2026 Travel Forecast: The destinations you need to know now

We know travellers are increasingly looking for destinations that are more remote, avoid mass tourism and allow for slower, more contemplative travel experiences. That’s why, for B&amp;R’s 2025-26 season, we are exploring regions that are still under the radar for many.&nbsp;&nbsp;“One of the joys of travel is discovering that the most defining experiences happen in unexpected places. At B&amp;R, we love expanding our travellers’ sense of what’s possible. That could be cycling through the vineyards of the Western Cape instead of the familiar safari, or exploring Laos instead of Thailand, where our years of building local relationships unlock experiences not offered elsewhere,” says Kristi Elborne, B&amp;R’s Chief Experience Officer. “These off-the-beaten-path regions don’t just avoid the crowds—they reframe how our travellers see the world.”&nbsp;

Southern Africa&nbsp;&nbsp; Our travellers are keen to see Southern Africa beyond a safari. In South Africa, we explore the <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/small-group/south-africa-biking">Western Cape by bike</a>, where wine lovers enjoy private tastings at the southern-most tip of Africa, and soak in the region’s stunning nature on rides and hikes. Our <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/small-group/from-the-namib-desert-to-windhoek-a-namibian-odyssey">Limited Edition trip to Namibia</a>, which departs in September 2026, focuses on exploring and understanding that country’s unparalleled landscapes by 4x4. For those who want to disconnect, Namibia is a must.&nbsp;Laos&nbsp;&nbsp; While all eyes are on Thailand because of White Lotus, we’re introducing travellers to <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/asia/laos">Laos</a>, Southeast Asia’s hidden gem. This is a country made for multiple modes of adventure, and on our <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/small-group/thailand-to-laos-multi-active">Thailand to Laos Multi-Active</a> and <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/small-group/vietnam-laos-cambodia-multi-active">Vietnam, Laos &amp; Cambodia Multi-Active</a> trips, days can be filled with cycling, river cruises, city exploration and culinary treats. &nbsp;The spiritual depth of Luang Prabang, Laos’s capital, is magical, and offers our guests the opportunity for reflection and deep connection with their travel companions.&nbsp;

Mexico&nbsp; While most travellers know <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/north-america/mexico">Mexico</a> for its food scene and beautiful beaches, we help them discover the country in an active way. Our <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/small-group/markets-to-mountains-in-oaxaca-mexico">Markets to Mountains in Oaxaca, Mexico</a> trip includes hiking through Zapotec villages, cycling to ancient Mayan ruins, and biking the quiet country roads of Oaxacan mezcal country. The experience is made richer with connections to locals—artists, musicians, distillers among them.&nbsp;Sri Lanka&nbsp; An island adventure unlike any other. <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/asia/sri-lanka">Sri Lanka’</a>s new trail system means walking routes offer travellers an intimate way to experience the country and its culture, while bike rides take folks from coconut groves to the ancient cities and UNESCO sites in the Cultural Triangle. And then there’s the stunning coastline, and we explore it all on our <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/small-group/sri-lanka-biking">Sri Lanka Biking</a> and <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/small-group/sri-lanka-walking">Sri Lanka Walking</a> Small Group trips. Sri Lanka is made for travellers who want to play hard and then unplug.&nbsp;Andalucia, Spain&nbsp; <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/europe/spain/andalucia">Andalucia</a> is vibrant, vast and diverse, and thanks to key investment in hotels and tourism experiences now is the time to explore. Travellers can choose from cycling through endless olive groves, along the sparkling Mediterranean coast or on mountainous hilltops dotted with whitewashed villages. And when they’re not on their bikes, they can soak in passionate culture (Flamenco, anyone?) and gastronomic excellence, whether it’s freshly caught seafood right off the grill or exquisite Sherry wines.&nbsp;

Discover Butterfield & Robinson's 2026 It List: journeys through Southern Africa, Laos, Sri Lanka, Mexico, and Spain designed for slow, active, and meaningful travel.

2026 Travel Forecast: The destinations you need to know now

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