The 20 Best Places to Travel in 2026

A new wave of destinations is stepping into the spotlight in 2026, driven by cultural investment, ecosystem protection and a renewed focus on meaningful travel. From the remote corners of the Pacific to revitalised European cultural hubs, these places offer experiences that benefit both visitors and the communities who welcome them. Across continents, local leaders, artisans and conservation groups are using tourism to restore heritage, safeguard fragile landscapes and create new opportunities.

Below is a global look at the places that combine natural beauty, cultural depth and sustainable practices — and where your journey can help support a bigger story.

Abu Dhabi

A cultural boom powered by world-class museums and expanding theme-park attractions

Abu Dhabi enters 2026 with a cultural landscape unlike anything in the Gulf. The long-developing Saadiyat Cultural District is taking shape, adding new anchors around the pioneering Louvre Abu Dhabi. Among the most anticipated openings is the Zayed National Museum, designed to showcase the Emirati story long before oil wealth transformed the country. Exhibits highlight pearl-diving traditions, Islamic scholarship and the vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose leadership shaped the modern nation.

The city is also embracing natural history. The new Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi rises from the coastline like sculpted stone blocks, a tribute to the region’s ancient geology. Meanwhile, anticipation is building around the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, still slated for late 2026 or later. The project remains one of the most ambitious — and expensive — modern-art institutions ever attempted.

Beyond museums, Abu Dhabi is expanding its entertainment footprint. Yas Island continues to grow, with Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi preparing a Harry Potter-themed land and Yas Waterworld developing a major new zone. Plans for the Middle East’s first Disneyland are also advancing, underscoring how rapidly the capital’s tourism ecosystem is evolving.

Algeria

Ancient Roman cities, sweeping Sahara dunes and a renewed push for cultural preservation

Long overlooked due to strict visa rules, Algeria is opening its doors wider. A new visa-on-arrival policy for travellers on organised tours, plus expanded domestic air routes, is encouraging more visits to its stunning heritage sites. In Algiers, layers of Phoenician, Ottoman and French colonial history converge. Inland, the ancient hilltop city of Constantine offers panoramic views and labyrinthine streets steeped in centuries of cultural exchange.

The Roman ruins at Timgad and Djémila are among North Africa’s most impressive — vast, remarkably preserved and largely free of crowds. Further south, the Algerian Sahara stretches beyond the horizon, with the oasis town of Djanet serving as a base for journeys into Tassili n’Ajjer’s otherworldly rock formations. Combined with new government support for artisans and craft heritage, Algeria is emerging as a formidable cultural destination.

Colchagua Valley, Chile

A wine country renaissance framed by vineyards, haciendas and Andean horizons

Two hours south of Santiago, the Colchagua Valley blends world-class wineries with rural culture and dramatic landscapes. The region’s long-established estates — Viu Manent, Casa Silva, MontGras — continue to draw enthusiasts for tastings set among rolling vineyards. Restaurants such as Francis Mallmann’s Fuegos de Apalta celebrate fire-based cuisine that reflects the valley’s traditions and seasonal rhythms.

Travellers can stay in vineyard lodges, including the architecturally striking Clos Apalta, where modern villas appear to float above Carménère and Cabernet vines. Beyond wine, the valley embraces its cowboy heritage through rodeos, craft markets and small towns like Santa Cruz, where adobe houses and plazas preserve a colonial-era feel. With observatories offering dark-sky stargazing and the Wine Route marking its 30th anniversary, Colchagua remains one of Chile’s richest sensory escapes.

Cook Islands

A Polynesian paradise balancing cultural revival and marine conservation

The Cook Islands deliver the South Pacific at its most welcoming and pristine. Rarotonga, though small, offers rugged peaks, rainforest valleys and a lagoon encircling the island in shades of cobalt blue. Beyond it lie quiet islands where time slows, traditions endure and visitors are hosted as guests rather than tourists.

In 2026, environmental efforts are accelerating. Marae Moana, one of the world’s largest marine parks, is strengthening protections for ecologically significant zones. On Aitutaki, several motu now hold new conservation status, and deep-sea mining research has been paused until at least 2032. Travel access is also improving, with upgraded Honolulu connections and new direct flights from Brisbane launching in 2026.

Costa Rica

Biodiversity, wellness retreats and a major moment for conservation on the Osa Peninsula

Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula hosts some of the richest biodiversity on Earth. Visitors encounter pristine beaches, old-growth rainforest, macaws, howler monkeys and world-class surfing — all within a region that holds 2.5% of the planet’s terrestrial species. In 2026, conservation groups plan to expand protected areas, fortifying wildlife corridors for jaguars and strengthening marine protections for migratory sharks.

