Travel is more than just visiting a new place and ticking destinations off your bucket list; it’s about discovering cultures, creating memories, and stepping outside your comfort zone. As 2026 approaches, the world is brimming with places that promise adventure, luxury, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in cultural gems, explore natural wonders, or embark on a backpacking journey,f rom the icy wonders of Greenland to the vibrant streets of Seoul, the serene landscapes of Iceland, and the cultural depths of Morocco, 2026 is shaping up to be an extraordinary year for travelers. Here´s a curated list which will inspire your travel plans for the new year and create stories worth telling for years to come.
Experience the Energy of the FIFA World Cup throughout North America
With football´s greatest the FIFA World Cup being hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, cities like New York, Los Angeles, Mexico City, and Toronto will be at the center of global excitement. Book your accommodations and tickets early, as demand will skyrocket closer to the event. It’s not just about the games — explore iconic attractions in each city while celebrating the world’s biggest sporting event. Additional host cities: Atlanta, Boston, Houston, Kansas City, Miami, Philadelphia, and San Francisco in the U.S.; Guadalajara and Monterrey in Mexico; and Vancouver, Canada.
Japan — Tradition, Innovation, and Art
Japan remains an unmissable destination, offering something for every traveler. From hiking Mount Fuji to exploring Tokyo’s high-tech streets, and soaking in the serenity of Kyoto’s temples, Japan combines modern innovation with timeless tradition. The cherry blossom season is expected to be exceptionally stunning this coming year, making spring the perfect time for a visit. And go check out Naoshima island off the southwest coast three hours from Osaka, which has transformed itself into an island-wide art gallery, and the Naoshima New Museum of Art just opened last spring.
Bruno Rijsman
Italy´s Amalfi Coast — The Renewed Charm of La Dolce Vita
This UNESCO World Heritage stretch of southern Italy´s Sorrento Peninsula is timeless, but in 2026 the experience will be better than ever, with luxury hotels, yacht charters, and tour operators expanding their offerings (including those with a culinary, cultural, and adventure focus), with visitors looking for authentic, immersive experiences rather than traditional sightseeing tourism.
Brazil´s Fernando de Noronha Island — An Eco-Paradise
Ecotourism will continue to boom in the coming year, and Brazil will be in the spotlight thanks to its having been named Travel+Leisure´s destination of the year. One of the places T+L references is this exclusive, UNESCO World Heritage island known for limiting visitors to a few hundred a day. Located 220 miles off the northeastern coast, reachable by air from São Paulo and Recife, Noronha is known for its volcanic landscapes, hiking, snorkeling, and diving. And in 2026 there will be increased airlift from Sao Paulo, new conservation initiatives, and new resorts and eco lodges due to come online.
Diego Delso
Iceland — The Ultimate "Coolcation"
With its glaciers, hot springs, waterfalls, and black sand beaches, Iceland is the ultimate destination for those seeking unique landscapes. In 2026, “coolcations” (escaping summer heat in cooler destinations) are trending, and Iceland tops the list for travelers looking for adventure and tranquility in one trip. An added bonus is some of the most frequent and powerful northern lights in memory, and August's solar eclipse will be visible all over the country, even capital Reykjavik (which, by the way, has also seen quite a boom in high-quality hotels and restaurants in recent years).
South Africa — Safaris, Cities, and Wine Country
The Rainbow Nation will continue to boom with its perfect mix of wildlife, culture, and adventure, from wine tasting in Stellenbosch to thrilling safaris in Kruger National Park, and other game reserves and vibrant city vibes in Cape Town and Durban. Two trends which will be on the rise in ´26 are "lux-scaping," focusing on luxury experiences such as booking spa retreats and five-star hotels, and "pasion pursuits," travel experiences centered around personal interests - not just adventure, but for example music, history, and sports events.
Tasmania — Nature and Foodie Appeal
Remote but familiar - and very enriching - Australia´s island state pairs pristine wilderness with a thriving culinary scene especially in Launceston and Hobart. From hiking trails to eco-lodges and farm-to-table dining, this Australian gem is set to be discovered by more eco-conscious foodies in the coming year. In fact, it´s the only Australian destination on the prestigious Signature Travel Network´s "Where to Go in 2026" list, so Tassie will very definitely be in the spotlight.
