Advisors looking to wow their clients with a slate of one-of-a-kind vacation options need look no further than Signature Travel Network’s “Where to Go in 2026,” list compiled by the consortium’s senior advisor, Ignacio Maza, who has traveled to upward of 100 countries and explored all seven continents.
Maza’s “Where to Go in 2006” list, which was at Signature’s owners meeting earlier this month, is now in its 10th year, and puts the focus 12 destinations: Alberta, Canada; Anchorage, Alaska; Kyushu, Japan; Madrid; The North Island, New Zealand; Quintana Roo, Mexico; Lapland, Sweden; Sri Lanka; Tasmania, Australia; and Uzbekistan.
Maza has explored all 12 destinations on the list and noted that it reflects the evolution of today’s traveler, who is more sophisticated and curious than ever before.
“They want to explore the world’s hidden gems before everyone else does,” Maza said. “I try to offer a wide range of destinations that will appeal to travelers motivated by different passions: culture, food and wine, family travel, adventure and exploration, beach getaways, unique experiences, great places to stay, etc.”
“The idea is that no matter what your passion is, you’ll find a place/places that appeal to you on my list,” he added.
On a personal level, one of Maza’s favorite destinations is Uzbekistan. “I visited in 2023 and was blown away with the great cities of the Silk Road – especially Samarkand, Khiva, and Bukhara,” he said.
“I felt I was traveling back in time, following in the footsteps of Marco Polo and Genghis Khan. I think Central Asia is one of the world’s last frontiers, with much to offer intrepid travelers.”
So how should advisors go about targeting destinations on the list?
“Tasmania, for example, is perfect for clients interested in food & wine, active/adventure journeys, fans of art and culture, and travelers who enjoy staying in unique accommodations, including mountain lodges, ultramodern resorts by the sea, or a luxury catamaran (On Board) sailing to remote areas of the island,” he said.
For its part, “Swedish Lapland is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts that want to get off the beaten path, seekers of ultimate experiences like the Northern Lights and Midnight Sun, travelers who want to immerse themselves in the unique culture of the indigenous Sámi people, and once-in-a-lifetime lodging like the Tree Hotel and Ice Hotel,” Maza said.
In the final analysis, Maza urged travel advisors to take advantage of the resources offered by their preferred suppliers, host agencies and consortia.
“Signature, for example, offers over seven preferred partners offering travel services and experiences in Uzbekistan, one of the most remote destinations on the 2026 list,” Maza said.
“These companies can plan itineraries, offer advice, open doors, and create unforgettable journeys for travelers.”
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