If Australians needed any encouragement to book a flight in 2026, television has done the heavy lifting. A sun-drenched villa, a sapphire pool and a faint hint of scandal appear to have worked wonders for Italy’s tourism appeal, with The White Lotus giving la dolce vita a very modern nudge up the travel wish list.
New research from Compare the Market has revealed Australia’s most popular international travel destinations for 2026, based on more than 18,000 travel insurance quotes taken between January and November 2025. The results confirm one thing beyond dispute: Australians still love a sure thing.
For the third year running, Bali has claimed top spot. Reliable, affordable and comfortably close to home, the Indonesian island continues to deliver what Australians value most when travelling overseas.
Catriona Rowntree Japan – Courtesy – Compare the Market,
Compare the Market travel expert Catriona Rowntree said Bali’s dominance came as no surprise.
“It’s a destination that ticks the three Cs: it’s low cost, it’s close to home, and the climate is perfect,” Ms Rowntree said.
“Bali is magnetic because it’s only a relatively short flight away, caters for all budgets and has the tropical climate Australians know and love. If you’re going next year, remember you’ll pay a visitor’s tax of Rp150,000 on arrival. It sounds a bit scary if you’re not familiar with the currency but it’s only about $14.40 Aussie dollars.”
The United Kingdom held firm in second place, proving that history, heritage and a decent pub still travel well. Italy climbed into third, a move Ms Rowntree attributes in part to the growing influence of screen tourism.
“As someone who has built their career inspiring people to travel, I’ve seen first-hand how television and film can spark massive travel trends,” she said.
“From the glistening sapphire pools of Sicily in The White Lotus, to the verdant hills of Hobbiton in The Lord of the Rings, silver screen magic lights up our senses and ignites our imaginations and that sometimes leads to a trip to the travel agent.”
The full top ten for 2026 reads like a greatest-hits list of global favourites: Japan, New Zealand, France, Greece, Spain, Thailand, and Singapore rounding out the rankings.
Japan and New Zealand continue to punch above their geographic weight with Australian travellers. Both offer rich experiences without the exhaustion of ultra-long-haul flights.
“Japan is a cultural powerhouse where tradition meets cutting-edge technology, food and fashion,” Ms Rowntree said. “Australians love the contrast of serene temples and bustling city life, and the culinary scene is second to none – as the locals say ‘oishii’!
“With cherry blossom season and world-class skiing, there’s something new to see or do whenever you visit.”
New Zealand’s appeal, she said, lies in its adventure credentials and easy familiarity.
“New Zealand is just over the ditch, but it really can feel like another world. Thrill seekers have an endless list of adventures to choose from.
“Just make sure you’ve got the right level of travel insurance if you’re planning to see the country from a unique perspective, whether that’s from the seat of a bike to the end of a bungee cord. That’s true, wherever you’re heading in 2026.”
From budget-friendly Bali to White Lotus-fuelled Italy, one thing is clear: Australians are travelling with confidence again, and they are doing it with their eyes wide open.
by Prae Lee – (c) 2026.
Read time: 3 minutes.
About the Writer.
You can tell a lot about a person by how they handle a busy Bangkok morning. Prae Lee doesn’t rush; she glides through it. There’s a calm certainty about her, the sort that comes from knowing where you come from and where you’re going.
Educated at Chulalongkorn University, she took her business degree with the quiet pride of someone who believes in doing things correctly. Her travels for further study in Singapore and Australia didn’t change her; they polished what was already there: curiosity, discipline, and grace.
She returned to her family business in Bangkok, breathing a little modern life into it. She handled social media with the intuition of someone who listens and sells with the gentle persistence the Thais do so well.
Prae doesn’t make a fuss, but everything she touches shines brighter.
Now part of the Global Travel Media family, Prae brings authenticity and quiet confidence to her writing, drawing from a life steeped in culture, travel, and connection.
