2026 is just around the corner, nudging travellers worldwide to finalise their vacation plans. While the internet and travel guides are flooded with the same old recommendations, National Geographic has handpicked 25 destinations that are offering something new to visitors. Whether it is a city revamp, a new set of underwater museums or a culinary recognition, these destinations are set to offer the unexpected. Here are the top 10 destinations wooing tourists in 2026.
The Dolomies, Milan, Italy: The 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games will be held in gorgeous locations across the Dolomies in February and March, across 8,500 primarily mountainous square miles of northern Italy. Award-winning field-to-table restaurants, luxury boutique stays, and jaw-dropping views add to the allure.
Québec, Canada: Nibiischii Park, the first Nation–managed national park, is wooing all the tourists for 2026. It protects over 4,000 square miles of lake country in the Eeyou Istchee–James Bay region, and offers year-round cabins, Cree-led winter activities, and cultural initiatives in and around Montréal
Ming Tombs, 50 km northwest of Beijing city, include mausoleums of thirteen emperors of the Ming Dynasty, such as Changling, Dingling, and Zhaoling (photo: Wikimedia Commons)
Beijing, China: It has two new attractions: Beijing Central Axis – the five-mile strip of imperial and ceremonial buildings and gardens, which was recently added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List – and the Ming Tombs, which are set to open all 13 historic complexes. Additionally, visa-free stays of up to 30 days have been extended into 2026 for 47 countries, including France.
Dominica: The World’s first sperm whale reserve is likely to open in Dominica by 2026, which’ll allow tourists to swim with these giant beasts under a trainer’s guidance. Besides, tourists can enjoy the panoramic view of the planet’s second-largest hot spring lake from the cable cars, which are vouched for as one of the world’s longest cable cars.
Rabat, Morocco: The latest addition to this beautiful city is the neo-futuristic Royal Theatre of Rabat, designed by architect Zaha Hadid. Another new attraction is the hilltop site of Chellah, a 14th-century Islamic necropolis built on the ruins of a Roman settlement, which has been reopened after restoration. Rabat has also been recognised by UNESCO as the 2026 World Book Capital, making a stage for several literary events and workshops throughout the year.
State Highway 66 is a 192.7-mile state highway in the U.S. state of Oklahoma (photo: Wikimedia Commons)
Hull, Yorkshire, England: Hull has a long maritime history, which is set to come alive with a major restoration and storytelling project closing to completion in 2026. Several new attractions are being readied, including a new maritime heritage trail, Hull Maritime Museum, and two permanently docked wrecked ships-turned-museums.
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North Dakota Badlands, U.S.: A brand-new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is set to open in Medora, North Dakota, on July 4, 2026, with interactive exhibits and a rooftop trail overlooking the Badlands. Nearby, the Three Affiliated Tribes National Park will also open its doors to tourists, offering indigenous-led hikes and workshops.
Manila, Philippines: Manila and surrounding regions, often called Metro Manila, are now a culinary attraction, as the 2026 Michelin Guide officially features them. Connoisseurs can gorge on a vibrant mix of Indigenous, Spanish, Chinese, and Malay delicacies.
Khiva was established the city was established around 2,500 years ago (photo: unsplash)Black Sea Coast, Türkiye: The Turkish Black Sea coast is one of the rare places where one can enjoy both surfing and skiing. Thanks to its upgraded ski areas, the region has renewed tourist interest. Revitalised cultural sites, tea terraces, and adventure activities make it a fresh alternative to the crowded Mediterranean coast.
Khiva, Uzbekistan: Khiva is set to lure tourists with its new high-speed, luxury sleeper trains, making the ancient fortress city more accessible. Khiva is also getting its first five-star hotel and a new family resort, making it a bigger and more fun place to visit.
