The 26 Best Places To Travel In 2026, Chosen By The Experts

Looking for the best places to travel in 2026? Every December, the global travel industry gathers to discuss that very question (and more) at the International Luxury Travel Marketplace (ILTM) in Cannes, France.

Against the backdrop of the French Riviera, the most recent edition of ILTM brought together more than 9,000 delegates and 2,700 travel brands. Over several days, travel leaders, destination experts, buyers, influencers and tastemakers from around the world compared notes on the places and trends reshaping the global tourism landscape.

To find out which destinations are hot for 2026, I tapped into a group of travel writers and editors who attended ILTM and got them to share the spots they are most excited about. I’ve also added a few of my own picks.

The selections span the globe, from nature-forward escapes and under-the-radar cities to classic destinations being reimagined in new ways. It’s a forward-looking preview of the places travelers will be talking about this year and in the years to come. Case in point: If you go back to lists that I’ve published in previous years (including 2025, 2024, 2023 and 2022), you’ll probably spot places that are on your travel radar.

Now, read on for the best places to travel in 2026. And if you want to see where some of the world’s top travel advisors recommend going this year, you can check out their tips for the 26 best trips to take in 2026.

Best Places to Travel in 2026: Europe

Where To Go: London

Chosen By: Nick Boulos is an award-winning travel writer who has visited more than 130 countries on assignment for the Sunday Times, Washington Post and many others. He is also the founder and editorial director of Master Publishing, a boutique publishing house specializing in memoirs and coffee table books.

Why: “Things feel a little bleak in London at the moment, at least from a political perspective,” says Boulos. “But as a proud born and bred Londoner I feel there’s always something in the world’s great capital to be excited about and even more so as we embark on a year that’s full of promise.”

According to Boulos, London’s hospitality sector is the most thrilling it’s been in years, thanks to a flurry of openings. “Fresh from a much-needed blitz of new hotels, including the Peninsula and The Raffles OWO, there is more to come in 2026,” says Boulos. “Six Senses will breathe new life into the former Whiteley department store in Bayswater while the Waldorf Astoria Admiralty Arch—arguably the city’s most notable arrival on the accommodation scene for decades—will finally open its historic doors to guests.”

Restaurants are trending. “Dining out is no less exciting with London’s food scene going from strength to strength,” says Boulos. “While buzz around Carbone still lingers, the big culinary story is found just around the corner at Bonheur (French for ‘happiness’), the first solo outing of Matt Abé, who was formerly the Chef Patron at Gordon Ramsay’s three-star Michelin restaurant and has taken over the famous Le Gavroche site in Mayfair.”

The cultural scene is delivering, as well, says Boulos: “And if all that wasn’t enough, Hollywood heavyweights will be treading the boards—among them Gary Oldman, Tilda Swinton and Rosamund Pike—in new productions, cementing London’s Theatreland as the best in the world.”

Where to Go: Comporta, Portugal

Chosen By: Heidi Mitchell is a regular contributor to the Wall Street Journal, covering an array of topics from cybersecurity to the psychology of work, and is an award-winning travel writer for publications including Travel + Leisure, Town & Country and Vogue. She lives between Connecticut and London, though she will always be a native New Yorker and a global nomad.

Why: “Down the coast from Lisbon, Comporta in Alentejo has quietly become Portugal’s most fashionable seaside escape, a place where the European cool-hunters trade their vintage Burberry for the quiet luxe of Sunspel,” says Mitchell. “Some say it’s the Hamptons of Europe, but I’ve been to many places that also claim that title, and Comporta is something else—far more introspective and serene, all whitewashed and sun-kissed and Atlantic blue to the horizon.”

Mitchell’s pick for where to stay: the 113-key Na Praia, which opens this spring on a secluded peninsula right near Comporta. “These days I’m obsessed with structures made of wood, and that’s the material owner José António Uva chose,” says Mitchell. “That choice—sustainable, stunning, imperfect, cosseting—tells you almost everything you need to know. This isn’t a place designed to impress from afar; it’s meant to be felt and experienced. Yes, it’s beautiful, but more importantly, the timber softens sound, holds warmth and smells faintly of the land it came from.”

The location is spectacular. “Set between the Atlantic Ocean and a protected nature reserve, the buildings don’t interrupt the undulating dunes or the golden coastal light, they sit quietly within them,” says Mitchell. “Designed by Studio KO with landscaping by Doxiadis+, the architecture feels human-scale and tactile, shaped by raw earth, local clay and wood that will weather gracefully in the sea air.”

Na Praia is set on 340 hectares of preserved wilderness with one mile of white sand and car-free sandy paths. “I imagine mornings of beach walks in salty silence, afternoons drifting between ocean and shade and indulgent seafood dishes, evenings wrapped in wood and candlelight and port wines,” says Mitchell. “In a world of gilded everything and luxury one-upmanship, Na Praia feels authentic and maybe even eternal.”

Where To Go: Thessaloniki, Greece

Chosen By: Emily Goldfischer, London-based journalist and founder of hertelier, the leading media platform for women in hospitality. She is the London correspondent for Luxury Travel Advisor and has written for ABC News and The Points Guy. Her reporting is informed by extensive on-the-ground travel across the United Kingdom, Europe and beyond.

Why: “Greece’s vibrant second city rewards travelers who look beyond the obvious, especially in the off-season,” says Goldfischer. When to go? “Visiting in spring or fall taps directly into the second-city, crowd-avoidance travel trend, with warm days, fewer visitors and a city fully in motion.”

Set at the crossroads of East and West, Thessaloniki has a layered past. “Roman, Ottoman and Byzantine influences sit alongside a profound Jewish history,” says Goldfischer. “Today, that history quietly shapes its museums, architecture and neighborhoods.”

To truly understand the city, Goldfischer recommends booking with Constantinos Sfikas. “It felt less like a guided tour and more like walking around with the mayor,” she says. “Constantinos knows everyone and everything, effortlessly bringing Thessaloniki to life.”

