: My bet is on Finland, the world's happiest country, finally having its moment in 2026, and I'm staking my claim. I've booked a "big birthday" trip and can't wait to wander through Helsinki, experience the arty buzz in Oulu, the 2026 European Capital of Culture, and explore the country's pristine lakes and forests. Then it's onto the far north by train to Lapland, chasing the northern lights which, for reasons my unscientific brain is not wired to understand, are expected to be spectacular this year. visitfinland.com

BEST DESTINATION 2025: What to do when the world seems more fractious than ever? Run away to sea. The best place to be this year was on a cruise ship, waving hello to an exciting new destination every day and drinking in the beauty of one more sunset. Cruises took me to amazing places I'll never forget, from the magnificent Kimberley to the incredible Azores. On a brilliant blue-sky day, I floated in the turquoise Caribbean Sea that surrounds Princess Cruises' island in the Bahamas, and couldn't have been more content. princess.com

BEST FOOD MOMENT: The first, exquisite bite of tender lobster cocktail, as subtle as it is bursting with flavour, tells me this is going to be a multi-course meal to remember. I planned ahead, securing a reservation at Friday Saturday Sunday before I made travel arrangements to Philadelphia, so popular is the delightful degustation menu. Good thing I did: On the Tuesday after my visit, the inaugural Michelin guide to the City of Brotherly Love was announced. With a sparkly star rating, the wait for a table just got longer. fridaysaturdaysunday.com; discoverphl.com

BEST STAY: From the welcome glass of hibiscus-pomegranate iced tea, to the exotic fruit basket fit for a queen, Kempinski Hotel Muscat offers a masterclass in extraordinary Omani hospitality. Fussed over as I am, I feel more like a long-lost and much-loved family member than a hotel guest. When I tell Carla, one of the 'Lady in Red' concierge hosts, that it's my first time in Oman, she plans a four-day itinerary on the spot. Handing me a sea-blue headscarf to wear to the grand mosque, she fondly calls me 'sister'. kempinski.com

HOT LIST 2026: I can't stop thinking about Africa, my curiosity piqued by what's beyond safari adventures. I know there's more to the continent than wildlife experiences: I met a woman at a beach club in Mykonos who said the Greek islands don't hold a candle to the Kenyan coastline; there's growing chatter about Lagos, Nigeria as an exciting hub of creative expression; Benin's first five-star hotel, Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa, opened recently; cruise itineraries now make port stops from Madagascar to Mombasa. I want to see it all. sofitel.com

BEST DESTINATION 2025: I'll always have a longing for Tbilisi. The Georgians have had 8000 years to perfect hospitality - it's the world's oldest wine-making culture, after all - and the food scene honours tradition with modern vitality. Few European cities layer Roman, Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Georgian and Russian history so dizzingly. The best vantage point is from the ancient Narikala Fortress where Old Tbilisi's terracotta rooftops tumble down towards the Persian-domed sulphur baths of Abanotubani and a private room is waiting to soak away the jet lag. georgia.travel

BEST FOOD MOMENT: How do guides so effortlessly double as bush chefs preparing three-course candlelit dinners under the stars through days navigating Maria Island's jagged coastline? Tasmania's Maria Island Walk turns wilderness camping into theatre - saffron risotto with Tasmanian scallops, blue-eye trevalla with roasted garlic, succulent wallaby sausage with walnut salad - washed down with a cool-climate wine from Bream Creek Vineyard. It's the sheer unlikeliness of dining to birdsong with quick-moving marsupials scurrying past the tent that proves nothing is finer than hiking-boot discovery surrounded by nature and a few new friends. mariaislandwalk.com

BEST STAY: Le Grand Mazarin in the Marais, Paris, feels a bit like I'm being introduced to a Parisian aristocrat with flawless taste and a questionable past. It's entertaining, to say the least. French classicism crashes headlong into playful excess across 61 rooms: lobsters printed inside wardrobes, tapestries hanging above beds, yellow-tiled bathroom and purple-suited concierge. Ten minutes' walk from Notre-Dame, tucked among Marais boutiques and brasseries, the hotel operates more like a private club for people who like the idea of being cosy yet opulent, intimate yet lavish. legrandmazarin.com

