The soul searcher's guide to 2026 travel: find your 'why' with these meaningful getaways

1. Italian in Florence: Live like a local with a two-week intensive Italian language course in the enchanting historic centre of Florence. When school's out, you can practise your new skills with your Florentine homestay family. From $815 plus $85 per night, half-board. scuolaleonardo.com

2. Writing in Iceland: A writer's retreat might be the nudge you need to start (or finish) that book. The city of Reykjavik is the setting for small-group workshops and readings by renowned international authors. April 15-19. From about $4240. icelandwritersretreat.com

3. Bushcraft in the Blue Mountains: If you plan on communing more deeply with nature in 2026, having a few key survival skills can be a potential lifesaver. Take a two-day course that covers everything from finding water to starting a fire and what to do if you get lost. $799. highandwild.com.au

4. Explore Europe's 2026 City of Culture, Oulu in Finland. oulu2026.eu

5. Take a tour led by professional musos in Memphis. backbeattours.com

6. Delve into Egyptology at the new Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza. gem.eg

7. Bake the perfect flaky croissant or pain au chocolat at a Parisian cooking school. cordonbleu.edu

8. Tassie harvest: Tasmania has, in recent years, emerged as one of Australia's favourite epicurean destinations. Take a food tour to meet farmers and vintners, visit oyster sheds and distilleries, with tastings at each stop, before finishing up with lunch among the vines. $500 a person. DineAlley.com

9. Wine lovers on the river: Cruise from Bordeaux to the prestigious Medoc wine region, with visits to grand cru estates, conversations with local winemakers and tastings guided by the onboard sommelier, accompanied, naturellement, by equally refined French meals. Five days from $2550. croisieurope.travel

10. Tour an oyster farm in Moreton Bay. brisbaneoystertours.com

11. Take a food-focused tour of Vietnam. bestpricetravel.com

12. Journey through Japan's food culture, from backstreet izakayas to noodle-making classes. insidejapantours.com

13. Paint in Tuscany: Spend your mornings painting under the guidance of a renowned artist in a restored farmhouse in the Italian countryside. There's plenty of inspiration to draw on in Tuscany's rolling hills, cypress trees and castle-topped ridges. Five nights from $4420. arnianopaintingschool.com

14. Craft in Morocco: Explore Morocco and its artisan communities with like-minded creative types. Watch demos with textile designers, herbalists, weavers, artists and potters, as well as getting hands-on in artist-led workshops. Seven nights from $5860. majesticdisordertravels.com

15. Stay and play with a pottery/farm stay in Coonabarabran, NSW. pilligapottery.com.au

16. Yarn with new friends on a Victorian craft break. teatimeyarnretreats.com.au

17. Find your voice on a singing retreat on the Sunshine Coast. singingadventures.com.au

18. A favourite on foot: It's not all beach clubs and Bintang. See a different side of Bali on a five-day, 42-kilometre walk from the island's centre to its north. The route threads through traditional villages, remaining tracts of forest, rice paddies and waterfalls, with time for shared meals, hands-on workshops and unhurried conversations with local communities. From $725. astungkaraway.com

19. Saga and Nagasaki, Japan: This new, gentle 10-day walking tour takes in a lesser-visited slice of Japan, winding through serene countryside, atmospheric coastal castle towns and onsens, before wrapping up in one of the country's most cosmopolitan cities. From $6750. walkjapan.com

20. Glamp Peru's Inca Trail: Spend four days walking the Inca Trail to explore the remarkable ruins of Machu Picchu. The route traverses cloud forests, meadows and ancient archaeological sites only accessible on foot. Accommodation is comfortable camping. From $6230. exodustravels.com

21. Challenge yourself on the "Camino of the East", the new 170-kilometre section of Romania's Via Transilvanica trail. viatransilvanica.com

22. Take England's King Charles III coastal path from Cornwall to Northumberland. visitbritain.com

23. 3G Uluru: Bring the whole family for a 3G (multi-generational) adventure in the Northern Territory, where there are experiences to suit every age and interest. Walk the base of Uluru, swim in natural waterholes, join Indigenous-led tours and spend time with art, light and the Territory's extraordinary natural landscape. northernterritory.com

24. Friendcation on Hamilton Island: Make up for the missed coffee dates and dashed dinners with an uninterrupted get-together. Rent a house for a long weekend and snorkel the reef, share sunsets and barbecue under the stars. Virgin flies direct to Hamilton Island from Brisbane, Sydney and Perth. hamiltonisland.com.au

