Best Travel Destinations for 2026: Where to Go Next

If you’re already dreaming about where to go in 2026, you’re not alone. Planning ahead not only gives you more time to research and save, it also gives you first pick of deals, accommodations, and flight options. That’s why we usually book up to 11 months in advance! We’ve put together a list of top travel destinations that combine value, culture, natural beauty, and a good infrastructure to make your trip smooth.

We’ve included places we’ve been and can recommend first-hand, along with a few that are trending that we’d like to explore next. Here’s where we think travelers should go in 2026 and why.

1. Peru

Peru remains one of the most exciting and affordable destinations for a major bucket-list adventure. Of course, Machu Picchu is a highlight, but there’s so much more to this beautiful country. 2026 is a good year to go before demand spikes again.

• Why go in 2026: With sustainable travel efforts expanding, it’s a good time to experience the country responsibly.
• What to do: Beyond Machu Picchu, visit Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and spend real time in Lima. The food scene alone is worth the trip (this is where we fell in love with anticuchos de corazon). You can also head south to Arequipa or explore Lake Titicaca.
• Travel tip: Book your entry ticket and guide for Machu Picchu well in advance and opt for the earliest time slot for the best experience.

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2. Türkiye (Turkey)

Türkiye bridges Europe and Asia, offering beautiful landscapes, ancient ruins, and vibrant cities. It continues to be one of the best-value destinations with excellent infrastructure and a strong hospitality culture. Just watch out for tourist scams! Whether it’s rug vendors, taxi drivers, or a switch-out for a more expensive wine than we ordered, we’ve had to pay close attention to prices and bargaining here.

• Why go in 2026: It’s still affordable, especially compared to much of Europe. There’s a strong push to expand tourism outside Istanbul and Cappadocia, which means more options with fewer crowds.
• What to do: Visit Istanbul’s mosques and bazaars, explore the fairytale Cappadocia, and unwind on the Aegean coast.
• Travel tip: Domestic and intra-Europe flights are cheap and efficient, making it easy to access and cover a lot of ground.

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3. Slovenia

If you’re looking for a peaceful, outdoor-focused European country with good prices and fewer crowds, Slovenia should be high on your list.

• Why go in 2026: Slovenia’s mix of lakes, mountains, and small towns makes it ideal for a slower, more scenic trip. The capital, Ljubljana, is one of our favorite spots in Europe. It’s small with beautiful scenery and a storybook, European feel.
• What to do: Base in Ljubljana for a few days, then head to Lake Bled and the Julian Alps. The wine regions and caves (like Postojna and Škocjan) are also well worth visiting.
• Travel tip: Renting a car makes exploring much easier and the roads are in great shape.

4. Scotland

Scotland offers a dramatic landscape, historic cities, and a welcoming culture that’s perfect for both road trips and city breaks.

• Why go in 2026: More travelers are discovering the magic of Scotland. You’ll find fewer crowds if you go beyond Edinburgh, Loch Ness, and Isle of Skye, but we highly recommend these hotspots for first-time visitors.
• What to do: Explore Edinburgh’s old town and castle, drive through the Highlands, visit the Isle of Skye, and stop for whisky tastings along the way (with a designated drive, of course). Don’t miss out on Glasgow if you love live music and big cities.
• Travel tip: Rent a car for maximum flexibility, or go our route and use a mix of trains, buses, ride-shares, and private day trips.

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5. The Azores, Portugal

The Azores are a group of volcanic islands in the Atlantic, part of Portugal but completely different from the mainland.

• Why go in 2026: Direct flights are increasing, and tourism is growing without the overtourism of Lisbon or Porto. The Azores feel off the beaten path while still being easy to reach from both Europe and North America. We flew Sata/Azores from Toronto to São Miguel.
• What to do: Visit São Miguel for crater lakes and geothermal springs, go whale watching, hike coastal trails, and enjoy farm-to-table meals. We highly recommend renting a car or arranging two day tours, one exploring each side of the island. We arranged tours through Airbnb experiences.
• Travel tip: The weather can change quickly, so pack layers and be ready to adjust your itinerary based on the conditions.
  

