Plan your 2026 escape now: 26 destinations you can’t afford to miss

6 destinations defining travel in 2026 – from serene islands and historic cities to wildlife adventures and cultural escapes.

• The Rough Guide lists 26 destinations shaping travel trends for 2026
• Destinations emphasize authentic experiences, slow travel, and real connections.
• Travel in 2026 emphasizes longer stays and deeper cultural immersion

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If you could go anywhere next year, where would it be? A quiet island where coral reefs shimmer beneath crystal-clear waters, or a city where lunch flows effortlessly into evening, and streets invite you to linger? Perhaps a place that quietly compels you to slow down, to notice small details, and to soak in everyday life without trying too hard?

As 2025 winds down, one of the world’s most trusted travel authorities has offered a compelling answer. Drawing on more than 30,000 traveller enquiries from its network of local experts, The Rough Guide has released its Global Travel Outlook for 2026—a thoughtfully curated list of destinations shaping the future of travel. This isn’t about luxury escapes or viral trends; it’s about places that reward curiosity, patience, and genuine connection, where experiences linger in memory long after the journey ends.

From untamed wetlands and historic cities steeped in culture, to islands finding their rhythm again, these 26 destinations are set to define travel in 2026. Each promises not just sights, but stories, moments, and encounters that transform ordinary trips into unforgettable adventures. Whether you seek adventure, serenity, or cultural immersion, these destinations invite you to travel deliberately, to explore with an open heart, and to discover the world at its most captivating pace.

Marrakech, Morocco

1. Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech draws travellers into its sensory-rich medina, where Jemaa el-Fnaa, maze-like souks, and tiled riads define daily life. Explore Bahia Palace, sip mint tea on rooftop terraces, then escape to the Atlas Mountains or Agafay Desert for a slower, quieter contrast just beyond the city.

2. Crete, Greece

Crete rewards unhurried exploration, from the ruins of Knossos and the old town of Chania to the dramatic Samaria Gorge. Drive along the south coast for quiet beaches, mountain villages, and family-run tavernas where food traditions are deeply rooted in island life.

3. Bali, Indonesia

Bali’s magic lies beyond the beaches. Wander Ubud’s rice terraces, visit Tirta Empul’s sacred springs, and explore Sidemen’s rural landscapes. Coastal towns like Amed and Munduk’s misty hills offer a calmer side of the island, where culture, spirituality, and nature still lead the experience.

Tokyo, Japan

4. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo blends hyper-modern energy with timeless calm. Explore Shibuya and Shinjuku for city buzz, Meiji Shrine for quiet reflection, and neighbourhoods like Yanaka for old-town charm. Day trips to Mount Fuji, Kamakura, and Nikko reveal how effortlessly Tokyo connects city life with nature.

5. Rome, Italy

Rome goes beyond the Colosseum and Vatican when you explore Trastevere’s lanes, Testaccio’s food markets, and Monti’s local cafés. Historic sites sit alongside everyday rituals—espresso breaks, evening walks, and long meals—making the city feel as lived-in as it is legendary.

6. Istanbul, Türkiye

Istanbul unfolds across continents. Visit Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, wander the Grand Bazaar, then cross the Bosphorus to Kadıköy for local markets and cafés. Sunset ferry rides, rooftop views, and neighbourhood bakeries reveal a city layered with history and modern life.

7. Sicily, Italy

Sicily’s landscapes are bold and varied. Explore Palermo’s markets, climb Mount Etna, and wander Baroque towns like Noto and Ragusa. Along the coast, fishing villages and quiet beaches contrast with ancient ruins, creating a destination rich in flavour, history, and dramatic scenery.

Lisbon, Portugal

8. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon invites slow wandering through Alfama’s alleys, Belém’s riverside monuments, and Bairro Alto’s viewpoints. Ride the iconic trams, listen to fado music, and explore nearby Sintra’s palaces or Cascais’ coastline for an easy escape beyond the city’s hills.

9. Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi’s charm reveals itself around Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter’s street food stalls, and French-colonial boulevards. Early mornings bring tai chi by the water, while day trips to Ninh Binh or Ha Long Bay add limestone landscapes to the experience.

10. Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok balances sacred and chaotic beautifully. Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, then explore floating markets and street food hubs like Chinatown. River ferries, rooftop bars, and hidden neighbourhood cafés show how the city constantly reinvents itself without losing its soul.