25. Haycation in the Scenic Rim. skylinefarm.com.au

26. Revisit Australia's new-gen holiday parks. reflectionsholidays.com.au; big4.com.au; discoveryholidayparks.com.au

27. Family vacay at the all-inclusive Club Med Borneo (opens July). clubmed.com

28. Commonwealth Games, Glasgow: Cheer on Australia's elite athletes competing at the Commonwealth Games (July 23-August 2). Be sure to factor in enough away-time to appreciate Glasgow, a city renowned for art, music, architecture and deep-fried Mars Bars. glasgow2026.tmtickets.co.uk

29. FIFA World Cup 2026, US, Mexico, Canada: Sign up to buy tickets to specific matches, wait until closer to the date (June 11-July 19) and the possibility of nabbing a resale ticket or, if you're a superfan, go all-out with a hospitality package. Tickets from $92 to $10,000. fifa.com

30. Watch the high-octane drama of Melbourne's Australian Formula One Grand Prix (March 5-8). grandprix.com.au

31. Rug up for Winter Olympics spectating in Italy (February 6-22). tickets.milanocortina2026.org

32. Barrack for your favourite NRL team in Las Vegas (February 28). visitlasvegas.com

33. Aurora chasing: With the earth heading into the peak of the sun's 11-year activity cycle, 2026 is set to be a big year for Aurora Borealis sightings. Join a 16-day aurora-chasing cruise around the Arctic Circle in a small ship, cruising Norway, Greenland and Iceland. From $26,636. aurora-expedition.com

34. Stargazing sleepout, South Australia: Designated an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, Arkaroola in the Flinders Ranges is prized for its clear, unpolluted night skies. The Ridgetop Sleepout offers a rare chance to sleep out in swags and experience them at their best. $1995 for two nights. arkaroola.com.aum

35. Party at the Iceland Eclipse Festival (August 12-15). icelandeclipse.com

36. Catch a glimpse of the Aurora Australis (March-September) in a New Zealand dark sky reserve. newzealand.com

37. Observe constellations, comets and satellites at Canada's Jasper Dark Sky Festival (October 16-25). jasper.travel

38. Portland, Oregon, US: The city of Portland, in America's first accessibility-verified state, offers accessible parks, trails and beaches, ASL tours, free admission for aides at the Portland Art Museum, plus activities from adaptive tree climbing to glass blowing and more. travelportland.com

39. Dolphin spotting in Monkey Mia, Western Australia: Book an accessible beachfront villa, where beach matting and beach wheelchair availability mean everyone can meet the friendly local dolphins. Cruise Shark Bay on a wheelchair-accessible boat to spot dugongs and other marine life. parksandresorts.rac.com.au/monkey-mia; perfectnaturecruises.com.au

40. City-break in the friendly and inclusive Stockholm. visitsweden.com

41. Abseil or canyon with accessible adventures in the Blue Mountains, NSW. climbingschool.com.au

42. Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge with an AUSLAN interpreter. bridgeclimb.com

43. Route 66: It's the centenary of America's most famous road in 2026. Route 66 traverses eight states, rolling past nostalgic diners, vintage car museums and motels, as well as natural wonders. Pick up a car at Chicago's O'Hare airport and set off for your own retro Americana road adventure. route66-centennial.com

44. South West Edge, Western Australia: This route crosses wine regions, forests and follows the world's dreamiest coastline before returning to Perth across the outback. Hunt for wildflowers or truffles, swim in Bunbury's Honeymoon Pool, or snorkel below the longest jetty in the southern hemisphere. thesouthwestedge.com.au

45. Retro RV: Hit the road in a fully-kitted-out restored Kombi classic. Choose celebrated drives like the Great Ocean Road or the Fleurieu Peninsula, or beach hop from Byron. A dreamy throw-back adventure with modern comforts. Rental from $200 a night. retrorv.com

46. Drive Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. ireland.com

47. Convoy with music lovers from Charleville to Mt Isa for Queensland Music Trails (April 24-May 9). qldmusictrails.com

48. Holi, India: Feasting, bonfires and water fights with coloured powder mark this celebration of love, spring and rebirth. Held on the last full moon of the Hindu lunisolar calendar month, in 2026 Holi will be on March 4. Join a tour to experience it, along with other unmissable sights. An eight-day package is $1587 per person, twin share. vibrantindiatours.com.au

49. Pride, Sydney: Australia's most glittering festival is in its 48th year in 2026 and will celebrate under the theme "Ecstatica". From February 13-March 1, there is a whole raft of events, from pool parties to live comedy and film, as well as the always showstopping parade. mardigras.org.au

50. Carnival, Rio: Rio's world-famous carnival runs from February 13-21, with the dazzling Sambadrome parades at its heart. Beyond the main event, the city explodes with high-energy parties, street performances, and nonstop music and dance. Parade tickets from $300. riocarnaval.org

