10 Best Places to Visit in 2026: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

The travel landscape in 2026 is unlike anything we have experienced before. From the first tri-country FIFA World Cup spanning North America to the Winter Olympics nestled in Italy’s breathtaking Dolomites, this year presents unprecedented opportunities for adventure, cultural immersion, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The Winter Olympics, FIFA World Cup and other live events will shape the travel landscape in 2026 as sports tourism and global concert tours alike inspire destination-driven stays with one-of-a-kind itineraries.

If travel in 2026 has a defining mood, it’s immersion, the kind of adventures that stir something deeper within us, and that linger long after we leave a destination. UN Tourism’s latest outlook reports that global travel demand is set to outpace pre-pandemic levels through 2025 and into 2026, driven by a surge in interest in nature-based, wellness and cultural experiences.

More than one in three people intend to travel for a cultural event or festival, which can include sports, music and food. Purposeful travel will take center stage this year to answer the “why” behind where they go, as consumers shift towards “a one big trip mentality” in order to ensure “when they do spend, it’s as unforgettable as possible.”

This comprehensive guide reveals the ten best destinations to visit in 2026, combining expert recommendations with current travel trends to help you plan an unforgettable journey.

1. Italy: Milan and the Dolomites (Winter Olympics Host)

Why Visit in 2026

This is the most spread-out Winter Games in history, with competition venues dotting an area of about 8,500 square miles (more than 22,000 square kilometers), roughly the size of the entire state of New Jersey. The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics represent a historic moment for travel enthusiasts and sports fans alike.

The 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics are the first in history to be hosted by two cities: Cortina d’Ampezzo and Milan. The opening ceremony theme, “Armonia,” or harmony, is aimed at connecting the fashion capital and mountain town, and all of the venues in between.

What Makes It Special

But it’s the Dolomites that will likely capture more of the public’s fascination. The mountain range, named for its unique rock composition, dolostone, which is similar in appearance to limestone, but chemically distinct, has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009. Between winter sports, summer hiking, Michelin-starred restaurants, wines from the nearby Prosecco Hills, high-end shops, and a blend of three cultures (Italian, German, and Austrian), it’s easy to see why people call the area “Disneyland for adults.”

Traveler Interest

The geographically widespread Games have spurred an uptick by 160% in bookings to the area, Visa Consulting and Analytics reported. Airbnb recently reported an 185% increase in searches for Milan, Italy, surrounding the Winter Olympics.

Essential Experiences

The cuisine of the Dolomites mixes flavors from northeastern Italy and neighboring Austria, as well as Ladin specialties. Typical orders include Ladin casunziei, which are dough half-moons filled most often with beets, doused in melted butter, and sprinkled with poppy seeds; or canederli, stale bread rolled with cheese or speck (cured pork) into gnocchi-like balls. You’ll find them everywhere, but meals are especially atmospheric at high-altitude refuges.

There’s still a focus on reviving the alpine spirit of the past here, too. A new retro “snow train” was put back into service in 2024 from Rome to the Dolomites and will resume for the Winter Olympics. This vintage sleeper train route was brought back due to the popularity of night train service and to offer a sustainable way for travelers to get to the Dolomites.

2. United States: FIFA World Cup Host Cities

The Historic Tournament

The FIFA World Cup is one of the most major sporting events in 2026, as it is the first-ever tri-country World Cup. With games in 16 cities in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is not just about football. For many, it’s a month-long backpacking trip with cross-border itineraries full of adventure, sightseeing, and unforgettable stadium vibes.

As many as 10 million visitors will head to 11 U.S. cities this summer, helping to turn the FIFA World Cup 2026 into the largest sporting event in history.

Top Host Cities to Explore

Miami’s Bayfront Park Fan Festival will offer musical performances and stunning ocean views in addition to soccer matches. With its thriving Latin American communities, Miami has long boasted a devoted soccer fan base. The city’s enthusiasm grew even greater when Argentina’s Lionel Messi began playing for the city’s professional club, Inter Miami, in 2023.

The birthplace of the American Revolution, the city of Boston will be fully in celebration mode for the 250th anniversary when the fans arrive. International visitors who are in the city during the July 4th Independence Day celebrations can experience the Boston Pops, a fireworks show over the Charles River set to live music from the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Family Travel Trends

The largest number of family bookings are coming from travelers based in Chicago, Arlington, VA, and Los Angeles, showing strong interest from major US cities. Many families are choosing larger, more affordable homes, with approximately 75% of family bookings being for two and three-bedroom listings.

