Every year, we help thousands of travelers design their perfect trip. From epic safaris in Africa to slow island escapes in Greece. For our Best Destinations to Travel in 2026 guide, we analyzed over 30,000 tailor-made trip enquiries sent to our local travel experts. The results reveal where travelers are dreaming of going next. And some destinations that might surprise you. From bucket-list favourites to emerging gems, these are the places set to inspire the most curious, culture-hungry and experience-driven travelers in 2026.
To build this list, we began with data from our own travelers. We analyzed more than 30,000 tailor-made trip enquiries sent to our local travel experts and identified clear patterns in demand. For example, over 35% of travelers planning an Italy trip requested the Cinque Terre, which shows how strongly certain destinations are trending for 2026.
We combined these insights with detailed input from our local experts who see every shift on the ground and understand which regions are evolving, which routes are opening up, and which experiences are gaining momentum. This mix of real traveler interest and trusted local knowledge shaped the final selection.
If any of these destinations spark ideas for your own trip, our experts can design a fully personalized journey for you.
Coron, Palawan, Philippines @ Shutterstock
Why go: Pristine reefs and underground rivers
Palawan still feels like the kind of place you thought didn’t exist anymore. This is the Philippines' last ecological frontier, a slender archipelago province stretching between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea.
Here you’ll find coral reefs, limestone cliffs, and quiet coves that are actually still pretty quiet. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, a UNESCO site, winds through cave systems that you can float through by boat. Around El Nido, you can paddle into hidden lagoons when the tide is low enough, and in Coron, you can dive World War II wrecks.
People used to worry about overdevelopment here, but that’s changing. Philippines tours now come with tighter rules, think limited daily visitors, slower-growing eco-lodges, and stricter island-hopping regulations.
Tips from Sunny
Travel Expert
Skip the midday rush, hit El Nido’s lagoons at sunrise on a private kayak tour. You’ll get calm waters, no crowds, and the echo of your paddle bouncing off limestone walls.
The Great Holy Relics Pagoda Nabhapolbhumisiri, Chiang Mai, Thailand © Shutterstock
Why go: Ancient temples meet cafes in Thailand's cultural capital
Chiang Mai brings together centuries-old Lanna history and a growing creative scene. This city feels easy the moment you land. The pace is slower than Bangkok's, but there’s still a lot going on, especially if you like to eat well, wander without an agenda, or spend time outdoors.
You’ll find centuries-old temples right in the middle of town, quiet lanes shaded by flowering trees, and food stalls where grilled pork skewers are ready before noon, an easy highlight to add to your Thailand itinerary. Afternoons are good for drifting between galleries, gardens, and cafés without needing to leave your neighborhood. Beyond the city, there are waterfalls, forest trails, and villages known for weaving, silversmithing, and other regional crafts.
In 2026, it’ll be easier to get to Chiang Mai thanks to new flight routes and improved transport connections across northern Thailand. The country is also shifting its focus when it comes to tourism, with more attention on cultural preservation, community-based experiences, and sustainability. That means this year is a good time to visit.
Tips from Ivy
Travel Expert
Head to Wat Umong just before sunset. This forest temple’s mossy tunnels and chanting monks offer a peaceful break from the city, and it’s rarely crowded, even in high season.
Pantanal, Brazil @ Shutterstock
Why go: World's largest wetland
If you actually want to see wildlife, not just hear rustling in the distance, the Pantanal is where you go. It’s flat, wide, and open, which makes animal sightings more likely.
You’re not squinting through dense rainforest here. You’re floating past capybaras sunbathing on the riverbank, watching giant otters twist through the water, and scanning tree limbs for hyacinth macaws. And yes, there is even the possibility of seeing jaguars. Especially if you're patient and up early.
This is the world’s largest tropical wetland and it runs through Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Access is improving in 2026 as more of the Transpantaneira road is paved. Several lodges have refreshed or restored parts of their properties since the 2020 fires, and many now take part in conservation and fire-prevention work across the region.
