Top 2026 Round-the-World Travel Destinations Revealed

Exploring the World in 2026: Top Destinations for Round-the-World Travel

Many of us dream of packing our bags and going on a whistle-stop tour around the world, seeing sights as far as the Great Wall of China and the Acropolis of Athens. While travel of this kind was once reserved for the mega-wealthy, multi-continent adventures have become more common due in part to budget airlines offering affordable flights. Research by the airline partnership oneworld has revealed the top 10 destinations for round-the-world travel in 2026.

The study found that travelers in Japan are most likely to take a multi-stop adventure, followed by those in Australia, the UK, US, and Hong Kong. Let’s explore the most sought-after destinations for 2026 round-the-world travel.

London

It is perhaps no surprise that London claimed a top spot for global travelers. The UK’s capital is known for historic landmarks like Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace, as well as prominent shopping districts like Oxford Street and Bond Street. Several areas in London are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Tower of London, Maritime Greenwich, and Westminster. The West End is a major destination for world-class theatre productions and musicals.

Tokyo

As well as travelers in Japan being most likely to take a round-the-world adventure, the country’s capital is a sought-after destination for world holidaymakers on multi-stop trips. The city is a study in contrasts, with bustling business districts like Shinjuku next to serene gardens like Shinjuku Gyoen. It boasts a modern skyline with structures like the Tokyo Skytree and the Tokyo Tower, as well as historic areas like Asakusa, home to the Senso-ji Temple, and the tranquil Meiji Jingu Shrine. A common route from Tokyo could include Hong Kong, Sydney, Auckland, and San Francisco before heading back to Europe. Thanks to Japan’s high-speed trains, Tokyo can be a good base to see cities like Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Mt. Fuji.

Doha

Doha, the capital city and main financial hub of Qatar, is a popular tourism spot served by Qatar Airways, a member of the oneworld airline alliance. The city is known for its modern architecture, blending futuristic skyscrapers with a rich cultural heritage. It’s also famous for world-class museums, luxury shopping, and traditional markets like Souq Waqif.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a popular spot on multi-stop itineraries due to its excellent transport links, making it a great gateway to other Asian destinations. As well as being a business hub, it is known as a ‘shoppers’ paradise’ and is famous for its food scene. Nearby spots include Macau, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, which offer a mix of entertainment, shopping, and culture.

Sydney

On Australia’s east coast, Sydney is a major economic hub known for its stunning harbour, iconic landmarks like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and beautiful beaches. Cities like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Bali are common stopovers, offering a mix of cityscapes, markets, and beaches.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles, known for its vibrant Venice Beach boardwalk and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, is a popular spot for round-the-world adventures. LA is a major international flight hub, and the expansion of the Metro system makes it easier to get around the city and surrounding areas.

Dallas/Fort Worth

Searches for trips to Dallas-Fort Worth in Texas are very popular, according to oneworld. Dallas is a large, bustling urban center, while Fort Worth has a more traditional, casual Texas feel, with both offering numerous attractions, diverse economies, and cultural sites. A flight from Dallas to Cancún in Mexico is just over two and a half hours, making it easy to explore south of the border.

New York

No global travel destination list could be complete without New York. A popular city break destination, New York is known as “the city that never sleeps” and people often travel for its diverse culinary and shopping experiences. New York is often paired with a trip to Toronto in Canada or Barbados, as well as other US spots like Las Vegas, Philadelphia, or Miami.

Melbourne

The coastal city of Melbourne in southeastern Australia is an art lover’s heaven. Melbourne’s laneways are famous for their vibrant street art, such as Hosier Lane, which acts as an open-air gallery. It hosts numerous annual events like the Melbourne International Film Festival and is a hub for theatre, live music, and literary events. A popular route with backpackers is to fly from Vietnam to Australia (Melbourne, then Sydney) and finish in Vancouver, Canada.

Singapore

Singapore has a world-class airport that connects travelers to more than 150 global cities. The city-state is home to iconic landmarks like Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay and is known for its modern architecture, lush greenery, and diverse cuisine.

According to the oneworld research, travelers are most likely to embark on solo journeys, traveling to an average of seven stops over a period of three or more months. A spokesperson said: “Searches on oneworld.com show a strong appetite for adventure in the New Year. From the Big Apple and Hawaii’s Big Island to Mount Fiji and the Atlas Mountains, oneworld’s Round the World fares offer customers access to an unbeatable network of leading airlines on a single ticket.”