In this round-up of 2026 travel trends, our specialists highlight four holiday ideas combining expert access, conservation focus and memorable experiences.
Some trips stay with you because they help you see the world better – through a deeper lens, or with fresh perspective. These holiday ideas are among them. They might just shape where (and how) you travel next.
Brazil
Join Paul Goldstein on a photography tour to the Pantanal. Paul has a strong record of helping clients capture jaguars along the Cuiaba River and you’ll see the species’ recovery first-hand after the 2020 fires. For a different side of Brazil, stay in a Steppes’ favourite in the southern Amazon: Cristalino Lodge. We’re also excited by the prospect of their new tented camp opening in 2026. Consider an ocean finale with a private boat tour of the islands of Fernando de Noronha, canoeing amongst huge pods of dolphin.
Reserve your place on our photography tour
China
More Steppes clients have travelled to China in 2025 than any other year since COVID. Now, you can join our exclusive Silk Road group tour, led by historian Diana Driscoll, exploring China’s iconic trade route. For a contrasting perspective, in 2026 we’re offering an itinerary that further shuns the norm, showcasing instead China’s remarkable, recent and rapid rise. Curated for travellers with a passion for technology, culture and forward-thinking design, this opportunity offers unprecedented access to the companies, ideas and vision shaping China’s future.
Egypt
What are the world’s greatest museums? Most of us instinctively turn to turn to the familiar titans: the British Museum, the Louvre, the Forbidden City. The newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum merits inclusion: it is the largest museum on Earth devoted to a single civilisation and may be considered Egypt’s most ambitious cultural project since the construction of the Pyramids of Giza. With the launch of several new boutique ships on the Nile and the opening of Kazazian’s new lodge in Siwa, this is an exciting time to immerse yourself in all Egypt has to offer.
Dive into an ancient civilisation
Namibia
NamibRand, a designated Dark Sky Reserve, is a rare place to watch the Milky Way in full. Simply find a quiet spot, lay down and feast your eyes on deep space. Or, for 2026, we’ll be offering a guided excursion with a professional astrophotographer providing high-spec telescopes and specialist camera equipment. You’ll be provided with your own composed deep space image and astro portrait to hang on your wall. And, with increased flight services connecting Windhoek with Maun, Victoria Falls, Livingstone and Lusaka, Namibia combines seamlessly with its neighbours.
Start planning your Namibia adventure
If one of our travel trends for 2026 has sparked your interest, speak to one of our specialists. We’ll design a trip around your preferences, helping you see the world better as you go.