Tips from Anahi
Travel Expert
Book a night safari by boat. The Pantanal comes alive after dark: caimans glow in the spotlight, owls call from the trees, and if you're lucky, you'll catch a jaguar slipping through the shadows.
Lavender in Plateau de Valensole, Provence, France © Shutterstock
Why go: Lavender fields and hilltop villages
Provence gets talked about a lot, but once you're there, it feels quieter and more lived-in than you'd expect. Villages keep their own rhythm. People still show up for the weekly market, play pétanque in the shade, and close up shop for lunch. You’ll get the classic lavender fields, olive trees, and rosé, but also Roman ruins and places where Van Gogh painted.
This is by far one of the best places for slow travel in 2026. Nothing quite beats staying in restored farmhouses and cycling routes that cut through the countryside. Go in late spring for lavender without the crowds, or wait until fall when the light turns everything gold and the grape harvest is underway.
Apt runs on Saturdays, Vaison-la-Romaine on Tuesdays, and L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is known for antiques on Sundays. Countryside restaurants still follow traditional closing days, so make reservations when you can.
Tips from Valentine
Travel Expert
Don’t try to do too much in a day. Pick one market town, linger over lunch, then cycle through the vineyards in the late afternoon, the slower you go in Provence, the better it gets.
Old Man Storr, Isl Skye, Scotland @ Shutterstock
Why go: Europe's last wilderness
Scotland’s Highlands are one of the few places in Europe where you can drive for miles and barely see another car. It feels remote without being hard to reach.
Trails lead past glassy lochs and old stone walls, and every so often you’ll find a castle that looks like it’s been watching over the same valley for centuries. Villages usually have a pub with live folk music and shelves lined with local whisky.
The North Coast 500 is still one of the best road trips in the UK. The roads curve around open glens, with hills that start gently and then rise into sharp ridges and rocky slopes. Lochs run deep and narrow, their surfaces turning dark blue or silver depending on the weather.
Summer brings long daylight hours, Highland Games, and swimmable beaches if you don’t mind the chill. Winter is for snow-dusted hills, whisky by the fire, and the chance of seeing the Northern Lights. The best time to visit Scotland really depends on what kind of trip you want; just don’t skip lesser-known peninsulas like Ardnamurchan.
Tips from Kim
Travel Expert
Bring a paper map for the North Coast 500. Signal drops often, and some of the best detours, like hidden lochs or roadside seafood shacks, aren’t marked on GPS. Locals will point the way if you ask.
Namibia
Why go: Self-drive adventures through Earth's oldest desert
The landscapes of Namibia are truly one of a kind. Beyond the towns, the land opens into wide desert plains, rust-red mountains, and sweeping sand dunes that seem to change color throughout the day. Driving here means covering long distances through remote areas, with views that stretch for miles in every direction.
The desert meets the Atlantic at the Skeleton Coast, where fog rolls in from the ocean and fur seals gather along empty beaches. Inland, desert-adapted elephants move through dry riverbeds, and cracked white salt pans reflect the midday sun.
These are some of the oldest landscapes on Earth, largely unchanged over time.
Community-led conservation plays a key role in protecting Namibia’s environment and wildlife. ,
Seville, Plaza de Espana @ Shutterstock
Why go: Flamenco and orange-scented streets
Seville is shaped by long-standing routines and a strong local identity. For many travelers, it’s a chance to experience Spanish life without the scale or pace of Madrid or the crowds of Barcelona.
The city’s historic core is compact and easy to navigate. Gothic and Mudéjar architecture are side by side here, from the vast cathedral and Giralda tower to the Alcázar’s tiled courtyards. Small squares lined with bitter orange trees act as everyday meeting points, and older residents still gather at the same bars they’ve been visiting for decades.
This isn’t a museum city. It’s busy in the morning, quiet in the heat of the afternoon, and then full of movement again in the evenings, exactly the kind of rhythm that makes Spain itineraries feel so immersive.
