23 Trips of a Lifetime to Plan this Year

Where in the world can measure up to the lofty hopes of a 2026 traveler? “I curate and tend to my travel wish list like a garden, always adding and adjusting,” says Indagare C.O.O. Eliza Harris in her guide to thinking about “bucket-list” travel.

Read on for our list of destinations worth planting in your own wish-list gardens now, from the silent steppes of Mongolia to the cultural vibrance of Morocco.

An African safari is one of the most thrilling trips for wildlife lovers. One destination that’s reemerged as a favorite for Indagare is Kenya. The birthplace of the modern safari, which translates to “journey” in Swahili, Kenya has inspired generations of visitors. Expect the quintessential, pulled-from-a-movie East African landscapes (films like Out of Africa and even The Lion King are set here)—but also snow-capped mountains, arid deserts and lush coastlines, with plentiful wildlife experiences that incorporate big game (and the Great Migration), plus exotic birdlife. But a visit to Kenya is so much more than a nature trip. Known as the “cradle of humanity,” this is where some of the earliest humans walked. And today, it’s home to a diverse culture of more than 40 distinct ethnic groups and the cosmopolitan hub of Nairobi.

Ideal length of stay: Seven days

Few destinations epitomize "far-flung" the way French Polynesia does. Spread across an expanse of the South Pacific roughly the size of Western Europe, this collection of 118 islands and atolls is a dream destination for experiencing tropical beauty at its most remote. Visitors can explore its volcanic peaks and lagoons, and go on multi-island sailing excursions between its five distinct archipelagos. And for the ultimate getaway, The Brando occupies its own private atoll—Marlon Brando’s beloved Tetiaroa—just 30 miles north of Tahiti. Guests at its 35 villas enjoy myriad water and land activities, including snorkeling in the pristine lagoon and guided eco-tours of the atoll’s protected wildlife sanctuary—as well as the powdery white-sand beaches that fringe this legendary island.

Ideal length of stay: Five days

The 49th State is another of the world’s great ecological masterpieces, with hundreds of thousands of square miles of protected wilderness. What’s in store: glacier-capped mountain ranges, vast tundras, rushing rivers and blankets of boreal forests, all home to elk, moose, caribou, brown bear, wolves and more. Indagare’s favorite Alaskan lodges each give guests prime access to explore the untamed terrain, be it by foot, helicopter, horseback or bike. A top destination for fly-fishing, skiing and hiking, Alaska always brings the adventure.

Ideal length of stay: 10 days

Morocco has long been a treasured destination for both Indagare staff and members. It is a country of dramatic contrasts: the dunes of the Sahara Desert, the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains and the seductive allure of cities like Marrakech, Tangier and Fez. Visitors here can spend days wandering through centuries-old medinas, browsing the souks and spice markets, exploring secret oasis-like gardens and marveling at the Moorish architecture and sublime natural setting. Another plus: Morocco is home to some of Indagare’s favorite hotels in the world, including glamorous palatial retreats and soulful riad boutiques.

Ideal length of stay: Five to 10 days

The White Continent, with a population of scientific researchers and penguins, is one of the most remote destinations a traveler can experience. Since it’s regulated by international law, overtourism—for now—is a non-issue. Climate Change, unfortunately, is still a major concern, and Antarctica is one of the places on earth where its effects, both current and potential, are most worrying. That added urgency has led a clutch of responsible travel outfitters to offer sustainable adventures there, hoping visitors will become entranced by Antarctica’s rugged, icy beauty and double down on their efforts to preserve it for future generations. That was the case for Colin Heinrich, Indagare’s director of impact. Read his essay on visiting Antarctica.

Ideal length of stay: 10 days round-trip cruising.

Australia is a continent-country with beloved marquee draws: the buzzing, beautiful harbor of Sydney, the world-class food and arts scene in Melbourne, the otherworldly red monolith of Uluru and the kaleidoscopic marine life of the Great Barrier Reef. Beyond these touchstones lies a country of endless discovery—the ancient rainforests of Queensland, the wild coastline of Western Australia, the wildlife-rich Kangaroo Island and the rugged Kimberley region among them.

Ideal length of stay: 14 days or more

The ideal Italian visit has so many permutations: Rome to Florence to Venice; the Amalfi Coast and Capri; the countryside of Tuscany, plus Milan and Lake Como or the Dolomites; Puglia and Sicily... The options and combinations are endless, each with one hand full of pros and not a single con in the other. One thing to keep in mind when considering your Italy wish list: balancing culture-heavy days in its historic towns and cities with time spent simply being in Italy. That could mean meandering the ancient streets of those same cities or venturing into the country, coasts or mountains. La dolce vita is real.

