50 Best Places to Travel in 2026

Where should I go next? If there’s one question we hear more than any other at Travel + Leisure, it’s this enduring ask. Thankfully, our staff is constantly on the move, exploring the world on assignment and on personal adventures, so we have more than a few opinions on the best places to travel now.

That first-person expertise informs many of the picks on T+L’s annual list of the best places to travel. For this edition, our staff vetted more than 100 nominees, with an eye to what makes a place worth visiting in the year ahead.

Many of our 50 winners are places that were once difficult to reach but are becoming more accessible thanks to ambitious new infrastructure projects or increased service from airlines. We also tapped the expertise of travel-world insiders and many members of the T+L A-List to find out which big cities are the most resonant right now—and which underrated spots are serving up culinary experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Of course major cultural events including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Winter Olympics, and America250 also factor into our picks.

Whatever the motivation for your trips in the year ahead—an adrenaline rush, some blissed-out beach vibes, or full-on cultural immersion—we trust our latest list will help with more than a few answers to that perennial travel question. So, where will the new year take you? —Edited by Paul Brady and Alisha Prakash

DESTINATIONS FOR

DESTINATIONS FOR

FOOD AND DRINKS

CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA 

“The culinary scene in Carlsbad has really changed,” says Emily Brubaker, winner of NBC’s Yes! Chef and executive chef at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, a property previously known more for golf and tennis than food. She now hosts a thriving “Chefs and Friends” dinner series and oversees eight dining outlets with ingredients sourced from on-property herb gardens and beehives. “When I grew up here, it was fish tacos, burritos, sandwich shops, but there was no ‘dining,'” Brubaker notes. Now she’s able to rattle off the names of Michelin-star destinations in her own backyard. Many of those stars are linked to restaurateur John Resnick and Eric Bost, executive chef at Jeune et Jolie, a modern French bistro, which has maintained its Michelin star since 2021, and the intimate indoor-outdoor chef’s table experience at Lilo, which was awarded a star just 10 weeks after opening in April. Equally noteworthy are the rustic live-fire restaurant Campfire and the buzzing all-day café and bar Wildland. Each venue has its own personality, but Bost says they have one thing in common: “They’re all California restaurants: outdoor dining, local farms, vibrant food.” To make fine dining work in a casual SoCal beach city, Bost adds, it has to be approachable and it has to be local, making the most of the area’s Mediterranean microclimate, abundant farmland, and proximity to the sea. California wines are also easily explored in the area, particularly at Little Victory Wine Bar, which Jeremy Simpson of L.A.’s Bestia opened earlier this year with a focus on natural wines. Autograph Collection’s Hotel Solea is slated to open its doors in spring 2026, adding a new alfresco Italian restaurant, Verise, to the mix.—Nina Ruggiero

MALAYSIA

Breakfast in Malaysia is more than just a meal—it’s a shared ritual that binds the country together. If that sounds like hyperbole, consider that UNESCO recently recognized the country’s morning spread as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Made up of such dishes and beverages as nasi lemak, roti canai, and teh tarik, it is “a distinctive element of culture and identity that connects diverse ethnic groups within Malaysia,” according to UNESCO. The country’s food scene is getting elevated in other ways, too. The world’s second-tallest skyscraper, Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, is home to a Park Hyatt, which has a 75th-floor restaurant doing wood-fired cuisine. The building is also slated to add both an al fresco “Eat Street” and a Malaysian Artisan District that will spotlight the nation’s culinary heritage. Other soon-to-open hotels, from the likes of Conrad and Waldorf Astoria, will lend high-end dining options to the city’s scene. Meanwhile, Malaysia as a whole has become a go-to destination, thanks to the return of Belmond’s Eastern & Oriental Express, which knits the country together and enables visitors to savor it slowly.—Denny Lee

PHILADELPHIA 

The rich history is still there, but Philly these days is all about the innovative, award-winning chefs from around the globe who are making the city a must-experience food destination. “There’s a constant stream of things to be excited about,” says Amanda Shulman, co-founder of Libbie Loup Hospitality and executive chef of Her Place Supper Club in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. “There are more and more spots bringing different flavors and vibes—a lot of people are just going for it and trying new models and new styles and seeing what happens.” Among the hottest venues in town are Mawn, a Southeast Asia–inspired noodle joint helmed by 2025 Food & Wine Best New Chef Phila Lorn; La Jefa, an all-day Mexican cafe serving elevated cocktails and inside-out chilaquiles; and Vetri Cucina, which does “a gorgeous pasta tasting menu in an old-school townhouse,” Shulman says. (She also likes Emei, Osteria, and Ocean Harbor.) Global tastemakers are certainly taking note: Philadelphia just got its own section in the new “Michelin Guide Northeast Cities,” recognition that will shine a spotlight on more top tables. As electric as the food scene may be, there are plenty of other draws in the year ahead, including America250 celebrations. Then there’s the soccer: Six FIFA World Cup matches will take place at Lincoln Financial Field in June and July.—Jess Feldman

SANCERRE, FRANCE

Don’t sleep on the sleepy wine towns of the Loire Valley. Sancerre, the famed wine appellation on the eastern side of the Loire River, is just waking up. The town’s 14th-century limestone tower—a symbol of the region gracing the labels of many Sancerre wine bottles—has been closed to the public for most of the past century. Last year, the surrounding 12-acre park, which comprises the tower and the brand-new Les Hauts de Sancerre hotel, began welcoming visitors. “We received 35,000 people last year,” says David Chicard, owner of Les Hauts de Sancerre, and a native Sancerrois spearheading the tower’s restoration, which will be completed in 2026. “Our goal is to open the park to the public twice a year with new art exhibitions.” Currently, Belgian artist Emma Terweduwe has brightly colored textile works on display; in the spring of 2026, a local ceramist will take over. At Les Hauts de Sancerre, which opened with eight rooms in July 2025, the restaurant is also a big draw, helmed by Top Chef France finalist Arnaud Munster. Munster, who is in his early 20s, is one of many young creatives breathing new life and flavor into this corner of the Pays de la Loire. The Breton couple behind La Pomme d’Or are cut from the same cloth; the restaurant just pulled in its first Michelin star. And in the center of town, a recently opened gourmet sandwich shop, Fólklore, now has four guest rooms. Wineries in the area are selling more to American travelers and some are attracting a younger set of tourists with clever pivots, whether making skin-contact vin d’orange Sancerre at Domaine Reverdy Ducroux or offering electric-scooter tours of the vineyards at Domaine Durand’s offshoot tour company, Vinorizon.—Maya Kachroo-Levine

TAIPEI

Taipei is a city for anyone who wants to eat well. The Taiwanese capital hums with more than 30 night markets, including Raohe—home to five Michelin-recommended stalls, from Mochi Baby (sugar-dusted rice cakes) to Fuzhou Black Pepper Bun (pork buns). Beyond its street eats, though, are 53 Michelin-star restaurants, like Taïrroir, which focuses on classic Taiwanese cuisine made with local ingredients, and the French-Asian fusion restaurant A by Alain Huang. In April 2025, the city welcomed Capella Taipei, a design-forward luxury hotel that’s home to The Glasshouse, a three-story destination bar stocked with rare whiskies, fine champagne, and Japanese vinyl. “Taipei is this eclectic urban jungle surrounded by literal jungle. You can be in a night market one moment and hiking up a trail the next,” says Clarissa Wei, author of the cookbook “Made in Taiwan.” “The city is compact, so everything overlaps—street stalls next to fine dining, old bazaars beside natural wine bars.” And those wanting a taste of it all will have an easier time visiting, since Starlux Airlines is set to add a nonstop Phoenix-to-Taipei route in January and a brand-new Terminal 3 is coming to Taoyuan International Airport.—Mae Hamilton