Thessaloniki’s culinary identity is shaped by its geography, set between mountains and sea. “Much of what appears on the table is grown, raised or made nearby, from olives and wine to seafood and meat,” says Goldfischer. Culinary highlights: Diagonios 1977 for the classics and Tiffany’s 1905 for a contemporary spin on Greek cuisine.

Goldfischer’s hotel pick is the 152-room Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki, which recently unveiled a revamped spa and wellness area. “Under the leadership of Elena Binairi, the hotel excels at warm, thoughtful hospitality, from turndown amenities featuring regional Greek liqueurs paired with local olives to elevated cuisine that reflects northern Greece,” says Goldfischer.

Thessaloniki also serves as a gateway to northern Greece. “Highlights included hiking Mount Olympus with Trouvas guides and a visit to Ktima Gerovassiliou winery in nearby Epanomi,” says Goldfischer. “Beyond its excellent wines and striking sculpture collection, the estate’s wine museum houses more than 2,600 corkscrews, including rare examples dating back to the 1700s.”

Where To Go: Italy By Rail

Chosen By: Juliana A. Saad is a Brazilian writer and editor who specializes in travel, lifestyle and luxury. She contributes to Forbes Life Fashion, Bazaar, Casa Vogue, ILTM, The Traveller, Departures, Vogue and Unquiet, among other publications and brands. Her company, The Travel Lifestyle, develops special editorial content and projects for numerous publications and companies. Follow her on Instagram @jusaad1 and Linkedin.

Why: “Italy by train is my destination for 2026, framed by nostalgia and villeggiatura, traveling slowly, staying in motion, letting the journey set the pace,” says Saad. “It feels especially relevant now: a renewed focus on nostalgia, heritage, slow travel, romance, craftsmanship and the journey itself as the main experience.”

Two railway brands are shaping that revival, according to Saad. There’s Orient Express, which has the re-emerged as a modern luxury brand under Accor and LVMH. The other is Venice Simplon–Orient-Express, the enduring icon operated by Belmond.

“Under the joint vision of LVMH and Accor, Orient Express has re-emerged as the perfect bridge between eras,” says Saad. “The new Italian train developed by Accor with Arsenale has been running since 2025 in restored 1960s carriages redesigned by Dimorestudio, evoking the golden dolce vita era with walnut panels, velvet and satin brass.”

In 2026, the Orient Express is due to return to its original Paris–Istanbul route, fully restored to its Art Deco splendor. “It’s a clear signal of how nostalgia-driven rail travel has become one of the most relevant luxury movements discussed at ILTM,” says Saad.

That same heritage-led philosophy extends beyond the rails. In Rome, Saad points to Orient Express La Minerva, which opened in 2025 in a 17th-century palazzo beside the Pantheon. In Venice, where the journey culminates, Orient Express is opening Palazzo Donà Giovannelli n a restored 15th-century palazzo.

Belmond, meanwhile, builds on its own legacy, operating the legendary Venice Simplon–Orient-Express. “The train gains a new object of desire with L’Observatoire, the wagon-dormeuse created by artist JR and transformed into a suite-artwork,” says Saad. “Italian itineraries expand under Villeggiatura by Train, including a new Paris–Amalfi Coast route with a stop in Pompeii.”

On land, the idea of villeggiatura unfolds through Belmond’s Italian hotels, says Saad, including Hotel Cipriani in Venice, Splendido on the Riviera, Caruso on the Amalfi Coast and Villa San Michele, reopening in Florence in 2026.

“Together, these trains, routes and hotel openings frame a contemporary Grand Tour, where nostalgia, craftsmanship and the journey itself are the experience,” says Saad.

Where To Go: Lipari, Italy

Chosen By: Michaela Guzy is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, travel journalist and founder of Oh The People You Meet Productions. She hosts and produces two series, Oh The People You Meet with Michaela Guzy and Sleeping Around Safely, and appears regularly on national and international TV.

Why: Newcomer cruise brand Explora Journeys is helping reframe how travelers experience the Mediterranean, says Guzy, who sailed on the inaugural voyage of Explora II. “It really is about slipping into what they call an ‘ocean state of mind,’” she says, pointing to the ship’s spacious suites, strong culinary program and wellness-forward approach.

One of the advantages, according to Guzy, is access to smaller ports that larger ships can’t reach, like Lipari, one of the Aeolian Islands off Sicily. “Lipari has this incredible volcanic history and a much calmer energy than some of its neighbors,” she says. “I loved it so much I went back again on a shorter itinerary.” Vintage jewelry shopping, walkable streets and dramatic coastal scenery make it an easy, under-the-radar stop for 2026.

Where To Go: Flanders, Belgium

Chosen By: James Shillinglaw, editor in chief and co-founder of Insider Travel Report, a daily newsletter for travel advisors, is a veteran travel journalist who has also served as editor in chief of Travel Pulse newsletter, and Agent@Home and Travel Agent magazines.

Why: What’s on Shillinglaw’s radar? Flanders, a Dutch-speaking region of Belgium, which is like a country within a country. “I visited right after ILTM with the intention of getting a better understanding of Flanders and why it has such a different history, cuisine and culture than the French part of Belgium,” says Shillinglaw. “It’s a unique part of Belgium known for its beer, waffles, chocolate, art, canals, picturesque medieval towns and tumultuous history in both World Wars.”

Shillinglaw calls his four-day visit to Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Ypres “a crash course in all things Flemish.” In Brussels, highlights include the Belgium Beer World (“it tells the story of the most important beverage in the country”) and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts (“you can see the great Flemish Masters, and a great guide can make the visit even more rewarding”).

A quick train ride from Brussels is Bruges, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. Shillinglaw recommends checking out the Belfry of Bruges in the main square. “And no, it’s not a church or a cathedral, but a tower that was part of the former commercial center for the region in medieval times,” says Shillinglaw. “It’s also the site of the climactic scene in the movie In Bruges, if you are a film fan.”

“You can spend a day in Bruges exploring the medieval alleyways, buildings and canals of the town,” says Shillinglaw. “Then you can tour and have lunch at De Halve Maan (Half Moon) Brewery, which boasts the only beer pipeline in the world to a bottling plant just outside of town.”

