While we all leave the festive season with the best of intentions, ready to kick off the new year with a renewed optimism, let’s be honest: things don’t always go to plan.
Whether it’s the dreaded return to work or study, searching for a new rental, dealing with the fallout of family Christmas, or forgetting all about your New Year’s resolutions by week two of January, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of everyday life again.
But what if you didn’t have to?
Forget the mid-year slump of looking for a holiday destination when you’re starting to feel tired and burnt out by life. In 2026 we’re getting in early. We’re booking that trip. We’re going. Our bosses will just have to deal with it. If my boss is reading this, just kidding, haha!
Contiki’s Worldwide Sale has officially kicked off, so we can get through January knowing the trip of our dreams is already planned and booked.
Drumroll please… from December 26 to February 4, a whole bunch of Contiki’s iconic trips will be on sale with 10% off, meaning you could save hundreds of dollars on your next overseas jaunt.
So where will we see you this year?
What you need to know about Contiki’s epic 2026 flash sale
From safaris in Africa, to culinary delights in South-East Asia, trekking the Inca Trail in Peru or snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia, the sale has something for everyone. No, seriously, even that really-hard-to-travel with friend would find something here.
Experiences like swimming with manta rays in stunning Indonesia or embarking on a Mexican fiesta are 10% off during the sale period, as well as many classic Euro summer trips because have you even lived if you haven’t blocked out all of June, July or August for a summer of espressos, gelato, tapas and sangria?
No matter your budget, your annual leave situation, or your lifestyle, there’s a Contiki trip for everyone.
Overwhelmed? Need a travel crystal ball to help you out? ChatGPT not giving you the exact information you need? We’re here to help.
Here are some countries we’ve highlighted as must-sees in 2026
New Zealand
Image source:Contiki
For scenery so magical it doesn’t look real to activities, that will have adrenaline junkies screaming for more (or just screaming), New Zealand is one of the most underrated gems in the world to visit.
From glaciers, skydiving, hikes, cycling, epic food, and exploring Māori culture, New Zealand ticks all the boxes for adventure-seekers, foodies, nature lovers and of course, Lord of the Rings fans.
While Jan from HR is spamming your inbox with ‘Team Building’ activities, you could be hiking up a volcano, canyon swinging or eating fish ‘n’ chips while looking out at an aquamarine lake bluer than Billie Eilish’s eyes.
Italy
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Embrace your inner main character in 2026 and live your best life exploring the magic of Italy. While obviously the food is god-tier, there’s more than just indulging in delicious pasta, mouth-watering pastries, gelato so sweet you could cry, and the best pizza you’ve ever tasted, and maybe an affogato to top off everything.
Sorry, where were we?
From hitting the big, iconic historical destinations like Rome and Venice and exploring ancient ruins by day and cosy bars by night, to slow, sun-kissed days on the Amalfi Coast, you’ll come for the Italian dream holiday and leave contemplating uprooting your whole life to live the Italian dream forever. Never say never!
Japan
Did you know Japan was named one of the most desirable countries to visit in 2025? Does that make you feel bad you didn’t go even though you thought about it 157 times?
Don’t wait another year. Contiki’s Japan trips are designed to remove the stress of navigating the neon lights of Tokyo or catching the bullet train to Kyoto, and focused on giving you the trip of a lifetime – in between bowls of delicious ramen, of course.
Not only will you be immersed in culture, from the majestic temples to the iconic cherry blossoms, you’ll make new friends along the way while having the perfect combination of freedom and structure, chaos and calm.
Trust us, your camera roll will never forgive you if you don’t finally go.
Sri Lanka
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If you’re one of those people who prefers the hidden gems of the world, it’s time to head to Sri Lanka before all of the masses catch on.
From national parks and beaches to ancient fortresses and temples, and curries that will make everything back home seem so boring, Sri Lanka is going to be that destination in 2026.
Hitting the sweet spot between adventure and chill with Safari Jeep excursions and beach days, the sunrise treks will look straight out of a movie while the chance to visit orphaned baby elephants before they’re released back into the wild will stay in your heart for years to come.
Top it off with some glamping alongside the Walawe riverbed surrounded by the Sri Lankan jungle, and nights devouring street food and you’ve had the adventure of a lifetime in just under two weeks.
Spain & Portugal
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I don’t answer the phone for literally anyone despite leaving 12-minute-long voice memos, but I would answer the phone for a chance to spend my summer lazing on a beach in Portugal, sipping sangria in Spain, and eating tapas while trying to remember what day of the week it is.
It doesn’t matter if you’re choosing hot girl summer or wellness winter – the beauty of these trips is there’s a little something for everyone, from walking tours of historic city centres and cobblestone streets and dining with the locals, to lazy beach days and vineyard tours.
And, of course, the infamous nightlife is always on offer, so don’t forget your dancing shoes and just know having an espresso is perfectly acceptable past 8pm.
Africa
Image source:Contiki
An African safari adventure doesn’t have to be a pipeline dream anymore. Stop streaming the Lion King and start planning your real-life adventure because 2026 is the year to say Hakuna Matata, pack your bag, and explore the national parks of Tanzania and Kenya.
This trip is for the ones who want to embark on the adventure of a lifetime, the ones who want to tell stories to enthrall their family and friends for years to come, and the ones who want a trip to live on in their minds forever and ever.
From cruising through iconic wildlife havens like Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, to spotting majestic animals like lions, zebras, giraffes and wildebeest up close, to camping under the stars around a bonfire with your new mates, you’re not just paying for a holiday here – it’s a whole damn experience.
The circle of life, if you will.
If you’re ready to book and already thinking about your OOO response, let us help you out with our Out Of Office message generator!
Find out more about Contiki’s Worldwide Sale here.