UMBRIA, ITALY 

A landlocked region in central Italy that’s home to rolling hills, medieval towns, and long stretches of vineyards, Umbria is quietly asserting itself as a food destination, with truffles taking center stage. “Truffle tourism is leading the way,” says Matteo Della Grazia, the founder of Fuoritinerario–Discover Your Italy and a member of the T+L A-List. “Guided hunts, seasonal festivals, gourmet tastings at restaurants and wineries, and culinary workshops have made truffle tourism a highly attractive and immersive experience.” Among the best ways to get a taste are two world-class events, the White Truffle Fair, in Città di Castello, which celebrates the white variety, and the Nero Norcia, in Norcia, which highlights the black. As interest in the region grows, several noteworthy hotel openings are slated for the year ahead. Among them is the Relais San Clemente, Emblems Collection, which is set inside a thousand-year-old Benedictine convent; the newly renovated, 51-room hotel is now part of Accor. Then there’s the Six Senses Antognolla, also set within a centuries-old building, with its 71 rooms, 17 villas, and a nearly 3,000-square-foot wellness center. (Its GEO-certified, 18-hole golf course is already open to the public.) The Rosetta Hotel Perugia, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is just emerging from a renovation that, Della Grazia says, will return the “storied hotel” to its rightful place as one of the city’s best. In the meantime, Borgo dei Conti Resort, which opened in 2024, has recently added an additional 19 rooms and suites—and has plans to debut a Bioenergetic Park in April 2026, with walking paths through the forest that visit various outdoor wellness stations. Consider it the perfect compliment to all those truffle hunts and culinary tours.—Asia London Palomba

DESTINATIONS FOR

BIG-CITY THRILLS

MELBOURNE 

Melbourne has long proclaimed itself as the “sporting capital of the world”—and now the world is paying attention. Australia’s second-most-populous city will, as usual, play host to the Australian Open and Formula 1’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix in the year ahead, but added to the sports calendar is the first regular-season NFL game to be held Down Under, when the Los Angeles Rams take on an opponent to be named. “There’s a reason world-class events choose to come here,” says Kristen Malaby Neer of Visit Victoria. “All of our major stadiums, from the Melbourne Cricket Ground to the Marvel Stadium and the Rod Laver Arena, are within walking distance of vibrant laneways filled with restaurants, bars, and shops. It creates an unmatched atmosphere.” Even so, the city has embarked on an ambitious, multiyear transformation of the Arts Precinct, a district that’s already home to around 3,000 performances and exhibitions annually. Among the first notable openings in the district will be the December 2025 arrival of the Australian Museum of Performing Arts, which celebrates the history of theater with displays of rare objects and costumes. As for where to stay? The recently opened, waterfront 1 Hotel Melbourne is the first from the brand in Australia—and the perfect place to decompress after watching some thrilling performances.—Jess Feldman

MEXICO CITY

Mexico City’s 2025 calendar was packed with big-ticket sporting events, but 2026 promises an even hotter lineup. The Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix returns Oct. 29–Nov. 1, and will be all the more exciting now that Guadalajara-born Sergio “Checo” Pérez will be racing for the new Cadillac Formula 1 team. LIV Golf will return to Mexico City’s Club de Golf Chapultepec for the second year in April. But perhaps most exciting, Mexico City will serve as one of several host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June and July. Even if you’re not a sports fanatic, it’s a great time to visit Mexico’s buzzy capital, a T+L reader favorite. In the past year, airlines have expanded service to Mexico City, adding routes from Denver, Chicago, and Philadelphia. In 2026, Pendry Mexico City is set to open a 114-room, 20-residence property in the Roma Norte district, and Park Hyatt Mexico City will debut 155 rooms and 23 residences in Polanco. And the luxury hotel expansion will continue in 2027 with the Rosewood Mexico City.—Elizabeth Rhodes

SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA 

There’s never a bad time to visit the American Riviera, thanks to its year-round Mediterranean climate. But several exciting hospitality developments are making a strong case for Santa Barbara in 2026. Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, a favorite among Hollywood stars from Joan Crawford to Julia Roberts, will reopen after an extensive renovation with a new Nobu and a Thomas Keller–helmed Bouchon Bakery. Just a few minutes away, Montecito Inn is also undergoing a makeover and will debut new rooms at the end of 2025. The city’s food scene is also exploding: Already home to 15 Michelin-recognized restaurants, the area is welcoming new spots, including the Korean barbecue counter Seoulmate Kitchen and the posh Marisella, located within the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. “Santa Barbara gets its mystique from a convergence of elements rooted in nature and beauty,” says Karna Hughes, director of public relations at Visit Santa Barbara. “You can hike in the morning, swim or sail in the afternoon, and taste the terroir on your plate and in your glass at dinner.”—Mae Hamilton

SANTA FE

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to visit Santa Fe, 2026 is it. Voted T+L readers’ favorite U.S. city of 2025, the high-desert destination nestled in the Sangre de Cristo foothills is celebrating a banner year packed with exciting milestones. The 100th anniversary of Route 66 brings festive programming citywide, while the 10th birthday of the Santa Fe Margarita Trail invites visitors to toast the city’s staple cocktail. A new artisan food hall, Heritage Market, is also coming, adding to Santa Fe’s vibrant culinary scene. October 2025 saw the debut of a new nonstop American Airlines flight that connects the city to Los Angeles International Airport. In winter 2026, brand-new Hotel Flora will bring boutique, design-forward charm to the city’s hospitality offerings, already anchored by Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Collection, a T+L reader favorite with “curated outdoor adventures, luxury accommodations, and experiences that let visitors fully immerse themselves in the spirit and beauty of Santa Fe,” according to the property’s general manager, Andrea Gates. The Washington Inn, an all-suite hotel just a few blocks from Santa Fe Plaza, will also welcome guests in early 2026. Come spring, The Inn of the Five Graces will unveil four new suites, each with a fireplace and adobe walls. With more than 300 days of sunshine, lively art galleries and markets, and a jam-packed calendar of events, now is the time to go.—Maddie Hiatt

SEATTLE

Beloved for its natural beauty and walkability, Seattle is giving travelers even more reason to visit in the year ahead. A multibillion-dollar park that connects the heart of downtown to the bay’s edge opened in September 2025 after decades of work. “The just-completed Waterfront Park revitalization offers unobstructed views of mountains meeting the sea, alongside a futuristic jellyfish playground, outdoor concerts, and a 1.2-mile bike path,” Michael Woody, Visit Seattle’s chief strategy officer, tells T+L. A scenic, 60,000-square-foot, elevated trail links the waterfront complex to Pike Place Market, a nine-acre, century-old hub famous for fishmongers tossing their catch. Also along the path is Seattle Aquarium’s new Ocean Pavilion, where visitors get face-to-face encounters with eagle rays, leopard sharks, and rare bowmouth guitarfish. The city’s upgrades include fresh options for eco-minded accommodations. Carbon-positive hotel Populus opened in historic Pioneer Square in May 2025. That same month, sustainable luxury brand 1 Hotel welcomed its first guests to the tech-forward South Lake Union neighborhood. The new lodgings arrived just in time for the influx of fans expected as Seattle hosts matches for the FIFA World Cup 2026.—Lydia Price

SINGAPORE

With tons of new places to play, Singapore is on the cusp of its latest re-invention. Mandai’s Rainforest Wild Asia opened an adventure-driven zoological park, while the new IMBA Theater promises immersive, multi-sensory art at Gardens by the Bay. On the resort island of Sentosa, the Oceanarium returned this year at triple its former size, reframing its mission as a guardian of the ocean. Over on Orchard Road, a 3,000-seat music hall will add to the city’s cultural pulse. As of December 2025, the city will play host to two very different cruise ships: Disney’s first Asia-based vessel, Disney Adventure, will come complete with a Marvel roller coaster, and Ritz-Carlton’s Luminara superyacht will spend a season using Singapore as a home port, offering trips throughout Southeast Asia. And it will soon be even easier to arrive in the city-state, thanks to passport-free, biometrics scanners rolling out across Changi Airport, which has been named the No. 1 airport in the world by T+L readers.—Denny Lee

WASHINGTON, D.C.

