We're now three weeks into 2026, which means any Christmas and New Year breaks are firmly in the past, so distant that we're all likely recovered from any post-holiday lulls and fully embarking on the humdrum rhythm of the new year.
It is said that the third Monday of the year is the saddest on the calendar, given that festivities are all firmly in the past and days remain short. Like clockwork, it was on Monday that I started ferociously planning my year in travel.
Now, my 2026 travel wish list is certainly ambitious − there is no way I am going to manage to fit in a trip to New York City with some time upstate, a comprehensive journey around Japan, island hopping in Indonesia and a retreat to a rural cabin for some off-grid weeks this year. But plans have to start somewhere!
If you're at a loss for destinations, my colleague Saeed Saeed has compiled a list of art fairs worth travelling for this year.
A trip to Italy could be planned to coincide with the Venice Art Biennale from May 9, or travel to Australia in September to see the Sydney Contemporary art fair. Closer to home, we have Art Basel Qatar in February, Art Dubai in April and Frieze Abu Dhabi in November. It's a packed cultural calendar - read more here.
I have never taken a sleeper train, but a multi-night journey that crosses countries (or even continents) is something I have long dreamed about doing.
This year, we'll see passenger routes launching on Etihad Rail, with journeys that link Abu Dhabi city, Dubai and Fujairah.
The date for the network launch is also yet to be announced, but Azza Al Suwaidi, deputy chief executive of Etihad Rail Mobility, told The National this week: "Initially, trains will operate between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, our twin centres of commerce, as well as connect with Fujairah in the east. From that spine, and over the course of 2026 and beyond, further routes, connections and stations will come online.”
Saudi Arabia's luxury train, Dream of the Desert, is also set to make its inaugural passenger journey this year. Dubbed a "moving masterpiece", the train will include 33 private suites with two restaurant cars and a majlis lounge.
There is an undeniable 20th-century glamour to railway travel, so this year, I am hoping to get at least one planned in. David Tusing has complied a list of luxury train journeys around the world, so join me in seeking out travel inspiration here.
Until next time, safe travels.
Luxury hotels take to the sea
A growing number of hotel brands are taking their luxurious hospitality to sea, with branded yachts and journeys.
Today, Aman has announced its inaugural Aman at Sea itineraries for 180-metre, nine-deck yacht Amangati. The premium vessel, which is currently under construction, will set sail in spring 2027, with a debut season that includes a series of five to eight-night Mediterranean journeys.
Like a boutique hotel stay, the vessel will accommodate 94 guests across 47 suites, each with its own terrace. Other facilities onboard include a 1,190-square-metre spa, a sun deck and an open-air pool. There will also be a fine-dining restaurant, round-the-clock in-room dining and a Jazz Club offering evening entertainment.
Itineraries include six-night trips from Palma de Mallorca to Nice, and Dubrovnik to Venice, as well as a seven-night voyage from Izmir to Istanbul. Trips start from $38,500 based on a minimum five-night voyage.
Jumeirah has also added The Maltese Falcon, an exclusive-use Jumeirah Prive Experience, to its hospitality portfolio. An 88-metre sailing yacht, it can privately host up to 12 guests with a primary suite and four double cabins.
Taking its inaugural voyage under Jumeirah Prive in December, the yacht is currently in the Caribbean, but will operate seasonal itineraries between the Mediterranean and western Atlantic islands. During the summer, the yacht will sail the Balearic Islands, the French Riviera and Monaco, Italy’s Amalfi Coast and Sardinia, as well as the coasts of Croatia, Montenegro, Greece and Turkey. In winter, it will return to the Caribbean, calling at Antigua, the Bahamas, Saint Martin and St Barts. Journeys start from $700,000 per week, but vary according to personalised experience.
Checking into new all-inclusive hotel SO/ Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah is in the midst of a major transformation, with Al Marjan Island at the centre of its rapid development. A growing number of hotels and residential projects have already opened, with more on the way.
One of the latest additions is SO/ Ras Al Khaimah, which opened in mid-November. Sister hotel to the SO/ Uptown Dubai and one of fewer than 15 properties worldwide from the brand, it is currently the only one of its resorts outside Europe to operate on an all-inclusive basis.
Set against the emirate's coastline, the property offers 257 rooms and suites, all with uninterrupted sea views. This week, Evelyn Lau checked in to the new property - read her review here.
In the spotlight: Sejong City
There is no doubt that Korea dominates the global cultural zeitgeist. But when it comes to visiting South Korea, there is significantly more to see than just the capital, Seoul, as David Tusing discovered on a recent trip.
Although Sejong City is not a place most travellers plan a trip around, David quickly learned there is plenty to see and do. "It has no centuries-old shopping streets, no postcard skyline, no obvious must-see sights. That is largely by design," he writes. "For visitors, that can make it feel elusive at first. But spend 48 hours here and a different appeal emerges.
"Sejong is less about spectacle and more about systems: how cities function, how people move and how culture is woven into daily life."
Here, he writes about his two days in the city, which included visiting cultural institutions, lush green outdoor spaces and traditional Korean restaurants.
Travel news this week
Top travel tip
For more affordable stays, book accommodation near functional destinations (think universities, hospitals and government buildings) rather than tourist attractions. They are packed full of professionals, so you'll find that they are surrounded by great places to eat, and don't come with a tourist price tag.
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