Your 2026 Travel Wishlist: 20 Must-Do Trips

What’s on your travel wishlist? Whether you’re longing for paradise shores or mountain escapes, epic nights out or cultural sightseeing, you deserve to experience your dream trip. Yet with so many destinations around the world, you may not know where to begin when it comes to booking your perfect Gap 360 adventure.

Today is your lucky day. We have put together the ultimate 2026 travel wishlist, featuring 20 trips that our travellers cannot get enough of, and our team have been eyeing up. So, scroll along and hit favourite whenever a trip takes your fancy. We have a feeling you’re about to find your new calling!

1) Southeast Asia Adventure

Perfect for: Asia first-timers ⭐

Trip length: 40 days ⏰

You never forget your first time in Southeast Asia, especially when you’re experiencing it all on this epic trip. Think 40 days of dream-worthy destinations that you need to do at least once, from tropical island-hopping to the Ha Giang Loop. Get ready to discover Southeast Asia’s most famous trio - Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia - in all its glory. Come along for the greatest adventure of your life!

2) Bali Adventure

Perfect for: Beach clubs 🍹

Trip length: 15 days ⏰

Bali Adventure brings all the paradise vibes. Experience Indonesia’s most iconic island over 15 days, packed with activities from learning how to surf, snorkelling with sea turtles, sipping cocktails at beach clubs, and, one of our personal faves, visiting an ethical horse sanctuary. Plus, you’ll get to tick iconic viewpoints off your Bali bucket list (including *that* photo spot in Nusa Penida 👀). Oh… did we mention that you’ll be staying in upgraded accommodation?

3) Thai Adventure

Perfect for: Variety 💥

Trip length: 13, 18 or 25 days ⏰

Thai Adventure is one of our best-selling trips for a reason. You’ll be snorkelling in crystal-clear waters by day, and partying under the stars by night. Yet island-hopping your way through Thailand’s tropical south isn’t the only thing on the agenda. Get ready for an action-packed itinerary as you check out an elephant sanctuary, dig into the Chiang Mai city life, and experience epic nights out down Bangkok’s Khao San Road. You’re going to love it!

Can’t get Thailand’s Full Moon Party out of your head? Check out our guidebook for Thailand Full Moon Party Dates, plus everything you need to know about the best beach party in the world!

4) Ultimate Japan

Perfect for: Futuristic cities 🌆

Trip length: 17 days ⏰

Dreaming of Japan? 17 days to explore the incredible contrasts packed inside this country is exactly what you need. Think Tokyo’s neon-soaked backstreets, traditional temples in Kyoto and, of course, Mount Fuji scenery. From learning the art of the Samurai to befriending deer in Nara, it’s impossible to pick a favourite moment on this action-packed adventure. So find yours!

5) Australia Adventure

Perfect for: Ocean views 🏄

Trip length: 25 or 30 days⏰

Australia has got it all, so why not take your time exploring everything this stunning country has to offer? You won’t want to miss a second, from sun-kissed beaches to unforgettable nights out. Go snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, learn how to surf, camp in K’gari and more. And if you want a taste of Aussie city life, you can throw in a few extra days in Melbourne!

6) New Zealand Adventure

Perfect for: Hiking trails 🥾

Trip length: 9 or 17 days ⏰

If mountains and Lord of the Rings movie marathons are more your vibe, do we have the trip for you! New Zealand Adventure allows you to choose between the country’s North and South Islands, or live the best of both worlds on our 17-day option. Geothermal wonders, other-worldly fjords and adrenaline rushes await.