The year ahead promises to be monumental for the nation’s capital—and not just because of all the festivities on tap for America250. Several world-class institutions will debut major overhauls and improvements, starting with the National Air and Space Museum, which will complete a renovation that began in 2018 by unveiling 20 new galleries. In the summer, the National Geographic Museum of Exploration will make its debut with cutting-edge technology and interactive exhibits. And the National Archives Museum will wrap its $40 million renovation, with new displays of documents considered essential to American history, including George Washington’s original copy of the Constitution. Other upgrades across the District include enhancements at the Tidal Basin, which has hundreds of new cherry trees to complement its existing landscape, and a new, ADA-accessible art park at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. New hotels on the horizon include Marriott’s new CitizenM Georgetown, a 228-room hotel along the Potomac River waterfront, while the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill will celebrate 50 years by wrapping a top-to-bottom, full-scale renovation in 2026. Even Dulles International Airport is getting spruced up for the year ahead: A new Concourse E, with 14 gates and a new United Club, is slated to open in the second half of 2026. All told, says Elliott L. Ferguson, the president and CEO of Destination D.C., “our city is the only place visitors will find the complete package for America250.”—Jessica Vadillo

DESTINATIONS FOR

MOMENTS ON THE WATER

EMILIE 

It’s not just you: All your friends and neighbors really are going on river cruises. Since 2020, the number of staterooms and suites on European rivers has surged, as brands including AmaWaterways, Emerald, Tauck, and Viking have kept building more ships to serve the millions of travelers keen to explore the Danube, Rhine, and Seine. But one of the most exciting new builds coming in the year ahead is from T+L reader-loved Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. “We see river cruising continue to rise in popularity,” says CEO Ellen Bettridge. “And Emilie marks the beginning of several new builds and an exciting era of growth.” The new vessel, which is slated to arrive in March, will have 77 staterooms and suites, with a design inspired by Gustav Klimt and his partner, Emilie Louise Flöge. (That’s her in the replica portrait that decorates the staircase at the heart of the ship.) Emilie will spend the summer and fall in Klimt’s backyard, with itineraries up and down the Danube stopping in Vienna and Budapest, among other fascinating, art-filled cities. But before that, the ship will debut in Belgium and the Netherlands, with trips between Amsterdam and Antwerp that allow for plenty of time to take in iconic art at places like the Rijksmuseum—and simply admire the beautiful scenery from the water.—Paul Brady

FOUR SEASONS I

It might be the most-anticipated Four Seasons news this side of The White Lotus: The legendary hotel brand, whose properties have played a background role in all three seasons of the TV series, is making another cinematic splash this spring with the premiere of Four Seasons Yachts. The first ship in the fleet, Four Seasons I, is slated to debut in March, with the aim of bringing luxury hotel vibes to the ocean by way of 95 suites that start at an impressive 473 square feet. The new vessel will also have an eye-popping 11 restaurants and lounges, as well as a 66-foot pool deck and a marina complex where guests can dive directly into the sea while the ship is at anchor. Four Seasons I will spend the spring, summer, and fall crisscrossing the Mediterranean, popping into small yet evocative ports that many larger cruise ships can’t access—places like Folegandros, Greece; Gozo, Malta; Ischia, Italy; and Vis, Croatia. Along the way, the crew, which is led by Captain Kate McCue, will arrange Four Seasons-caliber experiences ashore, like a round of golf at one of Ibiza’s top courses. These trips won’t come cheap—some start at $3,000 per person per day—but several departures are already “waitlist only,” according to the company.—Paul Brady

MAGDALENA RIVER, COLOMBIA 

After seven years of preparation—and significant investment from the Colombian government—AmaWaterways has become the first major river cruise line to set sail on this 950-mile river that’s the country’s longest. The company’s two new ships, the 30-stateroom AmaMagdalena and 32-stateroom AmaMelodia, are doing weeklong journeys between Cartagena and Barranquilla, taking passengers to places that few Americans will have sailed: centuries-old towns like Mompox and Palenque, the wildlife-rich Boca de Tacaloa, and small fishing villages where it’s possible to get a closer look at countryside life. “A number of these stops had hardly received tourists before guests on the AmaMagdalena stepped ashore,” says Catherine Powell, the CEO of AmaWaterways, who notes that the itineraries were developed with input from communities, including Indigenous ones, along the river. “These trips offer a unique way to experience Colombia, one that fosters meaningful connections while supporting and celebrating these places.”—Alisha Prakash

SEVEN SEAS PRESTIGE

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is already a favorite among T+L readers, thanks to its luxuriously appointed ships and fantastic onboard service. So the 2026 arrival of its latest vessel, Seven Seas Prestige, would be something of an occasion simply on its own. But there’s more to this launch than meets the eye: As the first ship in a new “Prestige class” for Regent, the vessel will further elevate the onboard experience for its 822 passengers “with touches such as handblown glass and ceramic pearls and light fixtures fashioned to resemble jewelry among the intricate interior details,” as T+L reported earlier this year. While the maiden voyage for Seven Seas Prestige isn’t until December 2026, buzz is already building, according to T+L Travel Advisory Board member Rob Clabbers. “This new ship promises to be a standout,” Clabbers says. “I’m eager to see what they deliver.”—Paul Brady

DESTINATIONS FOR

CULTURAL IMMERSION

BENTONVILLE, ARKANSAS 

Bentonville, Arkansas, once best known as the headquarters of Walmart, has evolved into a dynamic art and culture destination. The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, founded in 2011 by Walmart heiress Alice Walton, is debuting a 114,000-square-foot expansion in June, with new galleries and educational spaces. “This expansion is a new chapter. Its impact will touch and elevate everything we do, from the way we hang the galleries to the way we address our audiences,” said Olivia Walton, chairperson of the board at Crystal Bridges, during a recent press conference attended by T+L. Bentonville’s great outdoors are drawing attention, too. The nearby Oz Trails Bike Park in Bella Vista will soon open 20 miles of rider-designed trails, solidifying Northwest Arkansas’s reputation as the self-declared Mountain Biking Capital of the World. Closer to downtown, the new 8th Street Gateway Park will transform underused land into wetlands, boardwalks, and scenic trails. With the debut of the 142-room Compton hotel, plus a calendar of events that include the Bentonville Film Festival and the Big Sugar Classic gravel bike race, Bentonville shows no signs of slowing down.—Jalyn Robinson