Next stop: Ghent, which is bigger than Bruges, but with the same medieval buildings and canals. A highlight here: “Nothing better than a visit and tour of yet another great Flemish beer maker, DOK Brewery.”

Shillinglaw says the most powerful stop is the small town of Ypres, where the Last Post Ceremony has been held nearly every night since the end of World War I to honor the men who died on the front lines in Flanders. “All I could think of as I heard the trumpets, watched people leaving flowers at a monument and then stood in silence to honor the dead was how some things really haven’t changed,” says Shillinglaw.

Where To Go: Istria, Croatia

Chosen By: Michaela Guzy is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, travel journalist and founder of Oh The People You Meet Productions. She hosts and produces two series, Oh The People You Meet with Michaela Guzy and Sleeping Around Safely, and appears regularly on national and international TV.

Why: Guzy calls Istria “the Tuscany of Croatia” and says it’s one of the most compelling under-the-radar destinations for 2026, especially for travelers willing to slow down and visit outside peak season. “Timing is everything,” says Guzy. “Traveling just outside peak season can mean major hotel savings and fewer crowds.”

Rolling vineyards, medieval hill towns and a deep food culture define this peninsula, where truffles, olive oil and wine are central to everyday life. Fall is an especially rewarding time to visit, according to Guzy.

“Visit during the fall to go truffle hunting with dogs in the Motovun Forest. Visit the chestnut, prosciutto and truffle festivals. Harvest wine and olives and check out the Pula Christmas market set in a Roman amphitheater,” she says. “You’ll enjoy boutique luxury at better rates and authentic local traditions, all while connecting more deeply with the destination.”

Best Places to Travel in 2026: Asia

Where To Go: Chengdu, China

Chosen By: Andrew Chen is a non-binary, multicultural travel tastemaker and globally recognized hotel and lifestyle expert known for shaping modern luxury travel through cultural storytelling and design-led experiences. They are the founder of My Inspire Project, an award-nominated independent media and travel advisory hybrid platform exploring global luxury lifestyle, cultural experiences, and unique destinations. My Inspire Project connects high-intent travelers with curated narratives, insider reviews, exclusive access and tailor-made journeys around the world. You can also follow on Instagram @myinspireproject.

Why: “At the crossroads of history and modern China, Chengdu is a city shaped by 3,000 years of continuity, teahouse rituals, fiery hot pot, Sichuan opera and a philosophy of living,” says Chen. “As the cultural and transport heart of southwest China, unlike other major buzzing Chinese cities, Chengdu is both deeply rooted and remarkably accessible, serving as a gateway to Tibet, the Qinghai–Tibet Railway and some of the country’s most evocative overland journeys.”

For Chen, that balance between history and modern life is what makes Chengdu so compelling right now, and nowhere captures it better than Upper House Chengdu, set within a restored Qing-era temple complex in the contemporary Taikoo Li district. “It is a consistent favorite among design-literate travelers and industry insiders,” says Chen.

Design plays a central role in the experience. “Designed by MAKE Architects, the hotel blends bamboo, timber, brick and stone with a serene modern palette, unfolding through restored Qing Dynasty buildings and traditional courtyard sequences that echo Chengdu’s brocade heritage and terraced landscapes,” says Chen. “Spacious, light-filled rooms and residences offer a rare sense of calm in the city core, while dining and social life are thoughtfully layered, from The Temple Café and Jing Bar to the Michelin-starred Mi Xun Teahouse, celebrated for its plant-forward Sichuan cuisine and Green Star distinction.”

What truly sets the property apart is how Upper House Chengdu is a lens into the city itself. “It’s steps from ancient temples, panda culture, alleyway teahouses and contemporary art districts,” says Chen. “The bespoke experiences such as private market tours and hands-on Sichuan cooking journeys that translate Chengdu’s contrasts into lived memory that guides you through the home of iconic Sichuan cuisine and spicy hot pot. Together, the city of Chengdu and Upper House form a compelling invite to understand one of China’s most culturally intelligent cities through design, taste and time.”

Where To Go: Mongolia

Chosen By: Katalina Mayorga is the founder of El Camino Travel and writes about trends shaping the experiential economy at The Business of Experiences.

Why: One of the clearest themes to emerge from ILTM, according to Mayorga, is the rise of the “whycation”—travel driven less by place and more by how travelers want to feel during and after a trip.

“One of the clearest themes coming out of ILTM was the rise of what some are calling the ‘whycation’—travel driven less by destination and more by how people want to feel during and after a trip,” says Mayorga. “As we designed our new itineraries for 2026, this was the exact thinking at the forefront of our approach, starting with emotional landscapes and purpose, then choosing destinations that naturally support that experience.”

One destination stands out. “One of the destinations we launched and that I’m most excited about is Mongolia, which embodies this shift toward purpose-driven travel: it’s vast, challenging, and intentionally slow, making checklist travel nearly impossible and instead inviting deep presence alongside nomadic cultures attuned to land, rhythm, and restraint,” she says.

For Mayorga, that difficulty is the point. “That challenge—the discomfort, the slowing down, the feeling of being a speck of dust in an endlessly vast landscape, the recalibration that comes with that—is my why.”

Where To Go: Bhutan

Chosen By: Francheska Melendez is a regular contributor to Monocle and its sister publication Konfekt, covering topics ranging from business to design. After moving to Madrid over 16 years ago, she began writing about travel which led to collaborations with Patek Philippe Magazine, The New York Times and T-Brand Studio. Though she is a New Yorker through and through, exploring her adoptive Spain in depth has led her to rethink travel. For her tips and musings, check out Another Spain.

Why: “As I report extensively on Spain, a place where issues around overtourism have reached a fever pitch in the past year, I went to ILTM really curious to discover destinations with fresh ideas on how to encourage travelers into more holistic experiences,” says Melendez.

“Enter Bhutan,” says Melendez. In 2022, the Himalayan kingdom increased its Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) to $200 per night for non-regional visitors. “Proceeds from the fee—the world’s highest tourist tax—are used by the government to protect the environment, preserve cultural legacy and develop infrastructure,” says Melendez.