7) Ultimate Morocco

Perfect for: Upgraded adventures 🐫

Trip length: 11 days ⏰

One thing we love more than Morocco? It has to be exploring Morocco in style. Picture yourself glamping under the stars in the Sahara Desert and getting a little taste of luxury at traditional riad-style accommodation. You’ll be living the dream as you discover the country’s jaw-dropping landscapes, from Essaouira’s crashing waves to the towering peaks of the Atlas Mountains. And guess what, it’s more budget-friendly than you think…

8) Incredible Iceland

Perfect for: Short and sweet travels 🩵

Trip length: 6 days ⏰

The “Land of Fire and Ice” is about to sweep you off your feet with giant-sized glaciers, black sand beaches and waterfalls that drop from the sky. Perfect for travellers short on time, in just 6 days, you’ll unveil the highlights of Iceland on a Reykjavik loop. Whether you’re longing for winter wonderland vibes or looking to keep cool in the summer, you’ll find it on Incredible Iceland.

9) South Africa Big 5 Conservation

Perfect for: Wildlife volunteering 🦁

Trip length: 2 to 6 weeks⏰

Live on the wild side with our South Africa Big 5 Conservation project. If spotting the Lion King Animals in their natural habitat is your dream come true, this is THE opportunity of a lifetime. 

Volunteer alongside the expert rangers and enjoy safari game drives, plus free weekends to explore more of the country - whether you fancy chilling on the Eastern Cape’s beaches or exploring the famous Garden Route.

Curious to find out more? Our Day in the Life: Volunteering with Wildlife in South Africa guidebook will answer any questions you may have about the project, plus insights from our recent volunteers.

10) Austria Ski

Perfect for: Learning a new skill ⛷️

Trip length: 8 days ⏰

First time skiing? Experienced on the slopes? Whatever your ability is coming in, our cosy chalet in the Austrian Alps is where you need to be this ski season. Practice your runs by day, with optional skiing or snowboarding lessons to coach you through the best techniques - or fill your free time with tobogganing, paragliding, or a trip to Salzburg. When the sun sets, get ready for après! By the time your 8 days are up, you’ll definitely be a pro in one lane (we’ll let you pick which one that is).

11) Best of Europe

Perfect for: Ticking off the bucket list ✅

Trip length: 16 days ⏰

It’s in the name! Best of Europe is packed with landmark destinations and 7 new countries to fill your travel diaries with. Get star-struck by the icons of Europe - we’re talking Paris, Prague, and one of the Seven Wonders of the World (when in Rome!). With loads of free time included for you to do independent exploring or sign up for fun optional activities, the answer to a dreamy European escape is right here.

12) Costa Rica Adventure

Perfect for: Budget travellers 💸

Trip length: 14 days ⏰

If you think that the “Pura Vida” lifestyle is out of your price range, think again. Enter Costa Rica Adventure, our 14-day group trip designed with budget travellers in mind. As you travel from coast to coast, plus head deep into the jungle, you’re free to discover Costa Rica on your terms. Shape each day however you like, with plenty of optional activities to keep you on your toes.

Has Costa Rica caught your eye? Check out Sarah’s Costa Rica Adventure: Day-by-Day guidebook for a full breakdown of her favourite moments.

13) Sri Lanka Adventure

Perfect for: Adventure seekers 🐘

Trip length: 12 days ⏰

Sri Lanka is a slice of paradise that you need to experience for yourself. This destination is a dream come true for nature lovers, promising travellers the chance to spot elephants on a safari drive and climb to awe-inspiring viewpoints. From catching the sunset at unspoilt stretches of golden sand to jumping on board the most beautiful train journey in the world, Sri Lanka is about to take your breath away.

14) Best of Central America

Perfect for: Trending travel 🌋

Trip length: 18 or 30 days ⏰

Ask any traveller one of their favourite destinations, or where they want to go next, and we can bet you’re going to hear them say Central America. When you can go snorkelling with tropical ocean life, soak in cenote pools, summit volcanoes for Mother Nature’s most spectacular lava show, and swing through jungle treetops - why on Earth would you settle for less?

