19 Places to Visit in 2026 According to the Travel Publications
It’s January, which means it’s time for my annual “Best Places to Go According to the Travel Powers that Be” List! If you are new to reading the annual Travel Powers That Be list (click here for previous years’ lists), here is how it works: Every year I compile the “where to go” lists from top travel publications – this year Lonely Planet, National Geographic, Conde Nast Traveler, CNN, and The New York Times - into one massive list. Any location that multiple organizations mention is considered one of the Best Places to Go per the Travel Powers that Be. If a country is mentioned by one publication and a specific part of that country - like a region or a state – is recommended by another, that qualifies it for this list. The idea is to remove the idiosyncratic choices that each publications have and home in on the actual recommendations. These are not my personal recommendations – but what the travel powers recommend.
This year’s list is surprisingly balanced, with every continent represented and fairly even representation across most of them (although as these are largely American publications written for an American audience, I do count the US as a separate regional category). I was genuinely impressed. That said – the world is particularly chaotic at the moment so please check travel and safety conditions before booking and taking your trip. Safety first. Now – please enjoy the 19 places to visit in 2026 according to the Travel Powers that Be.
Route 66
2026 is the year to get your kicks on Route 66. The iconic American highway celebrates 100 years this year, making it a Conde Nast Traveler, New York Times, CNN, and National Geographic top recommendation. There will be events and celebrations all along the route, with the centennial kick-off event on April 30, in Springfield Missouri. National Geographic recommends checking out the Oklahoma stretch of the route. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation invested millions of dollars into the state’s 400-mile stretch of route. If you do visit, make sure to stop in Tulsa, which has billed itself as the capital of Route 66. And finish at the historical end of the route in Santa Monica, CA.
Arusha, Tanzania
As the gateway city to both Serengeti National Park and the Mt. Kilimanjaro Base Camp, is it any wonder that Conde Nast Traveler and CNN both listed Arusha, Tanzania as a top place to visit in 2026? However, in 2026 the city is becoming more than simply a gateway to some of the most spectacular natural spots in Africa, but a destination in it of itself. Visit the Arusha Cultural Heritage Center, which is one showcases a substantial collection of African art, including masks, sculptures, and paintings. There are also exhibits Tanzanian history and cultures. In addition, in October 2026 the Jane Goodall Center for Hope is scheduled to open, with interactive exhibits on wildlife. So If you are considering a trip to the Serengeti or to climb Kilimanjaro, make sure to take some time to explore Arusha as part of your trip.
Dominica
A frequent favorite, both CNN and National Geographic recommend visiting the Caribbean island of Dominica for 2026. Known as the Nature Island, Dominica is the in final stages of establishing a reserve for sperm whales off the western coast. While tourists will be allowed to visit the reserve and see the whales, the number of tourists will be regulated to ensure whales are not unduly impacted. On land, visitors can see rain forests, waterfalls, and mountains. There is also a new cable car to the Boiling Lake, a 200ft long lake that is, in fact, filled with water at close to boiling temperature. Or if you want a challenge, you can take the hike up instead.
Vietnam
Emerging as a growing top destination in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is a New York Times pick for 2026. However, while Vietnam best known for its major cities in the north (Hanoi) and the south (Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon), this year check out Central Vietnam. Lonely Planet recommends the Quy Nhon, a coastal city known for it’s laid-back vibe and its beaches. It’s also a good base for visiting the Cham ruins, temple-towers that were built by the Champa Kingdom. A friend of mine visited Vietnam last year and particularly recommends Hue and Danang. I cosign visiting Hue, which I visited when I was in college a number of years ago. Hue was the imperial capital of Nguyen Dynasty. The historic imperial city is a UNESCO heritage site and if memory serves Hue had incredibly good food. Finally Danang, which is sometimes referred to as the Miami of Vietnam, has both beautiful white beaches and the nearby Marble Mountains, where you can see caves with Buddhist and Hindu shrines that have be preserved over the centuries.
Brussels, Belgium
If you’re looking for a European city with great architecture, beer, and come 2026, a burgeoning art scene, Conde Nast Traveler and CNN recommend Brussels. Belgium was one of my personal recommendations for 2025, and I went to Brussels at the end of June, so I completely agree with the recommendation. One of the top things of 2026 is the Kanal-Centre Pompidou, a new state-of-the-art museum showcasing art exhibitions and installations, is scheduled to open in November. Personally, I recommend the Musical Instruments Museum. The audioguide lets you hear the instruments on display being played, which I find extremely cool. And finally, if it’s your libation of choice, Brussels has fantastic beer.