Tips from Luis
Travel Expert
Skip the midday sightseeing and follow the local rhythm, have a long lunch, rest during the heat, then head out at sunset when the streets fill with music, conversation, and the smell of grilled tapas.
X'Keken Cenote. Yucatan, Mexico © Gosha Images/Shutterstock
Why go: Maya pyramids rise from the jungle, cenotes with sacred waters
If you’re curious about Maya culture but don’t want to stay in a resort bubble, Yucatán is the move. You’ll come across ancient ruins in the jungle, roadside cenotes you can swim in, and towns like Valladolid and Mérida make it easy to slow down without feeling stuck.
Travelers increasingly choose Yucatán for cultural depth beyond Cancún's resorts. This area is known for living Maya communities, and one of the world's best regional cuisines (with favorites like cochinita pibil cooked underground, fresh lime soup, and ceviche).
Yucatán is also packed with archaeological sites. Chichén Itzá is famous for the serpent-shadow during the equinox, and Uxmal is known for its detailed carvings. But there are many smaller ruins too, often with very few visitors, and you can reach some of them on foot or by bike along jungle paths.
Tips from Javier
Travel Expert
Visit smaller ruins like Ek Balam early in the morning, then cool off in a nearby cenote. You’ll beat the crowds, support local guides, and get a glimpse of daily life beyond the usual tourist loop.
Lions in Kruger National Park, South Africa
Why go: Africa's most accessible Big Five safari
The park covers nearly five million acres (two million hectares), yet it’s straightforward to navigate. Paved roads link the main regions, and you can choose between simple rest camps or more comfortable lodges inside the park, one of the highlights of many trips to South Africa. Most people build their days around early morning drives, time at bird hides, relaxed lunches at camp, and guided walks that take you into the bush with rangers.
Kruger combines size, wildlife, and ease of access in a way that lets you travel at your own pace. You can spend days exploring on your own, then switch things up with a multi-day walking trail or a night in one of the quieter bushveld camps.
By 2026, the Greater Kruger region will continue improving cross-reserve connectivity, which helps wildlife move more freely across protected areas.
You can see lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo here, along with giraffes, zebras, hyenas, wild dogs, hippos, crocodiles, and plenty of antelope and birdlife. Bring binoculars and a field guide, and give yourself time. The slower you go, the more you tend to notice.
Tips from Jaydeen
Travel Expert
Stay at least one night in a remote bushveld camp. You’ll trade luxury for quiet, and wake up to the sound of animals outside your door, no fences, fewer people, and a real sense of being in the wild.
Skradinski Buk Waterfall, Krka, Dalmatia @ Croatia
Why go: Coastal cities, historic islands, and clear Adriatic water in easy reach
If you have never been to Croatia, Dubrovnik is usually the first name you hear. It is a small coastal city in the far south, right on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. The old town is enclosed by thick medieval walls that you can walk along from end to end. Inside, the streets are paved with smooth white stone and lined with Renaissance facades, bell towers, and shaded archways. Step outside those gates, and you’re looking at deep blue water.
You’ll land in Dubrovnik, but don’t stop there. The surrounding coastline, known as Dalmatia, stretches north along the mainland and spills out into dozens of islands, mixing ferry hops, forest hikes, and vineyard stops into a Croatia itinerary that actually surprises you. Some are quiet and mostly covered in pine forest. Others have little harbor towns with old Venetian architecture, wineries, or hiking trails that end at the sea.
Tips from Hrvoje
Travel Expert
Walk the city walls right when they open, then take the ferry to Lopud for the afternoon. It’s car-free, has quiet beaches, and gives you a breather from the Dubrovnik crowds without going far.
