Where to Travel in 2026

Travel in 2026 feels less about ticking boxes and more about intentional discovery — places that reward curiosity, slow you down, and leave a lasting impression long after you’ve gone home. The most compelling destinations right now aren’t necessarily the loudest or the trendiest, but those offering a sense of texture: layered history, strong local identity, and moments that feel quietly transformative. From reef-ringed islands and desert heartlands to reborn American cities and timeless European streets, the following 12 places stand out for their ability to surprise, inspire, and reconnect us with the deeper pleasures of travel. These are destinations to experience fully — not just to visit — and to carry with you well beyond 2026.

Sunset in West End — salt in the air, music drifting from the shore, and the Caribbean slowing to its most perfect pace.

1. Roatán, Honduras

Nestled like a coral jewel in the Caribbean, Roatán offers crystalline waters, powder-white beaches, and an underwater world that beckons divers and snorkelers from around the globe. As the largest of Honduras’s Bay Islands, Roatán sits atop the southern edge of the second-largest barrier reef system in the world — a breathtaking natural laboratory of vibrant sea life and intricate coral gardens. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a first-time snorkeler, the reefs around Roatán present an immersive, kaleidoscopic marine experience unmatched in much of the Caribbean.

Beyond the sea, Roatán’s warm island culture invites explorers to relax in seaside villages, kayak through mangroves, or join community-led conservation efforts that protect the reef and its inhabitants. With improved infrastructure and international flight connections, 2026 is an ideal year to experience both the natural splendor and laid-back island hospitality that make Roatán a Caribbean standout.

FAVORITE EXPERIENCE: Taking in the sunset in beautiful West End after a fantastic day of diving.

St. Joseph’s Church stands like a red-brick testament to Kraków’s endurance — rising to remind us how faith, history, and craftsmanship can outlast empires.

2. Kraków, Poland

Steeped in centuries of history yet pulsing with modern life, Kraków is one of Europe’s most beguiling cultural cities. Its meticulously restored Old Town — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — unfolds around the expansive Market Square, where Gothic spires and Renaissance façades form the backdrop to lively cafés, street performers, and atmospheric evening strolls. It’s a city of artisans and epic stories, where every cobblestone seems to whisper of medieval markets, royal coronations, and old-world resilience.

From the hauntingly beautiful Wawel Castle perched above the Vistula River to the poignant historical reflections at the former Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, Kraków blends introspection and celebration in equal measure. The city’s culinary scene, burgeoning craft beer culture, and world-class museums ensure that 2026 visitors will find fresh discoveries around every corner — whether savoring pierogi in a back alley bistro or listening to classical concerts in centuries-old churches.

FAVORITE EXPERIENCE: While I'm tempted to say sipping drinks at TAG Cocktail Bar, I'll go with exploring Wawel Castle and Cathedral - and catching the Wawel Dragon spitting fire!

Vineyards in Cafayate, where high desert light, mountain air, and ancient soil come together in every glass.

3. Cafayate, Argentina

In the sun-drenched Calchaquí Valleys of northwest Argentina, Cafayate sits quietly among towering vineyards and red-rock landscapes that seem painted by the Andes themselves. This historic wine town, perched at nearly 1,700 meters above sea level, is a must-visit for lovers of wine, scenery, and slow travel. It’s famed for its fragrant Torrontés wines — crisp, floral whites that capture the spirit of the region’s desert-mountain terroir — alongside robust Malbecs and Cabernets grown in rugged plots kissed by abundant sunshine.

Wandering through Cafayate’s boutique wine estates and tasting rooms, visitors can savor intimate tours and tastings that feel personal and authentic, far from the crowds of more famous wine regions. Beyond the vineyards, spectacular natural formations like the Quebrada de las Conchas — with its sculpted cliffs and dazzling hues — make this an extraordinary place to explore by day and toast under starlit skies by night.

FAVORITE EXPERIENCE: Biking from one vineyard to the next before retiring to Grace Cafayate for a world-class dinner.

Baltimore's George Peabody Library opened in 1878 and holds more than 300,000 volumes, with a collection focused on the humanities, rare books, and 19th-century scholarship.

4. Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Dynamic, diverse, and delightfully unexpected, Baltimore is a mid-Atlantic city that charms with both its gritty authenticity and vibrant cultural pulse. The Inner Harbor draws visitors with its lively waterfront, historic ships, and world-class attractions such as the National Aquarium — a highlight for families and marine enthusiasts alike. Yet beyond the harbor lies a city of rich neighborhoods, each with its own character: from the colorful row houses of Fells Point to the artistic energy of Station North.