The policy is central to Bhutan’s tourism strategy. “The SDF is a key part of Bhutan’s strategy to attract mindful travelers as part of what they refer to as ‘high-value, low volume tourism,’” she says. “This approach is designed to bolster the Gross National Happiness, a development philosophy that prioritizes well-being over economic growth.”

Timing also works in travelers’ favor. “2026 is a great time to visit Bhutan,” says Melendez, noting that the SDF is currently discounted to $100 per day for adults and $50 per day for children aged 6 to 12 through 2027, alongside incentives encouraging longer stays.

Cultural travel is another draw. “In 2025, the 19th-century Wangduechhoeling Palace was reopened after a painstaking twelve-year restoration,” she says. Nearby, “Jakar Dzong, a 16th-century fortified monastery, and Kurjey Lhakhang, a 17th-century Buddhist temple, are two more sites of great architectural and cultural relevance.”

Luxury accommodation is well established across the country, from Aman to Six Senses. “Visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to luxury accommodation in Bhutan,” says Melendez. She also points to Pemako Hotels, the first Bhutanese-owned and managed luxury hotel group. “Pemako offers plush tented villas in Punakha Valley with a spa,” says Melendez. “This year was Pemako’s first time at ILTM.”

Nature underpins it all. “According to some estimates, 78% of Bhutan is covered in forest,” she says, making it ideal for hiking, rafting and treks such as the Druk Path between Paro and Thimphu. Even daily life reflects a different rhythm. “Thimphu is the world’s only country capital that has zero traffic lights,” says Melendez. “The country’s embrace of community, of happiness, and its prioritization of human interaction over automation means that even in the big city, there’s a sense that a slower, more mindful pace for daily living is an ideal to aim for.”

Where To Go: Layan Beach, Thailand

Chosen By: Nora Walsh is a travel and wellness writer who contributes to The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Travel + Leisure, among others, and is also a mindfulness meditation teacher.

Why: The Thai island of Phuket is usually known for its crowds and nightlife, but Layan Beach on the quieter northwest coast has become a low-key alternative for travelers seeking space, nature and a slower pace. It also offers a glimpse of where Thailand’s thriving wellness travel scene is heading next.

“After hearing an update on Layan Life at ILTM, it quickly moved onto my wellness retreat bucket list,” says Walsh. “Much of my travel this year is driven by longevity, and Layan Life stood out for its medical-led offering, all housed within Anantara Layan Phuket Resort.”

Layan Life is Anantara’s first dedicated wellness project. “The program is designed to support guests across different stages of life by integrating advanced medical diagnostics, evidence-based holistic therapies, and Thai healing traditions” says Walsh. “It offers everything from sleep wellness and women’s health programs to detox and fitness, with experts on staff in each area, including traditional Thai medicine doctors and physiotherapists.”

What resonates most, she says, is the focus on long-term health rather than a one-off reset. “The post-retreat continuity program includes follow-up doctor consultations at one, three, and six months, along with ongoing wellness and supplement support,” says Walsh. “For me, that signals a more sustainable model for travelers focused on long-term health rather than a short-term reset, and it aligns with what I am personally seeking from wellness travel now.”

Best Places to Travel in 2026: Africa & The Middle East

Where To Go: Cape Town, South Africa

Chosen By: Alexander Lobrano is a food-and-travel writer who has lived in France for 40 years. He is the author of Hungry for Paris, Hungry for France, and My Place at the Table: A Recipe for a Delicious Life in Paris and contributes regularly to The New York Times, WSJ, Financial Times, Airmail News, Galerie and many other publications. You can also follow him on Substack.

Why: “Cape Town—a port city with a frisky reputation once known as the Tavern of the Seas—has finally recovered its native cool as one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities,” says Lobrano.

That shift is visible across the city, even at spots long associated with old-guard formality like the exclusive Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, known aswn as the Pink Lady. “The Mount Nelson is embracing Cape Town’s new hip vibe by sponsoring Collections and Confections, a small carefully curated collection of fashion shows in the hotel’s lounge,” says Lobrano. “Vicky Gurevich, the hotel’s pastry chef, also invents a pastry that expresses each designer’s personality and adds it to the lounge’s famous afternoon tea.”

Food is another area where Cape Town is setting the pace. “The food scene has emerged as Africa’s best,” says Lobrano, pointing to Peter Tempelhoff’s FYN—named one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants—as emblematic of a broader movement. “Tempelhoff is considered a pioneer of Cape Town’s locavore movement, blending local produce with Japanese influences.”

The momentum extends beyond restaurants. “Most compelling of all, the city’s art and design scene is exploding,” says Lobrano. The Investec Cape Town Art Fair has become Africa’s premier contemporary art market, while a wave of new galleries has positioned the city as a global showcase for African artists. “Among the best new galleries are 16 on Lerotholi, Vela Projects and Art Formes.”

“And finally the hotel scene is red hot, too,” says Lobrano. Look for an Edition from Marriott on the V&A waterfront this spring, the arrival of Mama Shelter in downtown later in 2026 and small stylish spots like Atzaro Luzury Boutique Hotel. “Cape Town is in full creative flower,” says Lobrano.

Where To Go: Amboseli, Kenya

Chosen By: Jennifer Flowers is an award-winning journalist and senior deputy editor at Afar, where she oversees hotels and hospitality coverage. Her work focuses on design-forward hotels, nature-based travel and the cultural forces that define meaningful stays. She has reported extensively on luxury hospitality, conservation-minded travel and the evolution of global hotel brands.

Why: Set against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Kenya’s Greater Amboseli ecosystem is home to the continent’s last super-tusker elephants, as well as a critical corridor for wildlife migration between various wildlife areas in the region. For travelers seeking conservation-led luxury and deeply moving wildlife encounters, Amboseli is poised for a breakout moment in 2026, according to Flowers.

“Traditionally there haven’t been that many luxury lodges in this part of Kenya,” says Flowers. “There was Elewana’s Tortilis Camp next to Amboseli Park and Ol Donyo Lodge in Chyulu Hills, but that’s changing with the arrival of Angama Amboseli in 2023. And in mid 2026, Kitirua Plains Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary, is scheduled to debut on a private concession next to Amboseli National Park.”