BRAZIL

“Brazil is making a comeback,” says Emmanuel Burgio, a South America travel expert on T+L’s A-List. That’s exactly why it’s T+L’s 2026 Destination of the Year. “We’ve seen a surge of requests,” Burgio says. T+L’s Destination of the Year coverage points travelers toward Inhotim, the museum and sculpture park in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, which now has a new hotel, Clara Arte Resort. Also calling: the food scene in Belém, which ramped up 10 years ago when Iacitata, a restaurant exalting Amazonian ingredients, opened and noteworthy chefs started moving to the area, including Thiago Castanho, who took the helm at his family’s restaurant, Remanso do Peixe. In the state of Bahia, new hotel Uxua Maré draws travelers to the coastline south of Trancoso, a boho-chic beach town. Paraty has an array of cultural offerings, including Flip, an annual literary festival that has drawn authors like Jonathan Franzen. “Fernando de Noronha has some of the best marine wildlife in the world,” Burgio adds, endorsing the 21-island UNESCO World Heritage site, which has a monthly limit of 11,000 visitors. “And, you know, this is the No. 1 country to visit for Carnival.” (The capital of Carnival, a barrage of parades, parties, and music before Lent, is Rio de Janeiro.) Lastly, the São Paulo hotel scene continues to boom: W São Paulo opened in the posh Vila Olímpia neighborhood; the new Pulso Hotel São Paulo features a suspended, glassed-in cube with a gym and a pool; and members-only Soho House São Paulo is the rising star of the Bela Vista neighborhood, housed within the same complex as the Rosewood, which debuted in 2022. High rollers flying into São Paulo will be glad to know a 26,000-square-foot private terminal, BTG Pactual Terminal, has landed at Guarulhos International Airport, the first of its kind in Latin America.—Maya Kachroo-Levine

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA

In the lead-up to the 2032 Summer Olympics, Brisbane is primed for its turn in the spotlight. “The same kind of bold energy Sydney harnessed in the run-up to its own Olympic moment is happening here,” says Brisbane-born David Prior, who sits on T+L’s Travel Advisory Board. “It is a city of increasing urban sophistication, surrounded by subtropical nature and a shimmering sea, that in its simplicity can’t help making you smile.” Little wonder, then, that creative types are increasingly putting down roots in the city, which is simultaneously getting a $2.2 billion infrastructure investment from the federal government ahead of the Games. Brisbane is also getting easier to reach from the U.S.: Delta, Qantas, and United have launched nonstop service from California in recent years, and American Airlines will launch a seasonal nonstop from Los Angeles in December 2025. Meanwhile, a now-revamped entertainment precinct, the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane, will welcome two new hotels: Australia’s first Rosewood and the Dorsett Brisbane will both open in 2026, joining the Star Grand and the InterContinental, which led the way in the district.—Jess Feldman

COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG 

The world’s largest living museum, Colonial Williamsburg consists of 89 original and hundreds more reconstructed buildings from the 18th century—and it may be the best place anywhere to celebrate America250. On the Fourth of July, the Historic Area and Art Museums will offer free admission, along with interactive experiences like readings of the Declaration of Independence, plus a concert and fireworks finale on the Palace Green. In the run-up to the day, the maritime festival Sail250 America will stop in Yorktown, a short drive from Williamsburg. The event will showcase a fleet of tall ships and military vessels from around the globe, says Edward Harris, CEO of Visit Williamsburg. “It’s a rare chance to see these historic ships up close and personal.” The celebratory mood is sure to boost the whole region, which is home to other worthwhile attractions, such as the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, the Jamestown Settlement museum, and Busch Gardens Williamsburg. There’s no shortage of charming hotel options, but catching the eye of T+L editors for 2026 is the newly renovated Rochambeau Roadside Inn, a boutique hotel with 22 vintage-inspired rooms and suites, including some with cute bunk beds.—Jessica Vadillo

DALLAS-FORT WORTH

Texas is having a moment—and Dallas-Fort Worth is leading the way. The metroplex is gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with AT&T Stadium in Arlington hosting nine games, including a semifinal. Also adding excitement to the region’s growing sports calendar: the first-ever Indycar Grand Prix of Arlington in the DFW suburb. Beyond sports, culture and history are thriving. The much-anticipated National Juneteenth Museum will open in 2026, celebrating freedom and resilience through powerful storytelling, while the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame is undergoing a $19 million expansion. Pop-culture fans will want to check out the first Netflix House, which opens in Dallas in December 2025; it will bring popular TV shows to life through immersive experiences. Foodies have reason to celebrate as well: Texas’ first Michelin Guide has arrived, with Tatsu Dallas and Mamani both earning one star. There are new hotels—like The Knox, Auberge Collection (coming in 2026), and Fort Worth’s Nobleman, which opened inside a historic firehouse—and expanded domestic and international flights that connect Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to destinations such as Venice, Sydney, Taipei, New York City, and Washington, D.C.—Taylor McIntyre

DOHA, QATAR

Since opening the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, renovating the I. M. Pei–designed Museum of Islamic Art, and hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022, Doha has doubled down on its cultural investments. It has cemented its reputation as the “city of the future,” not only with its striking skyline, smart infrastructure, and high-tech transportation system but also its bold vision of what it means to build a modern “museum city.” The National Museum of Qatar, designed to highlight Qatari heritage, continues to lead the way with innovative digital installations and interactive spaces. Qatar Museums launched a first-of-its-kind AI art tour in July 2025, effectively creating personalized experiences for guests, who can ask questions and receive insights tailored to their interests in real time. Meanwhile, work has been underway on the Lusail Museum, less than 30 minutes north and billed as a “think tank” that will hold the largest collection of Orientalist paintings in the world when it opens in 2029. The first Art Basel in the Middle East will launch in Doha in February 2026, with exhibits at tech and design hub M7. “Add to all this the Design District in the Msheireb Downtown area, our exhibition spaces such as Al Riwaq Gallery and the Fire Station, the lively Souq Waqif market, and a busy schedule of cultural events like the Doha Film Festival, Design Doha, and Tasweer Photo Festival Qatar, and you have an arts and culture destination that is abundant, authentic, and growing with breathtaking speed,” Qatar Museums CEO Mohammed Al Rumaihi says. “Part of the mission of Qatar Museums is to embed art and culture in Qatari society. We have a robust public art program that extends across the country, from the lively streets of Doha to remote desert areas.” Travel to the city is becoming more comfortable for American travelers, thanks in large part to Qatar Airways: It now offers 10 weekly direct flights from Washington Dulles International Airport and its first U.S. lounge, a 15,000-square-foot stunner at Terminal One in New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, will open in 2026.—Nina Ruggiero

HAMBURG, GERMANY 

Germany’s second-largest city has long been connected to the rest of the world, thanks to its prime location on the banks of the River Elbe and a cosmopolitan mindset. In 2026, that forward-thinking sophistication is reflected in such openings as the Nobu Hotel Elbtower, a state-of-the-art David Chipperfield high-rise destined to dominate the skyline, the showstopping Fontenay hotel, and the UBS Digital Art Museum, a new space in the HafenCity district devoted to immersive (and frequently mind-blowing) virtual installations. These developments are just the latest in Hamburg’s evolution as a world-class destination, which has picked up steam since the 2017 opening of the Elbphilharmonie concert hall. “Hamburg captivates with its balance of maritime heritage and cutting-edge creativity,” says T+L A-List member Sofia Markovich of Sofia’s Travel. “The city is an irresistible destination for American travelers seeking both style and substance,” not to mention shopping, nightlife, and an impressive culinary scene that draws on Nordic and global inspirations. The best place to dive in may be the new Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier complex, which is filled with destination dining and a plethora of indie boutiques.—Peter Terzian

