New year, new horizons, new stories to tell. ETG’s co-founder Sam Clark shares where you should go in 2026 depending on what floats your boat – from life-affirming adventures in the freshest of ETG destinations, to secret corners of Asia to explore before the rest of the world catches on…
Where to go in 2026
Nepal: for a proper adventure
Nepal is full of surprises – it’s far more than just mountains and trekking. It’s a land of thrilling adventure and serene spirituality. Of genuine cultural immersion and genuine human connection. Of terracotta temple-strewn cities and rugged rural idylls.
With a wave of new lodges – like the stylish Shinta Mani Mustang – and once-forbidden regions – like the fabled Kingdom of Mustang – only just opening up to travellers, 2026 will be the year to experience Nepal at its finest.
So, say the word and we’ll whisk you away to her highlights, her hidden corners and into the very heart of her communities.
If you’ve never been before, have a peek at this sample itinerary of ours: Nepal, the ETG Way: Iconic Sights with a Twist.
It’ll give you a real feel for this country’s wonders like Kathmandu and Chitwan National Park, and more unusual experiences like incredible, immersive homestays that you simply can’t miss out on.
If you’re game, I recommend timing your trip to coincide with a festival, so you can get swept up in the action.
Indonesia: for nature nuts
Ok, pub quiz time. How many islands does Indonesia have? Go on, take a guess. 500? 1,000? Try 17,000! Yes, you read that right – more islands than you could explore in a lifetime.
That’s where Rascal Voyages steps in. Because if choosing between 17,000 islands makes your head spin, why not turn to the experts to plan your off-grid adventure? Step aboard one of Rascal’s sleek custom-built yachts and your hardest decisions will be which cocktail to choose or whether you’d rather snorkel or sunbathe.
Once you’re on board, expect luxury with a laid-back vibe: your own rooftop deck with striped deckchairs for those endless views, a private chef who’ll memorise your favourite tipple, and bespoke day trips to the region’s best-kept secrets.
Komodo National Park will knock your socks off – it’s the wildlife wonderland that David Attenborough recently brought into the limelight on his latest BBC wildlife series, Asia. I’ve no doubt it’ll be even more sought after in the coming months.
For something more exclusive, go for ravishing Raja Ampat. Trust me, it’s the ultimate far-flung island escape, which most people can only dream about. To get an idea of what your adventure could look like, have a look at this new itinerary of ours: From Java to Raja Ampat: an Indonesian Extravaganza.
Rascal also sails around the lesser-seen Spice Islands, the Ring of Fire crossing, and Eastern Lesser Sunda, so you can take your pick between these pockets of paradise.
Sri Lanka: for good old-fashioned fun
Look, I know the idea of flopping on a beach for a week sounds tempting. But more often than not, you’ll be feeling restless in no time. Plus, with teens in tow? Forget it!
It’s that adventurous side in all of us that needs to be unleashed. So, grab your passport, pack your walking boots, and prepare for a holiday that’s full of life.
Sri Lanka’s phenomenal Pekoe Trail is the perfect way to do just that. This 300km trek through the tea country has been making waves in the travel world, winning awards and turning heads left, right, and centre.
Wanderlust recently named it “the most exciting way to explore Sri Lanka’s green heart,” with National Geographic singing its praises, too.
It’s set to keep growing in popularity for 2025, but don’t worry – with our insider tips, we’ll lead you to the quieter stretches where it’s just you and the views. (And, again, if travelling with teens, walking together will spark conversations that you probably wouldn’t have in your usual routine at home – a bit like chats in the car – when there’s no pressure of eye contact!).
There are plenty more ways to get off the beaten track in Sri Lanka while walking: right the way from proper hikes to hidden waterfalls to simple scenic strolls through cascading tea-clad hills.
One of my favourite areas to go off-piste is the Knuckles Mountain Range, where we’ve just developed new experiences and found cool hotels for ETG travellers: watch this space…
Thailand: for ethical animal encounters
If your travel wish-list doesn’t include seeing elephants in the wild in Thailand – then rewrite the list. It’s a uniquely wonderful experience that’ll live long in the memory.
Thankfully, with strides made by ETG-recommended ethical elephant sanctuaries and camps (listed in our guide to elephants in Thailand), it’s now possible to observe these gentle giants without any guilt.
Set off on a mountain adventure in the northern part of the country, miles from the tourist trail, to encounter elephants. You’ll be welcomed into the fold of the Karen hilltribe community, learn from expert mahouts and trek through untouched cloud forests to observe the elephants in their natural habitat.
Also, you’ll contribute directly to the Mahouts Elephant Foundation’s conservation efforts: win-win.
These special experiences can be tied in with other hidden hotels and secret adventures like a visit to Khao Sok National Park.
Here, there are even more wild adventures: from bamboo rafting and night safaris to wildlife spotting (keep your eyes peeled for acrobatic gibbons, elusive tapiers, vibrant hornbills and other extraordinary birds).
I predict that in 2026 and beyond, ethical encounters will be one of the most meaningful ways to experience Thailand.
India: for the more intrepid traveller
In case you missed it, I thought I’d jot down a quick refresher on a place I had the privilege of scouting out for ETG travellers earlier this year: a little-visited region in Uttarakhand in India.
Does the name ring a bell? If not, Rishikesh will – “the yoga capital of the world” is famed for The Beatles visiting back in the ’60s. But, I have to say, this area’s spiritual allure goes back further than our favourite Liverpudlians!
They were just the spark that put it on the map for the West – there’s far more depth to this incredible, off-the-beaten-track region to discover.
You may fancy following in my footsteps by exploring Binsar National Park and staying at the blissfully secluded Nine Furlongs lodge but however you’d like to spend your time here, the towering Himalayan peaks on the horizon will wow you.
With six national parks, Uttarakhand is a haven for wildlife spotters and one of the top places in India for seeing tigers in the wild. I love Jim Corbett NP.
I’d say venturing into this region is a must for any traveller looking for both exhilaration and the luxury of time to relax and rejuvenate in scenic surroundings at some of the finest yet tucked-away hotels in India.
I recommend venturing to Kumaon in 2025 as it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the world catches on to its beauty…
Vietnam: for those wanting to take it slow
I know it’s tempting to pack as much in as possible on your precious time abroad but here at ETG, we always say less is more.
In a similar vein, darting between cities on planes, boats, and cars can be a great way to maximise your time abroad, but often, it’s nicer to move at a gentler pace (and kinder to our planet, too). I urge you to consider exploring the wonders of Vietnam by rail, using the ‘Reunification Express’ route. It’s great fun.
Sink into your seat and watch gorgeous landscapes glide by as you journey from the north to the south – from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.
Condé Nast Traveller is predicting Ho Chi Minh to boom in popularity in 2025, as the city is “set to unveil a number of events, exhibitions and celebrations commemorating half a century of national reunification.” All the more reason to go!
Embrace the art of slow living in Hue by meandering around the calm countryside outside the city on foot or by bike, stopping off at ancient Garden Houses for a cuppa and a chat with locals.
Escape the crowds in Halong Bay by floating around the beguiling Bai Tu Long Bay instead. Unwind on a glorious beach on a serene peninsula south of Quy Nhon while staying at the impressive Zannier Bai San Ho.
There’s so much to see and soak up in vibrant Vietnam. So, please – don’t rush it.
READY TO MAKE THE MOST OF 2026?
Let’s make it happen! Talk to us on 0203 993 4264 or alternatively, fill out an online enquiry form to start your journey.
Sample itinerary ideas in Asia
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