HOT LIST 2026: High in the Indian Himalayas' remote Kumaon region, the new Shakti Prana retreat offers a chance to experience a landscape, culture and lifestyle that's remained unchanged for centuries. Seven luxury cabins built from stone and glass were hauled by mule train 820 metres up a steep goat path to reach this spectacularly isolated mountain perch. Days unfold with immersive experiences designed for quiet exploration. Walks are customised to suit each guest and chef-inspired meals lean into regional cuisine. I'd like to try this slow, sophisticated way of travel that leaves the landscape to do all the talking. shaktihimalaya.com

BEST DESTINATION 2025: I visited the northern Italian city of Bergamo by accident, because my brother had flown into the wrong airport to meet me in Milan, but I will be back the next time I'm in the neighbourhood because Bergamo's old town (the Citta Alta) is a lovely medieval walled settlement with cobblestone streets, a fortress museum and a spectacularly frescoed basilica. Bergamo is also the cheese capital of Italy, which makes it even more attractive to me as my brother hates cheese. visitbergamo.net

BEST FOOD MOMENT: If the English city of Liverpool were a nation (and a surprising number of Scousers think it is), then the national dish would not be scouse (a kind of beef stew) but the Anglo-Indian street-food classic, chips with curry sauce. There is no more to this "dish" than the name implies - and it's easy to imagine it cooked badly - but I was lucky to stumble upon the perfect example at Yanni's Fish & Chips in Liverpool, where I was served fat, soft but not-at-all-oily hot chips, rested after they left the fryer (Australian chippie operators, take note), and crowned with a salty-but-sweet glutinous sauce that would probably not be recognised as curry in, say, India, but somehow embodies the spirit of modern England. facebook.com/yanni.chippy.1

BEST STAY: At Infinito Hotel and Spa in Shirahama in Japan, I had my own personal onsen (or spa bath) on the balcony of my room. As I soaked in the hot-springs water overlooking the Kii Channel, I realised that this was the life I had always been meant to lead. The hotel has fantastic views of the sea from the bar, and is popular with weary trekkers coming off the Kumano Kodo Trail. hotel-infinito.co.jp

HOT LIST 2026: My recent first visit to Sicily this year was a tremendous eye-opener. The island of Sardinia is even more of an Italian unknown to me, but apparently it has beautiful beaches, the mysterious ruins of an ancient civilisation, Roman relics - and loads of pecorino cheese, which my brother regards with a particular horror. And if I go there, I might finally stop confusing the place with Corsica. sardegnaturismo.it/en

BEST DESTINATION 2025: In Thailand, wellbeing isn't a program; it's a way of life - physical, mental, spiritual and rooted in the natural world. I was reminded of that this year when I finally made it to Kamalaya ahead of the wellness sanctuary's 20^th birthday, where I finally unplugged from the noise and plugged into something ancient. Think traditional Thai medicine infused with Ayurveda and Chinese principles, herbal steam rituals, UNESCO-recognised Nuad Thai massage and slow, mindful practices shaped by Buddhism. Thailand is also safe, great value, easy to reach and buzzing with new hotels, restaurants and cultural experiences, without losing the signature warmth and generosity that travellers return for. kamalaya.com. kamalaya.com

BEST FOOD MOMENT: In Paris, after an invigorating morning at the Louvre (pre-jewel heist), I high-tailed it to Le Loir Dans La Theiere in the heart of Le Marais district. It's known for its atmosphere: mismatched chairs, low-lit corners and gentle hum of locals who treat it like an extension of their living rooms. But it's famous for its cooking, so I nabbed a window seat and pondered which oversized slice of cake to indulge in. The tarte au citron is legendary but the peach and rosemary tart was the perfect quiet achiever: slices of ripe peach laid across a buttery base, their sweetness and scent lifted by a whisper of rosemary. On a hot day, the whole thing felt like late summer on a plate: the tart you order on a whim and then spend the rest of your trip thinking about. leloirdanslatheiere.com