Eco-lodges and community-led initiatives underscore the region’s regenerative approach. Solar-powered surf resorts, yoga retreats with sea turtle protection programs and small cooperatives offering guided forest walks all contribute to a model where nature and tourism reinforce each other. Here, sustainability is not a slogan but a lived commitment.

Hebrides, Scotland

Neolithic wonders, whisky expansions and islands shaped by community pride

The Hebrides stretch across Scotland’s Atlantic edge, offering stone circles, turquoise bays and deep-rooted Gaelic culture. On Lewis, the Calanais Standing Stones are preparing to unveil a new visitor centre and introduce entrance fees to protect their 5,000-year-old legacy. Islay, famed for smoky single-malt whisky, is expanding its distillery lineup to 14 with landmark openings in 2026, including the Portintruan Distillery backed by luxury house LVMH.

Further south, Barra’s tidal beach runway continues to astonish travellers, while new distilling ventures create economic opportunities for islanders. With festivals, coastal trails and warm community hospitality, the Hebrides combine rugged landscapes with enduring traditions.

Ishikawa, Japan

Craft heritage, seafood traditions and renewal after the Noto earthquake

Two years after a devastating earthquake struck the Noto peninsula, Ishikawa Prefecture is encouraging travellers to return and support recovery. Kanazawa remains a cultural gem, home to Kenrokuen Garden and centuries-old craft traditions. In Noto, farm stays invite guests to join rice-planting and seasonal activities that help sustain families maintaining ancient terraced fields.

Local breweries have revived operations with community assistance, while artisans continue producing renowned Wajima-nuri lacquerware. Visiting Ishikawa in 2026 is both a cultural journey and an act of solidarity with communities rebuilding their heritage.

Komodo Islands, Indonesia

Wildlife encounters and reef protection in a landmark conservation year

The Komodo Islands remain a rare sanctuary where giant dragons roam and coral reefs flourish. In 2026, Indonesia will mark the park’s 45th anniversary with expanded conservation measures and new visitor guidelines. Improved flight access through Labuan Bajo allows easier entry, but strict permits and ranger-led treks maintain fragile ecosystem protections.

From sailing on traditional phinisi boats to snorkeling with manta rays, travel here blends adventure with purpose — supporting local livelihoods and safeguarding one of the world’s most unique national parks.

Loreto, Mexico

A marine refuge where conservation and community shape the visitor experience

Loreto, framed by desert mountains and the Gulf of California’s wildlife-rich waters, remains a beacon of community-led conservation. As Loreto Bay National Park approaches its 30th anniversary, two new adjoining parks are under development, opening further canyons, mangroves and island habitats to carefully managed exploration.

Former fishermen now lead naturalist tours, whale-watching trips and citizen-science programs, turning conservation into a shared endeavour. Festivals, markets and guided desert treks offer insight into the cultural traditions that define this coastal town.

Montenegro

Breathtaking mountains, medieval towns and a coastline rivaling the Adriatic’s best

Montenegro celebrates 20 years of independence in 2026 and is gaining traction as a Mediterranean favourite. The Bay of Kotor, with its Venetian walls and fjord-like drama, remains the country’s best-known landmark. But the interior reveals deep cultural and ecological richness — from the historic royal capital of Cetinje to bird-filled wetlands around Lake Skadar.

The Prokletije Mountains, one of Europe’s last true wilderness areas, offer glacier lakes, dense forests and trails linking remote Balkan communities. The Peaks of the Balkans route continues to highlight how sustainable trekking can support isolated villages and preserve traditional ways of life.

Oregon Coast, USA

Accessible adventure along one of America’s wildest shorelines

The Oregon Coast’s sweeping cliffs, forested headlands and historic lighthouses make it one of the country’s most dramatic road trips. With Oregon’s entire shoreline legally protected for public access, travellers enjoy uninterrupted beaches, whale-watching and small fishing towns framed by Pacific fog.

In 2026, accessibility is improving. Seasonal shuttles from Portland, expanded EV charging and new inclusive infrastructure — from Mobi-Mats to beach wheelchairs — are making the coast more reachable. Local seafood initiatives keep catch within the community, while conservation groups benefit from hotel partnerships supporting regional ecosystems.

Oulu, Finland

New Arctic creativity as Europe’s 2026 Capital of Culture

Just below the Arctic Circle, Oulu is transforming into a cultural hub for 2026. A year-long program will feature festivals, art installations and culinary events celebrating Nordic-Arctic flavors. The Arctic Food Lab will highlight regional ingredients shaped by extreme seasons, while the Climate Clock art trail connects scientific research with public creativity.

From island walks to sauna culture, the region blends frontier nature with an inventive artistic identity that challenges perceptions of the far north.

Philadelphia, USA

A milestone anniversary brings history, art and major sporting events

In 2026, Philadelphia becomes the focal point of the United States’ 250th anniversary. A citywide series, 52 Weeks of Firsts, highlights innovations rooted in Philadelphia’s past — from scientific breakthroughs to pivotal moments in African American history. Interactive events bring these stories to life in the neighborhoods where they began.

