Expert Picks: Best Destinations for Tailor-Made Travel in 2026

There’s no such thing as “one-size-fits-all” in the travel world. While there are plenty of clients who are more than happy to embark on a guided land tour with a preset itinerary, others yearn for a truly personalized, custom vacation experience. This is where the power of tailor-made travel comes in.

Travel Market Report reached out to the experts, asking trusted suppliers that specialize in custom travel where they think travelers will be headed in 2026.

Whether looking at an FIT experience or planning a bespoke family vacation, these companies know how to put together an itinerary that travelers will never forget.

Unsurprisingly, Italy was a popular response, with almost all tour operators citing the appeal of tailor-made travel to experience the country’s lesser-touristed regions, such as Sardinia and Verona. Japan was also frequently cited, with experts praising the country’s versatile experiences and transportation options.

Read on to discover the best destinations for tailor-made travel in 2026.

Avanti Destinations

Trade-exclusive FIT specialist Avanti Destinations predicts Australia will be a big destination for custom travel in 2026.

“Australia is an amazing destination for independent travelers, and bookings are steadily on the rise,” said Gina Bang, chief sales & marketing officer.

“The Northern Territory has the iconic sandstone monolith Uluru, a chance to get to know Aboriginal culture, see wildlife, and experience remote, primeval places like King’s Canyon, where you can actually see traces of ancient oceans. Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is a very laid-back city, surrounded by nature but filled with art, culture, and world-class dining.”

Avanti also predicts travelers will be looking to explore Asia in 2026, highlighting Japan, Vietnam, and Singapore as destinations with a lot to offer travelers who want a balance of nature, history, and culture.

“Bookings to Japan continue to grow faster than for any other country—it’s booming… Beyond The Golden Triangle of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, my personal favorites are Kanazawa and Takayama. You can learn to apply gold leaf to chopsticks or a small bowl in Kanazawa…

Vietnam is another increasingly popular destination, and I recommend northern Vietnam, where it’s more serene [and] less developed than in the south. Fantastic scenery, history, colorful markets, and warm, wonderful people.

Singapore is a place that has dedicated itself to integrating nature into the city. For every square foot of built environment, developers have to match it with “natural capital”—parks, gardens, even if that means going vertical… And for foodies like me, the ‘hawker stalls’ are a must.”

Goway Travel

Goway also cited Japan as a growing destination for tailor-made travel. The tour operator recently announced the expansion of its portfolio for the country, adding packages in the lesser-touristed Kyushu and Shizuoka regions.

Mitchell Fawcett, vice president of marketing at Goway Travel, pointed to the island of Kyushu as an excellent option for tailor-made travel in 2026:

“Ancient cedar forests. World-famous ramen. Deep gorges and coastal views that take your breath away. Hot springs everywhere and anywhere. Oh, and a fraction of the crowds that greet you in Kyoto and Tokyo. The southern island of Kyushu is ready for its close-up. Beat others to the punch and be the first of your friends to slurp down Hakata ramen in Fukuoka, soak in the onsen (hot spring) baths of Beppu, row through picturesque Takachiho Gorge, or bask in the fields of Miyazaki.“

For those who want to stick closer to home for their travels in 2026, this tour operator is also embracing domestic offerings, like the awe-inspiring rock formations found in Colorado and Utah.

“Two unmatched natural playgrounds right in your own backyard. Colorado is a land of towering mountain peaks abounding with natural hot springs. Utah is an otherworldly garden of red rock arches, hoodoos, and deep canyons. If you need to disconnect and explore the bounty of the earth, these two western states fit the bill perfectly, with excellent infrastructure and manageable crowds. Now, you can seamlessly pair them thanks to the new Canyon Spirit Train, which connects travellers from Denver to Salt Lake City in glass-domed coaches offering luxury service and unforgettable views.“

kimkim

Travel company kimkim does things a little differently, merging technology and a deep network of in-destination specialists to offer deeply personalized and experience-led custom itineraries.

