A new year means a new calendar, and fresh travel plans to exciting destinations. If you’re already dreaming about where 2026 might take you, then these places should be on your radar.
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The Best Travel Destinations for 2026
From bucket-list cities to hidden gems, from culture to chill vibes – there’s something here to catch your interest, whatever kind of traveller you are.
1. Beijing, China
Beijing is an unforgettable city where ancient history and modern life collide. As with lots of cities in China, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into the future when you visit – with things like self-parking cars and drone deliveries being the norm.
Beijing is home to some of the most important cultural landmarks in the world, like the Forbidden City, and celebrated for its history, food and futuristic metropolitan vibes. You can explore sections of the Great Wall from here too.
And don’t just take it from me – National Geographic have announced 2026 is a great year to soak up all that Beijing has to offer. Aim for a visit in spring or autumn, when it’s not extremely hot or bitterly cold.
The food here is amazing, from classic Peking duck to street food joints serving all kinds of deliciousness like crepe-style jianbing pancakes and sizzling skewered meats. Beijing has great public transport and even though over the years more English is recognised, be prepared for a full cultural immersion.
You’ll want to download some specific apps for your visit, for things like maps (Amap) and payments (wechat and Alipay).
My Beijing hotel picks
Hostel:
Peking Youth Hostel
Mid-range:
Sunworld Dynasty Hotel Beijing Wangfujing
Treat:
Rosewood Beijing
2. Rio de Janiero, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro is an iconic destination which I feel is suddenly top of everyone’s bucket lists. In fact Time Out have picked it as their 2026 destination of the year.
And I get it – a quick google image search pulls up spectacular landscapes and beautiful beaches – plus the carioca energy of the Rio locals is legendary.
Visit hotspots like Christ Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, and of course head to the famous beaches for people watching and good times – and maybe an al fresco caiprinha or three.
Choose world-famous beaches like Ipanema or Copacabana, or local favourites ones like Praia Vermelha or Praia do Flamengo. You could also consider a favela tour with an authorised guide for an insight into daily life for thousands of Rio locals.
Of course Rio Carnival – which runs from 13 till 21 February for 2026 – is hugely popular, but you can enjoy a party vibe in this city all year round. Speaking of which, for nightlife head to Lapa for intense party vibes, or check out a samba party somewhere like Pedra do Sal.
My Rio de Janiero hotel picks
Hostel:
Bamboo Rio Hostel
Mid-range:
Vila Galé Rio de Janeiro
Treat:
Chez Georges
3. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is one of my favourite places – it’s this chaotic, colourful blur that you can never quite have enough of – and it’s top of eDreams list of hot 2026 destinations.
You’ve got intriguing temples, glitzy skyscrapers, floating markets and epic malls. And you can eat the most delicious food from hawkers on the street for just a few quid.
Of course you’ll want to tick off the breathtaking Grand Palace and cultural monument Wat Pho (make sure you know what’s expected in holy places and dress/behave accordingly)
Explore the old city district, Rattanakosin, check out sprawling Chatuchak Market, and in the evening hop on board a boat for an atmospheric Chao Phraya Cruise.
Bangkok is also great value – high quality hotels that are affordable, cheap transport and that delicious food at every price point. You’ll have a blast here whether you’re travelling solo or getting away with a partner, kids or friends.
My Bangkok hotel picks
Hostel:
Lub d Bangkok Siam
Mid-range:
Oakwood Studios Sukhumvit
Treat:
Muu Bangkok
4. Cádiz, Spain
Now I feel like Cádiz never quite gets enough attention. Tourists love hitting up Malaga and Seville in the south, but Cádiz is a total gem.
It’s one of Europe’s oldest cities, and has a really picturesque location – it’s on a peninsula with the Atlantic Ocean all around – and has Andalusian charm in spades. In fact, Lonely Planet have picked Cádiz as one of their best 25 destinations for 2026.
Cádiz is ideal if you want an authentic experience without huge crowds. You get space to breathe as you stroll the historic streets, and you can find a good spot on a welcoming golden beach like La Caleta without too much trouble. Plus there’s all that delicious fresh seafood and fried fish, which the city is famous for.
It’s also a great base for exploring the wider area, Costa de la Luz, where there are lots of cute whitewashed villages and inviting beaches. If you’re looking for a city base that has a slower pace of life and plenty of sunshine, Cádiz makes a perfect laid-back break.
My Cadiz hotel picks
Hostel:
Cádiz INN Hostel
Mid-range:
Hotel Argantonio
Treat:
Hotel Cádiz Paseo del Mar
5. Riga, Latvia
Riga is one of Europe’s most underrated city break destinations, as I discovered this year on my first visit there!
It’s packed with character and charm, and it’s compact, so it’s ideal for a city break weekend. Soak up the history and architecture on a walking tour, then maybe dine out in one of the increasing number of excellent restaurants.
Riga isn’t as cheap as it has been, but it’s still an affordable choice for a European city break, and Time Out have listed it as one of their favourite underrated winter break cities.
The city is particularly famous for its Art Nouveau buildings, and has a charming medieval old town too. The city suffered a lot during the Soviet period, but for years now it’s been thriving, with plenty of eateries and cocktail bars to linger in.
