Where to go in 2026

Where will your travels lead you in 2026? From major global events to emerging destinations, 2026 is bound to be an exciting year for travelers. Whether you’re hoping to witness breathtaking natural phenomena in Greenland, join cheering crowds at the Winter Olympics in Italy, or finally tick off a dream destination on your travel bucket list, this guide highlights trips that will stay with you long after you unpack. Here are our top travel destinations to inspire your plans for 2026.

Our top travel destinations for 2026

Japan: see a different side to this East Asian gem

With Aichi-Nagoya hosting the Asian Games, it’s the perfect excuse to explore Japan’s lesser-known regions. In Central Honshu, you can hike the historic Nakasendō Trail between Kyoto and Tokyo to see Edo-period post towns like Magome and Tsumago with their wooden inns and paper lantern-lit forest paths.

In the Japanese Alps, browse Takayama’s morning markets, admire Matsumoto’s castle views, and soak in Gero Onsen’s thermal baths. Spring brings cherry blossoms in full bloom, while fall paints the country’s landscapes with fiery red maple leaves. Off the main island, Naoshima in the Setouchi region is known for its contemporary art museums and unique art installations.

Indulging in local cuisine is a part of the adventure in Japan. Try miso katsu in Nagoya, freshwater eel in Hamamatsu, and seasonal sweets shaped like temple flowers in local market stalls. For a July or August 2026 trip, consider planning a post-Games itinerary that combines the Alps, Setouchi, and a few days in Kyoto once the crowds thin.

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Vietnam: experience the beauty of the countryside

Beyond big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City lies a landscape of limestone peaks and river deltas in Vietnam’s countryside. In the far north, Hà Giang’s mountain passes lead to terraced paddies, while vibrant markets in Dong Van and Mèo Vạc are brimming with textiles, herbal medicines, and baskets of spices.

Further south, Ninh Binh earns its nickname “Ha Long Bay on land” with rowboat rides through caves and waterways flanked by karst cliffs. The Pu Luong Nature Reserve offers scenic hikes to stilt-house villages and bamboo forests, while Da Lat in the central highlands is an outdoor lover’s paradise with waterfalls, sunrise hikes, and motorbike tours.

In the Mekong Delta, you can cruise past floating markets at Cai Rang market, then cycle uncrowded lanes past orchards and canals. Summer in Vietnam brings lush greenery and fewer crowds, with easy connections between the north, highlands, and southern delta.

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Uzbekistan: Silk Road history and culture

Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities dazzle even the most intrepid traveler with their eye-catching Islamic architecture and displays of finely-honed local craftsmanship. Samarkand’s Registan Square is a masterpiece with three madrassas and tilework, while Bukhara’s busy bazaars overflow with ikat scarves and copperware. In Khiva, the walled old town feels like a living museum of minarets and mosques.

The new high-speed rail in Uzbekistan makes multi-city travel stress-free. In the Fergana Valley, join silk-weaving and pottery workshops, or head to the Nuratau Mountains for homestays where you can bake bread in clay ovens, learn noodle-making, and hike with local shepherds.

When hunger strikes, try local specialties such as plov cooked in giant cauldrons, deliciously flaky samsa pastries, and fresh-baked non bread. Browse local markets like Tashkent’s Chorsu Bazaar, to sample local favorites or pick up hand-made souvenirs at artisan handicraft stalls.

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Kyrgyzstan: nomadic traditions and mountain adventures

One of our top travel destinations for active outdoor experiences, Kyrgyzstan is a perfect destination for travelers who crave wide-open landscapes. In summer, the pastures around lake Song-Kul fill with yurts and grazing horses. You can spend a night in a felt-lined yurt, ride with herders to panoramic viewpoints, and try kumis, the fermented mare’s milk central to nomadic life.

At Issyk-Kul Lake, you can enjoy the sandy beaches and boat trips surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The Ala-Kul Pass challenges hikers with steep climbs and rewards them with emerald glacial lakes, while Ala-Archa National Park near Bishkek offers hikes that lead to waterfalls and glaciers.

Community-based tourism in Kyrgyzstan makes it easy to book homestays, learn felt-making, or cook traditional meals with local families. In 2026, plan an unforgettable adventure travel experience that’s deeply connected to the local culture.