Like Avanti Destinations, kimkim also said Japan will be a big destination for FIT travel as people search for lesser-visited areas that offer more authentic, culturally immersive experiences. Although the country has been a popular FIT destination for years now, kimkim is seeing a shift in preference towards small towns and rural regions—such as the Japanese Alps, Hokuriku, Kyushu, and lesser-visited coastal areas—that offer more immersive activities like artisan workshops, temple stays, scenic rail journeys, and local food traditions.

Moving over to Africa, kimkim identified Morocco as another destination that is particularly attractive for FIT travel in 2026. The country’s versatility means it can deliver radically different experiences within a single, well-paced itinerary.

“According to kimkim’s early booking data, Morocco remains a fast-growing FIT destination in 2026, with travelers increasingly seeking customized journeys that move beyond headline cities and into lesser-known regions,” said Yenyi Fu, chief operations officer of kimkim.

Fu also pointed to the expanded transportation options in Morocco, which make it easier for travelers to both get there and also experience more of what the country has to offer:

“Improved air connectivity from North America and expanding rail and road infrastructure are making these lesser-known regions more accessible, while community-based lodges, boutique riads, and eco-focused desert camps enable highly personalized journeys. For 2026, Morocco’s combination of cultural depth, human connection, and geographic variety positions it as one of the most adaptable destinations for custom travel.”

Alexander + Roberts

Scott Avera, the president of Alexander + Roberts, told TMR that he’s also seen strong interest in Morocco for private guided and tailor-made travel in 2026.

“As travelers increasingly prioritize meaningful experiences and authenticity, Morocco continues to stand out as a destination that truly rewards privately guided exploration. FIT travelers are especially drawn to immersive moments such as spending two nights at our luxury desert camp deep in the Sahara, camel rides over the dunes at sunrise, and stargazing with an astrologer around the campfire in the evening. The country’s diverse accommodation landscape, from internationally renowned luxury hotels to intimate riads, also allows for highly personalized itineraries.”

Avera also pointed to Egypt’s tourism rebound in 2026 and the continued opportunities for private travel in Italy, especially in the Northern regions like Verona, Venice, and the Dolomites.

The president told TMR that China is also performing well in 2026, with encouraging advance demand already extending into 2027.

“What makes [China] particularly compelling for privately guided FIT travel is the sheer scale and diversity of experiences, best navigated with private guides and carefully planned logistics. Travelers are moving seamlessly by high-speed rail, exploring the Yangtze aboard new small luxury ships, and staying in premium hotels. From Beijing’s Forbidden City and the Great Wall to Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors, Chengdu’s pandas, Tibet’s Potala Palace, and Shanghai’s modern energy, private guides transform a complex destination into a deeply rewarding journey.”

Audley Travel

Audley Travel—an established U.K.-based tour operator that’s recently expanded its sales team in the U.S.—also identified Japan, Australia, and Italy as top choices for tailor-made travel in 2026.

“Japan is ideal for travelers seeking personalized itineraries thanks to its distinct seasonal appeal,” said Joanna O’Neil, senior product executive for Japan at Audley Travel.

The tour operator also named New Zealand as a strong destination for travelers looking for a custom vacation experience.

“New Zealand works well for tailor-made travel because it offers experiences for a range of interests that can be ‘mixed and matched—culture, art, wine, wildlife, scenery, food etc. We work with partners in New Zealand who are really happy to amend private excursions to suit any interests, and they welcome us sharing specific client interests in advance to ensure the client has the best, personalized experience,” said Becca Mason, senior product executive for New Zealand.

Mason added that it’s not just versatile experiences that make New Zealand perfect for custom trips: the country’s range of property types means the trip can be catered to a client’s needs and desires.