Major exhibitions, community art programs and the FIFA World Cup further elevate the city’s profile. With the MLB All-Star Game, NCAA tournaments and special events like RockyFest, Philadelphia will offer one of the year’s most diverse cultural calendars.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

A fast-changing capital embracing sustainability, heritage and creativity

Cambodia’s capital is entering a defining phase with the opening of Techo International Airport, set to expand global connectivity throughout 2026. The city is embracing pedestrian-friendly design through new walkable riverfront zones, electric tuk-tuks and community markets that spotlight Khmer food and crafts.

A revival of Modernist architecture — much of it linked to Vann Molyvann — is inspiring young designers, while Gen Z-led boutiques, distilleries and cafés highlight a cultural renaissance. Beyond the city, eco-projects in Mondulkiri offer travellers chances to encounter wildlife ethically, from gibbons to rescued elephants.

Guimarães, Portugal

Portugal’s birthplace steps forward as Europe’s Green Capital

A short journey from Porto, Guimarães blends medieval charm with forward-looking sustainability. As Europe’s Green Capital for 2026, the city is expanding green spaces, promoting low-impact tourism and showcasing its well-preserved historic centre. Romanesque churches, stone towers and narrow lanes offer a rich backdrop to a year of environmental programming and cultural festivals.

Guimarães represents how heritage cities can evolve with ecological responsibility — making it one of Europe’s most thoughtful destinations for the year ahead.

Samburu, Kenya

Crowd-free predators, community conservancies and a new frontier in astrotourism

Samburu County’s semi-arid plains feel a world away from Kenya’s more visited parks. Here, conservancies prioritise community-led protection and wildlife recovery, supporting the “Samburu Special Five” — species found only in northern Kenya — and growing rhino and elephant populations. New conservancy camps and initiatives, including community-run lodges and education programmes, ensure tourism directly funds local livelihoods and habitat work.

Astrotourism has emerged as a fresh draw: night-sky projects and a small planetarium invite visitors to learn indigenous star lore alongside astrophysicists, while designated star beds let travellers fall asleep beneath an equatorial canopy of constellations. Samburu’s quiet, purposeful safari model offers close wildlife encounters that aim to sustain rather than strain fragile landscapes.

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Music, sport and heritage converge for a year of big celebrations

The Americas’ oldest European settlement is gearing up for a festive 2026. Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial has reopened with restored facades and cobbled streets, while the city prepares to host the Central American and Caribbean Games — a catalyst for improved infrastructure and inclusive access. Music remains the city’s heartbeat: merengue, bachata and returning festivals promise vibrant street life year-round.

Beyond events, the city’s cultural renewal includes inclusive sports facilities and new hospitality openings that link downtown history with nearby beaches. For travellers, Santo Domingo combines urban rhythm, heritage architecture and easy access to coastal ecotourism.

Slocan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

A reflective trail that honours interned Japanese Canadian history

The Slocan Valley’s quiet lakes and forests now host a new, 60-kilometre Japanese Canadian Legacy Trail tracing sites tied to wartime internment. The route connects museums, memorial gardens and community exhibits developed with descendants of internees, encouraging reflective travel that pairs outdoor recreation with historical learning.

Between stops, travellers find farm-to-table cafés, craft studios and hot springs, making the trail a meaningful way to engage with a painful chapter of Canadian history while supporting valley economies and cultural preservation efforts.

Uluru, Australia

A new signature walk and deeper Indigenous stewardship

Since the handback of Uluru to its Anangu Traditional Owners, visitor practice has changed profoundly. The Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk — a multi-day route opening for limited numbers — allows deeper engagement with country through sunrise hikes, Indigenous-led interpretation and eco-camp stays that channel revenue back to community partners. This approach reflects decades of collaboration and a move away from extractive tourism.

Complementary night experiences, including Anangu-led drone and light storytelling and the continuing Field of Light installation, offer ways to witness the desert’s vast skies with cultural context, turning each visit into both an aesthetic and ethically considered encounter.

Uruguay

Flamingo lagoons, renewable power and a relaxed cultural pulse

Small but progressive, Uruguay blends Atlantic beaches, sprawling pampas and lively Montevideo culture. The nation produces almost all of its electricity from renewables and markets itself as a safe, inclusive destination — lauded for accessibility to LGBTQ+ travellers and a long, community-rooted Carnival season. Coastal nature reserves such as Laguna de Rocha host flamingos and shorebird colonies, while Colonia del Sacramento’s cobbled streets offer a compact, history-rich detour from the capital.

From ranch stays to parrilla dinners and coastal surf, Uruguay offers travel that’s low-key, locally anchored and easy to pair with neighbouring Argentina or Brazil.