Palaruvi Waterfalls, located near Kollam, Kerala, India © Shutterstock
Why go: Backwater serenity
Start your morning on a slow-moving rice barge, watching the mist lift from the canals. End the day high in the hills, sipping chai in a quiet tea village. In Kerala, those places are only a few hours apart, and that’s part of what makes it one of the best places to travel in 2026, especially for those who prefer to move slowly.
Instead of chaotic traffic and crowds, this stretch of southwest India moves at its own pace. Life flows with the waterways, shaped by generations of matrilineal traditions and a strong sense of community.
Despite its size, Kerala packs in a wide range of landscapes. You can go from the coast to the mountains in a few hours, with stops along the way for wildlife reserves, spice plantations, and Ayurvedic retreats.
The dry season runs from October to March, which is best for exploring comfortably. April and May get hot, but it’s a great time for temple festivals. The best time to visit India really depends on what kind of experience you’re after.
Tips from Ravi
Travel Expert
Hop on a local bus from the backwaters to the hill stations. It’s cheap, scenic, and a great way to hear Malayalam ballads on the radio while sharing snacks with fellow passengers. Kerala’s rhythm is best felt on the move.
Szechenyi Baths, Budapest, Hungary © Anna Dunlop/Shutterstock
Why go: Europe's best value
Some cities just work better on foot, and Budapest is one of them.
Budapest is split by the Danube into two distinct halves. Buda has the hills, old castles, and quiet streets. Pest is flatter, louder, and full of bars, cafés, and creative energy. The mix works well. You can spend your morning soaking in thermal baths beneath painted ceilings, your afternoon wandering art museums or checking out old communist monuments, and your evening eating paprika-heavy stews before heading to a bar built inside a crumbling courtyard.
Spring and early fall bring the most pleasant weather. December is cold, but the Christmas markets make it worth bundling up. Summer is the time for open-air concerts and riverside festivals. Book thermal baths for early morning or after dark to avoid the biggest crowds. Rudas and Veli Bej are good alternatives to the ever-popular Széchenyi.
Tips from Ivona
Travel Expert
Skip Széchenyi and head to Rudas Baths early on a weekday. You’ll soak with locals, get rooftop views over the Danube, and still have time to cross the bridge for lunch in one of Pest’s courtyard cafés.
Rio de Janeiro @ Shutterstock
Why go: Natural drama meets samba soul where urban beaches kiss granite peaks
Rio is the kind of place that pulls you in before you’ve even left the airport. Brazil’s second-largest city, set between steep granite mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, is known for its dramatic geography and famous landmarks like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain.
When you’re here, you’re in a real, working city, with all the energy and complexity that brings, but you’re also surrounded by nature. That combination is what sets Rio apart.
You can visit world-famous landmarks like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf, go hiking through rainforest trails, take a swim in Ipanema, and visit major art museums without ever leaving the city, an essential stop on any Brazil itinerary.
Tips from Viviane
Travel Expert
Hike up Dois Irmãos early in the morning with a local guide from Vidigal. The trail’s short, the views are unreal, and you’ll see a side of Rio most visitors miss, where city life and nature really meet.
Amalfi in the province of Salerno, Campania, Italy
Why go: Vertical villages with lemons, limoncello, and pure Italian drama
It’s hard to believe places like this exist until you’re there squinting into the sun. The Amalfi Coast runs along a steep, winding stretch of southern Italy, where mountains drop straight into the sea and villages are built right into the cliffs. You’ll pass lemon groves, tight hairpin turns, and views that stop you mid-step.
Most people come for the food, the scenery, and that very particular southern Italian feeling: fresh seafood, family-run restaurants, and afternoons that seem to stretch out longer than anywhere else, the kind of slow, sun-soaked charm that can anchor an entire Italy itinerary.
Despite the popularity, daily life still carries on. In Cetara, you’ll see fishermen repairing nets by hand. In Vietri sul Mare, workshops still paint ceramics the way they always have. In Minori, lemons are grown in sloped terraces and are turned into homemade liqueurs.