Ideal length of stay: 10 days

A country at once steeped in tradition and driven by an embrace of the future; One of the world’s most beloved cuisines; Glass and steel high-rises overlooking historic temples, with Mount Fuji rising in the distance... Japan checks all the boxes for travelers in search of cultural stimulation. A comprehensive journey here includes time in Tokyo (the world’s largest metropolis), Kyoto (famed for its temples), the monuments at Hiroshima and Mount Fuji, with overnights at soothing ryokans.

Ideal length of stay: 14 days

No place can guarantee a sighting of nature’s greatest light show, but the northern reaches of Scandinavia have a stellar track record—along with some of Indagare’s favorite polar properties. During the winter months, days are short but filled with activities like snowshoeing, dog-sledding and cross-country skiing. And come sunset—as early as 2:00 p.m. in some spots during December and early January—there’s the magic of anticipation, as travelers await the aurora borealis dancing across the night sky. Indagare Tip: We love combining trips to Northern Scandinavia (including in Norway and Swedish Sapmi) with stops in the region’s southern cities, like Oslo, Stockholm or Helsinki.

Ideal length of stay: Six to 10 days, to maximize chances of seeing the Lights

Some of the world’s most impressive ruins complexes, coupled with a deeply spiritual society and a complicated history, make Cambodia a treasured big ticket trip for Indagare members. An itinerary here combines stops in Siem Reap, near the incredible Angkor complex, as well as Phnom Penh, the country’s buzzing, artsy capital city with must-visit memorials and museums devoted to the not-so-distant past of the Khmer Rouge regime. And along the coast, tropical islands shelter luxurious and soul-enriching retreats.

Ideal length of stay: 10 days

The weight of history is tangibly in Egypt. Its sheer span of existence boggles the mind: Cleopatra’s reign is closer in years to the moon landing than to the construction of the pyramids at Giza. The country is also home to more than one third of all the world’s antiquities, and archaeologists keep unearthing more: recent years have seen the discovery of more than 100 near-perfectly preserved mummies in Saqqara and an entire lost city near Luxor. Plus, the long-delayed Grand Egyptian Museum is finally open.

Ideal length of stay: 10 days

Deep in the Himalayas, Bhutan’s allure is twofold: its fascinating culture which remains proudly distinctive thanks to centuries of isolation—shut off from the world by geography and politics—and its jaw-dropping mountainscapes. Ideal visits here include stops in several valleys, daily hikes through the foothills to see Buddhist temples, monasteries and shrines, including the iconic Tiger’s Nest, and staying at chic, soulful mountain lodges along the way. Indagare can help you determine which lodge combination is right for you based on your interests and needs.

Ideal length of stay: Seven days

Charles Darwin helped put the Galápagos on the traveler’s map when he published On the Origin of Species in 1859. Nearly 170 years later, this remote volcanic archipelago in the Pacific, now part of Ecuador, still attracts naturalists and nature lovers who want an immersive wildlife experience. Endemic highlights include marine iguanas, Galápagos penguins and the Galápagos tortoise. Visitors can set up a home base on one of the islands, or island-hop via a charter yacht or scheduled sailing.

Ideal length of stay: Seven days

Like Bhutan, Mongolia is a mythic destination. Sprawling over vast steppe plains north of the Gobi Desert, it is the world’s least densely-populated country. Outside of the capital, Ulaanbaatar, it feels—and largely is—empty, with few people, structures or even trees. It is precisely this sense of isolation that attracts travelers. Visitors here can experience true silence and stillness, while also encountering a rich cultural legacy that maintains its traditions passed down over centuries.

Ideal length of stay: 10 days

Machu Picchu features prominently in many jetsetter’s travel dreams. The mountaintop ruins, which date to the 1450s, are often the main draw, and many Indagare members have enjoyed both hiking the Inca Trail or taking the fabulous Hiram Bingham train from Belmond to get there. But Peru is so much more than the—admittedly jaw-dropping—UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not only are there lesser-frequented Inca ruins throughout the Sacred Valley, but there are fascinating cities like Cusco and the too-often ignored Lima, a rising mecca for gourmands. Plus, travelers can venture into the headwaters of the Amazon and swim in Lake Titicaca.

Ideal length of stay: Seven days for Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu; longer for additional exploring

We share around 96 and 98 percent of our DNA with gorillas and chimpanzees, respectively, and seeing them in their natural habitat is a life goal for many in the Indagare community. The experience involves trekking into national parks, where the endangered gorillas and chimpanzees go about their social lives hidden in the dense mountain forests. What many travelers don’t know is that the journey plays a crucial role in protecting gorillas and chimps. Visits help fund critical conservation efforts, as well as divert local economies and communities away from illegal poaching toward more sustainable practices. But a visit to Rwanda should always include Kigali, not just for a sobering visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial (a must), but also for a look at Rwanda today. The people of Rwanda continue to open their hearts to outsiders, sharing their own stories from the horrors of 1994 and the years after, as they came together over a shared mission: lasting, meaningful peace. Indagare’s favorite itineraries combine jungle and city, using the country’s top guides and stopping at the best hotels, art galleries, shops and restaurants.

