The top trending destinations for adventure travellers in 2026

According to Google Trends, UK searches for the term ‘2026 holidays’ have increased by 78% over the past quarter, with travellers seemingly keen to start planning next year’s getaway.  

The travel experts at Wild Frontiers, a B Corp tour operator that specialises in adventure travel, have analysed booking data and external travel trends to reveal 16 adventure destinations that are set to capture our hearts in 2026. 

Clare Tobin, CEO of Wild Frontiers, commented: “Overtourism remains one of the biggest challenges facing the travel industry, so it’s encouraging to see more travellers looking beyond the obvious. We’re seeing growing curiosity for destinations that were once considered off-limits, from Iraq to South Korea, as people seek richer, more authentic experiences.”

The 16 emerging adventure travel destinations for 2026  

According to Wild Frontiers, the destinations that are set to become more popular with travellers in 2026 are as follows:

• Kyrgyzstan 
• Iraq 
• Tanzania  
• South Korea 
• Egypt 
• Sri Lanka
• Turkey 
• Japan 
• Oman 
• South America – Chile and Argentina
• Kashmir, India  
• Georgia  
• Saudi Arabia 
• Algeria  
• Pakistan 
• Ecuador.

Wild Frontiers explained why six of these destinations were set to capture travellers’ imaginations in 2026:

• Kyrgyzstan: bookings have more than doubled as the country prepares to host the World Nomad Games (31 August – 6 September), a spectacular celebration of Central Asia’s nomadic heritage set against dramatic mountain scenery
• Iraq: tourism is booming, with international visitors up sharply and Wild Frontiers’ Babylon and Beyond tour among its fastest sellers. Ancient Mesopotamian sites and a modern cultural revival are drawing adventurous travellers
• Tanzania: bookings have risen 15%, fuelled by improved flight connections, sustainable safaris, and demand for luxury group travel. The dry season (June–October) offers prime wildlife viewing, including the Great Migration
• South Korea: welcoming 16 million visitors in 2024, South Korea blends cutting-edge innovation with timeless tradition. Travellers are drawn by K-culture, historic palaces and stunning spring blossoms or autumn colours
• Egypt: experiencing a 60% rise in bookings, Egypt has a timeless allure that is being revived by the opening of the new Grand Egyptian Museum
• Sri Lanka: with bookings up 20%, the country is promoting sustainable marine tourism, from diving and whale watching to coral reef conservation, alongside a wave of new luxury openings.

Safeture recently entered into a strategic alliance with Sicuro Group, a Dubai-based consultancy specialising in operational and travel risk management.