The Bali alternative we can't wait to check out in 2026 - and everything else on our bucket list

As 2026 unfolds, Aussies are set to be thinking about where they might holiday this year.

From the ever-popular Bali, Fiji and Japan to the more emerging spots of the Philippines, Slovenia and South Africa, or even closer to home, there's something for everyone to dream about.

We asked the Nine.com.au team where they're planning to go this year- and their ultimate dream destination.

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Karishma

I have a cruise booked for 2026, which I'm excited about.

I'll be the longest one I've done (only 10 days but that seems long to me), so I am feeling mix of nerves and excitement.

It includes Tangier in Morocco, which I'm excited to visit. Cuba has been a dream for ages but I fear I've missed the sweet spot.

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Nicole

I have to visit my family in England but I like to make the most of it when I go back, so I'm hoping to do Switzerland as it looks absolutely magical.

Bucket-list wise it's South America. I'd love to travel all across it for months in a van and see everything.

Sami

First trip for me in 2026 is a ski holiday in Colorado and Utah. I'm especially looking forward to checking out the brand new ski area at Deer Valley.

They've just expanded the skiable terrain - with nearly 100 new ski runs. The only thing better than a ski holiday for me, is a ski holiday with more mountain to ski...

Maldives is still on my bucket list. I'll get there one day.

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Kahla

I'm heading to the Mornington Peninsula for a family wedding. I haven't been before so I'm excited to stroll through Sorrento and the neighbouring towns.

If money was no object, I'd take the longest possible holiday to Europe and spend huge chunks of time in every destination my heart desired.

Because it's such a time and money investment to get over to the other side of the world, no European holiday ever feels long enough, and I hate having to choose between countries or between places within a country due to time restrictions.

April

I am planning to go to Europe if I can save enough money.

I really want to go to Albania (probably Sarande) and more of Sicily like Taormina and Palermo.

I miss the beach so will definitely spend a lot of time on the sand and love to do a bit of hiking up mountains before a dip in the water.

Dream trip wise? Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

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Jemima

I really want to go to Taiwan. I don't know much about it but my favourite thing to do when travelling is eating food and oh boy, the food scene there looks amazing. Taipei is close enough that it's a direct flight which is a win especially for travelling with kids.

If someone else was footing the bill I'd love to go to Patagonia. I want to do the hiking/nature experiences there but without having to rough it. I'd love to stay in all the high end lodges and take helicopters to the top of mountains and drink all the red wine and eat all the steak.

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Gabrielle

One place I really want to go next year is Lombok, Indonesia.

I feel like it would be a good spot for those looking for an alternative to Bali. I've heard that it is absolutely amazing for surfing - I'm a beginner but love it).

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If money wasn't a question I would love to go a cruise to Antarctica and do an Antarctic plunge.

I think it would be so cool to see such an untouched part of the planet. The thought of crossing the Drake Passage on the way down makes me really nervous, though.

Sarah

I've already got a return trip to South Africa to ride for a week arranged and I'd love to explore more of the country. I'll also be visiting family in the UK and hope to tack on some kind of Europe trip - Slovenia and Austria really appeal. Or maybe a river cruise?

I also hope I can also afford a cheap week in Thailand or the Philippines towards the end of the year.

The trips I dream about are never ending.

NIHI Sumba in Indonesia, which combines two of my favourite things, horses and turquoise water, is on the list.

I also fancy India and Sri Lanka.

John Walsh

I'm keen to get up to Cape Tribulation in Far North Queensland.

I've never been but always wanted to. It's the only place in the world where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites meet: The Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef.

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There are guided night walks through the rainforest and a zipline over the tree canopy I'd like to have a go at. A crocodile cruise on the Daintree River also looks like fun.

Meanwhile ever since I read Murder on the Orient Express many years ago I've been dying to travel on it myself. The romance of an old school rail adventure that starts in Paris and ends in exotic Istanbul.

The five night journey across Europe and into Türkiye IS NOT CHEAP. Around 18,000 euro for a standard sleeper through to E63,000 for the Grand Suite. Honestly, I'm happy to go standard, in fact I'd be happy to go at all.

Nic

I'm heading to The Shore at Katathani resort in Phuket, Thailand. I have been before and it is one of the great adults-only retreats.

Pure silence except the beachfront waves, and looks like something out of a movie. Buggies take you around the resort and the plethora of restaurants will look after everyone from fussy to adventurous.

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My dream bucket list destination would be to travel the east coast of the US, following the NFL and NBA calendar for a while going into their fall season.

Traveling from New York to Boston to Philadelphia, heading down into Florida. Maybe doing it all in a car - that would be the (very expensive) dream for me.

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