Want a big view? Hike the Path of the Gods. Want fewer people and more of a lived-in feel? Head inland. Positano is beautiful but pricey. Atrani is smaller, quieter, and right next door.
Tips from Annalisa
Travel Expert
Stay in Atrani instead of Positano. It’s just a short walk away, but you’ll pay less, eat better, and share your morning espresso with locals instead of selfie sticks. For a real view, hike up before breakfast.
Teide Caldera, Tenerife @ Shutterstock
Why go: Volcanic beaches and Spain's highest peak deliver year-round spring above the clouds
You could spend a whole week in Tenerife lying by the pool and never think twice about it, but you’d be missing the good stuff. Black sand beaches, lunar landscapes, laurel forests, and natural pools filled by Atlantic waves.
What makes Tenerife interesting is how much it crams into one island. Mount Teide rises nearly 12,200 feet above the sea, snowcapped in winter, while bananas grow at the coast year-round. The road winds up through pine forests and lava fields, and if you’re lucky with permits, you can hike to the summit for sunrise. Even if you don’t, the views from the cable car are wild.
Aim for spring if you want wildflowers, or winter for surf; the best time to visit Spain depends on your pace. Try to avoid August, when half of Europe seems to show up. You’ll want a rental car to get around properly. The resorts are concentrated in the south, but the north has a slower rhythm. Garachico and La Orotava still feel lived-in.
Tips from Stefy
Travel Expert
Skip the southern resorts for a day and drive up to Anaga Rural Park. Hike through the misty laurel forest, then eat fresh grilled fish in Taganana. Tenerife’s real magic is in the contrast between the coast and mountains.
Food market in Paris @ Shutterstock
Why go: The City of Light illuminates art, romance, and revolution in every arrondissement
The Eiffel Tower and Louvre are easy to check off, but Paris rewards you for slowing down.
The landmarks are impressive, but the real charm is in the everyday routines, like fresh bread from the bakery, long lunches, and distinct neighborhood atmospheres.
The city has changed since the 2024 Olympics. Major roads are now pedestrian zones, bike lanes stretch across the center, and parts of the Seine are open for swimming. It’s greener, easier to navigate, and more relaxed than it used to be. Spring is the best time to visit France if you want parks in bloom and café terraces full by midday.
The métro is efficient, but walking allows you to see more of the city. Each arrondissement has a different character. The Marais is known for independent galleries and Jewish bakeries. The 11th has many new restaurants and a younger feel. The 7th is more traditional, with classic architecture and quieter streets.
Tips from Valentine
Travel Expert
Walk from the Marais to the 11th around lunchtime. Pick up a pastry at a Jewish bakery, then grab a seat at a new-wave bistro nearby. You’ll see how different neighborhoods blend without ever needing the métro.
Bangkok, Thailand @ Shutterstock
Why go: A fast-changing city where the best moments still happen between the lines
Bangkok has never really slowed down, but in 2026, it’s showing signs of moving in new directions. Long-awaited metro extensions are finally linking more of the city, creative districts are taking shape in old warehouse zones, and new green corridors are giving the streets a bit more breathing room. The changes aren’t dramatic, but they add up, especially for visitors who’ve been here before.
The chaos is still there, but once you know how to move through it (taking the MRT or a river ferry, finding the stall with the longest line, avoiding the hottest months), the city becomes easier to navigate and harder to leave.
Tourist Bangkok is always there if you want it: temples, markets, street food. But the best parts might be the ones that don’t show up on your itinerary, worth keeping in mind when you’re planning a trip to Thailand.
Tips from Jenny
Travel Expert
Take the river ferry at sunset and get off at Tha Wang Lang. It’s a local hangout with great street food, no crowds, and views back toward the Grand Palace, proof that Bangkok’s best spots aren’t always in the guidebook.
Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi @ Shutterstock
Why go: A great base for day trips
You could spend a whole trip just in Hanoi, but in 2026, it makes even more sense as a base, not just for day trips, but for a bigger loop through northern Vietnam.