BEST STAY: After hundreds of flights to dozens of destinations, this was the first plane I didn't want to get off, even after 15 hours. The Qsuite - which I travelled in as part of Virgin Australia's return to long haul flying in partnership with Qatar Airways - was one of the most wonderful stays of my life. The intimate flying experience featured a private suite with sliding, closing doors, a flatbed and turndown service, delicious bespoke menu from Ross Lusted and a smooth personalised check-in service. virginaustralia.com

HOT LIST 2026: Almost 30 years after visiting as a backpacker, Greece is calling me. Not Mykonos or Santorini this time, but the quiet, unpolished corners of Greece where the ferries come twice a week and the days roll by in so many shades of blue. In Kythira, an island south of the Peloponnese that feels like Greece before the crowds and the cocktail lists, mornings will be spent swimming off rocks warm from the sun, afternoons will unfold in tiny tavernas with handwritten menus, and evenings will drift into starlit walks through villages untouched by time. visitgreece.gr

BEST DESTINATION 2025: A motorhome reveals new possibilities for a non-camper and trundling along the NSW Mid North Coast between Seal Rocks and Black Head Beach was one of the few times I was able to leave my worries at home this year. This is the land of 1980s-style caravan holiday homes with names like Gone Fishin', stretches of unoccupied white sand, and cacophonous bird song. Then there's the breathtaking view from the Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse - even better if it's whale season. visitnsw.com

BEST FOOD MOMENT: Imagine you are in a beach club surrounded by cool green decor and cane lamps with a menu celebrating everything the coconut has to offer. Are you in Bali? No, you're in downtown Kampong Glam in Singapore, at the Michelin Bib Gourmand-listed eatery, The Coconut Club. Rich aromatic curry, crunchy peanuts, a just-set fried egg and creamy coconut rice, I yearn for you. This is Nasi Lemak with Beef Rendang as it should be, with lashings of sambal, eaten in the refreshing calm, while hot cars roar past outside. thecoconutclub.sg

BEST STAY: Our light plane descends over a red mountain and into a green field where we are met with a flurry of country hospitality - Akubra hats, glasses of champagne and a friendly four-wheel-drive buggy ride past Brahman cattle, to the sprawling homestead, Mt Mulligan Lodge. Think sunrise breakfasts, historic mining town tours and verandah tubs, all under the watch of Mount Mulligan in the Queensland outback. mountmulligan.com

HOT LIST 2026: China's visa-free period has been extended to the end of 2026 giving Aussies more time to get there with a little less paperwork. I'll never forget visiting Shanghai during one of my first solo trips abroad. I laughed with visitors at expat bars, learned to jostle with locals to get a taxi outside a busy shopping centre, and then there was the food - hot soupy dumplings and chestnuts on the side of the road. I was hooked. cnto.org.au

BEST DESTINATION 2025: The Orkney Islands are imbued with rich traditions, history stretching back millennia, wondrous wildlife, dramatic scenery and mighty fine beer and whisky. I dived in last (northern hemisphere) summer, immersing myself in nature and letting the wind and waves wash away my worries. My visit also resulted in my No. 1 guided tour for 2025: Wild Orkney Walks run by Megan Taylor whose knowledge of and enthusiasm for nature is exhilarating. orkney.com

BEST FOOD MOMENT: In Bangkok's super-luxe Aman Nai Lert hotel, at a 14-seat teppanyaki restaurant called Hiori, Chef Yoji Kitayama and his laser-focused team transported me to a food world I never knew was possible. Succulent lobster in citrus kinome butter, irresistible king crab croquettes and vegetables with ginger miso that had absolutely no right to be so drop-dead delicious. They're vegetables for goodness sake and the chefs cooked them right in front of me with - seemingly - nothing but metal spatulas. How did they get them so dreamy? Pure magic. aman.com

BEST STAY: The enchanting Cahkal Hotel in north-west Finland is the best property I stayed at all year - by a country mile. It's beautifully designed to reflect the surrounding Arctic landscape, while the staff are so friendly that check-in felt like I was the guest of honour at an important family event. I sped across Lake Kilpisjarvi with owner Margit and chef Olli to forage in tranquil birch forests. Later, Olli cooked the Arctic Char he had caught in the lake and the mushrooms we had picked. Heavenly food in an Arctic paradise. cahkalhotel.fi