DESTINATIONS FOR

ADVENTUROUS TRAVELERS

ANDERMATT, SWITZERLAND 

Once a cloistered military outpost, Andermatt is today one of the most design-forward destinations in the Swiss Alps. This winter, skiers can expect bigger, faster chairlifts, which will ease access to some of Switzerland’s most dramatic terrain, as well as expanded snowmaking and wider slopes. “Thanks to Andermatt’s recent partnership with the Epic Pass and direct train access from Zurich, it’s never been easier to tap into this hidden gem,” says Alli Widman, an T+L A-List member who specializes in skiing. Vacation homeowners are also drawn to the sleek alpine architecture—including Maya, a collection of 17 residences designed by Patricia Urquiola, and the Post Hotel & Residences by Elie Saab. Meanwhile, a world-class concert hall, three restaurants with Michelin stars, and a new outdoor hip-hop festival—not to mention refreshingly cool summers—have turned this once-quiet garrison town into a four-season playground.—Denny Lee

CYPRUS 

This Mediterranean island nation gets more than 300 days of sun every year, a fact that has made it a popular spot for northern European vacationers for generations. These days, it’s fast becoming a go-to for people from all over the world, thanks to its gorgeous beaches, some of the cleanest water on earth, and a large network of well-maintained hiking trails, particularly in the Troodos Mountains. Travel company Backroads has taken notice and put together a six-day itinerary that will debut in 2026: The cycling-focused tour takes in a huge sweep of the island the outfitter calls “the next Mallorca,” owing to the similarities between Cyprus and the Spanish island’s dramatic rocky scenery and varied terrain. (The trip also includes stays at fascinating properties such as Casale Panayiotis, which is an albergo diffuso that’s part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.) Travelers in search of rugged adventures should take note: Cyprus has been hard at work creating artificial reefs to boost marine biodiversity,  which will appeal to snorkelers and scuba divers. It’s also one of the few places in Europe where one can easily ski—on Mount Olympus, no less—and swim in the Mediterranean in the same day.—Kathy Roberson

DAKAR, SENEGAL 

Since United Airlines’ new direct flight took off from Washington, D.C., in May 2025, Dakar, Senegal, has been more accessible than ever. Perched on the westernmost tip of Africa, Senegal’s capital is the first African city set to host the Youth Olympic Games in 2026 and is fast becoming a cultural capital, where contemporary art, music, and history converge. At the heart of its creative energy is Dak’Art, Africa’s longest-running international art biennial, which gets some 250,000 visitors. Travelers can also explore powerful historic sites like the island of Gorée, which was a center of the Atlantic slave trade, visit Lake Retba, the striking “Pink Lake,” or lounge on golden beaches. The city’s hospitality scene is rising to meet demand, with hotel openings including Marriott’s Four Points by Sheraton and Accor’s Ibis Styles. IHG’s Holiday Inn is on the horizon for 2027. “Dakar is an up-and-coming destination,” Nina Patel, a T+L A-list travel advisor and founder of Vacations That Matter, says. “It’s the heart of the contemporary arts scene, with some of the best museums and galleries in Africa. It’s a must-see destination.”—Susmita Baral

MILAN AND THE DOLOMITES 

Milan, the capital of Lombardy, along with Cortina d’Ampezzo, a chic mountain town and ski resort in the Dolomites, will host both the Olympic Winter Games, which run February 6–22, and the Paralympic Winter Games, which take place March 6–15. There will be plenty of storylines to watch, but one addition to the 2026 competition is already generating a ton of excitement: Ski mountaineering, or skimo, will appear in the Games for the first time. This physically demanding discipline involves athletes climbing mountains with their skis on (and off) before descending, all while trying to notch the quickest time on the course. While many of the Olympic events will take place in the mountains, Milan will be the base for several popular sports, including figure skating, ice hockey, and speed skating.

Outside of the competition, there’s plenty more happening, particularly on the hotel front. Rosa Alpina, a beloved, family-owned chalet in the village of San Cassiano, was recently transformed into an Aman property, with a palatial, two-story spa. Hotel Tofana Cortina, which opened in December 2024, is adjacent to the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre, which will host the women’s downhill races. Meanwhile, Ancora Cortina, which dates back to 1826, is also fresh off a renovation, which added, among other things, a scene-y, no-phones-allowed nightclub.

Looking beyond the winter season, the Dolomites promise to be an in-demand destination in the year ahead. In summer 2026, Abercrombie & Kent is launching an itinerary that includes hiking the iconic rock formation Cinque Torri, or Five Towers, while Backroads has unveiled a hut-to-hut trek, aimed specifically at travelers in their 30s and 40s, that crosses glacial valleys in Fanes-Sennes-Braies and Puez-Odle nature parks. For hardcore cyclists, Duvine will operate an epic “Dolomites Challenge” that might feel like something out of the Olympics: The six-day, 273-mile ride will test the mettle of travelers—and reward them with stays in cozy, high-altitude refugios.—Elizabeth Cantrell

MONGOLIA

For a high-octane adventure, Mongolia delivers—and it’s now within easier reach. In May 2025, United Airlines became the first U.S. airline to fly to the capital, Ulaanbaatar, with a route connecting Tokyo’s Narita International Airport to Chinggis Khaan International Airport. Once there, visitors can experience one of the last nomadic cultures, as well as the world’s largest intact temperate grassland in Mongolia’s Eastern Steppes, which was nominated to become a UNESCO World Heritage site. Several outfitters have also designed trips that offer the best of the country. Abercrombie & Kent’s 2026 itinerary takes visitors across the Gobi to witness a centuries-old festival; Intrepid’s Trans-Mongolian Railway Adventure, which launched in 2024, takes passengers on an 11-day journey from Beijing to Ulaanbaatar; and Nomadic Expeditions CEO and founder, Jalsa Urubshurow, co-created the annual Golden Eagle Festival, which gives Kazakh hunters from around central Asia a chance to showcase the skills of their eagles. “For me, Mongolia is not only a place of ancestral connection but a rare example of how a country can embrace tourism without compromising its identity,” Urubshurow says. “Its special character lies in its vast, untouched landscapes and the enduring nomadic traditions of hospitality, resilience, and harmony with nature—an authenticity travelers seek but rarely find.”—Mae Hamilton

SOUTHERN PERU 

The legendary mountain citadel of Machu Picchu may be the most famous tourist attraction in all of South America. But for Ignacio Masias, the founder of tour company Andean, it’s simply the gateway to everything else his home country of Peru has to offer. “We’ve seen people want to spend more time in the southern, remote parts of the country,” Masias tells T+L. “High-end travelers want to get away from the crowds.” Since starting his company, Masias and his team have developed a network of lodges and guides in places such as the Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca, where they have both the cultural fluency and on-the-ground connections to make magic happen without sacrificing on stylish accommodations. The newest outpost in Andean’s growing constellation lies in the Tinajani Canyon, where a luxury tented camp, inspired by the look and feel of a century-old National Geographic magazine article about Peru, affords access to hiking trails and remarkable landscapes.—Paul Brady

SRI LANKA

“If you’re an adventurous traveler, you want to start in the north, in Jaffna,” says Rumit Mehta, a T+L A-List advisor and founder of Immersion Journeys, a company specializing in luxury trips in India and Sri Lanka. “There’s great hiking up in the highlands, in the Horton Plains, up in the tea estates.” Along the southern coast, water adventures are on offer, whether sailing trips with G Adventures, which cruise to and from Mirissa, exploring remote beaches and the fishing village of Kudawella, or biking and walking tours with Butterfield & Robinson. Insight Vacations is adding a new 13-day Sri Lanka itinerary that hits nine cities and kicks off with a tuk-tuk tour of Colombo. Trafalgar is heading to the country for the first time in 2026, allowing travelers to traverse tea fields by train and spot leopards at Yala National Park. Safari-goers can also stay at the new Kotiyagala Luxury Villas—12 villas, each with a private pool, surrounded by 44 mammal and 215 bird species. Mehta says Sri Lanka has become a “stand-alone destination,” not only because of its eight UNESCO World Heritage sites but also because of the rich culture stemming from Portuguese, Dutch, and Burgher influences and the post–civil war recovery.—Nina Ruggiero