Compared to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi has a slower pace, and it’s smaller, which makes it easier to get your bearings. But it still throws a lot at you, fast.
French-style facades line the streets, but underneath you’ll find a much older Vietnamese rhythm of the country’s millennial capital. A few days give you enough to settle in, meals on low stools, quiet walks through the French Quarter, and egg coffee in old buildings with creaky stairs. It’s a good place to adjust to the pace of things and ease into your Vietnam itinerary.
The Old Quarter is where most people start, and for good reason. There’s a street for nearly every craft, and you can still see people making paper, silver, and bamboo goods.
From here, you can head west to Mai Chau, north to Ha Giang, or take the overnight train to Lao Cai and on to Sapa. Even shorter trips, like Ninh Binh or the Perfume Pagoda, are easy to plan. Hanoi holds the center.
Tips from James
Travel Expert
Start your mornings early in Hanoi with a walk around Hoàn Kiếm Lake. You’ll see locals doing tai chi, sipping tea, and catching up: no crowds, no rush, just daily life at a pace that sets the tone for northern Vietnam.
Lisbon @ Shutterstock
Why go: Fantastic food and tumbling hills
Lisbon doesn’t try too hard, and that’s part of the appeal. It’s a city of steep hills, tiled buildings, and slow lunches that turn into early dinners. It’s also one of the few places in Europe where you can still get a decent meal for under ten euros and hear live music without booking anything in advance.
The food is good, the prices are still reasonable (for now), and the neighborhoods haven’t all been steamrolled by tourism, though that’s been a real concern. In 2026, new rules on rentals and updated tram lines are helping take the pressure off.
It’s a hilly place (your legs will feel it), but between funiculars, trams, and café breaks, you’ll manage. The city is compact enough to explore on foot if you don’t mind the climb, and every neighborhood feels a little different.
If you’re here in June, the sardine-fueled street parties take over entire neighborhoods. Otherwise, aim for April to early June or September to November for good weather and fewer crowds, those shoulder seasons are often the best time to visit Portugal.
Tips from Joel
Travel Expert
Climb to the top of Miradouro da Senhora do Monte just before sunset with a drink from a nearby kiosk. It’s where locals go for the view, less crowded than the tourist spots, and just as impressive.
Valley of the Temples, Sicily
Why go: An unplugged corner of Italy, shaped by lava flows and long traditions
Three thousand years of conquest created the Mediterranean's most delicious cultural collision. Italy's largest island delivers concentrated Mediterranean essence. Greek temples, Arab-influenced dishes, Norman cathedrals, and baroque cityscapes all coexist here, with Mount Etna rising above it all. The island’s long and complex history is easy to trace
Here, €2 arancini compete with Michelin restaurants while family wineries pour Marsala in volcanic soils. In 2026, agritourism continues to grow, with more travelers choosing to stay in family-run farmhouses in rural areas. Sicilian authorities are pushing for more sustainable tourism.
It’s worth it to take a ferry to the Aeolian Islands from the mainland. Stromboli, Lipari, and the others are well connected by boat from Milazzo or Messina. Each island has its own pace, but you’ll find black-sand beaches, thermal springs, and quiet villages.
Tips from Marianne
Travel Expert
In Sicily, rent a car and take the inland roads between villages. You’ll find roadside farm stands, hidden trattorias, and views of Etna that most tourists miss. It’s the best way to taste the island’s slower, rural rhythm.
Blue mosque, Instanbul © OPIS Zagreb/Shutterstock
Why go: New museums opening across the city
Istanbul spans two continents, and getting around often means that moving between neighborhoods can feel like switching cities. Roman cisterns hide beneath carpet shops, whirling dervishes spin in 500-year-old lodges, and fishermen line Galata Bridge while party boats cruise the Bosphorus.
In 2026, new museum spaces are opening across the city.
