Around this time of year, my thoughts turn to next year’s vacations and the magical memories I can create with my family. Epic travel experiences can change the way you see the world, so choosing your destination carefully is essential.
To help you make your decision, I’ve put together a list of the best places to visit in 2026. Some of these are places I’ve visited and loved, some are new destinations I plan to visit in 2026, and some are on my bucket list for the future.
I’ve included destinations that will appeal to a wide variety of tastes, featuring wild landscapes, stunning beaches, rich culture, and gastronomic delights. Whether you want to relax on a beach, hike across a frozen tundra, or sip cocktails on a rooftop bar, you’ll find the perfect place in this guide.
Greenland
Greenland’s raw Arctic scenery and fascinating Inuit culture make it a top destination for 2026. United Airlines flights now offer services to Nuuk Airport (GOH) in Greenland, and the expansion work at Ilulissat Airport should be completed in 2026, making travel to Greenland easier than ever.
The island’s scenery is dominated by towering icebergs, panoramic views over dramatic landscapes, and awe-inspiring fjords. You can kayak past icebergs, soak in hot springs, and hike across the unspoiled surroundings.
A guided walking tour of Nuuk, the capital of Iceland, takes in sites like the Hans Egede Statue, Nuuk Cathedral, and the Greenland National Museum. It lets you learn about the city’s fascinating history from a local expert, sampling local specialties along the way.
Greenland is also a great place to watch the Northern Lights streak across the dark skies in winter. Visiting in summer lets you experience the midnight sun, bathing the land in continuous light.
Best for: an unforgettable adventure and connecting with nature.
When to visit
Visiting Greenland in June to September offers 24-hour daylight, mild temperatures, and easy travel. They’re also the best months for fjord cruises, whale watching, and hiking. The cold, dark winter months are ideal for viewing the Northern Lights, but traveling around the island becomes more difficult.
San Juan Island, U.S.A.
The rugged landscape and small-town charm of San Juan Island make it an ideal destination for a relaxing getaway. The island is part of the San Juan archipelago, a Pacific Northwest gem that lies between mainland Washington state and Vancouver Island, Canada.
You can spot orca, humpback, minke, and gray whales on a whale-watching boat tour, go biking along the coast, or hike along scenic trails through Lime Kiln Point State Park. History fans will enjoy exploring San Juan Island National Historical Park, and the small town of Friday Harbor is filled with independent boutiques, galleries, and waterfront restaurants.
Here’s what to do on San Juan Island.
Best for: slow travel, small-town living, and relaxation.
When to visit
Many seasonal businesses on San Juan Island close during the winter and early spring, making summer the best time to visit. Ferry access to the island is easier, the weather is warm and dry, and you’ll have the widest range of shops and eateries to choose from. Summer is the best time for orca whale watching, and the San Juan County Fair takes place in August.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
I had a fantastic time in southern Germany with my family in the summer of 2024, and I highly recommend Garmisch-Partenkirchen as a destination for a family vacation in Europe. We stayed at the Schloss Emlau luxury hotel, and its location in the Bavarian Alps is ideal for a European trip filled with activities such as skiing, mountain biking, and hiking.
There are lots of things to do with kids in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, like exploring the Kletterwald (climbing forest), taking the cable car to the summit of Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak, and visiting the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is also very close to the Austrian border, so it’s easy to take a day trip to the city of Innsbruck with its pretty Old Town.
Best for: an active family vacation.
When to visit
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is ideal for a vacation at any time of year. In winter, you can go skiing and snowboarding or watch the New Year’s Ski Jumping (Vierschanzentournee) on January 1st, one of the world’s most famous ski events.
Summer vacations in Garmisch-Partenkirchen are perfect for exploring hiking trails through alpine meadows and Partnach Gorge or taking a ride on the Sommerodelbahn (Summer Toboggan Run).
Boston, U.S.A.
Boston, Massachusetts, is always a popular travel destination thanks to its historic background and major events like the Boston Marathon in early April. However, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, and major cities like Boston will host year-long celebrations, making them even more popular destinations for travel.
You can explore the history of Boston by walking the Freedom Trail, which takes you to iconic Revolutionary War sites like Paul Revere’s House and the Old State House. The city also has several world-class museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts and the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.
While in Boston, don’t miss Puttshack!