ZIMBABWE 

Often overshadowed by its neighbors Botswana and South Africa, Zimbabwe may finally be getting the recognition it deserves thanks, in part, to a number of noteworthy openings. Mana Sands is a six-suite camp that debuted in July in Mana Pools National Park, on the lower Zambezi River, where it’s possible to canoe and fish—and spot elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, hippos, and wild dogs. For a more rustic experience, there’s also the nearby Little Mana Sands, which has six zipper-entry tents. Another worthwhile new stay is Muddy Teak, an exclusive-use, four-room camp in Hwange National Park that opened in May. Mpala Jena, a stunning Victoria Falls property operated by Great Plains Conservation, recently added a pair of three-bedroom private villas, about three miles upstream from the main camp. Beyond all the new places to stay, Zimbabwe is attracting attention because it’s particularly suited to active travelers: Mountain biking, rafting, and even houseboat rentals on Lake Kariba are options for those seeking thrills. Then there’s the quality of the experience travelers can have, according to Ian Proctor, a specialist on T+L’s A-List who has been operating in Zimbabwe since the mid 1990s. “Being with a Zimbabwean guide is like having the Mick Jagger of guides out with you,” Proctor says. “These are the rock stars.”—Elizabeth Cantrell

DESTINATIONS FOR

BEACH VIBES

ANGUILLA

The top Caribbean island in T+L’s 2025 World’s Best Awards may not be big—in fact, it’s just 35 square miles in size—but it sure delivers the goods: dozens of world-class beaches; plenty of top-tier hotels and cultural institutions; and a phenomenal culinary scene that runs from casual seafood joints to gourmet tasting menus. “My favorite things to do are snorkeling at Shoal Bay, sampling delicious roadside barbecue, and taking catamaran tours to the Cays, the smaller islets off shore,” says Margie Hand, a T+L A-List advisor who specializes in trips to Anguilla. “Renting a vintage Moke and driving around the island to explore is another fun idea.” Luxury hotels such as Cap Juluca, a Belmond Hotel, and the Four Seasons Resort and Residences remain as enchanting as ever, and, in 2026, getting to them will be easier: BermudAir will launch nonstop service from Baltimore, Boston, and Newark, New Jersey, to Anguilla in December 2025.—Asa Canty

BODRUM, TURKEY

Once a small fishing village, Bodrum has since transformed into what many call the “St.-Tropez of Turkey.” According to Skyscanner’s latest trends report, interest in the seaside town grew by 85 percent, year over year. “Today, Bodrum combines its rich history with glamorous beaches, luxury hotels, lively nightclubs, and a vibrant cosmopolitan life that attracts the rich and famous from around the globe,” says Engin Kadaster, vice president at Turkey at Its Best and a T+L A-List advisor. While Bodrum enjoys a Mediterranean climate year-round, most of the region’s most iconic hotels operate seasonally, typically from April through October, when the coast is at its liveliest. In 2024, Bodrum welcomed the Maxx Royal Bodrum Resort, along with the first Scorpios location outside of Greece. And the momentum continues: Bvlgari is set to open a luxury resort in early 2027. Getting there is also becoming easier. Ryanair added a new route from London Stansted as part of its summer 2025 schedule, and in summer 2026, SunExpress will launch a direct service from Manchester Airport to Bodrum.—Susmita Baral

GRAND CAYMAN

Long famous for Seven Mile Beach and snorkeling sites like Stingray City, the biggest of the Cayman Islands has become a gastronomic capital of the Caribbean. Hotels are a major part of the culinary movement, with Vida and Le Soleil d’Or offering farm-to-table experiences with ingredients directly from local producers and fishermen. The boutique hotel Palm Heights and the 282-room Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman also have serious culinary cred—and then there’s Blue, at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, the fantastic Eric Ripert restaurant, and the property’s annual Cayman Cookout, a festival in partnership with T+L’s sibling brand Food & Wine. Things will keep cooking in 2026, as more hotels hit the scene. “The Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman will have six restaurants, a full service spa, a beach club, and a rooftop bar on Seven Mile Beach,” says T+L A-List advisor Margie Hand, an expert in Caribbean travel. She’s also excited for the April opening of One|GT, “a sleek, minimalist boutique hotel in the capital city of George Town.” Also of note: Delta will relaunch seasonal nonstop service from New York’s John F. Kennedy International this winter.—Asa Canty

MIAMI AND MIAMI BEACH 

In Miami, already a hot spot for its beach resorts, the hospitality scene is heating up some more. A Virgin Hotel in Brickell and Edition Residences in Edgewater are set to welcome guests in 2026, while the Aman Miami Beach will follow in 2027. These new openings are complemented by renovation projects in Miami Beach at the Delano, SLS South Beach, and The Raleigh. “Miami is international with its boom of new hotels and restaurants transplanting from all over the world,” Nikole Powers, a leading consultant for the city’s luxury hospitality scene and private membership clubs, tells T+L. Visitors can also expect a revamp of the iconic Lincoln Road, an eight-block pedestrian plaza in South Beach with trendy shops and restaurants, thanks to a $60 million redevelopment scheduled to roll out in phases starting in 2026. 

Come springtime, sports fans should consider a trip to catch one of the city’s annual athletic events, including the Miami Open and the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix. The city is even set to host seven matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “Today’s travelers are seeking immersion, whether through niche travel for a once-in-a-lifetime concert or a major game, cultural culinary discovery, or the blend of business and leisure,” David Whitaker, president and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, tells T+L. “Miami stands at the crossroads of these trends.”

New and increased flights will also make it easier for beach lovers to take advantage of this moment Miami is having, including a new direct route from Austin on Delta and twice-daily service from London on British Airways in summer 2026.—Annie Archer

NAPLES, FLORIDA

Naples, on Florida’s Gulf Coast, has long been known for its sugar-sand stretches, including 10-mile Naples Beach, but there’s plenty to do inland, too, thanks to the city’s growing arts and culture scene. Artis–Naples is the town’s creative heartbeat, home to the Naples Philharmonic and the Baker Museum, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary during the 2025–2026 season with exhibitions of works by Ansel Adams, Tamara de Lempicka, and more. The Naples Beach Club, a Four Seasons Resort, is set to open in late 2025, with 220 rooms and suites, a two-level spa, and five food and beverage outlets. The hotel’s redesigned Tom Fazio golf course will open in 2026. “Every detail of this expansive property has been carefully curated, and it will provide a one-of-a-kind elevated experience truly unmatched in the destination. We are not just launching a new resort, but a new era in Naples,” Diego Angarita, the resort’s general manager, tells T+L. The Carnelian Hotel will debut in early 2027 with 70 all-suite accommodations and Sterling’s, a luxe private club that will house a speakeasy and cigar lounge.—Elizabeth Rhodes

