The Exquisite Kimberley Adventure with Outback Spirit Tours captures this unique part of north-western Australia in all its glory, from ancient Aboriginal artworks to burnt-orange Tetris rock formations and abundant wildlife. “My highlight is flying over the Buccaneer Archipelago and seeing the magnificent colours of the coastline,” says driver and guide Sara Skipworth. “Dining at Cygnet Bay and those views over the ocean comes a close second.” Another drawcard is the two nights at remote El Questro Wilderness Park. Coming in 2026 is an expanded Horizontal Falls seaplane  journey that includes stopping at the Mother of Pearl Church on the Dampier Peninsula (right) and visiting a local Aboriginal community.

Today’s bucket lists are inspired by a new kind of wanderlust, one that takes in regions that are only starting to open up to modern travellers. The five ’Stans – Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan (above) and Kazakhstan – are exhilarating examples, each filled with Silk Road treasures, warm hospitality and stunning architecture. The 29-day 5-Stans adventure is limited to just 20 participants and spans all five countries, woven together with scenic road trips and stops in imposing cities and rural villages. Among the highlights is calling in at a family home in the Kyrgyzstan village of Kyzyl-Tuu, where guests can take part in a yurt-building workshop and discover the nomadic traditions of the area.

The untouched beauty of the Galápagos Islands has to be seen to be believed. The archipelago’s menagerie of fantastical creatures – underwater iguanas, giant tortoises, flamingos, sea lions (above) – are like characters from a children’s book. Equally incredible is the 36-day Antarctic Voyage with South America and Galápagos Islands trip from APT Touring, which begins in the Galápagos before taking in other locations, including Machu Picchu and Buenos Aires. As a crescendo, guests will board luxury ship Seabourn Venture and head to another sublime wilderness – the vast ice floes and icebergs of Antarctica.

Sri Lanka was known as Ratna-Dweepa or “Gem Island” thanks to its bountiful and quality gemstones, particularly blue sapphires. In the Central Highlands town of Kandy (above) on Abercrombie & Kent’s (A&K) 10-day Splendours of the Spice Island tour, you’ll have a glimpse into the gem industry at a local factory. “You can admire how the shine of a stone is brought out through expert cutting and even have the opportunity to shape and polish your own into a piece of jewellery,” says A&K Sri Lanka’s Thilini Mahanama. The country’s culinary and cultural heritage is also explored, with a tea tasting in Colombo and a visit to the cinnamon plantations of Galle. As always with A&K, the accommodation is exceptional, including the 26-room Jetwing Kandy Gallery and the refined Amangalla in Galle.

Intrepid runs several women-only tours in an effort to break down barriers and champion women who are advocating for themselves and their peers. The 13-day Nepal: Women’s Expedition begins and ends in the capital, Kathmandu, and introduces travellers to a diverse cast of characters, from Buddhist nuns to women using cooking to make life easier in Tibetan refugee camps. There’s also challenging but rewarding hiking in the Annapurna mountains, a chance to see rhinos and deer, and go river canoeing on an overnight stay at a jungle lodge in Chitwan National Park.

Will you explore coastal Mozambique and its marine life or tackle a South African safari in search of the Big Five? Exodus Travels lets you do both on its Southern Africa Safari: Kruger & Coast wildlife tour by offering experiences on land and at sea. This epic 11-day tour for just 15 people includes drives and walks through Hluhluwe-iMfolozi and Kruger parks, a swim with dolphins in the Indian Ocean and a hippo-spotting cruise on Lake St Lucia. The accommodation is as varied as the creatures you will encounter, from glamping tents to chalets with views over Mpumalanga Lowveld.

Sushi-making classes, instruction in the art of calligraphy and interactions with more than a few ninjas… Immersion in centuries of Japanese history and tradition is fun for the whole crew on the Journey Through Japan… A Family Adventure with Tauck. This 10-day, all-inclusive itinerary, created specifically for groups with budding travellers in tow, takes in the highlights of Hakone, Kyoto, Tokyo and Lake Ashi with jinrikisha (rickshaw) rides, thrilling bullet-train trips, tea ceremonies and electrifying taiko drum performances. While days are crammed with making (and eating) delicious okonomiyaki pancakes and anime-themed shopping trips for kids, parents will appreciate downtime in five-star stays such as Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, where a thermal spring-fed onsen provides blissful respite.

The Aboriginal Culture & Australian Highlights tour by AAT Kings brings together the country’s top First Nations travel operators to deliver an itinerary that crosses urban and regional Australia, from Melbourne to Cairns via Uluru (pictured) and Sydney. Activities for the group of 22 are immersive – an afternoon could be spent capturing the beauty of Uluru during an art class with creatives from Anangu-owned Maruku Arts or snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef learning Dreamtime creation stories from First Nations sea rangers. During a lunch at Big Esso by Mabu Mabu in Melbourne’s Federation Square, native flavours of emu steak with charred samphire or rosti with cassava and native thyme are brought into the now by Torres Strait Islander chef Nornie Bero.