11. Paris, France

Paris feels more intimate when you explore beyond landmarks. Wander Le Marais, stroll Canal Saint-Martin, and browse neighbourhood markets. The Seine’s walkable banks, smaller museums, and café-lined streets reveal a city best enjoyed slowly, one arrondissement at a time.

Tenerife, Spain

12. Tenerife, Spain

Tenerife surprises with its diversity. Hike Teide National Park’s volcanic trails, explore La Laguna’s historic streets, and relax in quiet villages like Garachico. Whale watching along the coast and forest walks in Anaga Rural Park reveal an island shaped by nature, not just beaches.

13. Amalfi Coast, Italy

The Amalfi Coast rewards patience. Walk the Path of the Gods, explore Ravello’s gardens, and wander quieter towns like Praiano and Minori. Coastal ferries offer breathtaking views, while long lunches overlooking the sea turn everyday moments into lasting memories.

14. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio’s rhythm moves between city and nature. Relax at Copacabana and Ipanema, hike in Tijuca National Park, and take in views from Sugarloaf Mountain. Samba clubs, street markets, and sunset beach walks reveal why Rio’s energy feels both effortless and unforgettable.

15. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest’s grandeur comes alive at street level. Soak in Széchenyi Thermal Baths, explore Buda Castle, and walk along the Danube at dusk. Ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter and neighbourhood cafés add a lively, modern layer to the city’s historic elegance.

Kerala, India

16. Kerala, India

Kerala flows at a gentler pace. Cruise the backwaters of Alleppey, wander tea plantations in Munnar, and explore wildlife in Periyar and Parambikulam. Coastal towns like Varkala and Fort Kochi blend history, spirituality, and ocean views into a deeply calming travel experience.

17. Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

The Dalmatian Coast invites island hopping and coastal wandering. Explore Dubrovnik’s old town, swim off Hvar’s coves, and stroll Split’s Diocletian’s Palace. Ferry rides between islands reveal hidden beaches, vineyards, and small towns that reward slow summer travel.

18. Kruger National Park, South Africa

Kruger offers close encounters with Africa’s wildlife. Drive through open savannahs, spot lions near Satara, and watch elephants gather at watering holes. Private reserves on the park’s edges add guided walks and night safaris for deeper immersion.

19. Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

Yucatán blends ancient and natural wonders. Explore Chichén Itzá and Uxmal, swim in cenotes near Valladolid, and wander colourful towns like Mérida. Caribbean beaches and jungle ruins sit close enough to create varied, experience-rich journeys.

Seville, Spain

20. Seville, Spain

Seville’s spirit lives in its details. Visit the Alcázar, stroll Plaza de España, and lose yourself in Santa Cruz’s narrow lanes. Evening flamenco performances and late dinners reflect a city where culture unfolds slowly and joyfully.

21. Namibia

Namibia feels vast and humbling. Drive through the red dunes of Sossusvlei, spot wildlife in Etosha National Park, and explore the haunting Skeleton Coast. Long roads and empty horizons make every journey feel adventurous and deeply freeing.

22. Scottish Highlands, UK

The Highlands deliver dramatic solitude. Follow the North Coast 500, explore Isle of Skye’s cliffs, and hike around Glencoe’s valleys. Castles, lochs, and ever-changing light create landscapes that feel cinematic and timeless.

23. Provence, France

Provence celebrates simple pleasures. Wander lavender fields in Valensole, browse markets in Aix-en-Provence, and explore hill towns like Gordes and Roussillon. Vineyards, Roman ruins, and long lunches define a region best savoured slowly.

24. Pantanal, Brazil

The Pantanal offers wildlife encounters unlike anywhere else. Boat safaris along the Cuiabá River reveal jaguars, caimans, and giant otters. Open wetlands and fewer crowds make sightings frequent and deeply immersive.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

25. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai blends culture and calm. Visit mountain temples like Doi Suthep, explore old-city markets, and take day trips to hill-tribe villages. Cooking schools and forest walks add meaningful ways to connect with northern Thailand’s traditions.

26. Palawan, Philippines

Palawan feels refreshingly untouched. Kayak El Nido’s lagoons, dive shipwrecks near Coron, and snorkel in protected marine parks. Quiet beaches and limestone cliffs create a sense of escape that prioritises nature over nightlife.

The big takeaway for 2026

Travel is shifting—from ticking boxes to staying longer, feeling deeper, and choosing places that still feel real. Whether it’s Kerala’s backwaters, Namibia’s deserts, or a Parisian neighbourhood café, 2026 is about journeys that linger.