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A new year unfolds with endless possibilities, and there’s a special kind of excitement that comes with plotting your next adventure. But faced with 195 countries – each with its own landscapes, cultures, and stories – choosing which destinations earn their place on your travel wish list can feel like an impossible task.
To offer some inspiration and help you get excited about where you could be visiting next, we’ve partnered with Intrepid, who have been helping travellers satisfy their wanderlust for 35 years. Intrepid’s small group adventures aren’t just about seeing the world but having immersive and authentic local experiences.
Their trips are designed to dig deeper, venturing beyond the pages of the guidebooks to uncover hidden corners and create lasting memories. Each small group tour offers the chance to connect and make friends with like-minded travellers, guided by a passionate and experienced local leader who brings each destination to life. Intrepid’s approach means exploring the world in a way that genuinely respects the people and places you visit.
Plus, right now, Intrepid’s New Year Sale can save you money and get you on that plane sooner, with departures running until mid-December 2026.
So, where to in 2026? From the souks of Morocco to India’s pink city, here are seven destinations for your travel wish list.
1. South Morocco
The intoxicating sights, sounds, and smells of Southern Morocco – particularly its vibrant capital, Marrakech – will stay with you long after you return home. At Djemaa el-Fna, one of the world’s most electrifying public squares, you won’t know where to focus first: henna artists paint intricate designs on outstretched hands, fortune tellers peer into the future, and countless food stalls serve everything from lamb tangia and merguez sausage to fresh juices and traditional sweets.
Venture beyond the city and you’ll discover the UNESCO-listed village fortress of Aït Benhaddou, where ancient mud-brick buildings cascade down a hillside – a cinematic landscape that’s starred in everything from Gladiator to Game of Thrones. Continue into the tranquil High Atlas Mountains, where you can trek through remote villages, savour home-cooked meals in family-run gites, and soak in stunning mountain views. Travel further south towards the Sahara Desert, and the landscape transforms dramatically once again. Ride a camel across the vast dunes as the sun sets, and when night falls, prepare to be mesmerised by the brilliant starry skies stretching endlessly above you.
Stand-out experience: Exploring UNESCO Aït Benhaddou, the fortified village famed for countless film scenes
Best time to visit: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November), offering warm days while avoiding peak summer heat
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Intrepid South Morocco Discovery*
£240 off | Morocco | 11 days | Accommodation Included
Get up to 20% off selected trips! Ends June 10th, 2026. T&Cs apply.
Includes taxes and fees
2. Japan
A trip to Japan can feel like stepping into a dream. One moment you’re slurping ramen in a tiny Tokyo alley at 2am, and the next you’re soaking in Hakone’s mountainous hot springs watching steam rise against snow-capped peaks. Ancient temples sit next to robot restaurants, bullet trains whisk you between centuries-old castle towns, and everywhere the food is extraordinary, from perfectly crafted sushi to sizzling street yakitori.
In Tokyo, navigate Shibuya’s famous scramble crossing before diving into underground food halls, or try your hand at sushi-making at Tsukiji Market. Journey to the Japanese Alps, where Shirakawa-go’s thatched cottages nestle beneath mountain peaks, or escape to Miyajima island and its iconic red torii gate rising from the sea. In Kyoto, golden temples and thousands of bright orange toriis await exploration, while geishas glide through Gion’s lantern-lit lanes.
Stand-out experience: Taking part in a sushi-making masterclass in Tsukiji Market
Best time to visit: Spring (March-May) for cherry blossoms and autumn (September-November) for fall foliage
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Intrepid Premium Japan*
£1066 off | Japan | 12 days | Accommodation Included
Get up to 20% off selected trips! Ends June 10th, 2026. T&Cs apply.
Includes taxes and fees
3. Peru
If 2026 is the year to tick more destinations off your travel wish list, why not head to beautiful Peru? Here, you can visit the mother of all Inca cities, Machu Picchu, in your own way; hike rugged trails or take the train for a more leisurely experience. Peru’s capital, Lima, is also a joy to explore – a sprawling coastal city where world-class ceviche and pisco sours meet crumbling colonial architecture and Pacific sunsets.
Peru is a major gateway to the Amazon rainforest, too, where you can spot exotic butterflies, giant otters, and captivating rainbow macaws. Plus, nighttime reveals caimans, jaguars, and anacondas, so keep your eyes peeled! Even better is that travellers can stay overnight in the jungle in thatched-roofed lodges for a truly wild and unforgettable experience.
Stand-out experience: An immersive jungle lodge stay
Best time to visit: May to October (dry season) is ideal for Andean treks (Machu Picchu, Inca Trail) and Amazon wildlife (fewer mosquitoes, lower water levels for trekking)
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Intrepid Sacred Land of the Incas*
£356 off | Peru & Bolivia | 15 days | Accommodation Included
Get up to 20% off selected trips! Ends June 10th, 2026. T&Cs apply.