At Yıldız Palace, four venues are nearing completion. The palace theatre, built in 1889 and never previously open to the public, features a gilded ceiling, velvet-covered seats, and the sultan’s private box. The new Carpet Museum will take over the old Imperial Repair Workshop, where 300 artisans once worked with wood and textiles for the court. Visitors will now walk through Ottoman weaving traditions and decorative arts from the 19th century.
On the Asian shore, the massive Haydarpaşa Station complex is being repurposed as a cultural center with exhibition halls, a library, themed museums, and the city’s first archaeology museum on that side of the water. Excavations beneath the station revealed remains of the ancient city of Chalcedon, including a Hellenistic apse, a Byzantine boulevard, and artifacts dating back to the 7th century BC.
Tips from Mehmet
Travel Expert
Take the ferry to Kadıköy, then walk to Haydarpaşa Station for a look at Istanbul’s future and past in one place. The new museum spaces are impressive, but the real surprise is what was hidden underneath the tracks.
Why go: To eat everything in sight
The Eternal City layers three millennia of civilization. And if you care about food, Rome is worth a visit just for the eating.
The classics are all here (carbonara, amatriciana, cacio e pepe) but what makes the city interesting right now is how those dishes are being reworked. A wave of recent openings points to a shift toward small-scale kitchens focused on local ingredients and updated versions of familiar plates.
In San Lorenzo and Centocelle, restaurants and bars are drawing crowds with natural wine lists and seasonal menus that go beyond the usual Roman staples. This isn’t about fusion or fine dining. It’s about simple dishes made well, often at mid-range prices.
Even pizzerias in Rome are changing, with several new venues focused on organic flours, slow fermentation, and regional toppings.
If you're curious about how Rome eats now, not just how it used to, you’ll need to step outside the historic center. Testaccio and Ostiense still have deep roots in traditional Roman cooking, but outside of these areas you’re likely to find something delicious you haven’t eaten before
Tips from Eirini
Travel Expert
Skip the tourist menus in the center and head to Centocelle for dinner. Grab a table at a neighborhood spot serving natural wine and house-made pasta, you’ll taste how Rome is evolving without losing what made it great.
Tokyo skyline with Mt Fuji and Skytree, Japan © mapman/Shutterstock
Why go: As a base for Japan
If you’re trying to see more of Japan without dragging your suitcase to a new hotel every night, Tokyo just makes sense. You can stay in one place, get your bearings, and take the train out in different directions each day. It’s easy, it’s efficient, and in 2026, it’s even easier than before.
Yokohama is a good one to start with. It’s only about half an hour from the city, so you don’t need a plan. Just take a late morning train, walk the bay, visit the Cup Noodles Museum if you’re curious, and grab dinner in Chinatown before heading back.
Nikko takes longer (around two hours each way), but the shrine complex there is worth the early start. It’s quiet, surrounded by forest, and feels like a real shift from city life. If you can go midweek in autumn, even better.
For a shot at seeing Mount Fuji, Kawaguchiko is one of the easier day trips. You can reach it in about two hours by bus or train, and when the weather’s on your side, the view from the lake is hard to beat. But clouds are common, so keep your plans flexible if that’s a priority.
And when you’re ready to move on from Tokyo altogether, it’s simple. Most major destinations in Japan are connected directly by train. You could head south to Kyoto or north to Sendai without much effort; Tokyo is the natural starting point for any Japan itinerary.
Tips from Tom
Travel Expert
Base yourself in Tokyo and travel light: send your suitcase ahead to your next stop using a luggage service. It’s affordable, fast, and frees you up for easier day trips without hauling bags through train stations.
Taman Ayun Temple - Bali, Indonesia © Shutterstock
Why go: An island-wide reset where rituals, waves, and quiet hills invite you to slow down
Bali in 2026 feels like a reset: for the island and for the people who come here. After years of rapid growth, the brakes are finally being tapped. Some regions have stopped granting new hotel permits. Behavior rules are being enforced. And conversations about how tourism shapes the island are getting louder, not just among locals but among travelers too.
