Travel doesn’t always begin with a map. Sometimes it starts with a feeling, a pull toward a landscape, a culture or a way of life that resonates on a deeper level. As our team looks toward 2026, the places that stand out are not defined by popularity or prediction, but by the quiet impact they leave on those who experience them.
As conscious travel becomes the new standard, the best places to go are no longer chosen simply for beauty or status, they are chosen for what they teach, the values they reflect and the connections they make possible.
What follows is a selection of places our team feels personally drawn to, each for different reasons yet all united by a shared sense of purpose. They invite us to slow down, look closer and engage with the world in more meaningful ways. This is not a generic list of must-see destinations for 2026, but a collection of journeys we aspire to take ourselves – places that we hope will inspire a more intentional way of travelling.
These are destinations chosen through instinct, experience and reflection. Places that have stayed with us long after we’ve left, or that represent the kind of travel we believe in and strive to create. These are not places to consume, but places to listen to, learn from and return changed by.
We believe the journeys that matter most are immersive, respectful and deeply human, shaped by curiosity rather than trends, and by connection rather than convenience.
Here’s our curation of the best places to go in 2026, seen through the eyes of those who understand travel as a way of engaging with the world more thoughtfully:
The Galápagos: Where Curiosity Becomes Conservation
Chosen by Katya
“The Galápagos offers a rare chance to inspire young minds through immersive conservation experiences. From giant tortoises to marine iguanas and swimming alongside sea lions, it’s a place where curiosity turns into lasting respect for the natural world.”
Few destinations embody the idea of purposeful travel as clearly as the Galápagos. Every encounter here carries a lesson, about evolution, fragility and responsibility. It’s a place where travel becomes education, especially for younger generations, and where witnessing wildlife in its natural environment creates a deep sense of guardianship rather than spectacle.
Madagascar: A World Apart
Chosen by Venetia
“Madagascar – for its strikingly diverse biomes, where lush rainforests give way to dry forests and wild coastlines, creating a landscape that feels endlessly varied and compelling. With around 83% of its plant life found nowhere else on Earth, it offers a rare opportunity to experience biodiversity found in few other places. These reasons and more make Madagascar one of the best places to travel in 2026.”
Madagascar feels like a world unto itself. Its isolation has preserved ecosystems found nowhere else, making it one of the planet’s most biologically rich, and fragile, environments. Travel here becomes an act of discovery, where each region reveals a different rhythm of life and a deeper understanding of the natural world’s complexity.
Mongolia: The Power of Space and Stillness
Chosen by Kim
“Mongolia is somewhere I would love to visit this year, for its immense open spaces and enduring nomadic culture, where life still follows the rhythm of the land. From sweeping steppe to remote desert, its geography offers a rare sense of scale, stillness and connection to ways of life that have endured for centuries.”
In Mongolia, silence is as powerful as scenery. Vast landscapes invite reflection, while nomadic traditions offer a rare glimpse into a way of life shaped by resilience and harmony with nature. It’s a destination for those seeking perspective. It’s a reminder of how little we need, and how much we can gain from simplicity.
Ladakh, India: Where Landscape and Spirituality Meet
Chosen by Duncan
“Ladakh – for its rare combination of vast, untamed landscapes and deeply rooted Tibetan culture. A place where high-altitude wilderness, ancient monasteries and enduring traditions come together in a way that feels both powerful and profoundly grounding.”
High in the Indian Himalayas, Ladakh is a place of extremes, stark beauty, thin air and profound stillness. Travel here is not about comfort but clarity, offering moments of reflection amid dramatic landscapes and centuries-old spiritual traditions. It’s a journey that stays with you long after you leave.
Rwanda: Conservation as a Way of Life
Chosen by Lottie
“Rwanda has long drawn me in. It’s a country defined by extraordinary wildlife, pristine landscapes and a deep commitment to conservation. From trekking with mountain gorillas to tracking chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest and spotting the Big Five in Akagera, it offers some of Africa’s most compelling conservation experiences.”
Rwanda stands as a powerful example of what intentional conservation can achieve. Here, travel directly supports environmental protection and community livelihoods, making each encounter meaningful. It’s a place where hope, regeneration and respect for nature are deeply intertwined.
Nepal: Walking with the Landscape
Chosen by Eliza
“Nepal is high on my list. The Annapurna Circuit is a route I’ve long been drawn to. Not just for the scale and beauty of the Himalayas, but for the way nature, culture and community are so deeply intertwined. It’s a chance to reconnect with the power of wild places, and with the people who have lived in balance with them for generations.”
Trekking through Nepal is as much about human connection as it is about altitude. The rhythm of walking, the warmth of teahouse hospitality and the shared stories along the trail create a profound sense of belonging. It’s travel that humbles and uplifts in equal measure.
A Different Way of Seeing the World
These destinations are not defined by bucket lists or bragging rights. They represent a shift toward travel with purpose, journeys shaped by curiosity, care and connection.
In 2026, the most powerful travel experiences won’t be measured in miles covered, but in understanding gained. And in a world that often feels rushed and fragmented, these places offer something quietly radical: the chance to slow down, pay attention and truly belong, if only for a moment.
If these journeys resonate, our team would love to help bring them to life. Each itinerary we create is shaped through close collaboration, drawing on deep local knowledge and a shared commitment to meaningful travel. Whether you’re at the earliest stage of dreaming or ready to begin planning, our travel experts are here to guide you, thoughtfully, personally and with care, toward a journey that reflects what matters most to you.
Interested in planning the adventure of a lifetime?
Get in touch with our expert travel team on +44 20 8044 9538 or at connect@journeyswithpurpose.org and begin creating your once-in-a-lifetime, luxury trip to this remarkable country.
