The holidays may be over, but the best part is just beginning—planning your next one! Kick off the new year with newly opened stays, game-changing itinerary ideas, and all the inspiration you need to book your next escape. Oh, and while you were busy celebrating? The travel world kept moving—catch up on the destination updates you can’t afford to miss.
Don’t let outdated info derail your plans. Get the inside scoop on what’s new, what’s changed, and what you absolutely need to know before you land. Because the best trips start with smart planning.
Malaysia’s Electric Train Service (ETS) has just extended its high-speed rail network to Johor Bahru—the Malaysian city right across the border from Singapore. This new extension connects JB to Kuala Lumpur and cities beyond, making it easier than ever for Singaporeans to access Malaysia’s extensive rail network that runs all the way to Padang Besar near the Thailand border, with stops in Ipoh, Penang, and more.
This means you can now travel from Singapore to KL in just four hours. Simply cross into JB via bus, car, or the existing KTM Shuttle Tebrau train, then board the ETS for a comfortable ride to Malaysia’s capital and beyond—no traffic jams, no flight hassles.
Looking ahead, the new Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link launching in 2026 will add another convenient option for crossing the border in as fast as five minutes, making multi-city adventures across the region even more accessible.
We can help you seamlessly integrate this new rail route into your next itinerary for an effortless, stress-free journey! This is a great opportunity to explore more of Singapore, Malaysia, and even Thailand by land.
South Korea has extended its K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) exemption through December 31, 2026, offering more flexibility for travellers looking to explore South Korea this year. This means eligible visitors can enter the country without applying for K-ETA in advance, streamlining the travel process for short-term stays. The complete official list of exempt countries eligible for visa-free travel to South Korea can be viewed here.
While the K-ETA requirement is waived for eligible countries, travellers who choose not to apply must complete the e-Arrival Card within three days (72 hours) before their departure. This digital form collects basic information for immigration processing and helps speed up your entry at the airport. Alternatively, you can voluntarily apply for K-ETA to enjoy added convenience, including exemption from submitting a separate arrival card upon arrival.
Whether you’re planning a Seoul city escape, a cultural tour through Busan, or a relaxing getaway to Jeju Island, we can help you navigate these entry requirements and craft the perfect South Korea itinerary with confidence!
Thailand and Cambodia are experiencing a border conflict that began on December 7, with nearly 800,000 people displaced in affected areas. The conflict is concentrated in border regions, and travellers are advised to avoid areas within 50km of the Thailand-Cambodia border.
Major tourist destinations continue to operate normally, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. Thailand has increased security presence in seven eastern and northeastern provinces as a precautionary measure.
For clients with upcoming trips, rest assured that you will be informed of any itineraries affected by the said situation to ensure safe travel.
Start the year differently. Our curated experience stays turn ordinary trips into extraordinary moments you’ll never forget.
Craving a Bali experience beyond the beach crowds? Veluvana Bali in Sidemen delivers authentic immersion in nature. This unique eco-retreat features architecturally stunning bamboo villas—the iconic Snail House, Octopus House, and Scorpio House—designed by local artisans with sustainability at the core. Breathtaking views of Mount Agung and rice terraces, rooftop pools, farm-to-table cuisine, and experiences like traditional massage, yoga, and village cycling create a complete escape. Open-concept living connects you to the landscape, offering eco-conscious luxury and cultural depth for a truly transformative Bali retreat.
Discover Siem Reap’s newest sanctuary. Green Morodoc Garden Hotel has just opened in the heart of downtown, minutes from Angkor Wat and Pub Street. Step into 52 rooms where modern tropical design meets tranquil garden views—each with a private balcony overlooking lush greenery or the outdoor pool. Savour Cambodian and international flavours at the on-site restaurant, unwind in serene garden surroundings, and enjoy budget-friendly luxury with all the modern amenities. This December 1, 2025, opening brings a fresh retreat to Siem Reap, perfectly balancing urban convenience with natural calm for your Cambodia adventure.
Early 2026 brings the highly anticipated reopening of Outrigger Phi Phi Island Resort. The former Zeavola Resort has been completely reimagined, transforming a secluded beach sanctuary into Outrigger’s interpretation of “barefoot luxury.” What awaits? Sixty-three thoughtfully designed suites and villas inspired by “Nit Thra” (the soul of rest), two onsite restaurants showcasing Thai and seafood specialties, a rejuvenating spa, and a PADI Dive Center for underwater exploration. Set on Phi Phi Island’s northern tip and accessible only by boat, this retreat promises cultural immersion, environmental consciousness, and the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation in one of Thailand’s most stunning locations.
New year calls for new adventures planned just right. Our Vio Travel Specialists have curated a seasonal itinerary with unique escapes and a perfectly timed getaway that lets you celebrate 2026 in style.