Boston’s Gillette Stadium will also be one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament in North America. The SeatSecrets World Cup Guide to Boston will help you plan your visit with tips on where to eat, drink, and stay.
Best for: celebrating U.S history and World Cup fever.
When to visit
Visiting Boston in spring will give you more comfortable weather and lighter crowds, while the fall offers spectacular New England foliage and a packed schedule of food, art, and cultural festivals.
Expect the city to be busier than usual this summer as it hosts World Cup games in June and July, while July 4th is sure to be even more spectacular than ever in this anniversary year.
Edinburgh, Scotland
My quick visit to Edinburgh was one of my favorites, and this vibrant city should definitely be on your travel wishlist for 2026.Â
Scotland’s capital city is easily accessible from London and offers a wide array of cultural experiences, world-class dining, and fantastic shopping. There are plenty of things to do in Edinburgh, from visiting historic sites like Edinburgh Castle, to spotting Harry Potter locations around Edinburgh, or exploring the city on a hop-on-hop-off Bus Tour.
Edinburgh also serves as a gateway to the rest of this beautiful country, which is filled with quaint fishing villages, stunning landscapes, and historic castles.
Outlander fans will enjoy spotting familiar filming locations on an Outlander Day Tour, while a Glenfinnan, Glencoe, and Highlands Day Trip is perfect for Harry Potter fans. Find out more in our guide to the best day trips from Edinburgh.
Best for: cosy Scottish pubs, historic castles, and a wee dram of whisky.
When to visit
Christmas markets, Edinburgh Castle of Light shows, and Hogmanay celebrations make Christmas in Edinburgh a tempting idea, and the city is stunning in winter. July and August are the warmest and sunniest months, and August sees the city host the world’s largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Book early if you plan to visit in the summer, as the city’s hotels fill up quickly.
Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City is a vibrant, exciting city with a rich blend of culture, history, and modern entertainment. Its streets are filled with over 170 museums and colonial palaces, and you’ll also find a tempting selection of places to eat in Mexico City, ranging from street food stands and traditional local cuisine to high-end restaurants.
The best way to get a flavor of this exciting city is on a walking tour of Mexico City’s ‘Centro Histórico’, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll take in the ancient ruins of an Aztec city and explore inside the Metropolitan Cathedral before sampling Mexican sweet bread at a traditional Mexican bakery.
In 2026, the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City will host the opening game of the FIFA World Cup, as well as several other matches. The SeatSecrets World Cup Guide to Mexico City is filled with tips on hotels, eateries, and things to do.
Mexico City is also a great destination as part of a two-center vacation. Spend the first half of your trip exploring Mexico’s capital city’s rich cultural heritage or watching a World Cup game, and then move to Todos Santos for perfect relaxation or the twin cities of Los Cabos for a more lively vibe.
Best for: a vacation filled with fun, history, and delicious Mexican food.
When to visit
The dry season in Mexico City runs from November to April, and the comfortable temperatures at this time of year coincide with Day of the Dead (early November) and Christmas celebrations. You might prefer to avoid the rainy season (May to October) when the temperatures are also hotter.
Cortina d’Ampezzo and the Dolomites, Italy
The spotlight will fall on Cortina d’Ampezzo next year, as this small town will serve as co-host for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Winter Games.
Nestled in the Dolomites, Cortina is a world-class destination for skiers with over 120 km of pistes and efficient snow-making systems that ensure snow-capped mountains. There are plenty of luxury spas for alpine relaxation, and several Italian and Austrian day trip destinations are within easy reach, such as Venice and Milan or Innsbruck and Kitzbühel.
An alternative option is to base yourself in one of these cities and take a day trip to the Dolomites. This full-day tour from Venice to the Dolomites visits Cortina, along with other scenic locations, including Lake Misurina and the Col de Varda Viewpoint.
Best for: skiing or apres-ski, the choice is yours!
When to visit
The prime time to visit Cortina for skiing and alpine sports is from December to March, although this is also when the town is at its busiest. Expect tourist levels to be higher than usual in February and March 2026, when the Winter Olympics and Paralympic Winter Games will be held. If you prefer warm weather, alpine flowers, and fewer tourists, mid-June or late August are especially lovely.
New York City, U.S.A.