51. Swing into Canada's Montreal Jazz Festival. montrealjazzfest.com

52. Rock on at Australia's largest nostalgia festival, Cooly Rocks On, at the Gold Coast (June 3-7). coolyrockson.com

53. Join in the water fights, processions and feast at Songkran Water Festival in Thailand (April 13-15). exploreworldwide.com.au

54. Reading retreat: Make a dent in that bedside table pile on a break with like-minded book lovers. Two- and three-night retreats are held in the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, Beechworth and the NSW South Coast, in accommodation featuring plenty of cosy reading nooks. From $1299. readingretreatsaustralia.com.au

55. Houseboat hire on the Tweed: Cruise at your own pace through sheltered waterways, estuaries and islands. Drop anchor near sandy beaches to swim or fish, soak in the spa or explore some of the Tweed's tranquil villages. From $840 for a long weekend. bergerhouseboats.com.au

56. Go off-grid: From misty mountain lookouts to pockets deep within the forest, retreat to an off-grid tiny home or cabin, in Australia or further afield. Spend lazy days wildlife watching and wandering, while evenings are for toasting marshmallows and stargazing. unyoked.co

57. Paddle Scotland's coast. wildernessscotland.com

58. Stay in the assistant lightkeepers' cottage on Victoria's Gabo Island. visitmallacoota.com.au

59. Shack up on Flinders Island. sawyersbayshacks.com

60. Cambodia: Solo travellers can explore Cambodia with a like-minded group and an itinerary that includes the temples of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, the capital Phnom Penh, the Cardamom Mountains and the island of Ko Rong. Departs May 19. From $1736. gadventures.com

61. Tropical north: If alone time is calling, the idyllic north Queensland village of Palm Cove is answering, with accommodation and eateries overlooking the Coral Sea. Take a room at an adults-only resort that has plenty of packaged perks, from complimentary bikes to a cosy guest library. Three nights from $1960. reefhouse.com.au

62. China: With dedicated departures for solo travellers, this 16-day China journey lets like-minded adventurers explore iconic sights together. Highlights include the Terracotta Warriors, a four-night Yangtze River cruise, and more. With flights, meals, and accommodation included, it's a low-effort way to see China. From $7180. wendywutours.com.au

63. Cruise the Mekong, single-supplement-free with selected cruises and cabins. emeraldcruises.com.au

64. Stay in a youth hostel - no longer just backpackers and bunk beds. yha.com.au

65. Tour Malta on a singles trip for ages 40 plus. encountertravel.com.au

66. Community tourism in Nepal: The lesser-visited region of western Nepal is emerging as a wildlife haven, with the possibility of spotting elephants, rhinos and, if you're lucky, the elusive Bengal tiger. Immerse yourself in local culture with a stay in a family's home in the Tharu community. About $100 a night. communityhomestay.com

67. Nomad life, Mongolia: Ride with nomadic Tsaachin herders as they care for their reindeer, share meals and sleep in the tribe's version of a ger. Experience sacred lakes and glacier-carved valleys while directly supporting this small community. From $6570. crooked-compass.com

68. Watch indigenous dance-offs at the Laura Quinkan Dance Festival in Queensland (June 12-14). anggnarra.org.au

69. Bond on a women-only tour of India. intrepidtravel.com

70. Stay with locals in Fiji. yasawahomestays.com.

71. White Lotus - the south of France: Although the exact location for series four hasn't been confirmed, the French Riviera looks a strong contender, with the Grand Htel du Cap-Ferrat or the Carlton Cannes tipped as likely stand-ins. If you don't have a White Lotus budget, book more modest digs in any of the pretty coastal towns. cotedazurfrance.com

72. Wuthering Heights, Yorkshire, UK: The adaptation of Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights, starring our own Margot Robbie, (due for release in February), was filmed in the Yorkshire Dales, famed for its dramatic hiking terrain. Arkengarthdale and Swaledale heaths and the village of Low Row all feature. The cast stayed at the suitably gothic-looking Simonstone Hall. simonstonehall.com

73. Visit Herefordshire, location of the movie adaptation of the award-winning book, Hamnet. visitherefordshire.co.uk

74. Explore the Peloponnese, setting for The Odyssey (July 2026) with Matt Damon, Tom Holland, and Anne Hathaway. exploreworldwide.com.au

75. Follow a 12-day self-drive route for Outlander filming locations. visitscotland.com

76. Tokyo for Seoul: Visit Seoul during cherry blossom season (March-April) and watch the changing of the guard at Gyeongbokgung Palace. Stroll through Bukchon Hanok with its traditional houses and sample the city's vibrant street food. Book in for one of Korea's renowned beauty treatments or visit a bathhouse for a touch of indulgence. Direct flights from Brisbane and Sydney from $801. jetstar.com