Flowers was on sabbatical in East Africa in fall 2025, and staying at Angama Amboseli—built on the community-owned Kimana Sanctuary—was one of the most powerful experiences. “Angama Amboseli was so inspiring. On my first game drive, in the golden afternoon light as swallows drifted up from the grass with Mt. Kilimanjaro in the background, I felt fully present in the magic of it all,” says Flowers. “On that same drive, we watched a large herd of elephants make its way to a watering hole in single file, and I still dream about that moment.”

Equally striking, she says, was hearing about the growing wildlife numbers within the sanctuary, evidence of how community-led conservation is reshaping Amboseli’s future.

Where To Go: Zambia

Chosen By: The former Editor-in-Chief for the Turkish edition of Robb Report magazine, international travel journalist Şebnem Denktaş is now holding the position of managing editor at Vogue Turkiye. Born and raised in Istanbul, Şebnem’s passion for travel and Africa led her to launch www.especiallyafrica.com, where she documents her extensive travels in the continent. Follow her on Instagram @especiallyafrica for safari dreams and inspirations.

Why: “I believe nothing beats getting up close and personal with lesser-known terrains of Africa, and Zambia is such a place,” says Denktaş. With rising tourism figures, improved air connectivity and a wave of new luxury openings, Zambia is emerging as one of Africa’s most compelling safari destinations for 2026.

The country is already home to some of the continent’s most iconic landscapes. Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River showcase some of the world’s greatest natural spectacles, while South Luangwa National Park is renowned for its walking safaris and night drives. “When I first went to South Luangwa, it was shocking to see so many leopards walking around during daytime,” says Denktaş. “It’s no surprise that South Luangwa is called the Valley of the Leopard.”

Zambia’s safari experiences feel unusually intimate. “It’s a very good choice for travelers who want unexplored wilderness, smaller crowds, diverse wildlife experiences and unique safari options like walking and canoe safaris,” says Denktaş. Sometimes, she notes, you don’t even have to leave camp. “Being jolted at lunchtime in your unfenced camp, thinking an earthquake has struck, only to realize it’s an elephant walking right through the camp, is an experience you won’t have everywhere in Africa.”

New developments are helping put Zambia firmly on the luxury safari map. The most exciting opening is in Kafue National Park, the country’s oldest and largest reserve. “The world-renowned luxury hotel and resort brand Anantara is launching its first safari tented camp, Anantara Kafue River Tented Camp, set on elevated platforms above the Kafue River with direct access to the national park. It will mark a big moment for Zambia as it is expected to help position the country and Kafue National Park in particular as a high‑end safari destination.”

Another reason to visit: “Zambia is home to Africa’s second-largest wildebeest migration best seen in Liuwa Plain National Park in the far west of the country,” says Denktaş. “Thousands of zebras move with the wildebeest in search of fresh grass after the rains. Best viewing is usually from November to January and it’s an epic show worth to be seen.”

Where to Go: Egypt

Chosen By: Melanie Lieberman is a New York City-based travel editor and writer. She currently helps lead editorial content for Chase Travel to educate and inspire millions of cardmembers booking travel. Lieberman previously held roles at The Points Guy and Travel + Leisure magazine, and she has appeared as a travel expert and speaker at Travel & Adventure shows nationwide, as well as on on NPR, Good Morning America, the Weather Channel and more.

Why: “There aren’t many destinations that capture the imagination of travelers quite like Egypt,” says Lieberman. “With the iconic Great Sphinx and the Great Pyramids of Giza, the latter of which is the only remaining wonder of the ancient world, Egypt holds a unique place in our collective consciousness. And 2026 is already shaping up to be a remarkable year for the country, especially since it earned a spot on our annual list of places to travel, Chase Travel’s ‘26 Trips to Take in 2026’ list.”

One of the most anticipated milestones arrived at the end of last year. “After two decades of construction, the Grand Egyptian Museum finally opened its doors in full,” she says. “Now, visitors can experience thousands of extraordinary artifacts from antiquity, including, for the first time ever, the complete collection of items from King Tutankhamen’s tomb displayed together for the public.”

Beyond archaeology, Egypt’s travel landscape is rapidly evolving. “We’re seeing new luxury hotels in the pipeline and the announcement of new nonstop flights from the U.S., making the journey easier than ever,” says Lieberman.

Much of the excitement is unfolding along the Nile. “Some of the most exciting developments are happening along the Nile,” she says. “Viking has just added a new 41-cabin vessel designed specifically for the river, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts is launching two traditional dahabeahs later this year, and Abercrombie & Kent will be adding a fifth Nile riverboat, the Nile Seray, to its fleet.”

That momentum reflects a broader shift in luxury travel. At ILTM, Farah Nile Cruise announced plans for a new, more intimate vessel, underscoring a growing preference among high-net-worth travelers for smaller ships and more personalized river experiences, according to the latest Altiant x ILTM cruise study. “It’s truly an incredible time to experience Egypt,” says Lieberman.

Where To Go: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Chosen By: Rashi Sen is editor of TTN Middle East and has documented the region’s culinary and hospitality evolution for more than 20 years from her home base in Dubai. She specializes in B2B insights, with a focus on how technology, sustainability and shifting demand are reshaping the Middle East’s travel landscape.

Why: Abu Dhabi is in the midst of a cultural moment, and according to Sen, much of that momentum is concentrated on Saadiyat Island, which literally translates as “island of happiness.”

“The city has recently opened the Natural History Museum, which showcases some truly extraordinary permanent archaeological assets on display, including rows of fossilized dinosaur displays, the 100-kg Murchison meteorite (at 7 billion years old, this meteorite is older than the solar system itself), a 25-meter female blue whale specimen and skeletal remains of the famed Lucy, a 3.2-million-year-old hominid that redefined human evolution when she was first unearthed in Ethiopia,” says Sen.

