Where to Go in 2026: Top Destinations for Luxury Boomers

If you’re already dreaming of where to travel in 2026, you’re not alone. Our clients are planning earlier than ever—and with good reason. Small-ship cruises are selling out, top suites are booking fast, and exclusive experiences are filling months (sometimes years) in advance.

At Roaming Boomers Travel Services, we help discerning travelers like you choose the right destination at the right time—with all the luxury, access, and peace of mind you expect.

Here’s our curated list of top luxury destinations for 2026—based on global trends, client demand, and our firsthand expertise.

David and Carol with three traditionally dressed geiko and maiko during a private cultural experience in Kyoto, Japan, posed in front of a golden folding screen.

Carol and I in Japan

1. Japan: Still Booming, Still a Bargain

With the yen continuing to favor U.S. travelers, Japan offers exceptional value in 2026—without sacrificing the culture, cuisine, and serenity it’s known for.

Whether you cruise the coast with Silversea or explore Kyoto and Tokyo by land with Tauck, Japan is an immersive blend of tradition and modern elegance.

Why go in 2026: Cherry blossom season and fall foliage remain in high demand; small-group land journeys are already booking out 12+ months in advance.

Insider tip: Carol and I just returned from an unforgettable journey through Japan—and we’ve shared dozens of insights, cultural reflections, videos, and travel tips from our experience.

Start here: https://www.theroamingboomers.com/tag/japan/

Or explore our photo and video coverage directly on Facebook at #RoamingBoomersJapan.

Cinque Terre

2. Italy’s Hidden Corners: Beyond Rome and Venice

Italy never goes out of style, but 2026 is the year to dig deeper—beyond the usual sights of Rome and Venice. Explore charming villages, rolling vineyards, and storied towns in regions like Tuscany, Puglia, the Amalfi Coast, or the Lakes District.

Travel by land: Our clients love Tauck’s in-depth Italy itineraries that showcase these off-the-beaten-path gems with guided access, elegant accommodations, and immersive cultural experiences.

Browse all Italy options: Tauck Italy Tours
Or explore a favorite itinerary: Northern Italy – Venice, Florence & Lake Como

If you prefer to unpack once and travel by sea: Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers a new collection of immersive overnight sailings that let you dive deeper into Italy’s coastal treasures—all from the comfort of your luxury suite. Explore these voyages: Regent’s Immersive Overnights

3. Egypt and Jordan: The Time Is Now

Luxury travel to Egypt continues to surge in popularity—and with good reason. The recent opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, increased flight connectivity, and a wave of luxury upgrades have made this iconic destination more accessible and comfortable than ever.

River cruising the Nile: Sailing the Nile in luxury is a timeless experience, and demand has never been higher. Whether you’re drawn to ancient temples, colorful bazaars, or breathtaking desert landscapes, these river cruises offer a curated and secure way to explore Egypt:

Land-based adventures: For a deeper dive into Egypt—and neighboring Jordan—Tauck’s fully guided land tours offer a luxurious, secure, and enriching way to experience the region. Visit Petra, cruise Lake Nasser, or gaze upon the pyramids with expert guides by your side: Explore Tauck’s Egypt & Jordan Itineraries

Dubrovnik

4. The Dalmatian Coast: Europe’s Luxury Riviera

Croatia and Montenegro continue to rise on the luxury map—and for good reason. This stunning stretch of the Adriatic offers dramatic coastlines, sun-soaked islands, and a perfect blend of cultural charm and seaside serenity. You’ll find cobblestone streets lined with Venetian architecture, ancient walled cities like Dubrovnik, and boutique ports that offer a more intimate taste of the Mediterranean.

For luxury boomers seeking a mix of elegance and exploration, this region delivers. From wine tastings and olive oil farms to private yacht excursions and cliffside dining, the Dalmatian Coast is an ideal setting for both indulgence and adventure.

Tip: Tauck’s Venice and the Dalmatian Coast cruise is a client favorite—offering private experiences, luxury accommodations, and guided access to some of the most picturesque ports in Europe. It fills quickly, so early planning is key.

Silversea Expeditions Canadian Arctic Polar Bear

CLICK FOR LARGE VIEW

5. The Arctic: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Frontier

Looking for something extraordinary? 2026 is shaping up to be a record year for Arctic expedition cruises. See polar bears, icebergs, and untouched wilderness—all from the comfort of ultra-luxury expedition ships by Silversea or Viking.

Carol and I sailed the Arctic last summer with Silversea Expeditions. Come see the photos of the polar bear and walruses we witnessed up close and personal: CLICK HERE.

Why go: It’s pristine, profound, and only accessible for a few months each summer.

Roaming Boomers on Milford Sound, New Zealand

6. Australia & New Zealand: Worth the Long Flight

If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing past Sydney’s iconic Opera House, tasting sauvignon blanc in Marlborough, or exploring Tasmania’s rugged beauty, 2026 is your year.

Australia and New Zealand offer unforgettable contrasts: cosmopolitan cities and ancient landscapes, beachfront luxury and Maori culture, coastal cruises and outback adventures.

Thanks to favorable flight schedules and growing interest in the Southern Hemisphere, demand is rising—especially among luxury boomers looking to escape winter and enjoy a longer, more meaningful journey.

Land journeys: For a fully immersive experience on land, our top recommendation is Tauck. Carol and I traveled with them on the Grand Australia & New Zealand tour in November 2024, and it exceeded every expectation.

Read our personal review: Roaming Boomers Tauck Australia & New Zealand Review

Explore all Tauck options: Tauck Australia & New Zealand Tours

Luxury cruises: Prefer to unpack once and explore by sea? These cruise lines offer elegant voyages filled with stunning ports, immersive excursions, and luxury amenities:

Whether you choose to go by land or by sea, this region offers rich rewards for those willing to journey a little farther. And with our firsthand experience and trusted partnerships, we’ll help make sure every detail is perfect.

7. Portugal: Europe’s Quiet Luxury Darling

Portugal continues to climb the list of must-visit destinations for discerning travelers—and it’s easy to see why. With its sun-kissed coastline, world-class wines, and walkable, history-rich cities, Portugal blends old-world charm with modern luxury. It offers all the cultural depth of Europe, but with fewer crowds and exceptional value.

River cruising the Douro: The Douro River Valley is one of the most scenic wine regions in the world—and a favorite for luxury river cruises. Rolling vineyards, golden hillsides, and charming towns make it an ideal setting for a relaxing yet enriching journey. Here are four standout options:

Land-based luxury: Prefer to explore by land? Tauck also offers fully guided Portugal tours that combine Lisbon, Porto, and the countryside with insider access, luxurious accommodations, and stress-free travel.
Explore Tauck’s Portugal Land Tours

Portugal is perfect for travelers looking to enjoy Europe at a slower pace, with incredible food and wine, gracious hospitality, and scenery that rivals its more crowded neighbors. It’s a destination best savored—and we can help you do just that.

Let’s Start Planning Now

Whether you’re drawn to cultural depth, coastal beauty, or bucket-list adventure, these destinations offer something special—and 2026 is your chance to experience them before the rest of the world catches on.

As Virtuoso Cruise Icons and luxury travel specialists, we offer:

Insider access to small-ship cruises and high-demand land tours
VIP perks at top hotels
Personalized service from planning to your return home

If you’re ready to start planning your next journey, we’d love to help.

For more information or to book your 2026 luxury travel experience, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here) and we’ll reach out to you.

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This article was written with the aid of Perplexity AI, Grok, or ChatGPT. Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an independent affiliate of Cadence and a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40

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| Tags: Seniors Lifestyle, Seniors Travel