“The range of accommodations makes it a great choice for a custom itinerary, as a client can design their schedule with a mix of locally owned B&Bs lodges, boutique hotel as well as larger hotels and international chains. We can easily design a schedule to be busy, or a more leisurely exploration—both will deliver an excellent experience for clients.“

Scott Dunn

On the more luxury side, Scott Dunn is seeing clients looking for authentic, “ultra-personalized” itineraries that go beyond traditional sightseeing activities.

Scott Dunn’s private relationship manager Julie Durso told TMR that she’s seen a lot of demand for luxury tailor-made trips in Indonesia.

“Luxury travel to Indonesia has long been in demand, but we’re seeing a clear shift toward ultra-personalized journeys beyond Bali, into the country’s most remote and untouched regions. Experiences such as Rascal Voyages cruises through Komodo National Park and Raja Ampat offer rare access to extraordinary wildlife and a true sense of adventure, while on land, NIHI Sumba continues to captivate with secluded experiences and true barefoot luxury.“

The tour operator has also seen momentum in Latin America. Simon Hunt, Scott Dunn’s Latin America team leader, said the Galápagos and Argentina are among the best destinations for tailor-made travel.

“Land-based Galápagos trips are emerging as a compelling alternative to traditional cruising, offering unparalleled levels of personalization for travelers seeking ultra-personalization. Stays at properties such as Galápagos Safari Camp or Pikaia Lodge allow guests to enjoy private, flexible excursions customized to individual interests, whether that’s wildlife photography, family travel, or conservation-led experiences. This model delivers deeper immersion, while enjoying premium comfort and positive-impact travel in one of the world’s most extraordinary ecosystems…

Mendoza, Argentina is gaining momentum as a destination for ultra-personalized luxury travel, particularly following Awasi’s expansion into the region with its takeover of Cavas Wine Lodge. Travelers can enjoy fully curated itineraries that combine private winery visits, intimate culinary experiences, and bespoke outdoor adventures such as hiking in the Andes.”

Red Savannah

Red Savannah, another U.K.-based tailor-made specialist, told TMR that the Philippines is an emerging destination for tailor-made journeys. Melissa Matthews, the company’s Philippines specialist, cited the country’s “off-the-beaten-path” feel and blend of excitement and relaxation as major selling points:

“With over-tourism blighting some of the world’s best-known beauty spots, it’s all about getting off-grid in 2026, and the Philippines is delightfully remote. It’s not easily explored on an independent basis, and so we’ve created Classic Philippines, a suggested itinerary which combines some of the best of Manila and Luzon Island with some ‘R & R’ on the beautiful island of Siargao. Highlights include riding bamboo bikes through the alleyways and streets of Manila with a local guide, a helicopter flight from your hotel rooftop to Mount Pinatubo, a volcano hike, a four-by-four journey to Inararo Gorge, soaking in the Puning Hot Springs and enjoying the white sands of Siargao at Nay Palad Hideaway.”

Europe Express

Europe Express, a tour operator that specializes in FIT travel, identified Portugal as Europe’s “rising star.” Mark Yacker, Europe Express‘ vice president of outside sales and partnerships, said:

“We’ve seen a meteoric rise of interest in Portugal over the past couple years. There’s so much to experience beyond just a quick stay in Lisbon, and while it combines easily with any Spain itinerary, travelers are recognizing that Portugal offers more than enough to keep foodies, oenophiles, and adventure-seekers entertained and wanting to stay longer.“

Yacker also identified Prague, Czech Republic as a “majestic” destination that offers culture, flavor, and charm.

“Centuries of history converge with a vibrant modern energy in Prague, creating a city that feels both timeless and instantly inspirational. Wandering its cobbled streets reveals storybook architecture, grand castles, and atmospheric squares that have shaped European culture for generations. Yet beyond the iconic skyline, Prague thrives with creativity – its galleries, theaters, and music halls pulsing with artistic life.

Food lovers will discover a dynamic culinary scene, from traditional Czech comfort dishes to innovative, chef‑driven cuisine. Pair it all with world‑renowned local beers, elegant wines, and lively cafés that spill onto picturesque streets.“