Unveiled: Top Global Spots for 2026 Round-the-World Journeys

Top Destinations for Round-the-World Travel in 2026

Many of us dream of packing our bags and embarking on a whistle-stop tour around the world, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Great Wall of China and the Acropolis of Athens. While such travel was once limited to the wealthy, it has become more accessible thanks to budget airlines offering affordable flights. Research by the airline alliance oneworld has identified the top 10 destinations for round-the-world travel in 2026.

The study found that travelers from Japan are most likely to take multi-stop adventures, followed by those from Australia, the UK, the US, and Hong Kong. Here are the most sought-after destinations for 2026 round-the-world travel.

London

It comes as no surprise that London secured a top spot on the list of global travel destinations. As the capital of the UK, it is renowned for its historic landmarks like Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace, as well as popular shopping districts such as 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

In addition to Japanese travelers being most inclined to take round-the-world adventures, Tokyo is also a highly sought-after destination for international travelers on multi-stop trips. The city offers a unique blend of bustling business districts like Shinjuku and serene gardens like Shinjuku Gyoen.

Tokyo boasts a modern skyline with structures such as the Tokyo Skytree and the Tokyo Tower, alongside 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 returning to Europe.

Thanks to Japan's high-speed trains, Tokyo can serve as an excellent base to explore cities like Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Mount Fuji.

Doha

Doha, the capital and main financial hub of Qatar, is a popular tourism destination served by Qatar Airways, a member of the oneworld airline alliance. The city is known for its modern architecture, which blends futuristic skyscrapers with a rich cultural heritage.

It is also famous for world-class museums, luxury shopping, and traditional markets like Souq Waqif.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a popular stop on multi-stop itineraries due to its excellent transport links, making it a great gateway to other Asian destinations. As a business hub, it is also known as a 'shoppers' paradise' and is famous for its vibrant food scene.

Nearby attractions include Macau, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, which offer a mix of entertainment, shopping, and culture.

Sydney

Located on Australia’s east coast, Sydney is a major economic hub known for its stunning harbor, iconic landmarks like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and beautiful beaches. Cities such as 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 destination 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 takes just over two and a half hours, making it easy to explore south of the border.

New York

New York is an essential part of any global travel destination list. Known as "the city that never sleeps," it is a popular city break destination, often paired with a trip to Toronto in Canada or Barbados, as well as other US spots like Las Vegas, Philadelphia, or Miami.

Sample itineraries include:

• London – Muscat – Kuala Lumpur – Tokyo – Sydney – Nadi (Fiji) – Los Angeles – New York – London
• Sydney – Honolulu – San Francisco – Dallas – London – Helsinki – Hong Kong – Sydney
• Tokyo – Honolulu – Los Angeles – Nadi – Auckland – Sydney – Hong Kong – Tokyo

Melbourne

Melbourne, a coastal city in southeastern Australia, is a haven for art lovers. Its laneways are famous for vibrant street art, such as Hosier Lane, which acts as an open-air gallery. The city 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 oneworld research, travelers are most likely to embark on solo journeys, visiting 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."