With 2026 right around the corner, Virtuoso has unveiled its list of “nine must-have experiences” for the new year. The experiences were inspired by the luxury travel agency network’s 2026 Luxe Report, an annual forecast highlighting how, where and why savvy travelers will be exploring in the year ahead.
Virtuoso’s nine must-have experiences for 2026:
1. Seoul Searching: While Japan still commands global attention, South Korea is emerging as a dynamic alternative, powered by K-pop, the country’s films and dramas and creative culture “continually reshaping beauty, fashion and contemporary art.”
Said Virtuoso: “Beyond the neon buzz, mist-shrouded temples provide moments of quiet reflection. Private tastings of world-class cuisine, and even simple street food and convenience-store favorites, become memorable culinary discoveries. It’s where tradition meets trend, and every street, beat and bite pulses with possibility.”
2. Ice, Ice Baby: Virtuoso suggests “pushing the ‘coolcation’ to the extreme” with an expedition that reaches both the Geographic and Magnetic North Poles. Said the network: “Navigating shifting ice and remote waters is a feat that few can claim, and the stark landscapes feel so surreal they could belong to another planet. Standing at the edge of the world, the vast silence and raw beauty stir a sense of wonder that remains long after the voyage home.”
3. Dawn at the Vatican: Explore the Vatican Museums at first light with the clavigero, the keeper of keys, and wander through galleries in near-perfect silence. Alternatively, for Francophiles, a secret-access tour of Paris’s legendary opera house, the Palais Garnier, or a secluded rooftop overlooking the Arc de Triomphe, presents an equally intimate glimpse of artistry and architectural elegance.
“With Italy and France topping the list of solo-travel destinations for 2026, and guided tours ranking among their most requested experiences, this combination of personal enrichment and expert guidance aligns with how the solo set are exploring now,” said Virtuoso.
4. An Opulent Odyssey: Adventure travel jumped two spots to No. 3 in the 2026 top five trends, and few expeditions capture the thrill of discovery like Morocco’s “Memory Road.” This 750-mile journey from the Atlantic coast to the edge of the Sahara passes remote deserts, rugged mountains, lush oases and restored villages.
5. Divine Depths: In Mexico’s Yucatán, Virtuoso suggested to “descend into a hidden limestone cavern where sapphire waters shimmer softly in the natural light.” It added:” Sacred to the Maya and believed to be portals to the underworld, cenotes still echo with ancient mystery. Here, the gentle ripple of water and cool stone invite a profound calm, slowing time and quieting the mind. This is a rare chance to immerse in a living legend, where nature and myth converge to restore the body and spirit.”
6. High-End Harvest: “Farm-to-table” ranked among the top five aspects of sustainable tourism for the first time in the 2026 Luxe Report. The rise signals growing interest in regenerative agritourism, a movement focused on slowing down and reconnecting with the land in ways that are restorative yet refined.
“Picture sunlit vineyards in Portugal where guests learn sustainable harvesting techniques or lavender fields in Tasmania offering botanical spa rituals and multi-course dinners crafted entirely from estate-grown ingredients,” said Virtuoso. “Beyond farm-to-table, these experiences champion biodiversity and local livelihoods while still delivering the elegance and comfort that the affluent expect.”
7. The Nile in Style: Cruise the Nile aboard a private yacht, stopping to uncover colossal temples, explore monumental tombs and wander through vibrant riverside villages. Here, each stop invites a deeper exploration of Egypt’s marvels, allowing travelers to absorb its history in a manner that’s personal and luxurious.
8. Real, Not Reel: According to Virtuoso, “Today’s luxury travelers are leaving behind staged social media moments in favor of genuine interactions that deepen understanding and appreciation of local communities.” This could mean sharing one-on-one time with a maiko in Japan, joining a community-driven improvement project in Colombia or spending an afternoon with artisans safeguarding centuries-old craftsmanship in Iceland—the Luxe Report’s top emerging destination for 2026.
9. Whale-Timed Encounters: “Whale-watching restores perspective and reminds fortunate observers of nature’s immensity,” the network said. Whether on a small-boat excursion in Monterey Bay, exploring Norway’s fjords or scanning the coastline of South Africa, “these majestic ocean giants are more accessible than most imagine.”
Important: Virtuoso added that responsible practices are essential, prioritizing respectful distances, minimal disruption and protection of migratory paths.
