JAKARTA – As the year draws to a close, travelers are eagerly planning their adventures for 2026. Popular Indonesian travel writer and blogger Trinity Traveler, widely known for her "The Nekad Traveler" series, has shared an exclusive list of destination recommendations with detikTravel. In an interview on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, Trinity emphasized the importance of aligning travel plans with one's budget while exploring new and exciting locations.
Trinity's primary recommendations focus on the rising appeal of Central Asia. She specifically pointed to Uzbekistan and neighboring countries as excellent choices for the coming year. "The advantage now is that many budget airlines have opened routes there. New routes to Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, or other 'Stan' countries are great. They are still affordable, clean, and also easy to travel," Trinity explained. This region offers a blend of rich history, stunning architecture, and growing tourist infrastructure.
Beyond Central Asia, Trinity highlighted the Middle East as a compelling option. She noted that countries like Saudi Arabia have streamlined their travel processes, making visits more convenient for international tourists. "Countries in the Middle East are also great now, like Saudi Arabia, where everything can be arranged online to go there," she added. This digital ease of access removes significant barriers for planners.
For travelers in Asia, China presents a notable trend for 2026, according to Trinity. This is largely due to its visa-free transit policy, which allows a stay of up to 240 hours for passengers transiting to a third country. This policy makes it an attractive option for travelers looking to add a short but immersive cultural stopover to their longer journeys.
Addressing a common concern for many, Trinity offered advice for beginner solo travelers prioritizing safety. For a nearby and secure option, she immediately suggested Singapore. "If we're talking about safe countries, just go to developed countries like those in Europe, America, or Saudi Arabia. However, for Europe and America, it depends on the city. Paris and Barcelona have many pickpockets, right? If you want a country without a visa, Singapore is already safe," she elaborated.
Based on her extensive travel experiences, Trinity also advised caution regarding certain destinations for solo travel. She specifically did not recommend solo travel to South Africa due to security factors, underscoring the importance of researching safety conditions alongside a destination's attractions.
To assist Indonesian travelers further, Trinity and the report provided a crucial list of countries accessible with an Indonesian passport without a prior visa. This extensive list includes nations across continents, from Thailand and Turkey in Asia to Brazil in South America and Morocco in Africa, offering a wide array of choices for hassle-free travel.
Ultimately, Trinity Traveler's insights for 2026 encourage explorers to look beyond traditional hubs. By considering emerging destinations in Central Asia, taking advantage of new flight routes and visa policies, and prioritizing destinations that match one's travel experience and safety comfort, adventurers can craft a memorable and smooth journey for the year ahead.