Soneva Secret Island
Every traveller has a ‘list’— the destinations that live in daydreams, vision boards and ‘one day’ conversations. Whether it’s an over-water villa in the Maldives, an icy expedition to the edge of the world or a Mediterranean summer, those big-ticket holidays require planning, both in logistics and budgeting.
As industry voices observe, Australians appear to be taking fewer trips but investing more in each, prioritising quality over quantity. It’s a shift toward slower, more meaningful escapes and journeys designed with care, not compromise.
That’s where American Express’ Plan It instalments* comes in — a way to manage travel expenses more effectively and turn those dream destinations into a reality. American Express Credit Card Members can use Plan It Instalments to pay off individual purchases or a portion of their statement balance and spread the cost over time. There’s no interest, just a fixed monthly fee. That way, you can approach your next adventure with flexibility, travelling on your terms and within your means.
From the Aegean to the Arctic, these five journeys prove planning ahead doesn’t limit spontaneity, it unlocks it.
Paros Island, Greece
Known as the ‘mini-Mykonos’, it’s no surprise the Cycladic Island of Paros was named the world’s best island for 2025. Less crowded than Mykonos, yet just as charming, this luminous island offers everything from lively beach clubs and top-shelf dining to secluded coves and a slower, more sophisticated rhythm.
With neighbouring islands such as Naxos, and Anti-Paros under an hour’s boat ride away, Paros is the perfect base for island hopping. Or simply settle into the town of Naoussa where long, seaside lunches and late-night shopping are encouraged. Stay at Parīlio, a design-led haven and member of Design Hotels where you can bask in Aegean elegance without the crowds. With Plan It, American Express Credit Card Members can turn dream experiences — from flights and ferries to yacht charters — into equal monthly instalments over 3, 6, or 12 months, with no interest and only a fixed monthly fee. Plans start from $100 and can be cancelled at any time, giving you the flexibility to bring your Cycladic adventure to life.
Kyoto, Japan
Japan topped travel lists for years, and for 2026 it’s leading once again, with Tokyo and Kyoto named the top two cities in the world, just ahead of Paris. For those drawn to thoughtful, slow luxury, Kyoto deserves a place at the top of your ‘one day’ list. There’s a meditative beauty to Kyoto — from the ritual of a tea ceremony and the precision of a multi-course kaiseki meal, to the calm within Aman Kyoto’s secret garden. Steeped in stillness, it’s the counterpoint to fast travel: considered and thoughtful, much like the way Australian’s are choosing to explore into 2026.
Antarctica
Long considered the frontier of adventurous travel, Antarctica may not be the first place that comes to mind when picturing a luxury holiday — yet its growing appeal among tourists tells a different story. Thanks to technological advances and a surge in appetite for remote destinations, you can now sail to the edge of the world aboard luxury liners such as Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot. Fine dining and French design meets pure discovery aboard these boutique ships.
Whether it’s the magnetic isolation that’s nothing like your ordinary routine or the cinematic icescapes, Plan It helps you structure your travel spend — so the extraordinary feels achievable.
New York, USA
There are few cities in the world that deliver the thrill of New York. Its appeal hasn’t faded and remains a must for travellers of every persuasion. Think long lunches at hotspots such as Balthazar, mornings at the Met, shopping along Fifth Avenue, and nights under the neon glow of Times Square. For accommodation, book an icon such as The Carlyle, where Art Deco charm and Manhattan energy converge for the ultimate New York experience.
The Maldives
This magical destination, where the horizon feels infinite and time is elusive, remains the ultimate romantic escape built on exclusivity and seclusion. A place where you sleep to the sound of the waves lapping at your overwater bungalow, and shoes are optional while you dine on the sand.
The newly opened Soneva Secret in the remote Haa Dhaalu Atoll takes barefoot luxury to another level, with just 14 villas and a dedicated Barefoot Guardian to anticipate every need. It’s luxury in its purest form — personal, poetic and profoundly peaceful, yet still within reach. With Plan It, American Express Credit Card Members can spread the cost of multi-flight journeys and five-star stays into equal monthly instalments, making it easier to plan your once-in-a-lifetime overwater experience.
* A fixed monthly fee and terms and conditions apply. Read the full terms and conditions here
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