2026 Travel Trends: Touring Holidays You Won’t Want to Miss

Travelling in 2026 is all about discovering destinations in a deeper, more meaningful way, and there’s no better way to do so than on a guided tour. With travellers seeking experiences that combine iconic landscapes, cultural immersion and unique adventures, a touring holiday combines the ease of an expertly planned itinerary with the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Here are seven touring holidays you won’t want to miss in 2026.

Switzerland: Scenic rail travel takes centre stage

Rail-based travel is one of the clearest 2026 travel trends, and few countries do it better than Switzerland. With its world-class rail network, dramatic alpine landscapes and picturesque lakes, Switzerland lends itself perfectly to slower-paced, scenery-first touring holidays.

A Swiss rail tour transforms the journey into the highlight, as panoramic trains wind through mountain passes, alongside glacial lakes and into the heart of storybook villages. Beyond these scenic rail journeys, you’ll enjoy time in elegant cities, charming alpine towns and lakeside resorts.

My Cruises’ Pick: Spend 15 days exploring Switzerland and Northern Italy on a breathtaking tour journey, complete with three iconic rail journeys: the Gotthard Panorama Express, Bernina Express and Glacier Express.

A red train crosses a bridge surrounded by mountains, showcasing a scenic landscape.

South America: Multi-country touring on the rise

Longer, multi-country journeys are gaining momentum as part of broader 2026 travel trends, and South America is perfectly suited to this style of travel. Combining countries such as Peru, Brazil and Argentina allows travellers to experience extraordinary diversity within a single itinerary.

In South America, ancient civilisations, colonial architecture and modern cities sit alongside some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes. From the Andes and Machu Picchu to Iguazu Falls and the vibrant streets of Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, this continent offers constant contrast and discovery.

My Cruises’ Pick: Say Hola to the highlights of Brazil, Argentina and Peru on a 20-day guided tour, blending cultural icons, natural wonders and dynamic cities.

A woman in a traditional dress stands at the edge of Machu Picchu, overlooking the ancient ruins and lush mountains.

China: Culture-rich touring returns                 

Culturally immersive travel remains a key pillar of how people are travelling in 2026, and China continues to stand out for its depth of history and scale. A touring holiday allows you to experience centuries of traditional alongside rapid modern development, all within one destination.

From walking the Great Wall and discovering the Terracotta Warriors to exploring ancient temples and bustling city streets, China offers layers of history and culture that are best understood with expert insight.

My Cruises’ Pick: Journey through China’s most iconic destinations in two action-packed weeks, covering Beijing, Xian, Shanghai and a cruise along the Yangtze River.

The Great Wall of China stretches across mountains, a stunning and iconic tourist attraction.

Canada: Big landscapes, slow travel

Canada’s vast scale and natural beauty continue to define 2026 travel trends, particularly for travellers drawn to nature-led touring holidays. From snow-capped mountains ranges to turquoise lakes and expansive wilderness, Canada rewards those who take the time to explore it more thoroughly.

A Canada train tour is one of the most immersive ways to experience the country. Travelling across the world’s second largest nation by rail reveals remote landscapes, alpine scenery and wildlife-rich regions that are often inaccessible by road, all at a relaxed, comfortable pace.

My Cruises’ Pick: Discover Canada’s most iconic scenes on a rail-focused touring journey, combining a three-night journey onboard VIA Rail’s The Canadian train, plus time in standout destinations like Vancouver, Banff and Niagara Falls.

A woman stands on a rock, gazing out over a serene lake surrounded by trees and mountains.

Lapland: Northern Lights remain a standout trend

Experiential, once-in-a-lifetime moments are a defining part of how people travel in 2026, and few adventures are as captivating as witnessing the Northern Lights. Swedish and Finnish Lapland remain among the most sought-after regions for aurora viewing, thanks to their remote locations, minimal light pollution and long winter nights.

Travelling through Lapland in winter reveals a surreal Arctic landscape of snow-draped forests, frozen lakes and wide-open skies. As part of a Northern Lights tour package, you can also enjoy husky sledding, snowmobiling and reindeer encounters, all while maximising opportunities to see the aurora.

My Cruises’ Pick: Bundle up for an unforgettable Arctic adventure on an aurora borealis tour package through Northern Sweden and Finland, filled with bucket list winter activities, including a stay in a glass igloo for superior Northern Lights viewing.

Two people stroll through a snowy forest, surrounded by unique glass domes glistening in the winter sunlight.

Vietnam: Value, culture and cuisine

Vietnam continues to feature prominently among 2026’s trending travel destinations, thanks to its rich history, diverse landscapes and exceptional food culture. It’s a destination that delivers vast variety in a relatively compact journey.

Travellers can explore the historic streets of Hanoi, the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An and the lively energy of Ho Chi Minh City, alongside natural highlights such as Halong Bay, Ninh Binh and the Mekong Delta.

My Cruises’ Pick: Experience Vietnam from north to south on a 12-day guided touring journey, combining cultural landmarks, scenic landscapes and authentic local experiences.

Sunset over Hoi An, Vietnam, casting warm hues over the ancient town and reflecting on the river.

New Zealand: Scenic touring close to home

Closer to home, New Zealand continues to shine as touring demand grows for 2026, particularly for travellers seeking dramatic scenery without long-haul travel. Its compact geography makes it ideal for relaxed, insight-driven touring.

From alpine peaks and fjords to geothermal landscapes and Maori cultural experiences, New Zealand offers remarkable diversity across both islands.

My Cruises’ Pick: Take in the South Island’s most iconic landscapes on a 10-day adventure, hitting up Queenstown, Franz Josef, Lake Tekapo and so much more.

Scenic view of Queenstown, New Zealand, showcasing mountains and a lake under a clear blue sky.

Start planning your 2026 touring adventure

Whether you dream of historic cities or vast landscapes, My Cruises’ Touring Collection invites you to venture further. Taking care of flight, accommodation, transport and epic sightseeing experiences, planning your 2026 holiday has never been easier. Explore our latest touring holidays today.

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