That cultural density continues just steps away. “A stone’s throw from the Natural History Museum, culture vultures will find home in the recently opened, immersive digital art museum teamLab Phenomena and the more traditional Louvre Abu Dhabi,” says Sen. “The island’s cultural landscape continues to grow, with the legendary Guggenheim Abu Dhabi slated to open its doors later this year.”

Beyond its museums, Abu Dhabi’s appeal lies in its balance of tradition and modernity. “Reflecting its multicultural spirit, the city celebrates Ramadan, Chinese New Year and Christmas with equal enthusiasm,” says Sen. “It delivers a quintessential Arabian experience, from desert safaris across soaring dunes and the quiet majesty of its mosques to traditional date festivals. Home to some of the world’s most luxurious resorts, a vibrant culinary scene, and high-octane theme parks, Abu Dhabi offers something special for every traveler.”

Where To Go: Red Sea, Saudi Arabia

Chosen By: Jill Sieracki, executive managing editor at Galerie Magazine, a leading luxury title that inspires people to “Live Artfully” by exploring the worlds of art, design, architecture, interiors, travel and culture. She is also the writer behind Nina Magon’s monograph Evoke, a deep dive into the glamorous spaces devised by the Houston-based interior designer who draws inspiration from her well-traveled lifestyle. She is also a past editor at glossy regional titles Ocean Drive, Hamptons and Gotham magazines.

Why: “I have been captivated by the cultural development taking place in the Middle East,” says Sieracki. But it is Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea development that has moved the region to the top of her travel list. “With the Red Sea project the talk of the recent ILTM conference, I’m thinking a trip to the region may need to come sooner rather than later,” she says.

The Red Sea will be a new global hub for design-led luxury travel. “All of the most desirable hotel brands are creating decadent resorts,” says Sieracki. “It’s a jet-setter’s paradise.” New properties from Raffles, Rosewood, Four Seasons, Faena and Jumeirah join existing properties by Edition, SLS and InterContinental. Sieracki is particularly excited about Miraval The Red Sea: “It looks heavenly with serene interiors and a state-of-the-art wellness program.”

Sustainability is also a major pillar. “Within the Red Sea project, Foster + Partners is overseeing a program that infuses regenerative tourism and environmental sustainability efforts into the surrounding landscape, which I think is an important responsibility for today’s travelers,” says Sieracki, noting that Galerie previously recognized the studio’s founder, Sir Norman Foster, as one of its “Creative Minds.”

With 50 hotels planned by the project’s 2030 completion date, Sieracki says now is the moment to go: “It’s worth flying halfway around the globe.”

Where to Go: Oman

Chosen By: Geles Ribelles is a Spanish journalist and hotel critic specializing in luxury travel. She is a regular contributor to leading Spanish travel and lifestyle publications, including Mujer Hoy (ABC newspaper magazine), MeetIN (Travel & MICE), ELLE Spain and ELLE Gourmet. Follow her on Instagram @gelesribelles.

Why: “At ILTM Cannes, the luxury travel world made its agenda clear for 2026: experiences over amenities, heritage as strategy and a deeper cultural connection that goes beyond five-star service,” says Ribelles. “Wellness is evolving into longevity travel, heritage is no longer a backdrop but a storyline, and cruising and nature immersion are the new luxury anchors.”

What stood out for Ribelles? “Oman—for the solidity of its vision,” she says. “It’s aligned with the industry’s key trends: experience-led luxury, cultural depth and meaningful travel. Free from mass tourism and forced modernity, the country has preserved its identity while confidently embracing a new era of high-end hospitality.”

Several openings make 2026 a pivotal year. “Mandarin Oriental Muscat emerges as one of the country’s most refined urban luxury addresses,” says Ribelles. At the same time, Muscat’s Barr Al Jissah resort complex is being fully reimagined. “Relaunching from January 2026 under global brands such as Waldorf Astoria Muscat Al Husn, alongside new Hilton and DoubleTree properties, it signals a new era for high end travel in Oman.”

For something more immersive, Ribelles points to The Malkai. “Far more than a hotel stay, it’s a journey into the secret soul of Oman,” she says. The experience combines tented luxury with expert-led exploration, from desert safaris and balloon rides to overnight stays on a private island in the UNESCO-protected Daymaniyat archipelago. Ribelles says it feels “like stepping into a One Thousand and One Nights tale.”

“Oman isn’t following the luxury playbook,” Ribelles says. “It’s quietly rewriting it.”

Best Places to Travel in 2026: Oceania

Where To Go: Palau

Chosen By: Vicky Vilches is a Spanish, Madrid-based journalist and hotel critic specializing in luxury travel. She contributes weekly to leading Spanish newspapers and magazines in travel and lifestyle sections, and has a PhD with a research focus on travel and hospitality history. Follow her on Instagram @vickyvilches.

Why: “At ILTM I came across something I genuinely didn’t know existed, and it immediately felt like a perfect recommendation for 2026: the Four Seasons Explorer, a catamaran based in Palau, in the heart of Micronesia,” says Vilches. “I’ve always been fascinated by this part of the world because it still feels like a true last frontier.”

That sense of discovery is central to Palau’s appeal. “There is a Spanish link in the Pacific that goes back to the 16th century, with traces of that connection still present in different ways,” says Vilches. She’s also drawn to the country’s values. “Palau takes sustainability unusually seriously: It’s a young country, independent only since the 1990s, and it even asks visitors, through the Palau Pledge stamped in their passports, to travel responsibly and leave a positive footprint.”

What makes the experience especially compelling is the format itself. “You get Four Seasons service in the shape of an exploration yacht, in a very small setting, with just 11 cabins and an on-board rhythm designed for reefs, lagoons and extraordinary marine life,” says Vilches.

Looking ahead, Palau’s profile is only set to rise. “I also learned at ILTM that Four Seasons plans to open a boutique resort in Palau in the coming years,” she says. “The combination of a resort on land with this kind of floating base for exploration feels incredibly strong: You get the comfort of a resort stay, plus the sense of going properly off-grid, without losing the ease and standards of service of the brand.”

