Even if you’ve booked a terrific vacation for summer 2026 or 2027, it may be a great time to squeeze in another, much-needed getaway! The Meandering Traveler has rounded up three winter vacations — two on land, one by sea — that we’d love to take in late 2025 or early 2026.
Whether your desire is Hawaii, the Caribbean or Australia, here’s the scoop! We’ve picked three options from Tauck, Oceania Cruises and Luxury Gold. But talk with an experienced personal travel planner about many other options early next year as well, perhaps on Holland America Line, Seabourn or another travel supplier.
(Photo of Australia’s wildlife. Photo by Holland America Line.)
1. Winter Vacations: Tauck’s “Best of Hawaii”
For many travelers, nothing beats the 50th U.S. state for a vacation that encompasses natural and historical sites, cultural experiences, enticing beaches and relaxation. One great option is Tauck’s classic 12-day “Best of Hawaii” four-island journey.
What’s on tap for exploring? Guests will visit Oahu, the Big Island of Hawaii, Kauai and Maui. They’ll stay in lovely oceanview rooms at some of Hawaii’s finest oceanfront resorts.
That includes three nights each at the Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort at Waikiki, Oahu, and the Fairmont Orchid, Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii. Travelers will also stay for two nights at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, Koloa, Kauai; and three nights at the Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui.
Escorted Tauck Tour Highlights
Of course, travelers will enjoy the expertise and professional guidance of a Tauck tour director who will travel with them throughout this vacation. One destination highlight is a visit is to the USS Battleship Missouri Memorial in Pearl Harbor. Another is a pre-opening-hours visit to the Iolani Palace.
“In addition, travelers will delve into Hawaii’s iconic botanical world,” says Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel. “And they’ll learn about a key island product — coffee.”
Tauck’s guests will also attend a traditional luau on Maui and explore scenic Kauai by helicopter. Another highlight is a private evening with cocktails and dinner at the Queen Emma Summer Palace in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Among the departures that have availability are one on January 30, 2026, with fares starting at ___, and another on February 23, 2026, with fares that begin at $11,890 per person, double occupancy. “So, give Pavlus Travel a call and we’ll assist in answering questions about this enticing Tauck Hawaii vacation,” says Steudle.
2. Winter Vacations: Oceania’s Southern Caribbean
If you’re thinking of an upscale cruise that visits an extensive number of southern Caribbean destinations, check out Oceania Cruises‘ 12-day “Radiant Island Dawns” itinerary.
We like this cruise as a best winter vacation choice for several reasons. First, it’s longer than a week — giving one a bit more time to relax and explore.
Plus, this itinerary doesn’t feature three or four southern Caribbean isles. Nope. How about nine? Yes, this is a full-bodied southern Caribbean option! Here’s the lineup.
Nine Southern Caribbean Ports
The 670-passenger Oceania Insignia will depart from Miami, FL, on January 15, 2026. During two full days at sea, guests can relax and settle in, enjoy onboard activities, head for pool play, enrichment experiences and perhaps enjoy a pampering spa treatment.
Also, dining is a top priority on Oceania. Guests can enjoy Toscana’s authentic Italian dishes, Polo Grill’s steakhouse fare, Continental cuisine in the Grand Dining Room, and made-to-order American favorites in the Terrace Cafe. Or they can savor the pastries and freshly made sandwiches along with specialty coffees at Baristas.
During this southern Caribbean cruise, the ship will first call at Oranjestad, Aruba, and Willemstad, Curacao before spending another day at sea. Then comes robust time ashore for guests.
They’ll explore Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago; St. George’s, Grenada; Castries, St. Lucia; Kingstown, St. Vincent; Roseau, Dominica; and Fort de France, Martinque. The voyage then concludes at Bridgetown, Barbados.
A Great Deal!
3. Luxury Gold’s Australia Vacation
Winter Vacations – Australian Touring
Among the highlights of this Luxury Gold “Inspiring Australia” itinerary are these:
- Just outside of Cairns, travelers will explore the tropical rainforest of Daintree National Park with a local expert. They’ll learn about the indigenous Kuku Yalanji people who live there.
- After flying to Uluru in the Australian Outback, a guide will lead the small group through the Walpa Gorge and past its red, rocky domes. (See the photo above for an example of the dramatic Outback terrain.)
- Later, Luxury Gold’s guests will watch as 50,000 solar-powered lights illuminate the desert during the “Field of Light” display by artist Bruce Munro.
- Travelers will explore Melbourne and visit the Yarra Valley for a chocolate masterclass, winery visit and gin tasting.
- Guests will cruise Sydney Harbour before heading inside the Sydney Opera House for a VIP tour. In addition, they’ll enjoy dinner at Bennelong Restaurant, set inside the opera house’s iconic sails.
At press time, pricing started at $10,674 per person, double occupancy. Contact an experienced personal travel planner for the best pricing and customer service.
Start the Year in Style
“The above winter vacations to Hawaii, the Southern Caribbean and Australia are just three of the fantastic options for an early 2026 getaway,” stresses Pavlus’ Steudle. “Why not give us a call to discuss your ‘must-have’ winter getaway destinations and we’ll find the perfect trip to meet your needs and desires.”
Important Information from Pavlus Travel