Food lovers will find no shortage of reasons to linger here, from legendary Chesapeake Bay crab cakes to inventive, locally sourced cuisine in trendsetting eateries. Baltimore’s creative scene — from craft breweries to indie galleries and street murals — offers a deeply local experience that invites repeat visits and deeper exploration.

FAVORITE EXPERIENCE: Photographing the cherry blossoms at Fort McHenry National Monument, followed closely by throwing myself into Baltimore's food scene, one of the nation's best.

Café Regatta, on the flank of beautiful Sibelius Park, is know for cozy, timeworn charm — a candle-lit wooden cottage where homemade pastries, strong coffee, and the Baltic breeze make Helsinki feel instantly personal.

5. Helsinki, Finland

Set against the cool blue expanse of the Baltic Sea, Helsinki is a city where striking Scandinavian design meets sweeping waterfront beauty. The Finnish capital’s architectural scene — from the austere elegance of the Senate Square to contemporary masterpieces like the Oodi Central Library — reflects a culture that prizes innovation and quality of life in equal measure. Helsinki’s compact size makes it ideal for wandering, with cafés, design shops, and green parks blending seamlessly with historic stone facades and modern glass.

Culturally rich yet refreshingly relaxed, the city embraces both outdoor adventures and urban comforts. Enjoy a dip in a traditional sauna, explore the fortress island of Suomenlinna, or savor Nordic cuisine infused with local foraged flavors. In 2026, Helsinki stands as a beacon of thoughtful, joyful travel in the far North.

FAVORITE EXPERIENCE: Sampling wild game at Vanha Kauppahalli - the Old Market Hall - on Helsinki's historic waterfront.

Duquesne Incline in Pittsburgh: it’s one of only two historic inclines still operating in the city, climbing 400 feet up Mount Washington while offering panoramic views of the downtown skyline and three rivers.

6. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (USA)

Once a steel town, Pittsburgh has been reinvented as a vibrant hub of arts, innovation, and outdoor adventure. Cradled among three rivers and punctuated by dramatic bridges and rolling hills, the city’s geography offers spectacular views and endless opportunities to explore by foot, bike, or even kayak. Cultural institutions like the Andy Warhol Museum, the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History, and thriving theatre and music scenes anchor Pittsburgh’s creative revival.

Neighborhoods like Lawrenceville and the Strip District reveal an energetic food and craft beer culture, blending classic Appalachian fare with bold contemporary menus. With its blend of history, reinvention, and welcoming spirit, Pittsburgh promises surprises and delights for travelers of every taste.

FAVORITE EXPERIENCE: Nothing beats a ball game, and walking across the Roberto Clemente Bridge on the way to PNC Park - home of the Pirates - is a seminal American experience.

Malapascua Island: it’s one of the few places in the world where divers can reliably see thresher sharks at dawn, making it a bucket-list destination for underwater adventurers.

7. Malapascua Island, Philippines

Peaceful and unpretentious, Malapascua Island is a slice of tropical paradise off the coast of Cebu in the Philippines. Surrounded by some of the richest coral reefs in the region, the island is a magnet for divers — especially those hoping to glimpse the elusive thresher shark on early morning dives. Its serene beaches, turquoise waters, and swaying palms offer an idyllic backdrop for both adventure and relaxation.

Unlike more crowded Southeast Asian resorts, Malapascua retains an intimate vibe where fisherman still haul nets at dawn and local eateries serve fresh seafood with a smile. For snorkelers, yogis, sunseekers, and underwater explorers alike, a visit here in 2026 promises a restorative escape where nature and simplicity take center stage.

FAVORITE EXPERIENCE: After diving for thresher sharks, I would have to say wandering sleepy Logon village, as charming as any island community in the world.

A Bedouin dinner in Sharm El Sheikh is unique for its immersive desert experience: dining under the stars with traditional music, belly dancing, and Tanoura shows, enjoying authentic fire-cooked food (like Zarb), smoking shisha, and combining cultural storytelling with incredible desert stargazing through telescopes, all within a vibrant, hospitable camp setting.

8. Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt

Poised between the Sinai Desert and the azure waters of the Red Sea, Sharm el-Sheikh has become one of Egypt’s premier beach and dive destinations. Its underwater world — a tapestry of coral gardens, dramatic drop-offs, and abundant marine life — makes it a global favorite among scuba divers. On land, the desert’s rugged beauty contrasts with luxurious resorts, world-class spas, and opportunities for Bedouin cultural experiences.

Yet Sharm el-Sheikh is more than a sun and sea escape; it’s a gateway to ancient stories. From here, many travelers explore nearby historic and spiritual sites such as Mount Sinai and St. Catherine’s Monastery. With improved airport connections and renewed tourism focus, 2026 is an exciting year to experience both the natural wonders and storied landscapes of Egypt.