The tournament is proving especially popular with younger travelers. Gen Z guests account for more than 15% of bookings, with nearly half traveling in groups, reflecting the social nature of World Cup travel. Los Angeles, Miami, and New York rank highest among Gen Z travelers, of which over 40% have booked trips lasting three-to-five nights.

3. Japan: Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto

A Shifting Spotlight

Japan will stay firmly on our travel radar in 2026, though the spotlight is shifting. Rather than chasing the classic Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka triangle, more travellers are heading into the country’s quieter corners.

“There’s still huge global excitement around Japan, but the real story for 2026 is people exploring deeper,” says travel expert Alex Allen. “The further you go from the big cities, the more Japan opens up in surprising ways. Think snow-dusted shrines, local ryokan dinners and regional traditions that haven’t changed in generations.” Winter is one of the best moments to experience that mood.

Alternative Destinations

For those eager to travel to the country before it becomes more costly to visit and avoid the crowds in Japan’s busy cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, Kanazawa is an ideal alternative. One of the fastest-growing cities in the country, Kanazawa has long been a popular spot for domestic travelers. However, its appeal is fast spreading to international visitors. Kanazawa is probably most famous for producing a staggering 99% of Japan’s gold leaf.

Japan’s Sado Island surprises with pristine white-sand beaches and relaxing onsens and has none of the tourism congestion that plagues Kyoto.

Unique Experiences

Shinrin yoku, often translated as ‘forest bathing,’ is a Japanese philosophy of recuperation simply by spending time in the woods, which can help to reduce stress levels and increase wellbeing. Countless travellers visit the temples and shrines of the ancient Japanese capital of Nara. Far fewer, however, head to the cedar and cypress woods of the Kii Peninsula from which many of these timbers were felled. It’s here that travellers can get a sense of the country’s inner spiritual life. Being set on the edge of the urban sprawl of Osaka, the town of Yoshino is a popular place to try out the practice.

4. Spain: The Path of Totality

Solar Eclipse Destination

Aragon, Spain: This region will be in the path of 2026’s total solar eclipse. Europe will experience its first total solar eclipse in 27 years, with the path of totality crossing parts of Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and Portugal. Iceland’s west coast will be a prime viewing location, offering up to 2 minutes and 14 seconds of totality at Látrabjarg.

Discovering the Real Spain

Spain will always have its sun-lounge lovers, but in 2026 curious travelers will swap beach hubs for culture and character. Those seeking a sense of the “real Spain” will find it in the smaller cities like Salamanca or Santiago de Compostela.

“People want a new taste of Spain. Heading to lesser-known destinations and cities brings new flavors to a vacation,” says Alex Allen.

Basque Country Adventures

Our annual Best of the World feature will inspire you to explore Spain’s Basque Country beyond a total solar eclipse. The region offers exceptional gastronomy, dramatic coastlines, and a unique cultural identity that sets it apart from the rest of Spain.

5. Vietnam: A Rising Star

Why Visit Now

Hanoi hums with scooter traffic, French colonial architecture and hidden cafés. Hoi An glows at dusk with lanterns reflected in river. Ho Chi Minh City, the mega city, pulses with energy until it opens into the Mekong Delta.

Top 2026 bucket-list experiences include trekking Patagonia’s glaciers, exploring Vietnam’s limestone karsts, visiting Egypt’s Grand Egyptian Museum and exploring Japan in the winter.

Affordable and Authentic

Vietnam offers incredible value for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences. The country combines stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and world-renowned cuisine at prices that make extended stays accessible for most budgets.

6. The Philippines: A Culinary Awakening

Michelin Recognition

With its trading history and focus on Indigenous ingredients, the Philippines has always offered an exciting food culture. The 2026 Michelin Guide gives travelers one more reason to visit now. Metro Manila, which includes the capital city, is where Spanish, Chinese, and Malay influences come together in particularly innovative and delicious ways. At bustling markets (Tutuban at night, Salcedo on Saturdays), Manileños tuck into fish balls and halo-halo.

Beyond the Food Scene

The Philippines offers over 7,000 islands waiting to be explored, from the famous beaches of Palawan to the chocolate hills of Bohol. The combination of natural beauty, warm hospitality, and now globally recognized cuisine makes it a must-visit destination for 2026.

