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12 Months, 12 Travel Ideas: Your 2026 Bucket List

The new year is here, and “travel more” is probably right at the top of your list of resolutions as well. In 2025, Thailand, Indonesia, Brazil, Tanzania and Vietnam were the most popular travel destinations among clients of the Travel Clinic UZH. But there is so much more to discover.

12 Months, 12 Travel Ideas: Your 2026 Bucket List

The new year is here, and “travel more” is probably right at the top of your list of resolutions as well. In 2025, Thailand, Indonesia, Brazil, Tanzania and Vietnam were the most popular travel destinations among clients of the Travel Clinic UZH. But there is so much more to discover.

If you are still looking for a bit of inspiration, we have put together 12 travel ideas for the 12 months ahead. From city-focused trips and nature adventures to family hotspots, there is something for everyone.

 

Happy exploring!


 

January 2026: Jamaica

“Come to Jamaica and feel alright” is the slogan of the Jamaica Tourist Board. It is an invitation to unwind and immerse yourself in the island nation’s rich culture. Jamaica is the first home of Annmarie, a member of our nursing team who has been looking after our clients in the vaccination room for many years. Beyond the world’s fastest runners and globally famous reggae icons, Jamaica has plenty to offer.

 

In the fourth episode of the Wanderlust Chronicles, you can read all about it. And who knows, perhaps you will find your own rhythm in Jamaica, or rediscover one you thought you had long since lost.


Best time to travel: The drier, slightly more pleasant season is usually between December and mid-April, ideal for beach days and excursions.

 

Health tips: In addition to routine vaccinations, we recommend vaccination against hepatitis A for Jamaica and, depending on the type of trip and your personal risk profile, hepatitis B as well. For travel outside the classic tourist areas or for very long stays, a typhoid vaccination may be considered. Good mosquito protection is essential, as dengue, chikungunya and Zika are transmitted by mosquitoes. A yellow fever vaccination is generally not recommended for Jamaica because yellow fever is not transmitted there. However, proof of vaccination may be required for entry if you are arriving from a country with a yellow fever transmission risk or if you had a transit stop of more than 12 hours in such a country.


Jamaika

 

 

February 2026: Australia

While winter here often shows its frosty face one last time in February, it is the height of summer Down Under. This vast country has a lot to offer: diverse natural landscapes, unique wildlife such as wombats and echidnas, and endless beachfront promenades. In our travel guide, we explain how to travel to Australia in good health and return home safely.

 

P.S. For anyone who cannot wait for Pride: the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is a must-see in Sydney. The parade will take place on 28 February 2026.

 

Best time to travel: If you are planning a trip to the south and want to enjoy the Australian summer, it is best to travel during the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere.

 

Health tips: Travelers to Australia should also have their routine vaccinations according to the Swiss vaccination schedule. Depending on the region and season, consistent mosquito protection is recommended (Ross River virus or Barmah Forest virus); dengue outbreaks in Australia occur mainly in parts of Queensland, and in designated risk areas Japanese encephalitis may also be relevant. In addition: the sun can be relentless, as can the variety of venomous land and sea creatures. Take good care of yourself.


 

Australia

 

 

March 2026: Vietnam

In 2025, Vietnam again made it into the top five travel destinations for clients of the Travel Clinic UZH. And rightly so: the country captivates with its impressive landscape and cultural diversity, from rice terraces in the north to tropical beaches in the south. From the imperial history of Hue to the limestone landscapes around Ninh Binh, there are countless highlights to discover. In our travel guide, you will learn how to start your trip fit and return home healthy.

 

Best time to travel: Vietnam’s weather and rainy seasons vary by region. As a rule of thumb, spring and autumn are considered particularly pleasant, although the ideal travel window depends on your route. In spring (often March to May) many areas are mild and relatively dry. In autumn, parts of central Vietnam can experience more frequent rainfall.

 

Health tips: For Vietnam, we recommend hepatitis A vaccination in addition to routine vaccinations. Depending on your itinerary and planned activities, vaccinations against typhoid, rabies and Japanese encephalitis may also be advisable. A yellow fever vaccination is not recommended for Vietnam itself; however, proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are entering from a yellow fever area or, depending on the rules, if you transited through one.


 

Vietnam

 

 

April 2026: Peru

With its rich history and many traces of the Inca era, traveling in Peru can feel a bit like traveling back in time. Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire (one of the largest empires in pre-Columbian America), delights visitors with well-preserved archaeological sites, impressive Inca stonework and colonial architecture. And then there is, of course, Machu Picchu, one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World”.

 

In the second episode of our Wanderlust Chronicles series, our Business Manager Jenny takes us on a trip to Peru. After graduating from college, she spent several weeks there. Read the full story here.

 

Best time to travel: The shoulder months of April as well as September to October offer a good balance of fewer crowds and generally pleasant weather.

 

Health tips: Depending on your itinerary, vaccinations against hepatitis A are recommended, and possibly hepatitis B and rabies as well. Malaria prophylaxis and a yellow fever vaccination may be advisable depending on the region. Ideally, come and see us with your detailed route and we will be happy to advise you individually. Also pay close attention to food hygiene (to help prevent traveler's diarrhea and typhoid) and keep altitude sickness in mind: Cusco is located at around 3,399 meters.


