As the final page of the 2025 calendar is turned, many of us realise how often we postponed slowing down. The journeys put off and the quiet repetition of “next time” all are waiting for a more deliberate beginning.

In 2026, let “next time” become now! This carefully curated travel bucket list steps away from crowded, trend-driven destinations and focuses instead on places that reward patience and presence. From landscapes shaped by history to remote trails and unhurried journeys, each destination has been chosen for what it offers beyond the surface.

01 – River Kwai, Thailand

Where History Lingers Along the Tracks

Thailand is often associated with beaches and night markets, yet the Bridge on the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi tells a quieter, more sobering story. During the Second World War, Allied prisoners of war were forced by Japanese forces to build the Thailand–Burma Railway under extreme conditions. Constructed along steep cliffs, the project claimed tens of thousands of lives and became known as the Death Railway.

A meaningful way to experience this landscape and its history is aboard the RV River Kwai Cruise. Thailand’s first five-star inland cruise ship features ten teakwood cabins and carries no more than twenty guests, creating an intimate and unhurried atmosphere. The cruise operates year-round, offering 4 and 7 days itineraries.

The river winds through forested mountains and valleys, passing waterfalls, hot springs and dense tropical jungle. Daily shore excursions include walks in Sai Yok National Park and visits to war cemeteries and historical sites, offering moments of reflection alongside natural beauty.

Best time: November to February

Perfect for: History enthusiasts and travellers seeking depth over pace

Recommended Route: 7 days, 6 nights | Vintage train × River cruise × National parks × War heritage

02 – Koh Yao Island, Thailand

A Quieter Vision of the Andaman Sea

Just 35 minutes by boat from Phuket, Koh Yao Island remains largely untouched by mass tourism. Two discreet resorts define the experience here, Paradise Koh Yao and TreeHouse Villas, the island is surrounded by protected landscapes where private beaches, rainforest and limestone formations define the setting.

01. TreeHouse Villas

At TreeHouse Villas, guests cross a suspension bridge to reach elevated accommodation, with private pools concealed within the forest and upper-level bedrooms opening to views across sea and mountains.

02. Paradise Koh Yao

👇 Paradise Koh Yao offers beachfront villas for those drawn to the shoreline.

Days unfold gently here. Morning walks along the sand as fishermen return with their catch, afternoons spent at the spa using locally sourced coconut oil, and evenings watching the sun sink into the sea over freshly prepared seafood. It is luxury defined by space, silence and authenticity. 

Best time: November to April

Perfect for: Travellers who value privacy and calm

Recommended Route: 4 days, 3 nights | Private island × Island hopping and snorkelling × Spa × Beachside yoga

03 – Pandaw Cruise, The Mekong

Letting the River Decide the Rhythm

For travellers weary of constant movement, a Mekong journey with Pandaw Cruise offers a rare sense of stillness. Built in colonial style with teak and brass, the vessel combines understated comfort with access to remote stretches of river beyond standard routes. Departing from Vientiane, Laos, it sails north along the Mekong to Yunnan, China. Over 14 days, you will explore two legendary Indian national parks and unlock luxury wilderness adventures.

Highlights include Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to 66% of the world’s one-horned rhinos, and Nameri National Park, renowned for birdwatching. During guided hikes, you may encounter hornbills, wild elephants or rare bird species. It is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts to experience unspoiled natural order firsthand.

Life on board is equally rich and fulfilling. Meals showcase regional specialties, from Laotian grilled fish to Indian curries. Spend your days exploring nature or visiting remote villages, enjoy afternoon tea on the deck as rainforests drift by, and sleep to the sound of flowing water or soak in the tranquility of starry nights—striking the perfect balance between wilderness and comfort.

Best time: November to February

Perfect for: Those seeking immersion without constant relocation

Recommended Route: 14 days, 13 nights | River cruise × National parks × Wildlife × Slow travel

04 – Yubeng Snow Mountain, Yunnan

Reaching a Sacred Landscape on Foot

If you yearn for a true “hiking paradise,” Yubeng Snow Mountain deserves a spot on the list. Hidden beneath Meili Snow Mountain, Yubeng remains inaccessible by road, preserving a sense of remoteness that few places retain. Entry is only possible on foot, following ancient routes once used along the Tea Horse Road. 

