7 Must-Visit Destinations for 2026 (Get There Before the Crowds Arrive!) with Lyn Hughes

·1 hr 10 min·5 clips

Discover why a 660-kilometer dirt road in Australia's Kimberley might be sealed within five years, transforming this last great wilderness.

This episode features host Jason Moore and travel expert Lyn Hughes, co-founder of the UK's leading Wanderlust Magazine, discussing her personal recommendations for must-visit destinations in 2026. Hughes has personally visited all the suggested locations within the last two years, drawing on decades of industry experience. The conversation focuses on authentic, meaningful, and responsible travel experiences with a sense of urgency. The first destination is Ecuador, highlighted for the Galapagos Islands' unique wildlife like blue-footed boobies and giant tortoises, celebrating 40 years as a marine reserve. Hughes strongly advocates also exploring mainland Ecuador's diverse "four worlds," including the Andes, Amazonia, and cloud forests. Next is Western Australia's Kimberley region, specifically the 660-kilometer Gibb River Road, a dirt track through a vast wilderness rumored to be paved within a few years. The area requires a 4WD, offers camping and cattle station stays, and presents risks like saltwater crocodiles in waterholes. The third destination is Western Uganda for primate viewing, where mountain gorilla numbers have rebounded into four figures due to successful tourism. Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park assesses visitor fitness to assign gorilla trekking groups, with some encounters achievable in under an hour. Hughes also champions more affordable chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park, home to 13 primate species and about 1,500 chimpanzees. A key insight is that tourism revenue is credited with directly saving mountain gorillas from critically low numbers by funding conservation and local communities. Hughes notes that gorilla viewing is often a serene experience, while chimpanzee encounters are typically more active and dynamic. She advises that afternoon chimpanzee tracking in Kibale can be less crowded than morning excursions. For the Kimberley, she recommends allocating at least six to seven days for the Gibb River Road to fully appreciate the remote landscapes. Regarding the Galapagos, Hughes confirms that small-boat cruises are expensive but immersive, while more budget-friendly land-based stays with day trips are increasingly viable. She expresses hope that the sealing of the Gibb River Road remains only a rumor to preserve its rugged character. The tone is conversational and educational, flowing like an enthusiastic chat between two knowledgeable travel enthusiasts. The style is advice-driven, focusing on practical tips and firsthand anecdotes to inspire listener trips. This episode is ideal for adventurous travelers seeking destination inspiration with a focus on wildlife, wilderness, and culturally immersive experiences. Listeners who prefer urban travel or all-inclusive resorts might find the content less relevant to their interests.

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