 

Peru

 

 

May 2026: Argentina

Argentina is a country where different cultures meet: European influences and a Latin American identity, combined with impressive landscapes and vibrant traditions.

Argentina also has a lot to offer in terms of scenery: from the mountain valley of the Quebrada de Humahuaca (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to Tilcara and the nearby Pucará de Tilcara with its pre-Inca traces, and on to the Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park, one of the best-known outlets of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

 

If you would like to travel off the beaten path and learn which hidden gems locals particularly recommend, read our Wanderlust Chronicles episode on Argentina. Our physician Rodolfo is a native Argentine and lived there until 2020. In the post, he shares his favorite places and guides you through the dos and don’ts of his home country.

 

Best time to travel: Argentina is a very large country. For many regions, spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are ideal, for example around Buenos Aires, in the northwest or in the wine regions, as temperatures are often pleasantly mild.

 

Health tips: Argentina has been malaria-free since 2019 (WHO certification). Nevertheless, consistent mosquito protection is important because mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika. Many cities and tourist areas in Argentina have good water supplies and food standards. Still, depending on the region and type of trip, it is advisable to pay attention to safe drinking water and food hygiene (“cook it, boil it, peel it, or leave it”). In addition to routine vaccinations, we recommend hepatitis A vaccination and, where appropriate, hepatitis B and rabies. For certain regions, a yellow fever vaccination may also be recommended.


 

Argentina

 

 

June 2026: The Arctic

The endless midnight sun at the top of the world is something that belongs on every bucket list. It is an indescribable experience that you will remember for a long time. The Arctic is a world of extremes. Light, climate and landscapes are so unique that this region becomes a challenging, yet fascinating travel destination.

 

And “the Arctic” does not only mean an “ice desert”: depending on your route, your journey might take you to Lapland, Greenland, northern Canada or Svalbard. This diversity is precisely what makes it so appealing. In our blog post, we take you on a journey to the polar regions and show what to keep in mind when preparing and while traveling.

 

Best time to travel: No matter when you visit the Arctic, its beauty always feels a little otherworldly. Winters are long, dark and very cold, while summers offer daylight around the clock but still remain cool. June is ideal if you want to experience the midnight sun and value good accessibility. Even then, expect chilly temperatures and changeable weather.

 

Health tips: Even in summer, effective protection against cold is essential, as is sun protection. Snow and ice strongly reflect UV radiation, so sunburn and “snow blindness” are possible. Routine vaccinations, especially tetanus, should be up to date; depending on the region and activities, rabies may also be a consideration.


Arktis DE-1

 

 

July 2026: Namibia

The school holidays have begun, you pack your bags and travel to Namibia as a family. A tour through this land of contrasts is very doable even with children. For example, our staff member Barbara, a registered nurse, took a road trip with her husband and their twins and experienced not only unforgettable wildlife moments but also many powerful encounters with local communities. In her Wanderlust Chronicles episode, Barbara tells how traveling off the beaten path, without guided group tours, worked out with a camper and two children.

 

Best time to travel: The best time to visit is the dry winter season from May to October.

 

Health tips: Traveling to Namibia requires some preparation. Routine vaccinations should be up to date, also to protect the local population from diseases against which you are vaccinated. Vaccinations against hepatitis A and, depending on the type of trip, hepatitis B and rabies should be considered. Consistent mosquito protection is also part of the plan; malaria prophylaxis may be advisable depending on the region and season, especially if traveling to certain areas in the north and northeast. Also pay attention to good food hygiene.


 

Namibia

 

 

August 2026: Bali – Lombok – Flores (Komodo)

With fascinating culture, vibrant coral reefs and white-sand beaches, Bali, Lombok and Flores have a great deal to offer. Matilda, author of the eighth episode of the Wanderlust Chronicles, can hardly stop raving. On her two-week trip to Bali, she experienced a mix of culinary indulgence, spiritual insights and intense nature experiences. But traveler’s diarrhea also made an appearance. Nevertheless, in her opinion Bali definitely deserves a spot on every bucket list.

 

Best time to travel: The best time to visit is during the dry season (April to October), when sunny days are perfect for beach visits and hikes.

 

Health tips: Traveler’s diarrhea can be reduced through strict food and drinking water hygiene (golden rule: “cook it, boil it, peel it, or leave it”). In certain regions of Indonesia, the risk of typhoid is significantly increased, which is why a typhoid vaccination may be recommended even for shorter trips. Special caution is also advised around animals: as cute as they may be, keep your distance, especially from dogs and monkeys, as rabies occurs in Indonesia. Depending on the type of trip and planned activities, a rabies vaccination may be advisable. In addition to routine vaccinations, hepatitis A is recommended for Indonesia, and in some situations hepatitis B as well. Consistent mosquito protection is important to reduce the risk of diseases such as dengue, chikungunya or Zika. Malaria prophylaxis is not necessary for every route (for Bali and Lombok, a low risk is often described), but should be assessed individually based on your exact itinerary and islands visited.