OKINAWA, JAPAN

Japan’s southernmost prefecture—and one of the world’s famed Blue Zones—Okinawa is a chain of subtropical islands known for its pristine beaches, excellent scuba diving, and easy access to nature, earning it the nickname “Japan’s Hawaii.” But there’s more drawing travelers to the archipelago these days than just sun and sand. In March 2025, Rosewood opened its first property in the country, Rosewood Miyakojima, with 55 oceanside villas, a serene spa, locally sourced seafood, and a pottery studio. A few months later, Junglia, an immersive amusement park, opened in Yambaru forest, with more than 20 attractions, including hot-air balloons, zip lines, and a “Dinosaur Safari.” And by fall 2026, travelers will have another reason to visit: Restoration of the 13th-century Shuri Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Naha that was damaged by a 2019 fire, will be fully complete, offering a window into the island’s Ryukyuan heritage.—Maddie Hiatt

RIVIERA NAYARIT, MEXICO 

This 200-mile swoop along Mexico’s Pacific coast is a highlight reel of attractions: golden beaches, culturally rich small towns, and a growing number of luxurious resorts from which to explore. One of the biggest new developments is Nauka, a 900-plus-acre community that will debut at the end of 2025. It’s home to Siari Riviera Nayarit, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, which will have 91 rooms, 34 residences, the region’s largest swimmable beach, a Tom Fazio golf course, and both dining and wellness programs rooted in Indigenous Huichol traditions. Nearby Punta Mita, meanwhile, will welcome a new private beachfront residential community, Litibú Bay Club, at the end of 2026, joining the existing Four Seasons Resort, One&Only Mandarina, Rosewood Mandarina, and the St. Regis Resort. And that’s not all: Both Montage and Pendry are slated to open resorts in the region in 2027. For all the options, a big knock on Nayarit has long been that it’s difficult to reach—but that’s also changing. In July 2025, Volaris launched nonstop flights from Los Angeles International to Tepic International Airport, the regional hub, which was recently revamped with a new terminal and extended runways; Air Canada and United will follow in December 2025 with nonstops from Vancouver and Houston, respectively.—Alisha Prakash

DESTINATIONS FOR

NATURE LOVERS

ALBERTA

The epic peaks of the Canadian Rockies, the hallucinatory blue of Moraine Lake in Banff National Park, and amazing wildlife, including bison, grizzlies, and elk: Alberta has long been a place full of majestic natural beauty. But some exciting developments are making this western province a particularly noteworthy destination in 2026. “The Rimrock Resort Hotel in Banff is undergoing a full transformation and will reopen in 2026,” says T+L A-List advisor Mark Telio, who specializes in trips to Canada and notes that the refresh is “a welcome evolution in mountain hospitality.” At the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, a new thermal wellness facility, Basin Glacial Waters, will introduce cutting-edge practices at the historic property. Calgary’s Glenbow Museum, which spotlights Western Canadian and Indigenous art and history, is also slated to reopen in 2026 after a $120 million renovation. Jasper, which suffered devastating, deadly wildfires in July 2024, is bouncing back, according to tourism insiders who spoke with T+L; the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is unveiling a major renovation in 2026. For all the change, some of Alberta’s classic draws remain as compelling as ever. “The fly fishing is world-class, and the mountain-bike scene has come leaps and bounds,” says Kevin Jackson, an A-List advisor who specializes in trips to national parks. “I also love heli-hiking to get away from the crowds.”—Asa Canty

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

“My biggest concern post-hurricane was: Will people give up?” says Meherwan Irani, the owner of Chai Pani, an Asheville restaurant that served as a base for World Central Kitchen during Hurricane Helene in September 2024. The Category 4 storm decimated large swaths of Asheville’s River Arts District and Biltmore Village. “What I’ve seen over the last year was people not throwing in the towel, but choosing to rebuild, sometimes against financial odds.” Among the rebuilt businesses eager to welcome back travelers is Marquee Asheville, a market of about 350 independent artists and makers that was “wiped off the map during the storms,” Irani says. The YMI Cultural Center, a hub for Black creatives, just completed a $6 million refresh with updated programming, including exhibitions from Affrilachian and Black Highlander artists in residence and live performances. For the touch-grass travel set, French Broad Adventures, though its headquarters flooded during Hurricane Helene, is still operating whitewater rafting, repelling, and e-biking trips just a short drive from downtown. As hikers navigate a post-Helene Asheville, they can find trail recommendations through the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, an organization that has been instrumental in clearing obstructed trails. Of the restaurants that sustained damage, Corner Kitchen has reopened in Biltmore Village, and the teams behind Cucina 24 and Vivian, which were both destroyed, have joined forces to open a new American restaurant, Crusco. Travelers keen to support the revival of western North Carolina can stay at reopened hotels that were hit hard by flooding: Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins, just outside the River Arts District, is back with well-equipped A-frame cabins, and Grand Bohemian Lodge, an Autograph Collection hotel in Biltmore Village, has restored hunting-lodge-inspired interiors.—Maya Kachroo-Levine

ASTURIAS, SPAIN

This small, autonomous region is part of what is often referred to as “Green Spain,” thanks to the spectacular landscapes of the northern coast. It’s also, at a time when Barcelona and Madrid are clocking tens of millions of visitors every year, a corner of Spain that offers tranquility and quiet. It is filled with pilgrimage routes, thermal spas, and mountain retreats, and it’s also home to the country’s first national park, which spans the Picos de Europa range. “What I love about Asturias is the sense that I’m enjoying a spectacular part of the world, steeped in history, with incredible local traditions,” says Nigel Hack, the founder and CEO of Madrid & Beyond and a member of the T+L A-List. “And there’s always the pervading feeling that I’m one of the very few in the know.” That under-the-radar vibe is sure to begin shifting in 2026, when the region plays host to the first annual Climate Biennial, with exhibitions throughout the town of Avilés, and welcomes astrotourists seeking a bucolic place from which to see the total eclipse on August 12. Whatever the motivation for visiting, one thing is certain: The food in Asturias is world-class, with 11 Michelin-star restaurants and long traditions of cheese- and cider-making. But what else would you expect from the birthplace of José Andrés?—Peter Terzian

GUATEMALA

Awe-inspiring Guatemala is filled with natural wonders: impenetrable jungles, mangrove forests, daunting volcanoes like Pacaya, and towering waterfalls like the Salto de Chilascó. It’s also been, historically, difficult to navigate, owing to creaky domestic infrastructure and limited international flights. But as the country has embarked on a significant update of its rural highways, the tide may be turning on accessing the natural and cultural riches of the country. Another boost comes in the form of more flights: Avianca plans to increase its service to the country, by way of a new nonstop flight from Miami to Guatemala City; both Frontier and United Airlines are increasing service from Houston; JetBlue started a nonstop from Fort Lauderdale in April 2025. Key destinations such as Antigua and Lake Atitlán remain as in-demand as ever, says A-List advisor Patricia Johnson. She notes that a new boutique hotel, Guatemala Dreams, will open in the town of San Lucas Tomalin. “It will have a pool overlooking the lake and volcanoes, a large whirlpool, a sauna, and a private dock.”—Asa Canty

MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA 

India’s population of tigers is booming, and the best place to spot these animals is this central state. “There’s no better place to find tigers than the lush forests of Madhya Pradesh,” says Jennifer Morris, a product manager at Abercrombie & Kent who specializes in India travel. Wildlife watchers will be pleased by the arrival of some noteworthy places to stay, and Oberoi is behind two of them. Vindhyavilas has 19 roomy, air-conditioned tents (and two villas) located 20 minutes by car from Bandhavgarh National Park, where 150 Bengal tigers now reside. Rajgarh Palace, meanwhile, is a spectacular hilltop palace built in the 1600s that not only offers access to Panna National Park’s 90-plus tigers but is also a short drive from the 1,000-year-old, UNESCO World Heritage–recognized temples of Khajuraho. In 2026, these two properties will be joined by a new Evolve Back hotel in the ancient fort city of Mandu. Increased domestic flight service to the regional hubs of Jabalpur and Khajuraho ensure that this once remote, overlooked region is ready for its turn in the spotlight.—Flora Stubbs 

