OUR TOP TRAVEL PICKS FOR 2026

As we look ahead to 2026, one thing is clear: travel is about going deeper, staying longer, and connecting more meaningfully with the places we visit. From remote wilderness and ancient cultures to vibrant cities, these destinations stood out to us for their authenticity, beauty, and unforgettable experiences.

These are the trips that inspired us, challenged us, and left us wanting more. We would love to help you experience them too.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta is nothing short of awe-inspiring. It completely blew Keri’s mind. And that says a lot after many safaris across Africa. This vast inland delta is unlike anywhere else on Earth, where seasonal floodwaters transform the landscape into a lush wildlife paradise.

Botswana delivers a safari experience that feels truly remote and uncrowded. Think abundant wildlife, thrilling game drives, peaceful mokoro excursions, and exceptional lodges set right in the wilderness. If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind safari far from the usual routes, the Okavango Delta is it.

Let us craft a custom safari to this extraordinary corner of the globe. Reach out to us with your request.

Kyushu, Japan

Move over, Honshu. Big ideas are brewing for Kyushu. Keri and Nicola are planning a small group trip to this fiery and fascinating island in southern Japan.

Kyushu is known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, hiking trails that wind through eruption sites, and mineral-rich hot springs celebrated for their healing properties. Add in outstanding local cuisine, including food steamed using the region’s natural geothermal heat, and you have a destination that engages all the senses.

This is Japan at its most elemental, cultural, and delicious. Join us and discover a side of the country many travelers never see.

Seoul, South Korea

Nicola visited South Korea this year and has not stopped talking about Seoul. The food, the shopping, the culture, the energy. Seoul is a city of contrasts in the best possible way.

Ancient palaces sit alongside neon-lit streets. Bustling markets coexist with quiet temples. Street food reigns supreme, and creativity pulses through every neighborhood. Fast-paced, flavourful, and endlessly fascinating, Seoul is a city that leaves a lasting impression.

Contact us to design a custom Seoul adventure tailored to your interests.

Psst! We are also planning a group trip to South Korea in November of 2026, so subscribe to our newsletter for details and to get your spot before it’s too late!

North Island, New Zealand

Nicola absolutely fell in love with New Zealand while visiting on her honeymoon, and the North Island holds a special place in her heart.

Here you will find vibrant cities, deep-rooted Māori culture, and surreal geothermal landscapes. Rotorua’s geysers and mud pools, the glowworms of Waitomo, and the beautiful beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula create a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Add iconic film locations like Hobbiton, and you have a destination that feels both epic and welcoming.

The South Island gets plenty of attention, but the North Island is very much worth exploring in its own right. We would be delighted to customize an Ultimate New Zealand itinerary just for you.

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s most important archaeological and historical sites are scattered across its central plains, and Sigiriya is the most recognizable of them all.

This ancient fortress rises dramatically from the landscape, perched atop a towering rock formation and flanked by two other UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Beyond its history, Sri Lanka offers incredible cuisine, rich cultural traditions, lush landscapes, and beautiful beaches.

If you needed another reason to visit Sri Lanka, this is it. Let us curate a personalized itinerary that brings this remarkable country to life.

Guadalajara and Tequila, Mexico

Step into the heart of Jalisco on an immersive journey through Guadalajara and Tequila, where culture, cuisine, and craftsmanship define daily life. Guadalajara’s vibrant streets are filled with music, art, and exceptional food, from lively mercados and colonial plazas to neighbourhoods pulsing with mariachi. As the cultural capital of western Mexico, the city offers a rich introduction to the traditions, history, and flavours of the region.

From there, head into the rolling highlands of Tequila country, where endless fields of blue agave stretch toward the horizon. In the town of Tequila, you will have the chance to truly understand Mexico’s most famous spirit at its source. Visit working distilleries, learn the tequila-making process from field to bottle, and taste a range of styles, from crisp blancos to smooth añejos, all rooted in centuries of tradition.

Sip, savour, and explore where tequila was born, surrounded by agave fields, historic haciendas, and charming villages. This is an ideal trip to do with friends, blending discovery, great food, and shared experiences. We are happy to tailor the itinerary to your group’s style and pace, whether you want to focus on culture, cuisine, or tequila, or a perfect mix of all three.

This is an ideal trip to do with friends, and we are happy to tailor it to your group’s style and pace.

Ancient Rainforests of Uganda and Rwanda

In Uganda and Rwanda, some of Africa’s last ancient rainforests still thrive. Misty mountains, dense greenery, and rare wildlife create an atmosphere that feels both primal and magical. These landscapes are home to some of the continent’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences, where forest, savannah, and river ecosystems come together.

This is the place to trek alongside mountain gorillas in the thick forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, encounter playful chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, and watch quick-moving golden monkeys in their natural habitat. Along the way, classic safari moments unfold as well, from game drives in savannah parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park to boat cruises along the Nile near Murchison Falls, where wildlife gathers at the water’s edge.

Each encounter feels deeply moving and humbling, especially when coming face to face with gorillas in the wild, an experience few places on Earth can offer. These journeys are carefully paced and fully customizable, allowing time to absorb not just the wildlife, but the landscapes and cultures that make Uganda and Rwanda so unforgettable.

If an adventure of a lifetime is calling, let us know.

Atlas Mountains, Morocco

Just a short distance from Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains reveal a completely different side of Morocco. Snow-capped peaks give way to rugged canyons, fertile valleys, cedar forests, and terraced fields carved into the hillsides.

Meeting local Berber communities and visiting ancient kasbahs offers insight into traditions that have endured for centuries. The landscapes are dramatic, the hospitality is genuine, and Morocco is an exceptional host. Contact us to book more about this amazing destination. 

Chachapoyas, Northern Peru

Think Peru is just Machu Picchu? Think again.

From the Amazon Basin to the Colca Canyon and the fortress of Kuelap in the north, Peru is full of surprises. Chachapoyas feels like stepping back in time, with cloud forests, archaeological sites, and far fewer visitors.

Whether you have never explored Peru or are ready to fall in love all over again, this is your sign. Peru is waiting.

Lake District and Chiloe Island, Chile

Chile has long been one of our favourite countries, from tip to tail. This past October, Keri and Nicola explored the stunning Lake District and the mystical island of Chiloe together and could not have loved it more.

Expect beautiful landscapes dotted with azure lakes, snow-capped volcanoes, and charming towns rich in culinary traditions and local folklore. Chiloe’s myths, wooden churches, and wild coastline add an extra layer of magic.

We would be happy to create a Chile itinerary designed just for you. Contact us at info@finisterra.ca.

Honourable Mentions

It was incredibly hard to narrow this down to a top ten. A few more destinations deserve some love:

• Fiji: Diving, culture, tradition
• Cuenca, Ecuador: Charm, Andes, history
• Northern Vietnam: Hiking, mountains, markets
• Caribbean Colombia: Rhythms, coffee, colour
• Zimbabwe and Zambia: Extraordinary, raw adventure

We are happy to create custom adventures to all of the above destinations and beyond.

Create your dream trip and start planning your 2026 adventures today!