Morocco — A Trove of Exotic Adventures
Morocco’s timeless charm is evolving with luxury trains and upgraded desert camps where comfort meets adventure. Explore the historic medinas, enjoy a Sahara adventure, or indulge in a relaxing coastal escape in Essaouira. This destination is ideal for travelers craving cultural immersion with a touch of luxury, and the ancient city of Fez in particular will be a star next year thanks to new hotel and museums openings as well as restorations, renovations, and upgrades in its intensely atmospheric medina (medieval old quarter).
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South Korea — Modernity and Culture Combined
Along with K Pop, and K Beauty, how about "K Travel"? This country´s tourism boom will continue apacein the coming year, fueled foremost by domestic but also Chinese, Japanese, Taiwanese, and U.S. visitors attracted by the likes of Seoul’s tradition-meets-modern vibe, Jeju Island’s natural beauty, the historic charm of Gyeongju, and of course a peek at the demilitarized zone with North Korea. We can expect new cultural and natural attractions such as the landmark There Korea Wellness Resort in Incheon (a few miles south of Seoul), featuring spas, water parks and botanical gardens, and the Dongseo Trail, SK´s first long-distance hiking route, spanning 527 miles. In terms of trends, personalized travel experiences will be big, including themed trips and local market experiences.
Greenland — The Arctic Frontier
With new direct flights to capital Nuuk, improved tourism infrastructure, and a much higher world profile thanks to recent geopolitical controversy, the world´s largest island will definitely be welcoming more travelers in 2026. This is your chance to explore glaciers, witness the Northern Lights, enjoy whale-watching, and learn about Greenlandic culture in a land that truly feels otherworldly.
Italy — Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d´Ampezzo
Sports enthusiasts and culture lovers alike should mark their calendars for the winter Olympic Games in February, with ice events being hosted in Milan and most of the rest in Cortina, Italy´s premier ski resort, with a permanent population of just 5,700. Of course, by now it may be tough to find space - not to mention expensive - but Cortina is fantastic all season long, as are other winter resorts in the Italian Alps such as Cevinia, Courmayeur, Livigno, Sestriere, and Val Gardena.
Mongolia — Adventure, the Steppes, and a Cool Capital
This once poor, isolated Communist country largely of nomadic herders is an up-and-coming destination especially for adventure lovers, and visitors love the colorful Naandam festival of traditional sports, exploring the Gobi Desert, visiting the nomads of the steppes, and enjoying the booming capital Ulanbataar, a vibrant mix of traditional and modern architecture. In addition, the government has been working to improve infrastructure and facilities especially in more remote areas, to accommodate the rising numbers of visitors, and new tours are being launched to showcase local culture and nature, including the Ten Thousand Camel Festival, the Snow Leopard Tour, the Horseback Archery Trip, and the Winter Reindeer Tribe Tour.
Thailand, Southeast Asia´s Backpacking Star
Southeast Asia in general - including Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Vietnam - is catnip for backbackers thanks to affordability, bustling hostels, rich street food culture, breathtaking natural beauty, friendly locals, and compelling culture. But Thailand is still the backpackers´ destination of choice thanks to all of the above plus the diversity of its landscapes and experiences, from bustling big-city Bangkok to the beaches and islands of the south and mountain cities such as Chang Mai and the more serene Chang Rai. And in ´26 improvements in rail networks will make travel faster and easier, and more visitors will be venturing off the beaten path to places like Nan Province with its mountain temples and remote coastal areas like Nakhon Si Thammarat and Koh Yao Noi, with stunning landscapes and beaches but fewer crowds.
The Comoros — A Hidden Indian Ocean Treasure
Looking for a far-flung escape à la Mauritius, the Seychelles, or the Maldives, but where probably no one else you know has been? Before others discover it, come to this tiny three-island chain in East Africa between Mozambique and Madagascar, where you can hike volcanic peaks, snorkel with turtles, soak up local culture, or simply relax on unspoiled beaches far from the madding crowds. In 2026 initiatives will greatly improve transportation between the three islands as well as promote sustainable ecotourism.
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