Where to Go: Tasmania

Chosen By: Laura Begley Bloom, travel expert and author of this column.

Why: Tasmania is having a moment, with new ways to experience its wild landscapes paired with a growing slate of refined, low-impact luxury experiences.

Several hotel openings are driving the buzz. Picnic Island is reopening as a private, all-inclusive island escape. Guests take over the entire off-grid island, with penguins as neighbors and the chance to see the Southern Lights on clear nights. Saffire Freycinet, one of Australia’s flagship lodges, is debuting new three-bedroom villas, with heated pools, outdoor spa baths and sweeping views over Great Oyster Bay. In Tasmania’s Central Highlands, Pumphouse Point has new lakeside retreat suites overlooking Lake St Clair,

Another way to see Tasmania is from the water. On Board Expeditions offers expedition-style journeys aboard a purpose-built luxury catamaran, unlocking rarely visited parts of the island’s World Heritage–listed southwest (including Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour) as well as locations on the East Coast like Freycinet, Maria Island and the Tasman Peninsula.

Tasmania’s food and drink scene is also part of the appeal. Gordon Ramsay recently named the island one of his favorite food destinations, while Callington Mill Distillery was crowned single malt whisky of the year at the London Spirits Competition. And then there’s the new DineAlley, which curates private culinary journeys across the Tasman Peninsula, giving guests behind-the-scenes access to working farms, vineyards, oyster sheds and distilleries that are otherwise difficult to visit on your own.

Best Places to Travel in 2026: South America

Where to Go: Atacama Desert, Chile

Chosen By: Deborah Frank is Editor in Chief of Bal Harbour Media for Bal Harbour Shops, overseeing all editorial content for Bal Harbour magazine as well as the brand’s digital, newsletter and social platforms. An award-winning luxury content creator, she previously served as Vice President and Executive Managing Editor of Departures under Richard David Story and began her career at Hearst, working with legendary fashion editor Glenda Bailey at Marie Claire.

Why: “Atacama feels less like a destination and more like another planet, yet one that is deeply grounding,” says Frank. “The scale, silence and celestial presence are unmatched.”

At ILTM Cannes, Frank says one theme stood out clearly. “There’s a real shift toward meaningful remoteness; that is, destinations that feel truly untouched but are delivered with intention and sophistication,” she says. “Atacama sits at the center of that movement, especially as travelers seek experiences that combine nature, science and cultural depth.”

One property that exemplifies that approach is Awasi Atacama, known for its deeply personalized model. “Places like Awasi elevate the experience by making exploration completely personal, private and immersive,” says Frank. With private guides and tailor-made excursions, the lodge allows guests to engage with the desert at their own pace, from salt flats and high-altitude hikes to world-class stargazing under some of the clearest night skies on Earth.

Other exciting hideaways include the recently overhauled Tierra Atacama, where the stunning suites have epic Andes views. Nayara Alto Atacama is an eco-conscious spot integrated into the desert landscape. Built with traditional adobe, the property pairs astronomy, Andean-inspired wellness and locally sourced cuisine.

Looking ahead, Frank sees Atacama gaining even more momentum. “For 2026, Atacama is emerging as a leader in astro-tourism and experiential travel,” she says. “It’s where access to the world’s clearest night skies, tailor-made exploration, and sustainability converge. For seasoned travelers, it offers what they’re seeking at an elemental, intellectual, and emotionally resonant level.”

Where to Go: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Chosen By: María Pellicer is a Mexico City–based travel journalist and editor with a background in history and more than two decades in the editorial world. She is the former editor-in-chief of Travesías and previously served as Travel Editor for Travesías Media, overseeing the company’s travel publications and projects, including the Spanish edition of Virtuoso Life.

Why: “I’m a Brazil enthusiast: I’ll find any excuse to go back at least once a year,” says Pellicer. “I love São Paulo, find Belo Horizonte underrated and think Brasília is an architecture paradise, but nothing beats Rio de Janeiro.”

For her, the magic starts on arrival. “Flying into Santos Dumont (make an effort to land here instead of Galeão) makes my heart skip a beat,” she says. “Such a dramatic landscape: Whimsical mountains, lush greenery and a beautiful seaside create a picture that astonishes me every time.”

This year brings fresh momentum to the city’s luxury scene. “Rio will welcome the opening of a Sofitel in Ipanema. This will be a great addition to a city that still has a limited number of luxury properties,” says Pellicer. “Another member of the Accor family, the Fairmont Copacabana, will celebrate its fifth anniversary. Lastly, the Copacabana Palace, the indisputable grand dame of the city, is set to refurbish its iconic pool.”

But hotels are only part of the appeal. “It’s hard to point to one thing in particular that makes Rio so special,” she says. “For me it’s the combo of the landscape, the vibe and the incredible food and nightlife scene. From Ocyá in Barra to Buta Bar Downtown, there are so many good spots.”

Every visit leaves Pellicer with the same thought. “Each time I’m in Rio, I end up thinking: Why on earth haven’t I moved here?”

Best Places to Travel in 2026: North America

Where To Go: Boston

Chosen By: Tiffany Dowd (@LuxeTiffany) is a respected luxury-travel industry insider, widely known as the original luxury-travel influencer and the founder of Luxe Social Media®. A world traveler based in Boston, she is a trusted hotel expert, working closely with leading luxury hotels and global travel brands, shaping trends in high-end hospitality and destination storytelling.

Why: “I’ve lived in Boston for 30 years, and I can say without hesitation that 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and meaningful years in the city’s recent history,” says Dowd. “As Boston prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, the entire city feels energized and celebratory.”

Summer will be full of festivities. “Few cities deliver the Fourth of July quite like Boston,” says Dowd, pointing to the Boston Pops’ annual Esplanade concert, led by Keith Lockhart (“the performance of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture will give you chills”), followed by one of the country’s most dazzling fireworks displays. The excitement continues with Sail Boston 2026, when tall ships and naval vessels fill Boston Harbor from July 11 to 16. Another highlight: “FIFA World Cup, which will bring a wave of international travelers to the city for matches from mid-June through mid-July.”