Always a popular destination for tourists, NYC will be even more exciting in 2026. The 400th anniversary of the city’s founding coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States, and World Cup soccer heads to nearby MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Beyond the iconic NYC landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the High Line, the city buzzes with world-class theater, music, art, and dining. The museums in New York City are constantly opening fresh exhibits, and new hotel openings and immersive experiences make their debut every year.
Whether you prefer a walking tour of Brooklyn or a helicopter flight over Manhattan, the ‘city that never sleeps’ has something to offer everyone!
New York New Jersey will host several games in the FIFA 2026 World Cup, and you’ll find tips on NYC’s best hotels, restaurants, and more in the SeatSecrets World Cup Guide to New York City.
Best for: culture, history, entertainment, food – you name it!
When to visit
The shoulder seasons in spring (April-June) and fall (September-November) offer mild weather, comfortable walking, and relatively low tourist numbers. Many cultural events and festivals are clustered at these times of year. The high season in NYC is hot, humid, and crowded, while the winter months are beautiful but cold.
Oslo, Norway
I recently visited Norway, and Oslo, the Norwegian capital city, offers a fascinating alternative to the over-tourism in Iceland.Â
Oslo’s compact city center is highly walkable and perfect for exploring. It’s filled with a blend of modern architecture and historic structures, such as the Akershus Fortress, which you can visit on a Private Walking Tour of Oslo’s Old Town. Lovers of art, history, and culture have more than 50 museums to discover, and a fjord sightseeing cruise is the perfect way to get a different perspective on the city.
While in Oslo, I did this 3-hour biking tour and I loved it! Lest you worry about your biking skills, it was the first time I had ridden a bike in at least 10 years and I did fine.
Beyond Oslo, you can enjoy hiking through lush forests and soaking in the natural beauty of the fjords on a small ship cruise.
Best for: cool Nordic culture and dreamy scenery.
When to visit
Late spring through early fall (June to early September) offers long days in the midnight sun and mild temperatures. This time of year is ideal for hiking, scenic drives, and fjord cruises. Tourist numbers will be lower in the shoulder season (May and late September).
Cape Verde
Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) is a sun-soaked archipelago off Africa’s west coast. The islands boast long stretches of ivory-gold sands and crystal-clear waters that teem with marine life, making them perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The dramatic island landscapes are ideal for hiking, and travelers in search of an active vacation can enjoy windsurfing, kiteboarding, and sailing.
A guided tour of Boa Vista Island will give you a taste of Cape Verde. You’ll see sharks and turtles in their natural habitat, go sandboarding on towering dunes, visit the beautiful Santa Monica beach, and sample the local grogue, a traditional beverage made from fermented sugarcane juice.
Best for: relaxation and unspoiled natural beauty.
When to visit
November through June is the perfect time to visit Cape Verde, as the weather is warm, relatively dry, and ideal for spending time on the beautiful beaches. The rainy season in this region tends to fall between July and October.
Rwanda
Rwanda makes a good alternative to some of the more popular safari destinations like South Africa’s Kruger National Park, Zimbabwe, or Kenya. It’s safe for tourists, and the ongoing conservation efforts make the country one of the fastest-growing ecotourism destinations.
Kigali is the country’s vibrant capital city and has an incredibly positive vibe. Akagera National Park is still relatively unknown on the safari scene, but it gives you the chance to see elephants, giraffes, and zebras, along with the recently reintroduced black rhinos and lions.
Visiting Rwanda also offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience: viewing the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park. Sustainable tourism initiatives support the conservation of these fascinating apes, and fewer than 100 people are allowed to journey into the forest each day.
Best for: nature lovers seeking unforgettable experiences in a relatively unknown location.
When to visit
The dry seasons stretch from June to August and December to February. Gorilla trekking, in particular, is easier and safer during the drier months, with January being especially popular. The long dry season (June–August) is the prime time for wildlife viewing. In June, Rwanda holds the Kwita Izina baby gorilla naming ceremony, a unique cultural experience.
Porto, Portugal
If you’ve already explored the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, and the golden sands of the Algarve, head north to Porto in 2026.
This historic city is renowned for its six bridges, and a boat tour on the River Douro offers a glimpse of the city’s rich history and stunning architecture, as well as those iconic bridges. I visited in 2016 and have been dreaming of getting back to Porto ever since.