Includes taxes and fees
4. Egypt
Egypt in 2026 offers an unparalleled journey through 5,000 years of human civilisation, from the timeless pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx to the magnificent temples of Luxor and the treasures of the Valley of the Kings. In the Egyptian Museum, you can see one of the world’s greatest collections of ancient artefacts, including impressive treasures from Tutankhamun’s tomb – intricate jewellery, the iconic golden death mask, and ornate gilded sarcophagi – creating an absolutely breathtaking display.
Beyond Egypt’s ancient wonders, you can cruise the legendary Nile River in a traditional felucca boat and explore the bustling markets of Cairo, where history meets modern Egyptian life. Khan El Khalili is one of the biggest and oldest markets in the world. Losing yourself here means navigating a captivating tangle of passages where vendors’ stalls overflow with spices, textiles, and treasures. A true feast for the senses.
Stand-out experience: Cruising the Nile in a traditional felucca boat
Best time to visit: From October to April, when temperatures are cooler but still pleasantly warm
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Intrepid Sacred Land of the Incas*
£356 off | Peru & Bolivia | 15 days | Accommodation Included
Get up to 20% off selected trips! Ends June 10th, 2026. T&Cs apply.
Includes taxes and fees
5. Vietnam
Vietnam offers an extraordinary journey from north to south, where you can explore the elegant streets of Hanoi, cruise through the dramatic limestone karsts of Halong Bay, wander the lantern-lit ancient town of Hoi An, and navigate the floating markets of the Mekong Delta before diving into the electric energy of Ho Chi Minh City.
Beyond these iconic destinations, venture into the countryside for authentic experiences like staying with local families in remote hill tribe villages, trekking through misty tea plantations, relaxing on pristine white-sand beaches, and discovering the country’s rich imperial history.
Stand-out experience: Navigating the floating markets of the Mekong Delta
Best time to visit: From March to April, when rainfall is low, and temperatures are milder
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Intrepid Classic Vietnam*
£183 off | Vietnam | 15 days | Accommodation Included
Get up to 20% off selected trips! Ends June 10th, 2026. T&Cs apply.
Includes taxes and fees
6. Cuba
Cuba is a vibrant time capsule where pastel-coloured colonial architecture, vintage 1950s American cars, and the rhythms of salsa music create a unique and alluring atmosphere. Explore Havana’s weathered yet captivating streets, wander the cobblestones of Trinidad – one of Cuba’s most authentic colonial gems – hike through the lush tobacco valleys of Viñales, and unwind on the Caribbean shores of Cienfuegos, all while experiencing how revolutionary history still shapes everyday life.
Dive deeper into Cuban culture through salsa dancing lessons and home-cooked meals with local families. Immerse yourself in a world where music spills from every doorway, classic cars rumble down sun-drenched streets, and time moves at its own leisurely, Caribbean pace.
Stand-out experience: Learning to salsa!
Best time to visit: Between November and April (during the country’s dry season) with comfortable to warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine
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Intrepid Beautiful Cuba*
£177 off | Cuba | 8 days
Get up to 20% off selected trips! Ends June 10th, 2026. T&Cs apply.
Includes taxes and fees
7. Croatia
Croatia’s brilliant Dalmatian Coast is where ancient history meets island life, all set against the impossibly blue waters of the Adriatic. Wander the honey-colored ramparts of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, hop between the sun-bleached charm of Vis and the lavender-scented hills of Hvar, and wander the harbour of Split, where Diocletian’s palace is undoubtedly the main draw.
From Dubrovnik, you can also cruise to Lokrum Island, where a lovely botanical garden, a fascinating Benedictine Monastery, and excellent swimming spots await. And near Vis, you can visit the green and blue sea caves, famous for their stunning ethereal glow.
Stand-out experience: Exploring Diocletian’s Palace and learning about its fascinating history
Best time to visit: Summer (June to August), when the weather is hot and sunny, the glittering coast is at its best, and the festival season is in full swing
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Intrepid Explore Croatia*
£583 off | Croatia | 7 days | Accommodation Included
Get up to 20% off selected trips! Ends June 10th, 2026. T&Cs apply.
Includes taxes and fees
Final thoughts…
Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant chaos of Indian markets, the serene landscapes of Southeast Asia, or the rich cultural tapestry of North Africa, 2026 is yours to explore. The beauty of travel lies not just in ticking destinations off a list, but in the unexpected moments that stay with you long after you’ve returned home – a conversation with a local artisan, a meal shared with new friends, or that perfect sunrise you nearly slept through.
The world is vast and wonderfully diverse, and there’s no single “right” way to see it. What matters is choosing experiences that resonate with your own sense of adventure and curiosity. Small group travel with Intrepid offers something special: the freedom to wander independently combined with the joy of shared discovery, all while treading lightly on the places you visit.
The destinations on this list are just a starting point – each one a doorway to countless stories, flavours, and connections waiting to be made. So where will you go first?
Right now, you can also save money with Intrepid’s New Year Sale, with departures running until mid-December 2026.