FAVORITE EXPERIENCE: The diving is some of the best I've experienced in my life, but I loved the Bedouin desert dinner experiences I had the opportunity to join.

Rovinj, Croatia: the town’s Old Town is built on a small peninsula, and until the 18th century, Rovinj was actually an island — connected to the mainland only after land reclamation expanded the shore.

9. Rovinj, Croatia

Perched on the western edge of Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula, Rovinj is a coastal dream that feels as if it was plucked from a fairy tale. Its cobblestone lanes wind through pastel-colored neighborhoods that hug the sea, while fishing boats bob in the harbor beneath a skyline dominated by the bell tower of St. Euphemia. The town’s old-world charm is matched by its culinary prowess — especially fresh seafood and Istrian truffles — and the warmth of Adriatic sunsets that set the water aglow at dusk.

Beyond its picturesque core, Rovinj serves as a perfect base for exploring rolling vineyards, olive groves, and hidden beaches throughout Istria. Whether you’re photographing the golden light on the waterfront, wandering outdoor markets, or enjoying a glass of wine at a seaside café, Rovinj embodies the romance of Mediterranean travel.

FAVORITE EXPERIENCE: Sunset walks on the waterfront are only matched in my memory by truffle hunting in the nearby forests. Once-in-a-lifetime stuff!

Alice Springs: it sits almost exactly in the geographic center of Australia, making it a true gateway to the Red Centre and the iconic outback landscapes surrounding Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

10. Alice Springs, Australia

At the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, Alice Springs is a gateway to some of the continent’s most iconic landscapes and Indigenous cultural experiences. Surrounded by ochre-colored desert, dramatic gorges, and the distant outline of the MacDonnell Ranges, this outback town pulses with a rugged beauty that speaks to the soul of Australia’s interior.

Alice Springs itself is rich with history and arts, from vibrant Aboriginal galleries to desert botanical gardens and heritage sites that honor both settler and First Nations stories. Beyond town, natural wonders like Uluru and Kata Tjuta await — sacred monoliths that offer profound moments at sunrise and sunset. A visit here in 2026 grounds travellers in vast skies, ancient traditions, and the unforgettable romance of the outback.

FAVORITE EXPERIENCE: The Lasseters Camel Cup! One of the most outrageous, and outrageously fun, events that I have ever attended in my life.

San Sebastián boasts one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita in the world, yet its vibrant pintxos bars offer equally celebrated bites at a fraction of the price, making gourmet dining accessible to all.

11. San Sebastián, Spain

Tucked along Spain’s lush Basque coast, San Sebastián (Donostia) is a city that seduces travelers through a rare combination of natural beauty, culinary excellence, and understated elegance. Framed by golden crescents of sand like La Concha Beach and backed by emerald hills, the city feels both refined and effortlessly relaxed. Morning swims in the bay give way to afternoons wandering Belle Époque streets, where grand architecture reflects San Sebastián’s long history as a seaside retreat for European royalty.

What truly elevates San Sebastián is its food culture — one of the most celebrated in the world. With an astonishing concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants and a pintxos scene that turns everyday bar-hopping into an art form, the city invites visitors to eat adventurously and often. In 2026, San Sebastián stands out as a destination that rewards the senses without excess: a place to linger over small plates, watch the Atlantic light shift across the water, and experience a deeply rooted regional culture that feels confident, creative, and quietly unforgettable.

FAVORITE EXPERIENCE: Pintxos-hopping is a blast, but there's nothing like seeing the entirety of the city from an outcrop atop Mount Igueldo at sunset.

Durban is home to the largest Indian population outside of India, which gives the city its famously vibrant food scene and colorful cultural festivals.

12. Durban, South Africa

Set along the sun-kissed coastline of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban is a vibrant fusion of cultures, cuisines, and coastal charm. Its long golden beaches and warm Indian Ocean waters make it a paradise for surfers, swimmers, and anyone seeking laid-back seaside adventures. The city’s bustling markets, rich Zulu heritage, and spicy Indian-inspired curries reflect a unique cultural tapestry that draws travelers eager to explore beyond typical South African safari routes.

While Durban offers incredible experiences — from strolling the lively beachfront promenade to visiting the lush botanical gardens — travelers should take standard safety precautions, staying aware of surroundings and consulting local guidance. With thoughtful planning, 2026 is the perfect year to enjoy Durban’s sun, flavors, and dynamic urban energy.

FAVORITE EXPERIENCE: Wandering Umhlanga Beach at sunrise, attempting to surf, and then coming back in the evening to catch sunset.