North Dakota Badlands
Often ignored in favor of the more famous Badlands National Park in South Dakota, 2026 is the year for the North Dakota Badlands to shine. Recommended by Lonely Planet, New York Times, and National Geographic, the North Dakota Badlands are home to the Teddy Roosevelt National Park and soon to be the home of the new Teddy Roosevelt Presidential Library. Scheduled to open July 4th, the Presidential Library is a complex in Medora, with the mission to honor the life, legacy, and enduring relevance of the 26th president. However, the library aims to humanize, not idolize the president, who the New York Times described as “bellicose, beloved, and complex.” In addition, the library is part of a project to restore indigenous plant species in North Dakota. If presidential history isn’t your thing (or you’ve gotten your fill) Theodore Roosevelt National Park has several scenic drives and numerous hikes where you can admire the wildlife and the rugged landscape.
Medellin, Colombia
Far from the notoriety it had in the 1990s, Medellin, Colombia, is now a top travel destination and a Conde Nast Traveler and National Geographic pick for 2026. Street art can be found all over the city. Start in Comuna 13, a formerly notorious barrio turned creative arts district. The Street Art Festival in February showcases are in downtown and several other neighborhoods in the city. For a complete different kind of art, visit the city’s Botanical Gardens. Round out a visit to the city with the Museo de Antioquia or the Medellin Modern Art Museum. Personal Note: Please check the news and security alerts for the country and the region before visiting.
Penang, Malaysia
Both the name of a state and in island, Penang, Malayasia is a New York Times and CNN pick for 2026. First stop is the capital, Georgetown, a UNESCO heritage site and was a key trading port in the Malacca Strait. As a result, the city is a melting pot with Chinese, Indian, Southeast Asian, and, of course, British influences. Head to the Penang History Gallery to a grounding in the city’s history before checking out the city’s food. Michelin just added Georgetown to its guide so you can either use their recommendations or follow your nose to something delicious. Outside the city, visit Kek Lok Si Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia.
Oulu, Finland
In 2026 all the powers that be say to go to Finland – specifically the city of Oulu. Oulu, roughly 60 miles south of the Arctic Circle is the European Capital of Culture for 2026. As such, it will be hosting nearly 200 events, including the Lumo Art and Tech Festival, photo exhibits, and several exhibits and art installations related to climate change. In addition to the festive activities, Oulu is an excellent place to view the Northern Lights in the winter, and explore the surrounding nature in the summer. It wouldn’t a trip to Finland without visiting a sauna, so check out one of Oulu’s floating saunas and sweat it out while floating down the river. As for getting there, Oulu was recently connected to Helsinki by train.
Philadelphia, PA
The United States turns 250 this year and to celebrate, the New York Times and CNN recommend going to the city where it began – Philadelphia. First stop is of course Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution were signed, and Independence Square, before a stop to see the Liberty Bell. Philly is also holding a “Firstival,” a public festival celebrating a “first” that happened in Philly, every Saturday the entire year. Celebrate an entirely different anniversary by running up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art 50 years after Rocky first did. And since you’ve already climbed all those steps, visit the museum’s extensive collection, which is one of the largest art museums in the United States. And finally, no trip to Philly celebrating this historic year is complete without watching the musical 1776.
Peru
Peru, a Lonely Planet choice for 2026, is on many people’s bucket lists, particularly for the famed Incan ruins, namely Machu Picchu. However, in 2026, visit a different side of Peru’s history by heading north from Lima. Peru was home to civilizations for thousands of years before the Incans built their empire, and in 2026 a new city over 3,000 years old has been opened to the public, after eight years of excavation by archeologists. The ruins include walking paths, a modern interpretation center, and far, far fewer tourists. Continuing north to the city of Trujillo, visit the Pre-Columbian city Chan-Chan, which was the capital city of the Chimu Kingdon and is now a UNESCO heritage site. And of course, check out Lima’s renowned dining scene, home to some of the world’s best restaurants.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia
Uluru is one of the most famous sites in Australia, so it makes complete sense that it’s a National Geographic and a Conde Nast Traveler pick for 2026. The geological monolith is a sacred place for the Anangu (the indigenous people of the region) and visiting the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is not just an opportunity to marvel at nature, but to learn more about the original peoples and their culture and traditions. Generally, tourists are not allowed to spend overnight in the park, but starting in April 2026, you can take a five-day, four-night trek from Kata Tjuta (a group of domed rock formations) to Uluru. The treks are fully guided and developed with the Anangu Traditional Owners. If a multi-day hike isn’t your speed, there are plenty of shorter hikes and walks, including ones that take you to see rock art made thousands of years ago.