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Italy: Olympic excitement and off-season charm

Italy takes center stage as Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo host the Winter Olympics. Purchase tickets to one of the events if you love the buzz of the Olympics energy, or wait until it ends for quieter slopes and new infrastructure without the crowds.

The Dolomites are the main stage, but northern Italy has plenty more to explore. Piedmont’s cellars are filled with world-class Barolo and Barbaresco, while Venice’s misty canals and cicchetti bars feel more manageable in the off-season. Spring in Lake Como or Garda brings scenic ferry rides and peaceful garden strolls.

Add Tuscany to your itinerary for truffle hunts or a vineyard lunch, then head south to Puglia or Sicily for sunshine, ancient Greek and Norman ruins, and seafood markets. It’s no surprise that Italy’s year-round appeal makes it an easy addition to any bucket list for 2026.

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Austria: alpine escapes year-round

Austria’s efficient rail lines take travelers deep into the Alps for skiing, hiking, and lakeside swims without the long drives. Winter in Tyrol and Vorarlberg combines top-tier skiing with cozy villages. In summer, Salzburgerland trades snow for wildflowers, forest trails, and warm alpine lakes.

Cycle the scenic trails in Vorarlberg, explore Bregenz’s art scene, or hike through Styria’s wine country. In Styria, outdoor enthusiasts can also kayak the crystal-clear waters of Grüner See for incredible alpine scenery. In summer, Carinthia is an outdoor playground for boating, paddleboarding, and family-friendly swims.

For rest days, soak in the mineral-rich thermal waters of Bad Gastein, take in a Mozart concert in Salzburg’s historic halls, or ride a cable car to a mountaintop trailhead for sweeping alpine views.

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Poland: historic cities and nature

Poland’s cities offer the perfect blend of old-world charm with modernity. Kraków’s Old Town is photogenic with its Gothic churches and Renaissance courtyards, while Warsaw’s skyline mixes palaces with modern architecture. Gdańsk has a maritime history along the Motława River, home to a charming Old Town with cobblestone streets and colorful historic houses.

Beyond the cities, the Białowieża Forest is a hotspot for nature lovers where you can catch a glimpse of European bison. Alternatively, kayak through the Masurian Lake District, hike to glacial lakes in the High Tatras, and ride the funicular up Gubałówka Hill in Zakopane for panoramic views of the Tatra Mountains.

Don’t miss Poland’s hearty local flavors. Beyond its famous pierogis, you can try a bowl of bigos, a savory sauerkraut and meat stew often called Poland’s national dish. Finish with kremówka, a cream-filled pastry from Wadowice.

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Croatia: lesser-known gems of the Dalmatian Coast

While big cities like Dubrovnik typically get all the buzz, 2026 invites you to explore Croatia’s less-visited regions. Inland, Istria lures in travelers with its wine roads, olive groves, and truffle-rich forests, while Varaždin, north of Zagreb, charms with Baroque squares and lively summer festivals.

Vis is a laid-back island getaway with 17th-century Venetian buildings lining the harbor, beautiful pebble beaches, and scenic boat tours. Nearby, Hvar boasts charming seaside towns and turquoise beaches that are perfect for swimming. On the mainland, visit Plitvice and Krka in spring or fall for impressive waterfall views without the crowds.

Adventurous travelers can plan a hike through Paklenica’s limestone canyon, then relax at a seaside restaurant over octopus salad and a chilled glass of Pošip by the sea.

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Turkey: coastlines, history, and hidden gems

2026 is the perfect year to explore Turkey’s highlights and hidden gems. Start in Istanbul, where each neighborhood feels like its own city. Explore the Old City’s domes and mosaics, then cross the Bosphorus by ferry to browse lively markets, sip tea at a cafe, and admire the city skyline views from the water.

Cappadocia’s balloon-filled skies are iconic, but if you prefer to stay on solid ground, you could partake in a pottery workshop or hike through valleys dotted with carved churches, and recharge with an overnight stay in a cave hotel. On the Aegean, pair the ancient ruins of Ephesus or Priene with a swim in a sheltered cove and lunch of grilled sea bream.

You can also walk the Lycian Way to see ruins, villages, and turquoise bays, or head to Mardin in the southeast to explore its historic lanes overlooking the Mesopotamian plains.