Big views, memorable experiences, scenic drives, cultural stories, and a well-earned island break—this itinerary brings it all together without the stress.
Begin in Sydney, staying at The Capitol Hotel while ticking off iconic experiences—from the Opera House and BridgeClimb to the misty Blue Mountains with Featherdale and Scenic World. Head north to Cairns and check in at Pacific Hotel for tropical highlights, including the Kuranda journey, an Outer Great Barrier Reef cruise with Reef Magic, and a sunset dinner cruise on A Spirit of Cairns.
Continue to Melbourne at The Savoy on Little Collins, where a walking tour uncovers the city’s stories before road-tripping the Great Ocean Road and spotting wildlife on Phillip Island. Cross to Queenstown and settle into Holiday Inn Express & Suites for alpine scenery, Milford Sound cruising, and a scenic overland journey through Mt. Cook and Lake Tekapo to Christchurch.
Stay at Crowne Plaza Christchurch and enjoy the Waipara Wine Trail, then fly to Rotorua for Māori culture, geothermal landscapes, and a visit to Hobbiton.
Wrap up in Auckland with city highlights before slowing down in Fiji at Yatule Resort & Spa—ending the journey with relaxed island days by the sea.
You can book all of these Experience Stays and Travel Inspirations as standalone services or customize them to your preferences through our B2B Booking Platform.
We’ve upgraded our hotel factsheets on the booking platform to give you more detailed, up-to-date information when booking. Now featuring clearer room images, specific bed type details, and comprehensive amenity lists, these improved factsheets help you make more informed decisions. Simply click any underlined room name during booking to view the complete factsheet.
Don’t forget that you can expand the “View Conditions” dropdown for bed types, smoking preferences, and cancellation policies.
As we welcome 2026, we’re excited to introduce Emerging Destinations in North America and Evolution Travel Collective in Australia as Vio Travel’s official sales representatives. These partnerships strengthen our presence in key markets and bring our expertise and in-depth destination knowledge closer to travel agents, enabling them to craft meaningful journeys for their clients.
By working together in the year ahead, we aim to inspire more travellers with authentic, high-touch experiences while supporting agents with the tools and guidance they need to deliver exceptional journeys.
The holidays didn’t happen on just one day for us this year—they stretched across 8 time zones, with every team finding its own way to celebrate. From different traditions to unique ways of marking the season, we found joy in connecting, even when we couldn’t be in the same room. Being apart didn’t mean missing out. Each celebration reminded us that distance doesn’t break connection—it just makes finding new ways to share the festive spirit even more special.
By working together in the year ahead, we aim to inspire more travellers with authentic, high-touch experiences while supporting agents with the tools and guidance they need to deliver exceptional journeys.
Still searching for your next adventure? We went straight to our Vio Travel Experts to get insider tips on the best destinations, stays, and hidden gems. From must-visit spots to off-the-beaten-path experiences, here’s what they had to say!
What keeps you excited about travel?
What excites me most about travel is how it constantly offers new perspectives. Every destination has its own rhythm, culture, and stories. Helping clients experience those moments is what truly keeps me motivated.
What region do you think is the next big hit for 2026?
I believe Southeast Asia will continue to be a standout for 2026, especially destinations like Thailand and Vietnam, where travellers can enjoy a balance of wellness, culture, and meaningful experiences. Vio Travel journeys in this region highlight exactly that blend.
What’s a property or experience that changed the way you think about travel?
Staying at a wellness resort completely changed my thoughts about travel as it’s no longer just about beautiful places, but about how a place makes you feel, reconnect, slow down and soul retreat. One I would recommend is the Stay Wellbeing Resort in Phuket. Vio Travel’s handpicked properties make it easy to experience the destination in a deeper, more authentic way.
Where did you go recently that you can’t stop talking about?
Thailand is a destination I always come back to and never stop talking about. Especially Khao Sok National Park – a combination of rainforest, limestone cliffs, and floating resort feels unreal.
When a client says “take me somewhere no one’s heard of,” where does your mind go?
My mind goes to places like Koh Lipe – a small island with crystal-clear waters and beautiful, unspoiled beaches. It’s perfect for travellers looking for somewhere peaceful and less explored. With Vio Travel’s local experience, it’s easier to introduce clients to destinations that feel exclusive yet genuine.
What’s one game-changer about how you plan trips?
The biggest game-changer is having strong support “behind the scenes”. With Vio Travel’s tools and team support, I can spend less time on logistics and more time creating trips that are truly suitable for our clients.
And that’s it! Remember, you can book all of these experiences with us and integrate them into your clients’ itineraries, ensuring you offer them the best experience possible, within minutes!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our team via info@vio.travel
For booking-related inquiries, message us at booking@vio.travel.