👉 Are the Azores Worth the Hype? How to Plan the Perfect Trip to São Miguel

6. Colombia

Colombia has moved well past its difficult past and is now one of South America’s most exciting travel destinations. It’s vibrant, diverse, and affordable. We love it so much, we’ve visited three times and are already planning our next adventure.

• Why go in 2026: Infrastructure keeps improving, and more regions are welcoming tourists. With low costs and varied landscapes, it’s perfect for budget-friendly adventures.
• What to do: Visit Bogotá and Medellín, relax on beaches near Cartagena, or hike in Tayrona National Park. Next time, we want to check out Guatape.
• Travel tip: Brush up on your Spanish and stay alert in cities. We recommend booking reliable guides and drivers. Check out Botero’s art, and sample all the local cuisine.

👉 Cartagena: 3 Things We Loved and 1 Thing We Hated

7. Canada

If you’re based in the US and you want an international trip without long flights or jet lag, Canada delivers big landscapes and welcoming cities. It’s easy to navigate and ideal for outdoor lovers.

• Why go in 2026: Parks are investing in new visitor services and there’s a big push for sustainable travel.
• What to do: Explore the Rockies, drive through Nova Scotia, visit Montreal, Quebec City, or Vancouver. Don’t skip Toronto. It’s the most diverse city in North America and has an outstanding food scene.
• Travel tip: Summer is peak season for most areas, but fall is perfect for fewer crowds and beautiful colors. We visited Montreal and Quebec City in late November. It was cold, it snowed, but it was magical.

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8. Italy

Italy continues to deliver a classic European experience with amazing food, rich culture, and plenty of lesser-known places to explore.

• Why go in 2026: Popular spots like Rome and Venice will always be busy, but regions like Puglia and Sicily offer a more laid-back, affordable alternative.
• What to do: Enjoy train travel between major cities, relax on southern beaches, explore hill towns, and indulge in regional cuisine and wine. Sicily is easy to reach by budget airline into Palermo or Catania.
• Travel tip: Visit in shoulder season to avoid crowds and get better deals on lodging.

9. Malaysia

Malaysia offers a great mix of cultures, food, beaches, and urban experiences, all at an affordable price. While it’s often overshowed by its neighbors, Thailand and Singapore, we find such great deals on airfare and luxury accommodations, it’s become our Southeast Asia hub.

• Why go in 2026: It’s a safe, welcoming country with strong infrastructure and less tourist saturation compared to neighboring countries.
• What to do: Explore Kuala Lumpur, Penang’s street food and culture, and the Cameron Highlands for cooler weather. Malacca to the south is a great stop on the way to Singapore and the whole journey from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore is cheap, easy, and comfortable by bus. We also hired a driver to take us to Batu Caves.
• Travel tip: English is widely spoken and flights are cheap. Buses are comfortable, making it easy to move between regions.

10. Croatia

Croatia has been popular for years, but it’s still a great destination with plenty of hidden gems outside Dubrovnik and Split.

• Why go in 2026: New ferry routes and investments in tourism make it easier to reach less-visited islands and inland towns.
• What to do: Sail the Dalmatian Coast, relax in Istria, explore national parks like Plitvice, and eat your way through Zagreb.
• Travel tip: Visit in May or September for ideal weather and fewer cruise ship crowds. We actually went in October, and it was still perfect.

👉 Croatia and Beyond: How to Spend a Week in the Balkans

A Few More Worth Watching

Here are a few places we haven’t visited yet, but are high on our list:

• Japan: Still top of our list, though we were never able to rebook after our 2020 trip was cancelled.
• South Korea: Compact and culturally rich with excellent food.
• Georgia: Safe, affordable, and full of natural beauty. Still relatively under the radar.
• Albania: One of the last affordable beach destinations in Europe.
• Namibia: Stunning landscapes and excellent self-drive options.

No matter your budget or travel style, these picks can help you start planning a trip that feels exciting, enriching, and realistic. The earlier you plan, the better your options. What’s at the top of your list for 2026? Let us know in the comments.