HOT LIST 2026: My previous visit to Colombia (as a foreign correspondent) was all tense meetings in city offices. This time it will be all about the landscapes and wildlife. I'm planning to commune with caimans, photograph toucans and knock back a pisco sour or two with old friends. colombia.co/en

BEST DESTINATION 2025: If making a beeline for roadside honesty fridges packed with fresh-baked bread sounds like your idea of a delicious getaway, book a spot on the Bruny Island car ferry now. Bruny's charms will have you drooling (those plump Pacific oysters, that beer, the honey), huffing and puffing (climb to the Truganini Lookout to contemplate the isthmus, hike the Fluted Cape Walk) and contemplating nature's beauty (hello pademelons, shimmering sunsets and yellow-tailed black cockatoos). discovertasmania.com.au

BEST FOOD MOMENT: At Byron Bay Oyster Bar, tucked into Hotel Marvell's ground floor, my dining companion and I ummed and ahhed over a dizzying array of oyster embellishments. "Why don't you just order two of everything?" said our waiter. Problem solved. A platter arrived with 20 perfectly formed beauties, anointed with everything from olive brine, guindillas and vermouth (the Martini) to lime, cucumber and mint granita (the Gio, my fave). Slurp, smile, repeat. byronbayoysterbar.com.au

BEST STAY: Sri Lanka is nothing if not resilient. Once the teardrop-shaped nation recovers from the ravages of Cyclone Ditwah, head to its stunningly sculpted tea country. Here, you'll find a British-era planter bungalow transformed into a simply resplendent six-suite hotel. Uga Halloowella is perched next to jungle where leopards roam and overlooks Castlereagh Reservoir where you can arrive or depart by seaplane. Check the view from the infinity pool then relax with a cup of tea. ugaresorts.com

HOT LIST 2026: It takes a lot for Australians to be tempted by an overseas beach destination - but I'm dazzled by the thought of the Maldives. I need to check - personally - that those intensely blue waters and that eye-squintingly white sand aren't photo-shopped. I want to float on my back among fish and turtles to admire my overwater bungalow then clamber up to the deck to find a cocktail, topped with a tiny umbrella, waiting for me. visitmaldives.com

BEST DESTINATION 2025: No matter what you have heard, read or seen on TV or social media about Egypt, the country will blow your mind when you actually get there. I had been dreaming about it for more than a decade; the weight of expectations - and anticipation - was huge. And yet, everything about Egypt lived up to the hype - and then some. Imagine standing in front of Tutankhamun's golden mask, 3300 years old; watching the sun bathe the Great Sphinx of Giza in its early-morning glow without any crowds; and tearing apart freshly baked bread at riverside restaurants in Cairo, with feluccas in the distance. And don't even get me started on the brand-new Grand Egyptian Museum, which is attracting mega crowds from all over the world right now. gem.eg

BEST FOOD MOMENT: I had some standout food in Athens earlier this year ... with warm hospitality to match. But it was a burger with a thin, deeply caramelised Black Angus patty at One Burger in the heart of the city that stole the show. oneburger.com

BEST STAY: Perched on a hill with unbelievable views of the Mykonos harbour, Deos Mykonos has everything - from stunning contemporary suites with private plunge pools to a magnificent poolside bar with sunset vistas. But the clincher is the property's complimentary all-day buggy transfers to and from the town of Chora. As anyone who's ever been to the Greek isles would know, the walk up the steep hills can be an absolute killer. Not at Deos Mykonos. deosmykonos.gr

HOT LIST 2026: An Indian wedding is a destination in its own right. But the one I'm heading to is taking place in Khajuraho - famous for medieval Hindu temples with (hold your breath!) erotic sculptures depicting the most explicit sexual acts. This is the land of Kama Sutra, after all. Can't wait. mptourism.com

