The Best International Luxury & Adventure Destinations for 2026
Planning travel for 2026 is about more than choosing a destination — it’s about creating an experience that feels meaningful, seamless, and truly special. For couples and families looking to combine luxury accommodations with adventure and cultural depth, international travel offers some of the most rewarding experiences in the world. These destinations are ideal for thoughtfully planned trips that balance exploration, comfort, and unforgettable moments.
Below are the top international luxury and adventure destinations for 2026, curated specifically for honeymoons and family trips, following the same format as our U.S. recommendations.
1. Italy (Florence, Tuscany & Amalfi Coast)
Best for: Honeymoons & culture-loving families
Italy offers a rich blend of history, food, art, and breathtaking landscapes, making it one of the most rewarding destinations for both couples and families. With private tours, countryside stays, and coastal experiences, Italy allows travelers to move at a relaxed pace while still enjoying deeply immersive cultural moments.
Top things to do:
Private food and wine tours in Florence and Tuscany
Hands-on cooking classes in the countryside
Vespa rides through Tuscan villages
Boat days along the Amalfi Coast
Local markets and artisan workshops
Best hotels:
Gallery Hotel Art - Lungarno Collection (Florence)
Torre di Bellosguardo (Tuscany)
Parco dei Principi Hotel (Sorrento)
2. Greece (Cyclades Islands or Crete)
Best for: Island-focused honeymoons & relaxed family travel
Greece combines iconic scenery with warm hospitality, offering a balance of romantic island experiences and family-friendly beaches. Whether island hopping in the Cyclades or staying put on Crete, Greece provides a slower pace paired with stunning coastal views and rich history.
Top things to do:
Private catamaran sailing around the islands
Exploring ancient ruins and archaeological sites
Beach days on calm, family-friendly shores
Visiting traditional villages
Sunset dinners overlooking the Aegean Sea
Best hotels:
Katikies Santorini (Cyclades)
Cali Mykonos (Cyclades)
Acro Wellness Suite - Adults Only (Crete)
3. Costa Rica
Best for: Adventure-loving families & active couples
Costa Rica is one of the best destinations for travelers who want nature, wildlife, and adventure without sacrificing comfort. Eco-luxury lodges, knowledgeable guides, and diverse landscapes make it ideal for families and couples who want hands-on experiences in a safe, well-organized setting.
Top things to do:
Zip-lining and canopy tours through the rainforest
Wildlife spotting with naturalist guides
Soaking in hot springs near Arenal Volcano
Surf lessons on the Pacific coast
Guided rainforest hikes
Best hotels:
Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique
Kura Boutique Hotel
Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, Costa Rica
4. Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto & Hakone)
Best for: Culture-focused families & adventurous couples
Japan offers a unique mix of tradition and modern innovation, paired with exceptional hospitality and seamless transportation. It’s an ideal destination for travelers who enjoy immersive cultural experience, walkable cities, and nature escapes, all delivered with incredible efficiency and comfort.
Top things to do:
Traveling by bullet train between cities
Private tea ceremonies in Kyoto
Sushi-making classes
Temple, garden, and neighborhood tours
Relaxing in an onsen in Hakone
Best hotels:
Shangri-La (Tokyo)
Six Senses (Kyoto)
Fufu (Hakone)
5. French Polynesia (Bora Bora & Moorea)
Best for: Honeymoons & laid-back luxury travelers
French Polynesia is synonymous with romance, offering turquoise lagoons, overwater bungalows, and a relaxed island pace. While incredibly romantic, it also works well for families seeking calm, water-based activities and exceptional service.
Top things to do:
Lagoon snorkeling and paddleboarding
Staying in overwater bungalows
Sunset cruises and private beach picnics
Cultural dance performances
Relaxed beach days and spa treatments
Best hotels:
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa by IHG
Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort
6. Mexico (Riviera Maya or Baja California)
Best for: Easy international travel for couples & families
Mexico offers exceptional value for luxury travel, with easy flights, beautiful resorts, and a wide range of experiences. From cultural ruins and cenotes to beachside relaxation, it’s ideal for travelers who want an international feel without long travel days.
Top things to do:
Swimming in cenotes
Snorkeling and diving
Visiting ancient ruins
Enjoying luxury all-inclusive resorts
Whale watching in Baja (seasonal)
Best hotels:
Etéreo, Auberge Collection (Riviera Maya)
Hyatt Zilara Adults Only (Riviera Maya)
The Cape, A Thompson Hotel (Baja California)
7. Iceland
Best for: Adventurous families & couples
Iceland delivers dramatic landscapes and unforgettable outdoor experiences, making it perfect for travelers who want nature-driven adventure with comfortable accommodations. With waterfalls, glaciers, and geothermal spas, every day feels visually spectacular.
Top things to do:
Waterfall and glacier tours
Northern lights viewing (winter travel)
Geothermal spa visits
Volcano and lava field exploration
Scenic road trips along the Ring Road
Best hotels:
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon
The Reykjavik EDITION
Eleven Deplar Farm
8. Tanzania + Zanzibar
Best for: Bucket-list honeymoons & families with teens
This combination offers the ultimate mix of wildlife adventure and beach relaxation. Tanzania provides world-class safari experiences, while Zanzibar adds a peaceful coastal escape, creating a well-balanced and unforgettable journey.
Top things to do:
Private safari game drives
Wildlife photography
Visiting local villages
Relaxing on Zanzibar’s beaches
Dhow sailing and snorkeling
Best hotels:
Meliá Serengeti Lodge Member of Meliá Collection (Tanzania)
Four Seasons Safari Lodge (Tanzania)
Amani Boutique Hotel (Zanzibar)
9. Patagonia, Chile
Best for: Outdoorsy luxury travelers & active families
Patagonia is ideal for travelers who want dramatic scenery and meaningful outdoor adventure paired with high-end lodge stays. It’s a destination that feels remote and special, perfect for those seeking something truly unforgettable.
Top things to do:
Guided trekking through national parks
Glacier boat excursions
Wildlife spotting
Scenic lodge stays
Stargazing and photography
Best hotels:
Eleven Rio Palena Lodge, Patagonia
The Singular Patagonia
AKA Patagonia
10. Maldives
Best for: Honeymoons & private luxury escapes
The Maldives offers unmatched privacy and natural beauty, with crystal-clear waters and overwater villas that create a truly serene experience. While best known for honeymoons, many resorts also cater well to families seeking relaxation and water-based activities.
Top things to do:
Snorkeling and diving directly from your villa
Private sandbank picnics
Sunset dolphin cruises
Spa and wellness experiences
Water sports and lagoon activities
Best hotels:
Soneva Fushi
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
Milaidhoo Maldives
International trips are at their best when they’re designed with intention — balancing pacing, comfort, and experiences that feel personal rather than packed. I specialize in crafting custom international itineraries for honeymoons and families, handling everything from accommodations and transfers to curated experiences and travel support.
Inquire with Aurelia Voyages to begin planning your 2026 international journey.