Whether you're a once-a-year adventurer or all about making the most of weekends away, the year ahead is ripe with bang-for-your-buck destinations, annual events and must-try experiences around the country and abroad. Value for money is top of mind for travellers in 2026, and domestic or international travel insurance helps to make sure your adventure investment is protected in case things go wrong.
Need some vacation inspiration? Here’s our guide to where to go each month of the year. Grab a map and start planning your next holiday.
January: New Zealand or Western Australia's Houtman Abrolhos
Tasmanians love long summer days exploring rugged coasts and alpine lakes (and our own are pretty hard to beat!). With Tasmania offering direct flights to New Zealand, it's a popular destination in the summer months. Top spots for warm-weather adventures include Milford Sound, whale watching, hot pools and health spas or heading for the day to Waiheke island to enjoy the wine regions, a short ferry trip from Auckland. For the ultimate New Zealand holiday discover more in our guide here.
Within Australia, Houtman Abrolhos (otherwise known as the Abrolhos Islands) off Western Australia is perfect for water-lovers. The spectacular archipelago of 122 islands is home to marine life galore and seabird colonies, making the destination ideal for birdwatchers and snorkellers who appreciate warmer waters. Keep an eye out for Abrolhos Painted Button-quails they're endemic to the area and are likely extinct due to the threat of predators and rainfall decline.
February: homegrown beach escapes or Queensland's family attractions
Stretch your legs on coastal walks around the Bay of Fires or Freycinet. Stop at Freycinet National Park to walk down to Wineglass Bay, take a cruise on the water with Wineglass Bay Cruises or visit the Freycinet Marine Farm for a taste of Tasmania's finest seafood.
The Australia Zoo or multiple theme parks are perfect stops for families visiting Queensland. Our members can also save up to 10 per cent on Queensland experiences, making it an even more cost-effective holiday.
March: scenic drives or flowers in Japan
March can still feel spring-like in Tasmania and is perfect for scenic drives or city breaks in Hobart and Launceston. Try the 200-kilometre drive from Hobart to Launceston, pit stopping at Callington Mill Distillery along the way for great, local food and drink.
If you're feeling like going further abroad, line up your trip to Japan to coordinate with the cherry blossom season, which runs from late March to early April. If you're an avid skier, this is a great time to visit, with ski resorts including Rusutsu and Niseko popular for Australian travellers. Be sure to consider optional skiing extra cover with your international travel insurance before you go.
April: "The Festival City" or Vietnamese culture
The AFL Gather Round takes over Adelaide on the second weekend in April. Come for the footy and stay for a visit to nearby wine regions (Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale are our top picks) for the ultimate adult getaway. While you're in town, check out The d'Arenberg Cube or Kangaroo Island, which is only a short flight or ferry ride away, to immerse yourself in the interrupted bushland and abundance of wildlife. If you're feeling adventurous, you can hire a car and save up to 15 per cent as an member.
Overseas, Vietnam's picturesque Da Nang offers warm beaches and world-class cuisine, including much-loved pho, banh mi and goi cuon in plentiful supply. April is the perfect time to visit as it's the region's dry season. (All the better for seeing Cu Chi Tunnel or Ha Long Bay without the chance of rain.)
May: Sydney in lights or Spanish spirits
Head to Sydney for the 23-night light and ideas festival Vivid Sydney. The event runs from 22 May to 13 June 2026 and this year includes a line-up featuring an inclusive dining experience by Nigella Lawson and conversation with Martha Stewart.
If you're willing to travel further for great vineyards and culinary experiences, Spain's spring blooms promises wine regions – including Rioja and Castilla y León – that specialise in thirst-bursting blends. Adventure through La Sagrada Familia, known for being under construction since 1882, with every inch of architect Antoni Gaudi's design offering something new to gaze at.
June: winter festivity on the island or European delights
Why would you leave the state when the Hobart-based Dark Mofo festival kicks off? This festival ignites the city in June, bringing people out to enjoy the start of winter with multiple events. Keep an eye out for the full schedule when it lands!
In the northern hemisphere, where the weather will be veering into summery temperatures, Scandinavia offers epic fjords such as Hjørundfjord and Romsdalsfjord. In Amsterdam, you'll find the incredible Rijksmuseum, which features Dutch art and history, plus summertime treats such as cheeses and wine.