But this isn’t a guilt trip. It’s still Bali. You can start your day on a yoga mat in Ubud, take a scooter into the hills around Sidemen, drift in and out of beach naps in Amed, or hike Mount Batur in the dark to catch the first light across the valley. You’ll still find rice terraces, roadside satay, and temple offerings laid out like clockwork.
What’s different now is the awareness. There’s a shift in who’s coming and why. People are showing up with more care. The island is asking more of its guests. No new hotels on farmland. Fewer plastic trinkets. A stronger expectation that you’ll learn a bit about local customs before showing up at a temple in shorts.
If you’ve been thinking about going but putting it off, 2026 is a meaningful time to say yes. Bali isn’t disappearing, but it is changing, and right now, it still has room for you to be part of that shift in a way that feels thoughtful and real. In an age of digital overload, Bali in 2026 still feels like a place you can go to shift gears, an essential stop on any Bali itinerary, and a deeper way to experience Indonesia beyond the usual tourist lens.
Tips from Rendy
Travel Expert
Before visiting a temple, ask a local warung owner about proper etiquette. They’ll be happy to share, and you’ll avoid common slip-ups. In 2026, respect and curiosity go further than ever in Bali; both are appreciated.
Dikteon cave. Place of Zeus' birth, Crete © Shutterstock
Why go: It’s a consistent classic and for good reason
Crete isn’t a secret. But it checks the boxes people actually care about in 2026: authenticity, flexibility, affordability, and local culture that still feels real. That combination is hard to find and even harder to do at scale. Crete manages it.
It makes the top of the list because it covers more ground, literally and figuratively, than most destinations. You can hike, swim, visit ancient ruins, eat well, and stay in locally run places without leaving the island. It works for short trips and longer ones. It’s affordable. It’s flexible. It’s easy to plan and even easier to enjoy once you’re there.
Unlike a lot of destinations trying to reinvent themselves post-2020, Crete hasn’t changed much. And that’s the point. It doesn’t need to be rebranded or reimagined. The food is still good, the sea is still clear, and the local culture is still going strong, exactly the kind of consistency that makes trips to Greece feel timeless.
Tips from Antonis
Travel Expert
Rent a car and skip the major resorts. Drive inland to mountain villages like Anogeia or Archanes, where you can try local cheese, hear Cretan music, and see a version of Crete that hasn’t changed much in decades.
Colorful towers of aromatic spices are a signature feature of Marrakech's souks
Why go: A full-on sensory trip
If travel in 2026 is about meaningful immersion, Marrakech is it. You’re not just sightseeing; you’re tasting, haggling, sweating, soaking, learning. It’s a full-body experience, and that makes it one of the most memorable trips you’ll take this year.
Travel right now can feel overplanned, overpackaged, and sometimes a little too easy. Marrakech makes you pay attention. It’s a place where you have to engage, not just observe.
Few places give you this much range. You can keep it simple or plan every detail; Marrakech works either way. Stay in a riad, eat in the street, and learn to cook in a courtyard. There’s room to travel how you like.
The city isn’t putting on a show and isn’t designed around tourism. Daily life continues with or without you, and that’s part of the appeal. If you’ve been defaulting to familiar places, Marrakech gives you something completely different without being hard to reach. It’s close, not expensive once you’re there, and it reminds you what travel can feel like when you’re fully in it.
It’s also easy to go beyond the city. In a few hours, you can be hiking in the Atlas Mountains, visiting an Amazigh village, or walking along the coast in Essaouira. If variety is what you’re after this year, this is a great place to start.
Tips from Mohamed
Travel Expert
Don’t rush the souks: go early, start with mint tea, and ask questions even if you’re not buying. Sellers often share stories behind their goods, and that’s where the real connection (and sometimes the best deals) begin.
written by
Dre Roelandt
updated 14.11.2025
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