The start of the year is meant to feel like a reset, but for many of us, the holidays offer little time for the rest and relaxation we’re craving. That’s why, in 2026, I’m embracing the idea of a second getaway; one that’s designed around bucket-list destinations, filled with my favourite pastimes, and that leaves me feeling excited for the year ahead.
And thanks to Cathay Pacific‘s great deals on flights to top locations, turning my dream vacation into reality has never been easier, more affordable, or more luxurious. Add in the countless membership perks offered to Cathay members, and this opportunity for adventure proves far too good to pass up.
The perfect vacation starts here
To help you get the 2026 reset you’re craving, we’ve rounded up some vacation inspiration and tips for choosing the best airline and finding the best flight deals. Read on and check in for a holiday to remember; after all, is there any better way to bring in the new year?
Top destinations for your next getaway
01
Paris, France
Best vacation destination for: history, shopping, pastries, and architecture
Having been to Paris on three separate occasions (and as it’s my namesake), I am a tad biased towards the city of love. What can I say? For me, there’s nothing better than a day spent admiring the canvases at the Centre Pompidou, sipping a café au lait at the diner from Amelie, and browsing the shelves of Shakespeare and Co.
Best time to go: Springtime in Paris (March-June) is magical, and not as busy as the summer months.
Things to see:
- For art: The Louvre, Le Centre Pompidou, Musée de l’Orangerie
- For history: The Louvre Museum, Musée d’Orsay, Cimetière du Père-Lachaise
- For shopping: Shakespeare & Co, Louise Carmen, Repetto
- Day trips: The Palace of Versailles, Claude Monet’s House and Gardens in Giverny, Normandy
02
Toronto, Canada
Best vacation destination for: beautiful landscapes, nature walks, and lovely locals
Ever since my three months spent exploring Canada in 2025, I’ve been looking for any excuse to return. Between the breathtaking landscapes, beautiful cities, and lovely locals, it’s a destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list. My top tip? Make sure to book tickets to a hockey game while you’re in town; it’s quite literally the most entertaining live sport I’ve ever witnessed (Go HABS!).
Best time to go: Visit during Toronto’s summer months (June – August) for a warm, sunny holiday. While I loved spending last winter in Canada, the negative-degree days did take a little getting used to.
Things to see:
- For art: Art Gallery of Ontario, The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, Bau-Xi Gallery
- For history: Spadina Museum, Royal Ontario Museum, Hockey Hall of Fame
- For outdoorsy days: Evergreen Brick Works, Rattlesnake Point, Mast Trail
- Day trips: Stratford, Elora, Unionville (where Gilmore Girls was filmed)
03
New York, U.S.A
Best vacation destination for: arts & culture, museums, city exploring
America is somewhere I’d love to explore a little more, and having already ticked Los Angeles off my bucket list, New York simply has to be next. I’ve been adding to my dream itinerary for the last few years, which now features all the classics (Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Times Square), as well as a couple of lesser-known gems (November 19 Store, Katz Deli, Greenmarket in Lincoln Square)
Best time to go: Visiting New York in Spring (April-June) or Autumn (September-November) is ideal – you’ll miss extreme weather and large crowds (and Central Park looks beautiful when it’s either in bloom or covered in Autumn leaves).
Things to see:
- For art: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim Museum, Colour Factory NYC
- For history: American Museum of Natural History, Museum of the City of New York, New York State Museum
- For shopping: Leif in Williamsburg, Westsider Books in the Upper West Side, November 19 in the Lower East Side
- Day trips: Cold Spring, Phillips Manor, New Haven
Tips for picking the best airline
As someone who’s done their fair share of travelling (17 countries and counting), I’ve found that the mood of one’s entire vacation is often set at the departure terminal.
A younger, less worldly version of myself would book the cheapest red-eyes I could find; those with 1 am check-in times, minimal baggage allowances, and dubious in-flight meals. Nowadays, I prioritise a balance of comfort and affordability when selecting the best airline because, as it turns out, a relaxing trip really doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
I’ve tested a few top airlines, and Cathay Pacific is one that consistently meets my long list of criteria (and that recently took home the title of the World’s Top 3 Best Airlines by Skytrax in 2025). With gourmet menus crafted alongside Michelin-starred chefs, comfortable ergonomic seats, even in economy class, and the largest entertainment library in the Asia-Pacific region with Disney+, HBO Max, and live sports, flying with Cathay Pacific isn’t simply a means of transport; it’s a vacation experience to look forward to.
Why become a Cathay Member?
When signing up as a Cathay Member, you don’t just get access to exclusive member-only sales; you’ll benefit from a range of enticing perks that will keep you flying in comfort for many trips to come. Trust me, your future self will thank you for joining this particular programme.
The Cathay membership consists of four tiers: Green, Silver, Gold, and Diamond, with more benefits added at each level. Members can level up by flying with the Airline and earning status points.
My favourite perks? The extra baggage redemption, lounge access, and advance seat selection. Find the benefits you love most on the list below.
Cathay Green Member Perks
- Earn Asia Miles and Status Points
- Priority online check-in (up to 48 hours in advance)
- Extra baggage redemption
- 24-hour free cancellation on flight tickets
- Extra legroom seats redemption
Cathay Silver Member Perks (300 status points)
All of the above perks, plus:
- Preferred seats reservation
- Business lounge access
- Lounge access redemption and purchase
- Advance seat reservation
- Business class counter check-in
- Priority group boarding
- Priority baggage handling
- Special rates on miles for shopping and dining
Cathay Gold Member Perks (600 status points)
- Priority redemption on lifestyle events, experiences and travel packages
- Complimentary in-flight WIFI
- Additional checked baggage allowance
Cathay Diamond Member Perks (1,200 status points)
- First class counter check-in and boarding
- First class lounge access
- Special rates on miles on flight redemption when using Miles Plus Cash