You can also easily take a trip from Riga out into nature – a short train ride takes you to the beautiful Gauja National Park. Or you could combine your Riga trip with a visit to another Baltic capital – Vilnius and Tallinn are around 4-5 hours away by bus.
My Riga hotel picks
Hostel:
Hestia Hotel Draugi
Mid-range:
Radisson Hotel Old Town Riga
Treat:
A22 Hotel
6. British Columbia, Canada
British Columbia is a nature-lover’s paradise, and an area that’s been on my bucket list for a while.
You’ve got majestic mountains – including the Canadian Rockies – the stunning Slocan Valley, spectacular coastlines, moody forests and epic wildlife. Plus there’s even cool vibey cities like Vancouver and Victoria.
BC is all about the outdoor activities – we’re talking hiking, kayaking, even whale watching or skiing. Or you could go on a (chaperoned) bear hunt! Plus there are plenty of incredible drives you can take for breathtaking scenery, like the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler.
Now Canada isn’t the cheapest place to visit, but you do get incredible experiences for your money. Plus if you’re the kind of traveller that loves epic adventure but also home comforts, it offers an ideal blend.
My Vancouver hotel picks
Hostel:
Samesun Vancouver
Mid-range:
L’Hermitage Hotel
Treat:
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
7. Kigali, Rwanda
Rwanda is fast becoming an enviable travel destination, famous for beautiful landscapes and safari and gorilla trekking experiences.
Wherever you’re headed, you’ll probably stay a few nights in the welcoming capital, Kigali, which is known today for being super green and clean. It has a lively atmosphere and contains important historical sites like the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Beyond the city, the national parks – like Akagera National Park – are seriously impressive – rich in epic hikes, amazing wildlife and jaw-dropping scenery.
Rwanda has a growing sustainable tourism market (they even have a ban on single use plastics), so if you like to make ethical choices when you travel, it’s going to hold a special appeal. While this country has had a difficult and violent past, it’s warmly facing its future and a trip here is destined to be super memorable.
My Kigali hotel picks
Hostel:
Xenia House
Mid-range:
2000 Hotel Downtown Kigali
Treat:
Kigali Serena Hotel
8. Athens, Greece
Athens is a great option for a city break with mild weather and some pretty epic history, but I feel like it often gets overlooked.
Yes there’s the Parthenon, and the Acropolis museum, but once you’ve done those there’s so much more. Whether you stroll through attractive neighbourhoods like Psyrri and Koukaki, or spend a happy afternoon shopping for souvenirs like olive wood or olive oil, you’ll have a blast. And of course if you want to visit some islands, you’ve got the ferry port right there.
Athens is also good value, especially outside of the summer traveller peak, so if you’re after culture, sunshine and warmth from the air and the people, it’s a smart choice!
My Athens hotel picks
Hostel:
City Circus Athens
Mid-range:
Central Hotel
Treat:
The Marblous Athens
9. Goa, India
India is known for being quite chaotic and full-on for travellers – a good starting point is the state of Goa, which is much-loved by tourists for its more relaxed vibes.
Goa is all about reclining on the beach, perhaps taking a yoga class or doing another wellness activity, before watching an incredible sunset or taking an evening stroll amongst the palm trees. November to March is the most popular time to visit (monsoon season from June to September isn’t exactly ideal beach weather).
The Portuguese ruled this part of the country for several hundred years, which is still very evident today, and means the area has a unique blend cultural influences.
South Goa is peaceful, with a resort vibe and great beaches, like Agonda and Palolem. North Goa has a reputation for having more of a party scene, with buzzy beaches like Anjuna and Baga.
It’s a good value spot, both for flights and when you’re there, so it’s a smart choice if you’re looking for somewhere you can stay a bit longer without breaking the bank.
My Goa hotel picks
Hostel:
Circle
Mid-range:
Ahilya by the Sea
Treat:
W Goa
10. Brandenburg, Germany
Brandenburg, in the north east of Germany, is an underrated destination for a natural adventure. This district actually surrounds Berlin (but doesn’t include it) so if you’re looking for a combination of city sights and countryside escapism, a trip to this part of Germany is ideal.
Brandenburg is rich in nature, with plenty of lakes and forests to give that dose of calm. Go cycling, take a canoe for a spin or just hike and feel the fresh air fill your lungs.
Don’t miss Spreewald, a nature reserve with a network of rivers and rare species, plus there’s a whole other culture here – the Sorbs are a unique Slavic population with their own language and customs.
There’s also the city of Potsdam, with its incredible palaces and parks (it was a royal city back in the day) as well as historic significance in the ending of WWII. This region really comes into its own in spring and summer, when the weather is ideal for swimming and picnics.
Brandenburg is a brilliant add-on to a Berlin trip or as a break in its own right for travellers who appreciate peaceful, off-grid surroundings and scenic landscapes.
My Brandenburg hotel picks
Ready to Visit One of the Best Travel Destinations for 2026?
I hope my picks inspire you to start planning your 2026 adventures. When you’re weighing up plans and budgets, remember to balance flight costs with cost of living while you’re there, book as early as you can for the most choice, and don’t forget to sort travel insurance and check entry requirements well ahead of time.