MASAI MARA, KENYA

Known for breathtaking Great Migration herds of wildebeest and zebra, southwestern Kenya’s Masai Mara is a dream destination for many. What makes the region especially compelling now is the opening of Wilderness Mara, a 12-suite tented camp along the Mara River that has all the trappings you’d expect from this luxury outfitter, with freestanding tubs, outdoor showers, and elevated private decks. Wilderness Mara Villas, a two-villa camp available for exclusive-use, will open nearby in 2026. Also in the region is andBeyond Bateleur Camp, a 19-suite resort that T+L readers recently named the No. 1 hotel in the world. Those planning a trip should keep an eye out for properties in the Mara’s private conservancy, which has restrictions on the number of visitors and vehicles, and allows for bush walks and night drives, says T+L A-List specialist Elizabeth Gordon of Extraordinary Journeys. She also advises clients that, when it comes to safaris, the magic lies not only in the big moments but also the smaller ones, whether that’s spotting a vibrant Superb Starling or observing newborn animals with their mothers. “The migration is not on a schedule,” Gordon notes. “If you see it, it’s icing on the cake.”—Elizabeth Cantrell

NEW ZEALAND

“It’s an exciting time to visit New Zealand because the country is thriving and our travel infrastructure has never been better,” says Alesha Stefanissin, an executive at Great Journeys New Zealand, an outfitter that arranges rail journeys across the country. Those seeking adventure will be able to cycle or hike the new 20-mile Kawarau Gorge Trail, which is slated to open in early 2026 and will link Queenstown to Lake Dunstan. Art lovers can discover a sculpture trail that opened to the public near Pāuatahanui in spring 2025. And sky-watchers should head for New Zealand’s just-announced Dark Sky community, Naseby, the country’s first. New hotels are also on the way: On Waiheke Island, the Estate at Allpress Olive Groves is slated to open in 2026 with front-row views of the Hauraki Gulf. In Queenstown, the QT brand is transforming the Rydges Lakeside Queenstown into a 221-room lakefront property; it follows the 15-suite ROKI Collection, which debuted in the town in September 2025. Other newcomers include the Pullman Hamilton in Auckland and the Distinction Invercargill Hotel near the bottom of the South Island. It’s also getting more comfortable to fly there, thanks to the Skynest, the world’s first lie-flat sleep pods in economy, which Air New Zealand will debut in 2026 on New York–to–Auckland routes, joining existing nonstop options from major U.S. cities on American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Qantas, and United Airlines.—Alisha Prakash

OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA 

This labyrinthine maze of islands, swamps, and waterways has long been one of the world’s foremost safari destinations, where you can spot endangered African wild dogs on the prowl and Pel’s fishing owls soaring in the sky, all in relative isolation. For years, the lodges there leaned spartan in their décor: a byproduct of the remote location, and, perhaps, a lack of imagination on the part of operators. Now that’s changing, particularly in the Moremi Game Reserve, an area in the eastern part of the delta that spans nearly 2,000 square miles. “The top lodges there now rival the top lodges anywhere in Africa,” says Mark Lakin, a member of the T+L Travel Advisory Board and a safari specialist. Xigera Safari Lodge, for example, is a bold, colorful property that was on the forefront of the shift when it opened in 2020: The lodge showcases one of Africa’s largest private art collections and is also home to a stunning Baobab Treehouse suite, with a sky-bed open to the stars. Adjacent to the Moremi is Baines’ Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary, which reopened in August 2025, with its six re-imagined suites. And other ambitious properties are arriving across the delta: In March 2026, andBeyond will open two properties, each with just three tents, known as Nxabega Under Canvas and Sandibe Under Canvas. Singita plans to open Elela, a collection of eight private “camps,” which will range from one- to four-bedrooms, in December 2026. And Wilderness Mombo has added a new wellness “Sanctuary” that delivers pampering after game drives with meditation cocoons, a sauna, an ice bath, and a remedy bar featuring medicinal herbs for a healthful spin on the traditional sundowner. The forthcoming lodge from Elo is also one to watch, according to T+L A-List advisor Nicola Shepherd, who says the new property will be “the first of its kind,” with villas staffed by private guides and chefs.—Jacqui Gifford

OULU, FINLAND 

Mention Finland, and the first thing that springs to mind may be the snowy wilds of Lapland. But in 2026, the spotlight will shift to a new cultural destination: Oulu. Situated on the Gulf of Bothnia, Oulu has been named the European Capital of Culture for 2026—a designation that promises a year packed with more than 500 events spanning contemporary art, live music, Indigenous heritage, and sustainability. Visitors can expect regional flavors at Arctic Food Lab; the Climate Clock, a citywide public art trail highlighting environmental themes; and the Solstice Festival come June. The quirky Air Guitar World Championships, an Oulu tradition since 1996, is on the lineup as well. Oulu was also featured on Intrepid Travel’s 2026 Not Hot List, a curated selection of under-the-radar destinations poised for discovery. And with good reason: According to the Finnish Meteorological Institute, the northern lights are visible there nearly 25 percent of the year, offering travelers a chance to witness the aurora without the heavy crowds of better-known northern locales. And getting there has never been easier. In addition to train and air connections via Helsinki, two new international routes are opening doors: Discover Airlines launched direct seasonal service from Frankfurt in summer 2025, while AirBaltic will connect Oulu to Riga, Latvia, from March through October.—Susmita Baral

REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND 

What’s happening over Iceland in 2026 may be as exciting as what’s happening on the ground. The August 12 solar eclipse will be fully visible from the country’s westernmost points, including its capital city of Reykjavík. Meanwhile, increased solar activity has resulted in some of the most frequent and powerful northern lights in recent memory. “You can see the lights in Reykjavík fairly well if you find a secluded spot, such as at the Grotta Lighthouse,” says Dagný Stefánsdóttir, the CEO and co-owner of luxury travel company Hidden Iceland. Not that celestial shows are the only reason to linger in this friendly, walkable city. “There is so much to see and do,” Stefánsdóttir says. “The number of Michelin-starred and Michelin-recommended restaurants has increased substantially with Dill, OTO, OX, and Tides all opening over the past few years.” Also fresh on the scene are some worthwhile new hotels, including the Hotel Reykjavík Saga; the Iceland Parliament Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton; and the Reykjavík Edition.—Peter Terzian

SALT LAKE CITY 

Once seen as a mere stopover en route to nearby ski resorts, Utah’s capital has emerged as a dynamic, year-round destination where dramatic landscapes meet urban energy. Tap into the latest in the walkable Maven District, one of Salt Lake City’s coolest micro-neighborhoods, which is packed with indie shops and women-owned businesses—and decorated with photogenic murals. Some of the best new dining in the city can be found nearby, in the buzzy 9th & 9th, including Cosmica, an Italian-Japanese fusion restaurant that’s been lauded as one of the best in America. Then there’s the Granary District, which is “redefining itself as a playground for young adults,” as T+L recently reported, filled with bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Still, the ever-present allure of the outdoors is what makes the destination special, says T+L A-List advisor Mike Augustine, a U.S. national parks specialist at MT Sobek. “While visiting Salt Lake City, you can hike a canyon in the morning and explore a national park by afternoon,” he says.—Lisa Greissinger