July: our mountains or Alaska's
Mid-winter snowfields such as Ben Lomond are a draw for snow sports enthusiasts. There are two popular ski fields, where snow sport enthusiasts can enjoy skiing snowboarding, cross country skiing and tobogganing.
Depending on what you're after, Alaska and the Canadian Rockies both deliver dramatic glacier scenery and wildlife viewing in the prime summer season.
August: Melbourne or Turkey
It's a short direct flight from Hobart or Launceston to visit our closest mainland capital city, and it's the perfect spot to visit for high-street shopping or fine dining. Standout restaurants include Chin Chin, NOMAD Melbourne and Supernormal but a wander down Lygon Street promises patisseries, eateries and retail therapy galore.
Best enjoyed in the shoulder season, when local tourists are back at work, Turkey blends shoreline breezes and ancient history that's perfect for relaxed travellers seeking cultural experiences. A true experience to top off the trip is soaring over the Cappadocia's fairy chimneys at sunrise.
September: Northern Territory or a French river cruises
The Northern Territory is especially magical in the dry season. Visit the Kakadu & Litchfield National Parks, excellent for bird watching, waterfalls and ancient Aboriginal rock art, or the famous Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park for a true breathtaking experience and plentiful ways to stay and explore at Ayers Rock Resort.
Uncover rich landscapes with gentle sightseeing on French Riviera cruises inspired by some of the world's most renowned artists, architects, writers and chefs. It's the perfect way to experience a taste of what France has on offer in doses that suit you and your holiday schedu
October: local tipples or North America
Autumn days in Tasmania invites sampling cellar doors. Pooleys or wine bar Larder and Vin (behind the old faithful lolly shop) are must-try spots in Richmond in the Coal River Valley. If you're up north, be sure to stop into Josef Chromy Wines and Tamar Ridge in the Tamar River Valley.
Catch the full rainbow as leaves change colour along the Canadian and American east coasts during the start of the northern autumn. Massachusetts or New Hampshire's scenic drives including Moose Alley, Mount Washington Auto Road or Kancamagus Highway and are perfect if you fancy some driving.
Closer to the west, Kaua‘i in Hawaii offers laid-back beaches and lush coastlines for a more relaxed holiday centred around unique beaches, national parks and museums.
November: Canberra or Mexico City
Visit the Australian National Botanic Gardens to take in the view at the National Arboretum Canberra or feed the animals at the National Zoo & Aquarium.
Mexico City is the pick overseas, where you'll find great restaurants, incredible street food, outstanding museums and charming local areas. The Teotihuacan pyramids are impressive archaeological sites located 40 kilometres northeast of the capital. You can no longer climb the pyramids but the view from afar is a spectacular sight. Charming neighbourhoods of Condesa and Roma combine historical charm with eccentric nightlife.
December: Bruny Island or Mediterranean cruising
With its population of white wallabies, terrific fishing opportunities and endless natural beauty, Bruny Island is an easy holiday treat for Tasmanians. Try camping or indulge in staying at one of the popular Airbnbs or shacks on the island. Once you're settled, indulge in treats from the roaming ice-cream van, visit Get Shucked for freshly shucked oysters or try sampling the beer and cheese from Bruny Island Cheese.
Mediterranean cruises for tour sunlit coastlines across Spain, France and Italy even as the weather cools down in the northern hemisphere. RACT travel offers numerous holiday packages including cruises for both domestic and international travel.
Things to keep in mind before you travel
Whether you’re travelling interstate or heading overseas, a little preparation goes a long way in helping your trip run smoothly. Taking time to plan ahead means you can focus on enjoying the journey knowing the essentials are taken care of. Before you travel, consider:
packing headphones, portable chargers, travel pillows and whatever else you might need for long-haul flights;
preparing an International Driving Permit if you plan to drive overseas;
booking your hire car using your exclusive RACT Member Rewards savings;
making sure your home is best prepared for your departure by increasing its secureness;
buying international travel insurance or domestic travel insurance; and
if you're travelling overseas, ensuring your travel money cards and eSIMS are sorted and ready to use.
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit ract.com.au. Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania Limited (RACT) Ltd AR 000228578 is an authorised representative of the issuer and receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. RACT Travel Insurance issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548. Terms & conditions apply, refer to the PDS.
ˇThe discount applies to the total RACT Travel Insurance premium when getting a quote online and a valid RACT member number is added. Discounts do not apply to the rate of GST and stamp duty. RACT reserves the right to withdraw or amend this discount offer at any time, without notice. The RACT member discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional offer or discount.