7. Finland: European Capital of Culture

Oulu Takes Center Stage

In 2026, Oulu in Finland and Trenčín in Slovakia take the spotlight as European Capitals of Culture. Oulu blends cutting-edge tech, music festivals and Arctic landscapes, while Trenčín is a riverside city with medieval castles and arts events.

Oulu in Finland and Brussels in Belgium have exciting arts and culture offerings.

Arctic Adventures

Finland offers unique experiences that few other destinations can match: the Northern Lights dancing across pristine skies, traditional Finnish saunas, and the magical silence of snow-covered landscapes. The European Capital of Culture designation brings additional arts programming, concerts, and cultural events throughout 2026.

8. Tanzania: Safari Excellence

New Luxury Options

On the banks of the Great Ruaha River in south-central Tanzania, Banyan Group’s all-villa Ubuyu, A Banyan Tree Escape will open in May with an open-air spa and private plunge pools. The largest protected area in the country, Ruaha National Park, is home to many species of big cats in healthy numbers, but receives only a fraction of the visitors Tanzania’s other parks see. On the island of Zanzibar, higher tourist fees and a new digital payment system will triple funds for marine conservation efforts.

Getting There

In 2026, travelers will have plenty of options for reaching destinations throughout Tanzania from Europe. Air France’s new Paris-Zanzibar-Kilimanjaro route will resume next summer, as will KLM’s daily flight from Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro and on to Dar es Salaam.

Arusha National Park

Arusha, Tanzania: Arusha National Park is conveniently located between Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, and Tanzania’s second-highest peak, Mount Meru.

9. Maine, USA: New England’s Hidden Gem

A Destination Renewed

It’s hard to explain to a Mainer that their state is trendy. They’ll let out a sardonic laugh, roll their eyes, or both. But this state, the first place in the continental USA to see the sunrise each morning, feels like it’s been renewed in the past decade. Seaside Portland, its largest city, has become the spot in New England to open a new restaurant, particularly for chefs who have big-city training and cred, yet fear the price of entry in Boston or New York. The result is a James Beard award or nomination on every downtown corner.

Natural Wonders

The coastal hikes will take you past seaside towns teetering on stilts and emerald islands offshore, including those in Maine’s crown jewel: Acadia National Park. The islands are what people come for, plus the lighthouses, which continue to blink along the coast. But take time to head inland too. Whether you are at Mt Katahdin at sunrise or relaxing in a sun chair on a nameless pond as a loon sings its loopy serenade, these places are as precious in Maine as any coastal spot.

Best Experiences

Take a walk, whether it’s on a quiet wooded path or along a dramatic sea cliff. Among the most serene routes are the carriage roads at Acadia National Park, which see less foot traffic than other parts of the park. For the ultimate seaside stroll, head to Marginal Way, which winds along the shore in Ogunquit.

10. Dominica: The Nature Island

Caribbean Paradise

Lush volcanic peaks, deep valleys and 365 rivers cover the eastern Caribbean island. In Morne Trois Pitons National Park, the world’s second-largest boiling lake has long fascinated visitors. In 2026, reaching it could get a lot easier with the expected completion of a cable car.

Improved Accessibility

United Airlines offers nonstop flights from Newark to Dominica. American Airlines offers direct flights from Miami. Luxury resort Secret Bay just added four new Clifftop Villas to its all-villa offerings.

Marine Conservation

Dominica is also positioning itself as a leader in sustainable tourism. Dominica is set to be the home of the first sperm whale reserve in 2026.

Honorable Mentions: More Destinations Worth Exploring

East Timor: Asia’s Youngest Country

For travelers who want to be the first to explore an up-and-coming destination, Asia’s youngest country awaits. East Timor (also called Timor-Leste) gained full independence from Indonesia in 2002 following years of civil war. It was officially added to ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asia Nations) in late 2025 and has its sights fully set on the future.

Philadelphia: America250 Celebrations

Philadelphia: To celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday, head to the country’s first capital city. The United States will commemorate its 250th anniversary of independence with events across all 50 states. In Washington, DC, expect major exhibitions at the National Archives, National Gallery of Art, and Kennedy Center. Highlights will include the “National Scrollathon” art installation, the “51 Steps to Freedom Trail” augmented reality experience, and a series of concerts, reenactments, and civic engagement programs.

Route 66 Centennial

Route 66 turns 100 in 2026, and Santa Monica, California marks the end of the “Mother Road.”