15) South America Journey

Perfect for: South America first-timers 🌎

Trip length: 65 days ⏰

It’s not every day that dreams come true, but they do on this expedition of a lifetime around South America. Sleep in the Amazon Rainforest. Experience Machu Picchu at sunrise. Drive along Bolivia’s world-famous Salar de Uyuni salt flats. Go horseback riding alongside Uruguayan gauchos (cowboys). Dive headfirst into Rio de Janeiro’s next-level nightlife. Our action-packed itinerary says it all!

16) Pure Philippines

Perfect for: Island-hopping 🏝️

Trip length: 17 days ⏰

The secret to the most magical year of your life? Treating yourself to 17 days of island-hopping your way through the Philippines. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to chill on a private beach, this trip gets pretty close as we set sail completely off-the-grid to spots that only the locals know about. We call it Pure Philippines, and really, it’s pure paradise.

17) National Parks of the Canadian Rockies

Perfect for: Camping 🏕️

Trip length: 14 days ⏰

If your perfect adventure involves roaming the wilderness and cosying around the campfire with new mates, our National Parks of the Canadian Rockies trip could be the best 2 weeks of your life. From bright turquoise lakes to sleepy beachside towns, this is the ideal itinerary for those who cannot get enough of exploring the great outdoors. Plus, we’ve added plenty of free time for you to try out some optional activities for an adrenaline rush. Canada is calling!

18) Vietnam & Ha Giang Loop

Perfect for: Iconic road trips 🛣️

Trip length: 16 days⏰

There’s just something about Vietnam. Maybe it’s the promise of some of the wildest nights of your life here. Or the unspoilt stretches where bright emerald valleys dip into cascading waterfalls and lush rice terraces. It’s only a matter of time before Vietnam becomes your new favourite destination. So, give in to 16 days of life-changing adventure - including *the* road trip that everyone cannot stop talking about, the Ha Giang Loop!

19) Brazil Adventure

Perfect for: Tropical vibes 🌅

Trip length: 9 days⏰

If anyone knows how to make an unforgettable first impression, it’s Brazil. Welcome to South America’s liveliest melting pot, drawing travellers in from every corner of the globe with its infectious Samba rhythms and heavenly stretches of pure gold sand. Every night feels like Carnival on the streets of Rio de Janeiro, and this wild child of a city is only the beginning of all the memories waiting to be made on our 9-day Brazil Adventure trip. You’ll be glowing long after you’ve left.

20) Best of Jordan

Perfect for: World wonders 😍

Trip length: 8 days⏰

Nowhere else in the world embodies adventure quite like Jordan. In 8 days, you can go glamping under the stars deep in the Wadi Rum Desert, float in the Dead Sea, indulge in the most colourful food spreads, and uncover the ancient, rosy-pink ruins of Petra. Ticking one of the Seven Wonders of the World off your bucket list is just the start of all the reasons why Jordan is one of our favourite destinations.

How does the Gap 360 wishlist work?

All you have to do is register or log in to your online account in a few easy steps. Then, whenever you see a trip you want to save for later, tap the heart icon to save it to your Wishlist.

Our friendly travel experts can also put together a personalised multi-trip itinerary for you! Just click on the live chat button to get started, or take a look at our Plan My Gap Year service to find out more. You can also book a 1-to-1 session for any questions you may have before travelling; check out our Contact Us page for further details.

What are group tours?

Gap 360 specialises in group tours for 18 to 30s, which is a chance to meet like-minded people while ticking new destinations off your travel bucket list. Every group tour is unique, yet typically includes accommodation, in-country transportation and an expert trip leader to show you around and provide support.

If you want to go travelling by yourself, it’s the perfect thing. 70% of our travellers join solo, so there will be plenty of people in the same boat. You’ll come away from the experience with new travel memories and friendships.

Landed on your dream trip? 2026 is the year to make it happen. Because let’s face it: once you’ve gotten a taste of what kind of adventures are possible, there’s no going back! Start building your wishlist today, or check out our full range of group tours for more inspo.💫