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| Destination | What’s New or Notable in 2026 |
|---|---|
| The Dolomites, Milan, Italy | Hosts the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games across northern Italy’s Dolomites; luxury boutique stays and field-to-table restaurants. |
| Québec, Canada | Nibiischii Park, the first Nation–managed national park, featuring year-round cabins and Cree-led cultural winter activities near Montréal. |
| Beijing, China | Beijing Central Axis added to UNESCO World Heritage List; full opening of all 13 Ming Tomb historic complexes; visa-free stays extended for 47 countries, including France. |
| Dominica | Opening of the world’s first sperm whale reserve for tourists; panoramic views from one of the world’s longest cable cars over the planet’s second-largest hot spring lake. |
| Rabat, Morocco | New neo-futuristic Royal Theatre by Zaha Hadid; restored Chellah necropolis site reopened; recognised as UNESCO 2026 World Book Capital with literary events planned. |
| Hull, Yorkshire, England | Maritime restoration project nearing completion with new maritime heritage trail, Hull Maritime Museum, and two docked ship museums. |
| North Dakota Badlands, U.S. | Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opening July 4, 2026; opening of Three Affiliated Tribes National Park offering Indigenous-led hikes and workshops. |
| Manila, Philippines | Featured in the 2026 Michelin Guide, highlighting Indigenous, Spanish, Chinese and Malay culinary influences. |
| Black Sea Coast, Türkiye | Revitalised ski areas and surfing regions, cultural sites, and adventure activities. |
| Khiva, Uzbekistan | Introduction of new high-speed, luxury sleeper trains; first five-star hotel; and new family resort. |
| Akagera National Park, Rwanda | Expanded wildlife and rhino conservation; new safari camp lodges, including Wilderness Magashi Peninsula camp; revitalisation after the poaching crisis. |
| Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada | Hosting 7 FIFA World Cup games in mid-2026; Indigenous-led tours in Stanley Park; mountain biking and wildlife viewing opportunities. |
| Yamagata Prefecture, Japan | Hot springs and temples; the snow monster phenomenon at Mount Zao; lantern and traditional dance festivals. |
| Route 66, Oklahoma, U.S. | Centennial celebrations with restored neon signage, revived diners, and new marketplace additions. |
| Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia | Overnight stays introduced with Indigenous-guided treks, eco-friendly lodges, and a drone light show telling Anangu stories. |
| Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | National Museum of Fine Arts scheduled to reopen; Copacabana Palace hotel renovations, including a new spa; hiking trail to Cristo Redentor; Michelin-star restaurants highlighted. |
| Oulu, Finland | European Capital of Culture 2026 with Sami art exhibitions, light art festival, northern lights viewing, Arctic food events, and a new Pendolino train route. |
| South Korea | Significant sections of the Dongseo Trail are open for new hiking and trekking experiences across national parks. |
| Guimarães, Portugal | Named 2026 European Green Capital, expanding green infrastructure like bike lanes and green spaces; climate neutrality goal by 2030; blending medieval character with green innovations. |
| Medellín, Colombia | Vibrant street art scene centred in Comuna 13; Medellín Street Art Festival; Feria de Las Flores flower parade; growth as a creative cultural hub. |
| Basque Country, Spain | Solar eclipse visibility, celebrated architecture and cuisine, pintxos bars, and cultural attractions. |
| Maui, Hawaii, U.S. | Recovery-focused sustainable tourism after 2023 wildfires; reopened businesses and events; largest spa debut; wellness retreats. |
| Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. | Expansion of the Andy Warhol Museum; Carnegie International art exhibition; revitalising cultural landmarks; new public parks. |
| Coastal Oaxaca (Costa Chica), Mexico | Renowned for world-class surf and less-crowded beaches, a new superhighway linking to Oaxaca City, American Airlines nonstop to Puerto Escondido, and eco-friendly hotels with Michelin recognition. |
| Fiji | Conservation-focused resorts promoting coral planting and native ecosystem restoration; featured surf spots including Cloudbreak. |