We may have always lived on the same planet, but astonishingly, we are still discovering new pockets to visit and remembering once-forgotten ones to return to. Many have often been overlooked, more established destinations with similar traits, but as travelers are becoming more adventurous, the world is becoming wider, and our opportunities grander. In 2026, the world is our oyster. On this list of up-and-coming destinations to have on your travel radar for 2026, we introduce you to the places, new and established, that we think you’ll want to know about this year. It covers everything from European getaways to island stays and adventure holidays, giving you inspiration for all occasions. Read on to find out where 2026 will take you.
For your fill of the Far East: Okinawa, Japan
Japan’s futuristic cities have made it one of the world’s most popular destinations for a few years in a row. In 2026, however, travelers are expanding their horizons and shifting their focus to Japanese island life in Okinawa, a tiny subtropical island 400 miles south of mainland Japan in the East China Sea. Its shores are lined with white-sand beaches and surrounded by turquoise waters brimming with marine life.
Rooted in the Ryuku Kingdom, a tributary state of the Ming Dynasty, Okinawa boasts unique architecture, music, crafts, and textiles that make it feel much more intrepid than mainland Japan. Life here is slower, more intentional, and more entwined with tradition. Eat homemade Okinawa soba served with a smile at a family restaurant. Learn how to blow glass with local craftspeople. Listen to musicians play the sanshin.
For the luxurious European getaway: Comporta, Portugal
Comporta is to Lisbon what the Hamptons is to New York: a chic coastal escape where barefoot luxury meets simplicity. Think small-scale luxury retreats and private beach houses, curated boutiques, minimalist spas, and fine dining in a rustic setting. The kind of place you’re forced to slow down and all too tempted to indulge.
Despite being a convenient 1.5-hour drive south from Lisbon, Comporta feels surprisingly secluded with miles of wild, rugged beaches in each direction as the Algarve looks on in jealousy. The village itself barely stretches a kilometer. There’s not much to do but let the importance of time fade into the background as you sip slowly on your morning coffee, walk aimlessly along the beach, and stretch evening meals out from sunset to midnight. That’s when you’re not at the spa or the pool, of course.
For the intrepid adventure: Morocco
t
Deeply cultural and pleasantly affordable, Morocco is set to be one of Africa’s most popular destinations in 2026. This year, it’s time to step out of dizzying medinas spilling with rugs and spices and embrace your sense of adventure because there’s much more to this country than bartering for souvenirs and sipping mint tea. While the Atlas Mountains dare you to climb North Africa’s highest peak and find silence in the valleys, the Sahara invites you to cook with its nomadic tribes and sleep under the stars. A deeper journey into the history, traditions, and culture of this fascinating country.
Meanwhile, coastal towns like Essaouira, Asliah, and Taghazout await to show you Morocco’s youthful side. Here, artists, entrepreneurs, and free spirits have come together to create vibrant communities that can’t help but inspire. It’s hard to go one day in these towns without listening to a live jam session, admiring street art, and grabbing matcha at a hipster cafe.
For the love of the Earth: Rwanda
Rwanda is a compact country brimming with natural beauty from Volcanoes National Park, where wild gorillas roam free, to the diverse landscapes of Akagera National Park, where Africa’s big five stride across the savannah. This year, Rwanda’s wildlife tourism is proving to be stronger competition for its more established neighboring destinations, Tanzania and Kenya, appealing to travelers as a more sustainable and authentic option.
Its national parks and private reserves are focused on eco-tourism and conservation, meaning visitors can observe, learn about, and even interact with the local wildlife consciously. And that’s just one of the benefits people are discovering about choosing this little-known African country. Instead of polished luxury retreats, structured guided tours, and organized cultural excursions, it promises immersive eco-lodges, educational wildlife deep-dives, and authentic interactions with local village communities. Plus, it’s surprisingly affordable, accessible, and extremely friendly.
For the island escape: Phú Quốc, Vietnam
Lying sleepily on the southeastern shores of Vietnam, the island of Phú Quốc calls to those dreaming of a tropical beach escape. More accessible than the Maldives and less crowded than Bali or Phuket, Phú Quốc is considered the most attractive Asian island for 2026 beach travel. Not to mention its recent investment in resorts, eco-friendly boutique stays, and nightlife, which have elevated it tremendously. But while visitors come for a luxurious resort stay beside flawless tropical beaches, they stay for the food, culture, and adventure.
Afternoons are usually reserved for the beach, but mornings can be spent island-hopping, snorkelling vibrant reefs, hiking in dense rainforests, and scootering freely along scenic coastal roads. Or get a taste of Phú Quốc’s own take on Vietnamese culture at local fishing villages or farms where life is slow and simple, and at traditional night markets where you can try the best of South Vietnamese seafood, such as herring salad and grilled sea urchin.