The journey begins in Xidang Village, climbing through forest and valleys before crossing the Nanzong Pass and descending into Yubeng Village. The 18-kilometre hike takes around 5 hours, with snow peaks and deep gorges unfolding gradually. Reaching the pass, the Kawagebo mountain range reveals itself in a moment of quiet drama.

In Yubeng, hiking is more than just sightseeing, it’s a dialogue with nature, faith and oneself. The Sacred Waterfall route follows prayer-flag-lined paths to a cascade regarded as holy, fed directly by melting snow. For experienced hikers, the Ice Lake route offers a more demanding challenge at high altitude, navigating steep terrain among glaciers and peaks.

Best time: May to June or September to October

Perfect for: Fit travellers seeking remote, high-altitude trekking

Recommended Route: 3 days, 2 nights | Mountain trekking × Meili Snow Mountain × Tibetan villages

05 – Chengdu Luxury Train, Xinjiang

Explore Xinjiang from a Moving Five-Star Hotel

Xinjiang’s vast distances are best appreciated without haste. The Chengdu Luxury Train, often described as a moving five-star hotel, allows travellers to experience both northern and southern Xinjiang in comfort.

Departing from Chengdu, the train travels through Lanzhou and Xining before reaching Kashgar, continuing on to Yining and Turpan. Over 16 days and 8,000 kilometres, the route links snow-covered mountains, grasslands, deserts and lakes into a continuous landscape.

Private en-suite cabins, carefully designed communal spaces and attentive service create a sense of ease throughout the journey. Cultural performances, quiet lounges and panoramic views replace the fatigue of constant transfers. VIP access at key sites and expert commentary deepen understanding along the way.

Best time: May to October

Perfect for: Travellers who want to experience magnificent landscapes without the hassle of constant travel

Recommended Route: 16 days, 15 nights |  Xinjiang × Luxury rail journey × VIP access

06 – Perpignan, France

Encounter Medieval Romance Among Tapas and Wine

Perpignan lies at the crossroads of France and Spain, where Mediterranean and Catalan influences meet. Less familiar than Provence or the Côte d’Azur, the town reveals itself through medieval streets, fortresses, organic vineyards and a strong regional identity.

A journey beginning in Barcelona and ending in Perpignan allows for a gradual shift in culture and pace. From market mornings and landmark architecture in Catalonia to quiet walks through historic towns such as Castelnou and Carcassonne, the experience unfolds through food, art and place.

Wine tastings in local estates, visits to Romanesque churches and time spent in Collioure, long favoured by artists, complete a route defined by restraint rather than spectacle.

Best time: April to October

Perfect for: Travellers drawn to art, history and regional gastronomy

Recommended Route: 7 days, 6 nights | Medieval towns × Architecture × Organic wineries × Mediterranean coast

07 – Sicily, Italy

Experience the Charm of European Island Between Volcanoes and Coastlines

Sicily, the Mediterranean’s largest island, holds layers of history shaped by volcanic land and open water. From ancient towns to active craters, the island reveals its character slowly.

In Taormina, classical streets overlook the sea. On Mount Etna, guided hikes approach Europe’s highest active volcano, offering wide views across lava fields and coastline. Visits to vineyards and apiaries introduce flavours shaped by volcanic soil, while boat journeys through the Aeolian Islands reveal quieter coastlines and hidden coves.

Best time: May to October

Perfect for: Travellers interested in history, nature and unhurried exploration

Recommended Route: 9 days, 8 nights | Historic towns × Volcano trekking × Island cruising × Vineyards

The value of travel lies not in how much is seen, but in the memories that stay with you, from listening to history along the River Kwai to standing between sea and fire in the Mediterranean….

The world is wide, and there is always room for another journey. Leave a comment and tell us where your 2026 travel bucket list will begin.

*All itineraries can be tailored to individual preferences. Welcome to get connected!