Of course, Porto is also famed as the home of port wine, and no Porto vacation would be complete without a port wine cellar tour.
The city is one of Europe’s best slow food destinations, perfect for a laid-back, food-centered vacation with traditional dishes like the city’s legendary francesinha sandwich and pastéis de bacalhau (cod fritters).
Best for: amazing food and world-renowned wine.
When to visit
Spring (May-June) and early fall (September) are ideal times to visit Porto, as the weather is warm but not as hot as during the summer months. The tourist crowds tend to be at their highest in summer (July–August), so consider avoiding these months for a more peaceful Porto vacation.
Honestly, though, I spent New Years in Porto in 2016 and aside from a bit of rain, it was a lovely time to visit. The smaller towns outside Porto were quite dead over the New Years holiday, so if you go then, stick with the bigger areas and you’ll have plenty to do.
Marrakech, Morocco
Visiting Marrakech is an immersive experience that bombards your senses with vibrant colours, captivating sounds, enticing scents, and mouthwatering flavours.
Marrakech is a blend of old-world and innovation from the twisting alleyways and spice stalls of the medina (old town) to the city’s modern art galleries and rooftop cocktail bars. Exploring the Marrakech medina with a private guide is the perfect way to experience the city’s museums, palaces, and gardens, while avoiding the tourist traps.
Morocco is currently encouraging tourism to support its recovery following the 2023 earthquake. Marrakech and many areas of the High Atlas Mountains are accessible and safe for visitors, and a balloon tour with a traditional Berber breakfast makes an unforgettable way to see the area.
Best for: an intoxicating experience for all the senses.
When to visit
Summer in Marrakech can be extremely hot, while the cooler winter months can have chilly nights. Spring (March to May) and fall (September to October) offer a balance of warm days and cooler evenings that make exploring the city more comfortable. Music and cultural festivals also tend to take place during these months.
The Caribbean
Many Caribbean islands are rebuilding after hurricanes, so booking your 2026 vacation in the Caribbean is a great way to support this effort.
The region has been one of the most popular beach destinations for decades, thanks to its powdery-white sands, ideal diving conditions, and endless days of sunshine. Popular luxury travel destinations for a Caribbean vacation include Saint Barts for chic exclusivity, Turks and Caicos for stunning private resorts, and St. Lucia for romantic luxury.
Barbados is the best all-round destination for a first-time visit, offering idyllic beach relaxation on the west of the island and perfect watersports conditions on the south and east coasts. Explore the historic capital of Bridgetown with a private guide, or head out to sea on a luxury catamaran snorkel tour for a day of relaxation and swimming with turtles.
Best for: the ultimate in chilled-out beach vacations
When to visit
December through April is the dry season in the Caribbean, with lower rainfall and more comfortable conditions. It’s also the peak season when prices and visitor numbers are higher, but the weather is at its best, and you avoid the risk of hurricanes and storms in summer and early fall.
Halifax, Canada
Halifax is the charming capital of Nova Scotia with a rich seafaring heritage and stunning coastal beauty. The city’s waterfront boardwalk is lined with independent boutiques and restaurants and dotted with public art, while the Victorian-era Public Gardens bring peaceful relaxation into the bustling city center.
A small-group walking tour of Halifax, accompanied by a local expert, is the best way to explore this fascinating city.
Halifax is famous for its role in rescuing survivors from the Titanic tragedy of 1912. You can learn more about the historical significance of this tragic event in the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which houses over 30,000 artifacts.
The city is also a gateway to Nova Scotia – think coastal drives, seafood feasts, whale watching trips, and cute lighthouses like Peggy’s Cove.
You could also combine a visit to Halifax with a trip to Toronto, one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Check out the SeatSecrets World Cup Guide to Toronto for ideas on where to eat, drink, and stay in this cosmopolitan city.
Best for: waterfront walks and coastal drives
When to visit
The Atlantic ocean keeps conditions cool in Halifax, but summer (June to September) offers the best weather for coastal scenery and outdoor activities. Crowds are smaller in late spring (May) or early fall (September), but the weather will also be cooler.
Where will you head?
That wraps up my pick of the best destinations for your 2026 vacation. I’m already planning my next adventure and can’t wait for all the exciting experiences we’ll enjoy.
Where are you heading for your next vacation?
