Do you ever see photos of jaw-dropping private island resorts or sky-high penthouses and wonder who on Earth actually stays there? The luxury travel market is a whole new world for those outside the pay bracket, and it’s only getting bigger and better. A new report has revealed where Australia’s wealthiest travellers are heading (and why) in 2026, and the results might surprise you. Read on for a look into the luxe life.
This year’s Virtuoso Luxe Report gathered insights from thousands of travel advisers across more than 50 countries, revealing how the world’s savviest (and most cashed-up) travellers are exploring the globe. The report also shines a light on the luxury travel patterns and destinations set to define the year ahead – with some fascinating insights for Aussie and Kiwi travellers.
Of the 300 travel advisers surveyed in Australia and New Zealand, more than half anticipate a slight rise in demand for luxury travel next year, while 23 per cent predict a significant increase – up 12 per cent from last year. They’re also expecting big budgets to stick around, with two-thirds forecasting higher spending per trip – up 16 per cent from last year and eight per cent above the global average.
For luxury travellers in Australia, the biggest trend for 2026 is expedition cruising, with Antarctica and the Mediterranean topping the bucket lists. Think icebergs, indulgence and Insta-worthy horizons. Interestingly, expedition cruising only comes fifth on the global travel trends list.
Family travel is also on the rise, especially multigenerational trips, with Fiji, Bali and Japan topping the list of wishlisted luxury family destinations for Australians. Another trend set to make waves in 2026 is active and adventure travel, with Antarctica, Sri Lanka and New Zealand leading the way.
What’s inspiring these trips? Milestone celebrations, ticking off new destinations and quality time with loved ones – no real surprises there. But the report also uncovers a big shift among affluent travellers, with self-care becoming a key focus. Rest and relaxation, health and wellness, personal enrichment, and pampering oneself now rank among the top ten reasons luxury Aussie travellers are planning trips in 2026.
Australia’s love affair with Japan extends to the luxury crowd, with the Land of the Rising Sun overtaking Italy as the top luxury destination for Australians in 2026. Beyond that, Aussies are setting their sights on the Mediterranean, with Italy, Greece and Croatia not far behind.
Based on client requests, Virtuoso experts have also flagged destinations set to rise in 2026. Around the globe, luxury travellers are steering clear of over-touristed hotspots, favouring places that champion environmental and wildlife conservation. For Australians, Antarctica leads the way, ranking second globally just behind Iceland. Norway, Vietnam, Egypt and Morocco make both the global and Aussie top tens for upcoming luxury destinations, while Sri Lanka is a surprise second-place entry for Australia alone.
The good news? You can explore most of the spots Aussies’ luxury travellers are dreaming of without breaking the bank – though Antarctica might be the exception.
The 10 most popular luxury destinations for Australians in 2026
- Japan
- Italy
- Greece
- Croatia
- Fiji
- Canada
- France
- Bali
- Portugal
- Spain
The top 10 luxury destinations 'on the rise' for Australians in 2026
- Antarctica
- Sri Lanka
- Norway
- Vietnam
- Egypt
- Morocco
- Iceland
- The Arctic & Malta (tie)
- India
- Bhutan