West Australian travellers are gearing up for another massive year of exploration in 2026, with early bookings essential to secure the best tours, cruise cabins, and hotels. The travel landscape is evolving, with a clear move towards more immersive and meaningful experiences, according to industry insights.
Top Destinations and Surging Trends for 2026
The inaugural annual report from Wendy Wu Tours, titled The Journey Ahead, highlights key patterns for Australian travellers. Japan remains the number one destination for Aussies, a position it shares globally with Vietnam for the highest tourism growth rate in early 2025, boasting a 21% surge in international visits.
Other popular spots for the coming year include Vietnam, China, India, South America, South Korea, Africa, and the Middle East. The report also notes a significant rise in solo travel, with 73% of Australians considering a trip alone, driven by desires for freedom, personal growth, and cultural immersion. Multi-generational family trips are also increasingly popular.
The Shift to Slow and Meaningful Exploration
Despite the frenzied activity, the dominant theme for 2026 is a collective slowdown. Australians are rethinking how they see the world, prioritising depth over a checklist of sights. Simon Bell, managing director of Wendy Wu Tours Australia, observes that people are seeking to connect more deeply with destinations.
This sentiment is echoed by travel search engine Skyscanner, which identifies three key trends for 2026: 'Glowmads' (travel shaped by beauty and skincare rituals), 'Shelf discovery' (culinary tourism focused on local supermarkets), and 'Altitude shift' (a peak in interest for mountain escapes, with 74% of Aussies considering one).
Hotspots and Smart Travel Tips for WA Travellers
Drawing on continual reader and industry contact, several destinations are poised to be particularly relevant for West Australians in 2026:
- Cairo & the Nile: High demand continues for Egypt's 'safe corridor'. Intrepid Travel emphasises that home-cooked meals and felucca sails often leave a longer-lasting impression than the iconic pyramids.
- Japan: Improved signage and technology make hire cars a viable option for exploring off-the-beaten-track locations, though parking can be expensive.
- The Five Stans: Travel through Central Asia has become smoother, with Uzbekistan standing out as a jewel in the region.
- Kimberley & Alice Springs: A return to Australia's big backyard is on the cards. East Kimberley cruising will be highly sought after, while Alice Springs offers a heartland experience under new leadership promoting hope and connection.
- Antarctica & Greenland: Expedition cruising continues to evolve, with more focus on East Antarctica and the remote fjords of East Greenland.
- Singapore: Constant reinvention, cruise ship homeporting, and new hotels like the Four Points by Sheraton in Jurong keep it perennially appealing.
- India & Vietnam: Steady interest continues, with hopes for a direct Perth-India flight and recommendations for longer south-to-north journeys in Vietnam.
In the cruising sector, 2026 will see at least 16 new ships, including the first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, Viking Libra, aiming for zero emissions at sea. The advice is to book early for the best deals and cabin selection.
The Future: AI, Airfares, and Solo Travel
Artificial Intelligence is set to become the driving force behind travel, personalising bookings, optimising operations, and managing dynamic pricing. However, the human touch in storytelling and planning remains highly valued.
Airfares are expected to remain competitive through 2026, mirroring 2025 prices, as airlines focus on 'premiumisation'. The market will be busy, with Tourism Research Australia forecasting that international travel to Australia will exceed pre-pandemic levels next year.
Solo travel will see more tailored options, with companies like Inspiring Vacations launching dedicated 'Solo Journeys' tours without single supplements. The data from the oneworld alliance shows 66% of their Round the World ticket purchasers are solo travellers, with top searched destinations for 2026 being London, Tokyo, and Doha.
Finally, travellers are advised not to expect fewer crowds or more civility on planes, despite campaigns urging a return to the 'golden age' of travel manners. The key for 2026 is to plan ahead, seek depth, and embrace the journey as an expression of self.