Ideal length of stay: Seven days

Spanning barely 200 miles at its widest point, yet extending 2,600 miles north to south, Chile is an enigma. In the high-altitude Atacama Desert, salt flats and Mars-like red dunes meet the Andes; along the coast, visitors can find some of South America’s most fabulous beaches and colorful fishing towns; Chilean Patagonia is a lush wilderness of rolling mountains, fjords and glaciers; and Santiago is one of the world’s most modern metropolises, with some of the tallest peaks of the Andes forming a backdrop to its skyline of highrises. The perfect trip here relishes these distinctive regions and sees travelers embarking on a comprehensive tour through the country—with the option to add in Rapa Nui or Argentina’s wine country in Mendoza.

Ideal length of stay: 14 days

Like Egypt, Greece holds a special place in the history-lover’s heart. Athens, of course, is a must, both for its incredible ruins in and around the city and for its laid-back, cosmopolitan energy. But even the contemporary beach destinations have ties to the past. Mykonos is the best home base for visiting Delos, one of the most powerful trading cities in the Ancient Mediterranean and the mythological birthplace of twin gods Apollo and Artemis. Santorini, meanwhile, is potentially the site of the lost city of Atlantis. Visits to the ruins of Delphi and Olympia on the Peloponnese, as well as of Knossos on Crete, can all be combined with fabulous resort stays.

Ideal length of stay: 10 days

South Africa is what Indagare calls a “slam dunk” destination: for almost any type of traveler, the country offers something worth traveling for. And often, that something feels out-of-this-world amazing. Of course, there is some of Africa’s best wildlife-viewing at top lodges and tented camps, from Kruger to KwaZulu-Natal. Beyond the bush, visitors can spend days crisscrossing the lush winelands, driving along the coastal Garden Route and sightseeing in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The two cities are a study of contrasts: both have become global art hubs, yet they have strikingly different histories and culinary scenes.

Ideal length of stay: Seven to 10 days

Lord of the Rings popularized New Zealand back in the early 2000s, cementing it as one of the world’s most visually stunning destinations. Two-plus decades later, the country is still on our minds. It tops the wish list for many adventurers, with heli-skiing, fly-fishing, mountain hiking, and volcano touring all within reach from some of Indagare’s most adored, intimate hotels. First-time visitors will want to schedule time on both the North and South islands, with wildly different scenery.

Ideal length of stay: 14 days

Icebreaker vessels can take travelers to the furthest reaches of the Arctic, as well as to corners of the Antarctic that are impossible to access for regular ships. Several of Indagare’s preferred cruise lines have an icebreaker among their fleets, taking adventure seekers to the east coast of Greenland or the ice shelves of Antarctica in comfort. One particular special ship is Le Commandant Charcot, one of the most powerful icebreakers in the world (only a few nuclear-powered Russian vessels can compete). If reaching the North Pole was ever in your wish list, this purpose-built luxury liner is the only way to get there now.

Ideal length of stay: Varies by itinerary

India is an intoxicating, multi-sensory blend of culture, color and cuisine, with a complex history and vibrant contemporary scene. The massive country is home to some of the world’s largest and distinctive cities, like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Udaipur, and a dream trip here takes time to explore each one—plus stops in the Rajasthan Countryside and to see gorgeous parks for spectacular wildlife, including the elusive tiger. Between visits to sites like the Taj Mahal and Hawa Mahal, a day or two should be set aside simply for relaxing on-property at the country’s indulgent palace hotels.

Looking for something even more adventurous? Indagare’s Colin Heinrich is just back from a trip to Ladakh, where he went searching for snow leopards in the Himalayas..

Ideal length of stay: 14 days

Few countries can match Brazil for sheer exuberance and variety. Its cities alone justify the journey—sprawling, fascinating Sao Paulo; beachy, beautiful Rio de Janeiro; and vibrant, Afro-Brazilian Salvador. But Brazil’s wild side is equally staggering: as the world’s most biodiverse country, it is home to the dense rainforests of the Amazon, desert dunes, the spectacular wetlands of the Pantanal and palm-fringed coastlines—and 20 percent of all species found on earth. Taken together, it adds up to one of the most thrillingly alive destinations on the planet.

Ideal length of stay: 10 days