77. Bali for Palawan: The Palawan archipelago in the Philippines boasts lush rainforests, turquoise lagoons, exceptional diving and a rich diversity of wildlife. And it comes at a great value. Plus, there's no Bali-style traffic snarls or crowded beach clubs. Flights to Puerto Princesa ex Sydney from $850 return. cebupacificair.com

78. Dubai for Oman: Exchange the man-made glitz of Dubai for a slower-paced and more nature-focused Middle East experience. Bargain in Muscat's souks, swim in emerald pools beneath date palms, dune bash by four-wheel-drive and enjoy Oman's famous hospitality (and delicious food). A 7-day independent trip is from $3745. bunniktours.com.au

79. The Maldives for Bora Bora. tahititourisme.au

80. Prague for Bratislava. visitbratislava.com

81. Hawaii for the Cook Islands. cookislands.travel

82. Bangkok for Taiwan. eng.taiwan.net.tw

83. South Australian safari: Stay in luxury accommodation in rooms, suites and, coming this year, safari tents, with views over the Mallee Plains. Just an hour from Adelaide, Monarto Safari Park's free-roaming native and African wildlife include giraffe, zebra, eland, ostrich, nyala, oryx and more. A savannah king room costs from $285. monartosafariresort.com

84. Birds on Christmas Island: Long-time birdwatchers can afford to be smug, as their passion is finally having its moment. From frigates and boobies to the golden bosun and the endangered brown goshawk, more than 80,000 nesting seabirds and tropical rainforest species visit Christmas Island every year. christmas.net.au

85. Brown bears in Sweden: Join a field project in Sweden's Dalarna province (May 25-June 3) to document the winter dens and summer day beds of brown bears. Open to all ages with no scientific experience required, with two-thirds of the participation fee supporting ongoing research. biosphere-expeditions.org

86. Track tigers in India. insightvacations.com

87. Spot polar bears on a Svalbard Arctic cruise in Norway. travelhx.com

88. Cruise the wildlife-rich Galapagos abercrombiekent.com

89. Cycle the West Coast Wilderness Trail: One of New Zealand's Great Rides, this 133-kilometre multi-day trail links Greymouth's historic port with the old gold town of Ross, following former packhorse and railway routes. Pedal through quaint towns, rainforests, and alongside lakes, rivers and a spectacular coastline. Graded easy. nzcycletrail.com

90. Saddle up in the Snowy Mountains: Indulge in your own Yellowstone fantasy with a four-day horseback ssafari in the high alpine country of the Snowy Mountains. Rides are generally 15-20 kilometres a day, travelling through the Kosciuszko National Park to set camps, with meals and yarns around the campfire. From about $2400. australiansaddlesafaris.com

91. (Motor) bike the Balkans from Slovenia to Bosnia, through Montenegro and Croatia. adriaticmototours.com

92. Cycle the Via Francigena pilgrim trail from Sienna to Rome. utracks.com

93. Breathe in Bhutan: Bhutan's first five-star wellness resort is tucked away in the tranquil Neyphu valley and offers yoga, meditation, sound baths and traditional Nepalese herbal medicine prescribed by a trained traditional doctor. From $1246 per night for two. bhutanspiritsanctuary.com

94. Ayurvedic healing in Sri Lanka: Nine wellness programs inspired by Ayurvedic philosophy and mindfulness, from restoring balance to supporting detox through tailored dietary plans, are on offer. Guests can join morning or evening yoga sessions in a pavilion surrounded by woodland, take walks along the beach, or enjoy a swim in the infinity pool. resplendentceylon.com/resort/kayaam-wellness

95. Experience a traditional Turkish hammam in Istanbul. visit.istanbul

96. Take the waters in the pretty thermal spa town of Bad Hofgastein in the Austrian Alps. austria.info

97. Rest and reset with a sleepcation in Thailand. kamalaya.com

98. Ride the Orient Express: The opulent Venice-Simplon-Orient Express has a new route from May 2026: Paris to the Amalfi Coast, with a visit to the poignant ruins of Pompei and a two-night stay in the lavish Caruso Hotel in Ravello. Expect the ultimate in ooh la la luxury. May 4-7, from $17,270. belmond.com/trains

99. Glamp in Zambia: Anantara's first tented camp, on elevated timber platforms over the Kafue River, opens in April deep in the heart of Zambia's Kafue National Park. Two game drives to spot elephant, zebra and more are offered each day. A pool villa starts from $9350 per room per night, including the service of a butler, meals and drinks. anantara.com

100. Cruise Croatia on a private yacht. sail-croatia.com

101. Sleep in an overwater bungalow on an exclusive Indonesian island. bawahreserve.com