Sun-drenched coastlines, remarkable wildlife encounters, leisurely river journeys and landscapes shaped over billions of years: the Holiday 2026 issue of DRIFT Travel Magazine brings together the experiences that make us want to explore. With Mexico taking center stage, this edition also travels through France, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, Panama and Australia, alongside a holiday gift guide filled with ideas for travelers.
Mexico in the Spotlight
Our cover takes readers to Cabo San Lucas, where the Pacific Ocean meets dramatic rock formations, lively marina culture and some of North America’s most memorable golf courses. In a firsthand feature, publisher Steve Drake explores Playa Grande Resort & Grand Spa, a retreat on Solmar Beach that combines spacious pools, a restorative spa and easy access to the restaurants, shops and nightlife of downtown Cabo. His experience includes a traditional temazcal ceremony and a look at why the resort makes a convenient base for a Los Cabos golf vacation.
The golf story continues at Solmar Golf Links, where Greg Norman’s design winds through desert terrain and coastal dunes with Pacific views that make even a challenging round feel like a getaway. The issue also visits Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes Resort Golf & Spa, highlighting its saltwater lagoon and oceanfront wellness experiences, and Viceroy Riviera Maya, where private villas, jungle pathways and Mayan-inspired spa rituals offer a quieter side of Mexican luxury.
Travel That Changes Your Perspective
In Thailand, photographer Yves Drieghe shares an intimate photographic journey through Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary in Sukhothai. Rather than staged animal encounters, the story celebrates the dignity of rescued elephants living on their own terms. It is a compelling reminder that responsible wildlife travel often begins with observing rather than interfering.
For travelers drawn to Europe’s slower rhythms, Diane Tierney boards Viking Hemming for a Douro River cruise through Portugal, with an excursion to Salamanca, Spain. Vineyard-covered hillsides, historic towns, regional food and a relaxed onboard atmosphere set the scene for a journey where the views are as important as the destinations.
Across the French Riviera, Zara Durrani discovers a more personal side of the Côte d’Azur. Her travels from Antibes to Nice include bustling markets, coastal walks, memorable meals and visits to Èze and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Beyond the famous glamour, the story finds beauty in local encounters and the pleasure of taking your time.
Two Continents, Extraordinary Landscapes
In Panama, Sergi Reboredo moves beyond the celebrated canal to explore Panama City’s historic neighborhoods and contemporary energy before heading toward the Caribbean islands of Bocas del Toro. The feature also looks at rainforest environments and Indigenous cultural traditions, revealing the diversity found within this compact country.
Australia offers a different kind of journey. Andrew Marshall explores ancient rockscapes, from the towering limestone Pinnacles and the gorges of Karijini National Park to the striking formations of the Great Ocean Road. These landscapes are more than beautiful backdrops: they tell stories of deep geological time and enduring Indigenous connections to the land.
Holiday Gifts for People Who Love to Go
Rounding out the issue, our Holiday Gift Guide brings together practical and imaginative finds for travelers. Expect luggage from LEVEL8, cozy layers from Smartwool and Helly Hansen, smart organizers from Orbitkey, and photography gear from Mission Workshop, Tether Tools and HOVERAir. Whether you’re shopping for a frequent flyer, outdoor explorer or creative traveler, there is plenty of inspiration.
Wherever your next journey leads, the Holiday 2026 issue is an invitation to discover more, travel thoughtfully and enjoy every moment along the way.