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Namibia: a different kind of safari

In Namibia, the landscapes are just as captivating as the wildlife-viewing. Etosha National Park’s waterholes offer up-close views of elephants, lions, and rhinos, while Sossusvlei’s red dunes give an otherworldly glow at sunrise. For unique photo ops, head to Deadvlei to see the fossilized trees create surreal silhouettes.

Follow the Skeleton Coast to see shipwrecks and seal colonies, or stay in Swakopmund for sandboarding, quad rides, and dolphin cruises. In Damaraland, you can track desert-adapted elephants with local guides.

At night, the NamibRand Nature Reserve comes alive. It’s an International Dark Sky Reserve, which means the incredible star-filled skies can rival the views of a morning game drive.

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Greenland: a natural and celestial spectacle

Greenland will be one of the top travel destinations to witness the total solar eclipse in August 2026, and that is reason enough to go. But in Ilulissat, you can also watch icebergs drift through Disko Bay or hike to the edge of the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Kangerlussuaq offers access to the Greenland Ice Sheet, where guided treks take you to surreal landscapes of blue crevasses and snowfields.

In the capital city, Nuuk, you can learn about Inuit heritage at art galleries, cultural centers, and traditional cuisine. By September, the northern lights appear across Greenland’s sky, illuminating the night with their vivid glow.

If you’re looking for a truly once-in-a-lifetime getaway in 2026, combining the eclipse with glacier hikes, boat excursions, and time spent in Greenland’s remote communities is hard to beat.

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Canada: World Cup excitement and natural wonders

Canada will be buzzing in 2026 as Toronto and Vancouver are set to host the FIFA World Cup, alongside other major cities in the U.S. and Mexico. You’re spoiled for choice with these two exciting destinations, from Toronto’s multicultural neighborhoods to Vancouver’s ocean-meets-mountains backdrop.

Why not combine city sightseeing with some quiet time exploring Canada’s vast natural expanses? The Okanagan Valley is a hub for wine enthusiasts, home to cozy boutique wineries and farm-to-table dining, and makes an unforgettable stop away from big-city crowds.

For more wonderful wilderness experiences further afield, the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia is one of North America’s best road trips, while whale watching in the Gulf of St. Lawrence is a summer highlight. Indigenous tourism is growing in Canada, with cultural centers, guided walks, and community-run lodges adding more meaningful experiences.

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Cuba: pulsating streets and coastal escapes

Cuba easily draws you in with its vibrant culture, historic charm, and beautiful coastline, so you’ll have little trouble seeing why it’s made our list of top travel destinations for 2026. In Havana, pastel-colored buildings, colonial plazas, and the iconic Malecón set the stage for music that runs late into the night.

Outside of the capital, the Viñales Valley is known for its limestone cliffs and tobacco farms, where you can see each step of the cigar-making process. In Trinidad, cobblestone streets lead to museums, open-air concerts, and a lively town square filled with music. On the island’s eastern tip, Baracoa pairs seafood and chocolate with a lush landscape of rivers and rainforest.

Beach lovers will find paradise on Varadero’s long stretch of white sands or in Cayo Coco’s turquoise waters, perfect for snorkeling and diving.

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Colombia: from jungle to coast

Colombia is one of South America’s most diverse destinations, and 2026 is a great year to put it on your list. In Bogotá, browse pre-Columbian artifacts at the Gold Museum, take street art tours to La Candelaria’s colorful murals, and sip local brews in trendy coffee bars. In Medellín, ride the cable cars up to hillside parks for sweeping views, then unwind in the city’s botanical gardens.

On the Caribbean coast, Cartagena’s walled city captivates with its colorful plazas and lively streets. If you want to get outdoors, Tayrona National Park offers a mix of adventure and relaxation with jungle hikes and palm-lined beaches. In the coffee region, towns like Salento and Filandia offer hands-on farm visits to learn how beans are harvested into rich Colombian coffee.

Wildlife lovers can time their visit between July and October to catch a glimpse of humpback whales off the Pacific coast. For a deeper immersion, head to Leticia and explore the Amazon, where wild river journeys and canopy walks in the rainforest reveal some of Colombia’s most untouched landscapes.

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Make it happen

Ready to plan a trip of a lifetime to one (or more) of these top travel destinations? Make 2026 a year you’ll never forget, by reaching out to our local experts in your chosen destination. Equipped with all the intimate knowledge and expertise, they’ll help you craft the tailor-made itinerary of your dreams.