BEST DESTINATION 2025: Everything about Glacier National Park, in the US state of Montana, exists on an impossibly vast scale. In winter, the scenery is covered by snow drifts up to 20 metres deep. In summer, it's overrun by millions of tourists. But for a magical six-week period in May and June, it's accessible to quick-thinking cyclists who get in before the roads open to cars. And with an e-bike making short work of the climbs, I felt like I had the showstopping Going-to-the-Sun Road all to myself as I rode past forests of feathery red cedars, thundering waterfalls and sublime snow-covered mountains at the aptly named "Crown of the Continent". glacierguides.com/bike

BEST FOOD MOMENT: From aboard Hurtigruten's MS Serenissima, Svalbard appears uninhabitable. But this unmissable add-on makes it clear that the forbidding landscape of rock and ice is teeming with life. Chef Alberto Lozano's 14-course degustation at Huset restaurant is a lesson in Arctic biology that showcases ingredients like smoky reindeer heart, pickled cloudberries and air-dried seal meat. A truffle marbled with swirls of green phytoplankton even gave me a taste of the northern lights in the middle of summer. hurtigrutensvalbard.com/en/mini-cruise

BEST STAY: Marrakech's labyrinthine 11th-century medina is an intoxicating mix of street performers, spice markets and motorcycles dodging between pedestrians, and the all-out sensory assault can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. Fortunately, the beautifully restored guesthouse Riad Botanic, run by an Australian-Moroccan couple, offers a peaceful escape in the heart of the old town. Five suites decorated with kaleidoscopic wallpaper surround an oasis-like courtyard with a pool and a magnificent orange tree, while the minarets visible from the breezy rooftop terrace hint at the bustling world beyond. riadbotanica.com

HOT LIST 2026: Cruising in the South Pacific wasn't on my list until I heard about the Aranui, a combination cargo/passenger vessel that delivers essential supplies to some of the world's most remote communities. That includes the Marquesas Islands, a cluster of jungle-covered volcanic cones in northern French Polynesia where a leisurely 12-day voyage goes heavy on dramatic natural landscapes and traditional Polynesian culture. aranui.com/en

BEST DESTINATION 2025: The Portuguese island of Madeira off north-west Africa was even lusher and more breathtaking than I'd imagined, entrancing us with its exotic botanical gardens, cobblestone fishing villages, mountainous, gorge-gouged interior and sea cliffs soaring 600 metres above the Atlantic waves. Another fine thing about Madeira - and what makes it an enticing option year-round - is the subtropical climate. Warm ocean currents keep winters mild here, while the cooling breezes temper the summer heat. visitmadeira.com

BEST FOOD MOMENT: I'll long cherish our evenings grazing at the bustling bars of Bilbao and San Sebastian, embracing the pintxos (Basque tapas) culture that reigns in these compelling cities. Hopping around the duo's atmospheric old towns, we paired Rioja wines with moreish pintxos, including skewers of pulpo (octopus) and txuleton (ribeye steak) and bready morsels draped with cured Basque hams and cheeses. Sunny days were spent burning (some of the) kilojoules on photogenic urban strolls and coastal hikes. turismo.euskadi.eus

BEST STAY: The Artist Residence is a boho-chic gem in Bristol, a historic port city that's become Britain's unofficial street-art capital. Eye-grabbing graffiti, prints and paintings decorate this hotel set across converted Georgian townhouses and a former boot factory by a handsome London-esque square. Downstairs doubles as a neighbourhood hangout, bar and eatery, while the quirky 23 guest rooms include the Artist Suite, the most colourful and eclectic room I stayed in all year, all groovy fabrics, flooring and furniture. artistresidence.co.uk/bristol

HOT LIST 2026: I'm a fan of peaty, smoky whiskies and the best place in the world for these is (arguably) Islay off Scotland's dramatically beautiful west coast. The island has 10 distilleries to visit, among them Ardbeg, which has also transformed an old harbourside hotel into a whimsical new 12-room bolthole with a restaurant showcasing Islay's larder from land and sea. Based here, I'll enjoy whisky tours and tastings, birding adventures, sea kayaking and boat trips to rugged nearby islands. ardbeghouse.com