Ahead of the Route 66 Centennial in 2026, Albuquerque’s Department of Arts & Culture partnered with Santa Fe’s immersive art organization Meow Wolf to tap local artists to develop large-scale murals and interactive art installations that will line the city’s 18-mile stretch of Route 66. The city is working with the collaborative arts group Friends of the Orphan Signs to revitalize historic neon signage and keep Albuquerque shining bright.

Adelaide, Australia

Adelaide, Australia: The capital of South Australia may get a boost as the first-ever direct flights from the US begin.

Chilean Fjords

Lesser known than the adjacent Patagonian region but equally enchanting, the Chilean fjords offer intrepid visitors a secluded water world of labyrinthine channels to navigate. Home to pristine glaciers, the region is the South American answer to the Norwegian fjords. Cruise lines that will feature the destination as part of their lineup in 2026 include Silversea, Regent Seven Seas and Viking. Other cruise lines will be sailing there in 2027 or 2028. Their inclusion of this stunning terra incognita gives travelers access to a landscape that can only be experienced by water. Wildlife sightings in this area often include dolphins, penguins and migrating humpback whales.

Bucharest, Romania

Yes, Paris is always a good idea. But Bucharest, Romania (the “little Paris of the East”), has a lively bar scene and Belle Époque architecture and draws a fraction of the crowds.

Travel Trends Shaping 2026

Event-Driven Travel

65% of the top-search travel dates so far in 2026 align with major global events, such as Carnival, Coachella, the Winter Olympics and the World Cup.

Gateway Travel

Another fascinating trend revealed by the booking data is the rise of “gateway travel,” with many fans viewing the FIFA World Cup as merely the starting point for extended vacations. According to the data, 70 percent of the travel coming from non-US regions involves gateway travel, where the World Cup serves as the catalyst for exploring additional destinations within the host countries.

Responsible Tourism

In 2026, we want to lessen the burden on overtouristed destinations and expand visitation to more varied spots across the world. Read on to discover emerging regions and overlooked locales, as well as the resources and recommendations to make these trips a reality.

Nature and National Parks

“Travelers are stepping away from screens and ‘touching grass’, with interest in U.S. national parks surging 35 percent,” according to Airbnb. Specifically, Airbnb reported high interest in Acadia, Shenandoah, The Great Smoky Mountains and Yosemite national parks, as well as interest in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, which is near Grand Teton National Park.

Planning Your 2026 Adventure: Practical Tips

Book Early for Major Events

While international sports events create vibrant energy and bustling city atmospheres, they also trigger price hikes and sold-out hotels. The most stress-free way to navigate major sporting events in 2026 is to plan ahead and book in advance.

Consider Off-Peak Timing

Over the past decade or so in the travel industry, there has been a shift in how we explore. Travelers will continue to seek more the quiet magic of less-visited corners or seasons, whether that’s winter temples in Japan, late-sun Greek islands or the wild hush of Patagonia.

Embrace Responsible Travel

In 2026, we want to lessen the burden on overtouristed destinations and expand visitation to more varied spots across the world. Read on to discover 24 emerging regions and overlooked locales, as well as the resources and recommendations to make these trips a reality.

Consider Multi-Destination Itineraries

Fans are increasingly turning the World Cup into an opportunity for gateway travel, extending their stays and exploring new destinations within the host countries. Tailored packages, multiple destinations and stays for more time will be the key factors for the travel business to benefit from this trend.

Making 2026 Your Year of Extraordinary Travel

The year 2026 stands apart as a landmark moment for global travel. From the roar of the World Cup stadiums to the quiet awe of a solar eclipse, 2026 offers travelers a rare mix of global celebration, cultural reflection, and natural wonder. Whether you’re planning a road trip along Route 66, attending Olympic events in Italy, or exploring historic sites during America250, this is a year to be part of something extraordinary.

Make 2026 the year you stop hoarding points for “someday” and book that trip. In a time of uncertainty at home and abroad, travel is one of the most potent ways we can continue to connect with other people, cultures and communities across the globe.

Whether you choose the alpine splendor of the Dolomites, the electric atmosphere of World Cup host cities, the ancient traditions of Japan, or the unspoiled nature of Dominica, 2026 offers opportunities for every type of traveler. The destinations highlighted in this guide represent the best of what the world has to offer this year: unique experiences, cultural depth, natural beauty, and once-in-a-lifetime events that will create memories to last a lifetime.