For the epic road trip: Western Australia
Compared to the East Coast, Western Australia has barely had a look-in by tourists, despite having a more diverse and breathtaking natural landscape. As travelers look for wilder, more intrepid adventures in 2026, Western Australia is finally getting the spotlight it deserves. After an obligatory but very rewarding stay in Perth, a hip, laid-back city built alongside white-sand beaches, hire a car, or better still, a campervan, and hit the dusty Australian open road.
Head south for world-class wine tastings and farm-to-table dining in Margaret River, before continuing to Western Australia’s southern coast to explore the Pink Lake (yes, it’s really pink), Cape Le Grand National Park, and Lucky Bay, where kangaroos live on pristine beaches. Alternatively, head north to Shark Bay, Exmouth, Broome, and The Kimberly. Along the way, discover the world's largest and richest seagrass beds, dive with turtles and reef sharks in Ningaloo Reef, and find hidden gorges and waterfalls in the outback.
For the great outdoors: Vancouver Island, Canada
As more people are choosing outdoorsy vacations over beach breaks in 2026, Vancouver Island has put itself on the map as one of the trendiest outdoor destinations. The island’s blend of wild, untouched Pacific forest landscapes with its slow-paced creative community is a winning combination for every discerning outdoorsy traveler. From Nanaimo to Ucluelet, the forests, mountains, and rugged coasts make the perfect setting year-round for seasonal outdoor activities like hiking, whale-watching, and camping.
While hiking and wildlife-spotting are a must on Vancouver Island, it’s the world-class surfing that has most recently influenced its hip, creative culture. The pace is slow and the atmosphere calm, as islanders enjoy an abundance of cozy cafes, independent shops, farmers' markets, and creative community gatherings. Stay in the laid-back hipster hub of Tofino to best enjoy Vancouver Island’s hip personality, or opt for a secluded luxury lodge in bear territory to deeply immerse in its unique nature.
For a city adventure: Bangkok, Thailand
Between its exceptional connectivity, rich culture, and bang for your buck, Bangkok is proving to be the world’s most popular city to visit in 2026. Whether visiting for an extended layover or a dedicated vacation, there are many reasons to stay in this ever-exciting city. Not only is it packed with Thai culture and heritage, but it also knows exactly how to serve the cosmopolitan lifestyle. While the daytime can be spent hopping between temples, museums, and traditional craft markets, the evenings are reserved for fancy dinners, rooftop drinks, and evening entertainment.
What makes Bangkok most exciting for 2026, however, are the up-and-coming neighborhoods popping up throughout the city, offering a fresh take on modern Thai living. Head to Ari to check out the city’s newest hipster hotspot where boutiques, cafes, and art are part of daily life. Meanwhile, Songwot’s roots as a trade hub are far behind it as the neighborhoods becomes more gentrified with every new experimental restaurant and art gallery.
For the quaint countryside: Cotswolds, UK
Despite being only an hour’s drive or so from London, the Cotswolds has managed to remain off the radar for mainstream tourism, but as more people crave quiet country retreats and wellness weekends, 2026 is set to be a very popular year for the picturesque English region. From Moreton-in-Marsh to Castle Coombe, find a glorious selection of new and shockingly old hotels, retreats, private rentals, and very English B&Bs.
Each of them provides a slice of the Great British country lifestyle amongst adorable thatched-roof villages and rolling countryside. A typical day in The Cotswolds might involve a fireside English breakfast, a long morning frolic in open pastures, lunch at a historic country pub, and an afternoon spent dawdling around movie-set-like villages. That is, of course, when you’re not lounging in your countryside manor or indulging in your hotel’s luxury wellness facilities.
For the beach bums: Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Boasting new direct flights from the US and a new highway from Oaxaca City, the rustic beach town of Puerto Escondido has just solidified itself as a strong ‘playa’ amongst Mexico’s coastal destinations. The small town’s appeal not only lies in its picture-perfect tropical coastline, but also in its authentic feel. Unlike most Mexican beach towns, it has yet to be dominated by big hotels and boisterous travel groups.
Instead, it’s reserved for surf schools and yoga retreats, which add to its hip, but laid-back boho vibe. While surfers try to ride the famous Mexican Pipeline at Zicatela, yogis and other holistic practitioners make it easy to unwind and reconnect with oneself and nature. Nearby, trendy brunch spots and street food stalls alike await to keep travellers fed with delicious, nourishing food.
