Travel in 2026 isn’t just about ticking places off a list—it’s about savoring flavors, hearing the rhythms of local life, and collecting moments that linger long after you’ve unpacked. Here are the destinations I’m most excited to send travelers to this year, with the insider touches that transform a trip into a story worth retelling.

✨ Cultural Capitals Alive with Energy

Philadelphia, USA Imagine cobblestone streets buzzing with history while the roar of FIFA World Cup fans fills the air. Between matches, wander through Rittenhouse Square, where boutique hotels and chef-driven restaurants make every evening feel like a celebration.
Mexico City, Mexico The scent of sizzling tacos al pastor drifts through Roma Norte, while stadiums pulse with World Cup energy. Pair the excitement with a private mezcal tasting—because in Mexico City, every day is a feast for the senses.
Marrakech, Morocco Lanterns glow in the souks as the call to prayer echoes across the rooftops. In 2026, new luxury riads and curated art tours add fresh layers to this timeless city. Sunset at Jardin Majorelle is pure magic.

🍷 Culinary & Wine Journeys

Umbria, Italy Picture yourself brushing soil off a freshly unearthed truffle, then turning it into a pasta dish in a rustic farmhouse kitchen. Festivals, hunts, and luxury resorts make Umbria irresistible this year.
Sancerre, France Rolling vineyards meet boutique hotels and art exhibitions. Wake up in a vineyard guesthouse, step outside, and sip Sauvignon Blanc as the Loire Valley stretches before you.
Carlsbad, California Surfboards lean against Michelin-starred restaurants, and natural wine bars hum with conversation. It’s California cool, reinvented.

🌿 Adventure & Nature Escapes

Indian Himalayas, India Prayer flags flutter in the wind as you trek past monasteries and alpine meadows. With new routes opening, this is the year to combine spiritual insight with high-altitude adventure.
San Juan Mountains, Colorado Wildflowers carpet the valleys in summer, while alpine lakes shimmer like glass. A jeep tour to hidden spots reveals Colorado at its most breathtaking.
Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica Wake to the chatter of monkeys outside your villa, plunge into turquoise waters, and end the day with a sunset yoga session. Eco-luxury at its finest.

🏖 Coastal Glamour

Marbella, Spain Sip sangria at a chic beach club, then wander into Andalusian mountain villages where life slows down. Glamour meets authenticity.
Okinawa Islands, Japan Coral reefs sparkle beneath the waves, subtropical forests hum with life, and Ryukyuan culture adds depth to every island experience.
Santa Barbara, California The “American Riviera” shines with renovated resorts and Michelin dining. The Funk Zone’s wine tastings bring a hip, artsy edge.

🎨 Creative & Emerging Cities

Bentonville, Arkansas Crystal Bridges Museum expands, blending art with Ozark landscapes. Pair gallery visits with hikes—you’ll see how nature inspires creativity.
Singapore Rainforest Wild Asia and immersive theaters redefine urban adventure. Add a luxury cruise departure to explore Southeast Asia in style.
Seattle, USA Waterfront parks, eco-friendly hotels, and World Cup matches make Seattle a city of energy and renewal. Pike Place Market remains the heartbeat.

🌟 Destination of the Year

Brazil Samba drums echo through Rio’s Carnival, while Belém’s Amazonian cuisine tempts adventurous palates. São Paulo’s design hotels and UNESCO-protected islands round out a country that offers spectacle and soul in equal measure.

2026 is about layered journeys—pairing global events with intimate local encounters. Whether it’s truffle hunting in Italy, snorkeling Okinawa’s reefs, or dancing through Carnival in Brazil, the best trips this year will awaken all your senses and leave you with stories worth framing on your wall.

✨ Ready to Plan Your 2026 Adventure?

The world is waiting, and the best journeys start with a conversation. Let’s design a trip that’s not just a vacation, but a story you’ll tell for years to come. Reach out today to start crafting your personalized 2026 itinerary—because the earlier you plan, the more unforgettable your experience will be.

Insider’s Guide to the Top Travel Destinations of 2026