According to Dowd, Boston is having a real hotel moment. “Raffles Boston, the brand’s first North American property, has quickly become one of the city’s most stylish and social places to see and be seen,” says Dowd. “XV Beacon is one of my longtime favorites, an intimate boutique hotel in the heart of Beacon Hill, known for its working fireplaces and European charm. When I need a reset, I retreat to the Celadon Spa Suite at Mandarin Oriental, Boston, one of the best urban spa experiences in the country.”

Boston’s food scene continues to gain global credibility. “Boston has a lineup of award-winning restaurants that rival London, Paris or New York,” says Dowd. “No trip is complete without a classic, buttery New England lobster roll from Saltie Girl in Boston’s Back Bay or Neptune Oyster in the North End. Zurito is my go-to for authentic Basque tapas in historic Beacon Hill. For an elevated night out, La Padrona inside Raffles Boston delivers the kind of cooking you’d expect in Italy, no flight required. For something truly special, Michelin-starred 311 Omakase is a worthy splurge, with only 10 seats and an exceptional 18-course Japanese tasting menu.

Cultural depth is another constant. “Our museums are truly world-class,” says Dowd, citing the Museum of Fine Arts (“where I met my husband”), the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the waterfront Institute of Contemporary Art.

Her verdict is simple: “There’s no better year to experience Boston than 2026.”

Where To Go: Texas

Chosen By: Laura Begley Bloom, travel expert and author of this column.

Why: Texas is entering a headline year, with major global events and a wave of openings that signal how broad the state’s travel appeal has become.

On the global stage, Texas will be front and center during the FIFA World Cup 2026. Arlington will host nine matches, including a semifinal, while Houston will stage seven games, and Dallas will serve as the tournament’s International Broadcast Center.

Luxury and design-forward hotels are having a moment. In Fort Worth, Auberge Resorts Collection recently debuted Bowie House, filled with more than 700 works of art from the owner’s private collection. In downtown Dallas, The Joule has unveiled newly reimagined West Tower guestrooms by Tihany Design, signaling a new chapter for modern Texas design. Also set to open in 2026: AutoCamp Hill Country, near Fredericksburg. Its signature Airstreams and cabins offer a refined way to experience the region’s swimming holes, state parks and vineyards. Camp Lucy, a Texas Wine Country resort, is also expanding with the debut of Folklore, a new spa experience blending wellness, color therapy and social connection.

In San Antonio, accessibility and culture take center stage. The city is completing major cultural projects, including continued restoration at the Alamo and the relocation of the San Antonio African American Community Archive & Museum into a historic downtown building. Morgan’s Wonderland—the world’s only theme park designed specifically for guests with physical and cognitive disabilities—is opening Morgan’s Hotel in 2026, one of the first hotels built entirely around universal accessibility.

Elsewhere in the state: Universal Kids Resort, the first-ever Universal theme park designed specifically for younger children, is set to open in Frisco in spring 2026. The new park will feature seven themed lands inspired by Universal characters, along with a colorful, family-focused hotel just steps away.

Where To Go: Dominica

Chosen By: Laura Begley Bloom, travel expert and author of this column.

Why: The Caribbean island of Dominica (aka “Nature Island”) is defined by rainforests, volcanoes, waterfalls, wild coastlines and sustainability. And 2026 is shaping up to be the year to go.

Access is finally catching up to the island’s appeal. Nonstop flights from Newark and Miami have made Dominica far easier to reach, and momentum is building ahead of a new international airport scheduled to open in 2027.

Travelers can experience the island’s interior in new ways thanks to a long-awaited cable car to Boiling Lake (the world’s second-largest boiling lake), dramatically shortening what was once a demanding all-day hike. Marine conservation is another reason to visit. The island is launching the world’s first Sperm Whale Reserve, protecting a resident population that lives year-round off Dominica’s west coast. Carefully regulated encounters will set a new benchmark for responsible whale tourism in the Caribbean.

Dominica’s hotel scene is dominated by eco-sensitive boutique properties like the clifftop Secret Bay, which continues to raise the bar with experiences like Botanica, a chef’s table set in an organic garden. Some bigger brand names are also making an appearance, thoughtfully. Marriott is building a new property, the eco-chic Anichi Resort & Spa. And InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, set in Cabrits National Park, has become a cornerstone for luxury travelers who want comfort without disconnecting from nature.

Best Places to Travel in 2026: The Arctic

Chosen By: Laura Begley Bloom, travel expert and author of this column.

Why: The Arctic isn’t a single destination, it’s a vast region at the top of the world, spanning the Svalbard archipelago, Greenland, Iceland and parts of Canada and Alaska. In 2026, luxury expedition travel here reaches a new peak, with more access, more innovation and more choice than ever before.

At the far end of the spectrum is Le Commandant Charcot, operated by Ponant. The world’s first hybrid-electric polar icebreaker and the only passenger vessel capable of reaching the geographic North Pole, it offers a rare opportunity to follow in the footsteps of historic polar explorers, paired with refined design, exceptional cuisine and a strong scientific mission.

In 2026, Lindblad Expeditions marks the 60th anniversary of Lars Eric Lindblad’s first civilian expedition to Antarctica, the journey that helped define modern expedition travel. Decades later, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions remains a gold standard for Arctic exploration, with deep regional expertise across Svalbard, Greenland, Arctic Canada and the Northwest Passage.

Most Arctic expeditions sail from Longyearbyen and focus on the Svalbard archipelago, home to glacier-carved fjords and remote coastlines where polar bears roam the pack ice. New 2026 itineraries reflect the growing diversity of Arctic travel. Aqua Expeditions is bringing Aqua Lares, a former icebreaker reimagined as a superyacht, to the region. Expect ultra-intimate explorations with just 30 guests, combining Zodiac landings, kayaking and wildlife encounters with elevated onboard comfort. COMO Journey: Into the Arctic, created with Natural World Safaris, will run two special sailings, pairing small-ship exploration with the kind of food and wellness you know from the Asia-based COMO brand.

What unites these journeys is access to remote landscapes, rare wildlife and a region that still feels profoundly untamed.

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