To begin, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who travelled with us during our 50th year in 2025. Whether it was your first adventure or one of many, your support meant the world to our teams around the globe.
A special mention to those who joined us for our celebration in Sydney as well as at our 50th anniversary celebrations at Thyangboche, in Nepal. You helped us create one of the most memorable events in our company’s history. We’ve received so many kind messages and photos from that experience, and we look forward to sharing more of those stories throughout the year.
As we turn the page, 2026 brings a sense of quiet momentum. Not fanfare - just a commitment on offering the best adventure travel trips on earth. Focus on thoughtful travel, meaningful itineraries, and staying true to what we’ve always believed in: that small group adventure, done well, has lasting value.
What's Trending For 2026
Western Africa. Trekking in Kyrgyzstan. Madagascar. New trails in Japan. If you want to know our where people are travelling to, and how, check out our Top Destinations for 2026 article.
We've also noticed a shift in how people want to travel. Many are moving away from fast-paced, surface-level trips and towards slower journeys with more room to connect with nature, with local cultures, and most importantly, with themselves.
Our Regenerative 2030 program continues to grow, with 34 projects already funded and more travellers choosing to support small, locally led projects through micro-donations and travel choices that align with their values.
Beyond our adventures, our Huma Charity Challenge division helped Australian charities raise over $2m in 2025 - we're looking to beat that in 2026!
We’re also seeing strong and growing interest in Indigenous-led travel, particularly in Australia. These experiences take time to build, and we’ll continue to work with care and respect as we grow in this space.
Active travel formats are broadening, too. Walking remains strong, but interest in cycling, active water-based journeys through our On Water Expeditions brand and slower paced adventures are also increasing. That will be reflected in some of the exciting new trips we will be introducing this year - stay tuned!
What I’m Excited About
One of the things I’m most looking forward to this year is a special Bush Tucker experience on the Larapinta with Rayleen Brown - a respected advocate and educator whose work connects people with Country through food. It’s a very special project and we’ll be sharing more details soon.
We'll continue to roll out even more Webinars, with some special guests to be announced soon. Our webinars provide a wonderful opportunity to hear directly from our guides, leaders and local experts. Check out some of the past ones to help you start planning for your next adventure.
You can also expect to see new culinary adventures and special guest-led trips across our program.
Personally, I'm still reminiscing about my recent trek in Bhutan, a destination you'll hear alot more about this year, but those thoughts are slowly being replaced by my anticipation of returning to cycle China. I plan to revisit some of the routes that helped shape my early experience in this industry. We were the first company to offer cycling trips in China in 1978.
New Journeys Launched This Year
We’ve launched several exciting new adventure ideas that reflect the way our travellers want to explore, with more time, deeper connection, and local insight.
Horse Treks in Remote Landscapes
We’ve introduced Horse Trek trips in places where horses are still central to daily life - including Mustang, Dolpo, Mongolia and Patagonia. These trips are designed to slow things down and connect you to the people that honor horses in everyday life, while offering access to breathtaking regions that are well away from the footpaths or roads.They’ve been carefully developed in collaboration with local partners and with a strong focus on animal welfare.
Queensland’s NEW World-Class Walking Experiences
We’re proud to be the official partner for two new significant guided walks:
- The Ngaro Track on Whitsunday Island, created with the Ngaro people
- The Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island, one of Australia’s most remote and spectacular island hikes
Our staff who surveyed the walks last year cannot stop talking about these exciting new Australian hiking experiences. Get in early to be one of the first to experience them.
Sri Lanka - Taste & Spirit
This new journey, led by food expert Jeremy Claasz, offers a warm, locally guided introduction to Sri Lanka’s food culture, sacred places and countryside. One of several new culinary-style experiences to watch for this year.
Looking Ahead
We’ll keep doing what we've been passionate about for 50 years - crafting small group adventures that are well operated, community minded, and grounded in real experience.
We’re also continuing to work steadily towards B Corp certification, which we hope to finalise later this year. It’s not a badge for us, but a useful framework to help ensure we’re staying accountable to the values we’ve always held.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
– Sue
Sue Badyari has led World Expeditions Travel Group since 1999. In 2025, she was recognised by Travel Weekly as Executive of the Year and Woman of the Year - recognition she credits to the people around her. She continues to work quietly behind the scenes to support the teams, partners and communities that make these adventures possible.