Channel 9’s Travel Guides enters its ninth season in 2026 with a revamped cast, blending long-standing audience favorites with fresh faces from reality television and the music industry. The series, which follows diverse pairs of Australians as they navigate international destinations, continues to shift its casting strategy by recruiting personalities from high-profile programs like The Block, Love Island Australia, and Married at First Sight, according to network announcements.
Who are the new faces joining Travel Guides in 2026?
The 2026 season introduces several newcomers to the globetrotting lineup. Sisters Eliza and Liberty, who gained national attention on The Block 2023, joined the cast for the season opener in Chile. Joining them are country music duo Brooke and Adam, Brisbane mothers Nicky and Connie, and best friends Tash and Meryl. Additionally, MAFS alumni Lucinda and Andie, who previously appeared in a special Ireland episode, return as part of the expanded roster, as confirmed by Channel 9.
The Fren family, consisting of Mark, Cathy, Victoria, and Jono, remains the show’s longest-running cast unit, having appeared on screen since the program’s debut in 2017.
How does the cast mix reality TV stars with regular Australians?
The production strategy relies on a contrast between professional entertainers and everyday Australians. While the show maintains “regular” participants like the Fren family and long-time travelers Kevin and Janetta—known as the “holiday snobs”—it increasingly integrates contestants from established reality franchises. For example, Callum and Mitch, known for their appearances on Love Island Australia, bring a high-energy, social-media-focused perspective to the travel experience, according to Nine’s official cast profiles.
What trends are shaping the future of reality travel programming?
The inclusion of MAFS and Love Island alumni signals a shift toward “cross-pollination” in reality television. By casting personalities with existing fanbases, networks like Channel 9 can leverage pre-established social media engagement to drive viewership. Data from the 2026 season shows that these new pairings are often chosen for their specific chemistry or distinct travel styles—such as the luxury-seeking habits of Kevin and Janetta compared to the activity-focused approach of Matt and Brett—to ensure diverse reactions to international cultures and cuisines.
If you are planning a trip based on the show, look for the “guides’ choice” segments. The show often highlights specific cultural experiences that are accessible to the public, rather than just the high-end luxury resorts favored by some cast members.
Where can viewers catch up on previous seasons?
All episodes of Travel Guides are available to stream on 9Now. The platform hosts the complete history of the series, allowing viewers to track the personal milestones of the cast, such as the marriages and births within the Fren family, which have unfolded on screen since 2017.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are any original cast members leaving the show in 2026?
No, the core staples of the show, including Kevin and Janetta, the Fren family, and the trio of Kev, Dorian, and Teng, have returned for the new season.
How are the new cast members selected?
According to network updates, the production team looks for pairs with existing, established relationships—ranging from family members and best friends to married couples—who possess distinct viewpoints on what makes a successful holiday.
Do the cast members get to choose their destinations?
The show organizes the itineraries, but the cast members’ reactions are unscripted. Each pair is chosen specifically for how their personal travel preferences—whether luxury, adventure, or budget-conscious—clash or align with the destination’s offerings.
Which of the new pairs are you most excited to see on their travels? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our entertainment newsletter for the latest updates on your favorite reality stars.
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