 

Bali

 

 

September 2026: Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is a country that can be traveled wonderfully with children. Not convinced? We are happy to hand the floor to our staff member Seraina, who discovered this country on the legendary Silk Road with her family. She describes Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital, as a city of contrasts: on one hand, you experience modern big-city flair with wide streets, parks, cafés, restaurants and a metro. On the other hand, Soviet-influenced architecture and urban planning meet older, pre-Soviet buildings and traditional elements that recall the region’s long history. It is precisely this juxtaposition that makes Tashkent so appealing, and it is an ideal starting point for exploring more of Uzbekistan. Read more here.

 

Best time to travel: Uzbekistan is particularly pleasant to visit in spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and you can avoid the scorching summer heat.

 

Health tips: In addition to routine vaccinations, hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for Uzbekistan; depending on the type of trip and activities, typhoid, hepatitis B and rabies may also be advisable (especially for longer stays, travel in rural areas or close contact with animals). Uzbekistan is considered malaria-free, but insect protection can still be useful depending on the circumstances. Also be consistent with food and drinking water hygiene.


Usbekistan

 

 

October 2026: Panama / Costa Rica

With their diverse wildlife, lush rainforests and historic cities, Panama and Costa Rica captivate adventurers, nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike. In our travel guide about Panama and Costa Rica, we present a popular itinerary that captures the fascinating diversity of both countries and takes you to the most spectacular places and highlights.

 

Best time to travel: October is particularly suitable if you want to experience the lush green of the rainy season without navigating peak-season crowds.

 

Health tips: Routine vaccinations are recommended. For Panama and Costa Rica, hepatitis A is also recommended and, depending on the type of trip, hepatitis B and typhoid are often advised. Consistent mosquito protection is essential (among other reasons due to dengue, chikungunya and Zika); standby emergency malaria medication may be advisable depending on the region (Costa Rica only in certain areas, Panama depending on province/route). A yellow fever vaccination is recommended in Panama depending on the travel area; for Costa Rica, it is usually relevant mainly as proof of vaccination if you are entering from a yellow fever risk area or transited through one. Depending on your activities, rabies may also be a consideration. Also pay attention to good food and drinking water hygiene.

 

Panama _ Costa Rica

 

 

November 2026: Nepal

Around three and a half times the size of Switzerland, more than 30 million inhabitants, over 100 ethnic groups, and nestled between two world powers: Nepal is a land of diversity, geographically and culturally. From subtropical lowlands near the Indian border to high mountains and eternal ice, Nepal encompasses several climate zones within a small area. René, a long-standing member of the Center for Travel Medicine team, describes his trip in the sixth episode of the Wanderlust Chronicles and shares helpful tips on visas, language, accommodation and sights. Read it for yourself and get inspired.

 

Best time to travel: The best seasons for Nepal are autumn (October to November) and spring (March to May), as there is often clear visibility, pleasant temperatures and ideal trekking conditions.

 

Health tips: Routine vaccinations according to the Swiss vaccination schedule are assumed. For Nepal, hepatitis A and often typhoid are additionally recommended; depending on your itinerary and activities, hepatitis B, rabies and (for longer stays or travel in rural lowland areas) Japanese encephalitis may be advisable. Be consistent with food and drinking water hygiene and ensure good mosquito protection; malaria risk exists mainly in lower-lying, more remote areas and is usually low for classic trekking routes. If trekking, also consider altitude sickness and plan enough time for acclimatization along your route.

 

Nepal

 

 

December 2026: India

“India is different. India is loud, colorful, mysterious and endlessly diverse,” is how registered nurse Katharina describes the country in her Wanderlust Chronicles episode. From snow-covered Himalayan peaks to palm-lined beaches in the tropical south, the landscapes are as diverse as the cultural, religious, architectural and culinary traditions. India is enormous, and capturing its spirit in a single blog post is a challenge. Even so, Katharina has compiled some of her highlights and a few insider tips. Read her post here.

 

Best time to travel: In many regions, the winter months from October to March are considered particularly pleasant, as it is often cooler and drier and the country is easier to travel through. Depending on your route (e.g., the Himalayas or the south), the ideal months may vary.

 

Health tips: In addition to routine vaccinations, hepatitis A (and, depending on the type of trip, hepatitis B) and usually typhoid are recommended for India. Rabies can also be relevant, as rabid dogs are common in India. Depending on your itinerary and activities (e.g., rural areas, longer stays), vaccination against Japanese encephalitis may also be advisable. Malaria prophylaxis is not necessary for every trip, but may be recommended depending on the region; this should be assessed individually based on your route. In addition, strict food and drinking water hygiene and good mosquito protection are essential. In special situations (e.g., outbreaks or increased risk), a chikungunya vaccination can also be discussed.


India

 

 

No matter where you are headed, good preparation makes all the difference. Check entry requirements, your travel medical kit and your vaccination status early, and let us advise you individually. We wish you many safe, healthy and unforgettable journeys in 2026.

 

 

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