British Colombia, Canada
If you’re interested in visiting the Pacific Northwest this year, Lonely Planet suggests checking out British Colombia. The region is fantastic for nature lovers, who can enjoy the Great Bear Rainforest, a huge temperate rainforest which is the only inland temperate rainforest in the world and is managed via a agreement between the provincial government and the First Nations in the region. F you want to enjoy both nature and the city, visit Vancouver, one of National Geographic’s picks. Nearly a tenth of the city is parkland. Vancouver is also and extremely diverse, multicultural city – meaning the food scene is excellent. And, of course, I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t mention British Columbia’s growing wine scene – there are more than 30 wineries on Vancouver Island alone.
Deer Valley, Utah
A New York Times and Conde Nast Traveler recommendation, Deer Valley is massive ski resort in Park City, Utah and in 2026 it’s slated to get even bigger. I am not going to even pretend to understand skiing or ski-related jargon, but according to the publications, the resort has added seven new lifts and almost 100 new ski runs. And if skiing is not your thing, 2026 is also the last year the Sundance Film Festival will be held in Park City, before moving to Boulder, Colorado.
South Korea
2026 is the year go beyond Seoul and explore the natural beauty of South Korea. South Korea, a National Geographic pick, is home to 23 national parks, with plenty of day hiking options. In addition, South Korea is finishing it’s 527-mile long Dongseo Trail. The trail, which is a New York Times pick, begins on the western coast and crosses the entire county, with the ending on the east coast in the city of Uljin. Large portions of the hike are already open to the public. If you’re more of an island person, Lonely Planet recommends you take a quick flight down to Jeju-do. Jeju-do is a volcanic island, and the volcano, Hallasan and the island’s lava tube systems are a UNESCO heritage site. And if you like me, hike with music – no better time to listen to BTS as their first comeback in four years is scheduled for March.
The Peloponnese
Blockbusters can be a driver for travel destination choices and for the Peloponnese, an extremely large peninsula in Greece, that movie is Christopher Nolan’s “the Odessey.” The region, and particularly the south-western region Messinia, is a New York Times and Conde Nast Traveler pick for 2026. Start your own journey at the Mycenaean Tomb of Thrasymedes, which was built in the Mycenean Age, when the Odessey is set (Homer didn’t compose his epic until hundreds of years later). For something a bit less Homeric, the region also has Venetian castles from when Venice was the regional powerhouse. Make sure to visit Methoni Castle and Koroni Castle for particularly excellent examples. Or simply hike along the seaside cliffs before taking a dip in the Ionian Sea.
Barbados
Last year it was National Geographic and Travel and Leisure, this year it’s Lonely Planet and Conde Nast Traveler recommending a trip to Barbados in the upcoming year. The first stop on a trip Bridgetown, the capital. While the port for many cruise ships, the preserved English colonial old town is a UNESCO Heritage site. However, for 2026 rather than stay in the heavily touristed western part of the island, check out the eastern coast. The East Coast is known for its excellent surfing and rugged coastline. Visit the Andromeda Botanical Gardens, which has more than 600 plant species and is focused on biodiversity conservation.
Algeria
As the quest to avoid overtourism continues, CNN recommends visiting an extremely under-the-radar location in 2026: Algeria. Like Tunisia and Morocco, what is now Algeria was part of the Roman Empire and home to some spectacular ruins. Visit Tipasa, a former Phoenician and then Roman city on the shores of the Mediterranean, and Timgad, a former Roman military colony created in 100 CE. The New York Times recommends visiting the coastal city of Oran. The city is the birthplace of rai, a type of Algerian folk music, and hosts a week-long festival celebrating the music every year. And to really get away from it all, take a tour to Tassili n’Ajjer National Park, which is deep into the Algerian Sahara Desert.
Minas Gerais, Brazil
If you’re interesting in Brazil for the coming year, Conde Nast Traveler recommends the state of Minas Gerais. Slightly inland from the coast, the state is known for its arts scene. Specifically, Inhotim, which is a New York Times pick and a huge outdoor contemporary arts museum and botanical gardens. The museum celebrates its 20th birthday this year, has hundreds of works of art and new exhibits planned for the year. The museum is roughly an hour and a half outside of Belo Horizonte, the state’s capital city. Belo Horizonte has it’s own contemporary art scene, in particular the art gallery Albuquerque Contemporanea. Once you’ve had your fill of art, Belo Horizonte is also known for its growing gastronomy scene so you can eat your fill while sipping on some local wines.
