We predict that these will be the top travel destinations in 2026 

Planning your 2026 travels already? You should be. The world is bursting with once-in-a-lifetime experiences right now – epic nature, fantastic food scenes, and culture that’ll change your perspective on life. So, whether you’re chasing beach sunsets, mountain highs, or late-night city buzz, this list has you. These are the destinations that deserve to be on your 2026 bucket list.

14. Australia

Don’t miss in 2026:  Melbourne International Comedy Festival (25th March to 19th April)

Beach bums, adrenaline junkies, and kangaroo lovers – all unite in the Land Down Under. Whether you’re snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, checking out the Outback, or café-hopping through Sydney’s streets, Australia is the queen of doing the most. Surf in the morning, desert road trip by noon, and end the day with fairy lights, live music, and a cold one in Sydney. An Australia trip is truly iconic.

13. Canada

Don’t miss in 2026: FIFA World Cup (June to July)

Canada really said “go big or go home” and meant it. We’re talking colossal mountains, lakes that look photoshopped, and maple syrup as sweet as the people. Whether you’re skiing in Whistler, chasing fall colours in Québec, or discovering Banff’s magical lakes – a Canada trip is an adventure overload. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver bring the cool, with indie bars, killer street food, and multicultural vibes. Basically? Canada’s what happens when Mother Nature and urban life get very flirty.

12. Italy

Don’t miss in 2026: Venice Carnival (8th February–25th February)

Italy is for gelato-fuelled daydreams and pasta-fuelled nights. In 2026, it’s all about cruising down the Amalfi Coast, grabbing paninis in Florence, and romanticising your life (wine in hand) in Tuscany, gawking at ancient wonders in Rome, floating through Venetian canals, and of course, feasting on pizza in Naples. Italy isn’t just a country – it’s a feeling.

11. Philippines

Don’t miss in 2026: Sinulog Festival, Cebu City (18th–19th January)

Over 7,000 islands and not one bad angle? Unreal. The Philippines is a tropical paradise turned up to 100. Think island-hopping across the Philippines’ turquoise sea, stunning waterfalls, snorkelling with turtles in Palawan, and karaoke-ing with locals who will definitely out-sing you. It’s beachy, it’s budget-friendly, and it’s the kind of laid-back magic that makes you forget you ever had a return flight.

10. New Zealand

Don’t miss in 2026: Matariki Festival (mid-June to early July)

Surreal scenery. Adrenaline-pumping fun. Sheep outnumbering people. A New Zealand trip is a flex on the 2026 bucket list. One minute you’re learning all about Māori culture the next you’re sipping wine in a valley straight out of a fantasy film. And the next you’re skiing down the most stunning slopes in the Southern Hemisphere. Queenstown? Adrenaline capital. Rotorua? Thermal wonderland. Milford Sound? Wallpaper material. Jump in.

9. Peru

Don’t miss in 2026: Inti Raymi Festival, Cusco (24th June)

Peru is where travel dreams go to level up. Machu Picchu is the obvious star (and yes, it is worth the hype), but 2026 is about going deeper – into jungle lodges, floating islands, desert oases, and mountain towns (and even mysterious desert art?). Ancient ruins? Check. Llamas? Obviously. Vibes? Immaculate.

8. Sri Lanka

Don’t miss in 2026: Kandy Esala Perahera (21st–30th July)

Sri Lanka is small but mighty. In one trip, you can hit beaches, rainforests, mountains and ancient ruins without ever needing a change of currency. Surf in Unawatuna, train-ride through tea country, and climb Sigiriya Rock like the explorer you were born to be. 2026 travellers looking for variety without chaos – this is your golden ticket.

7. Indonesia

Don’t miss in 2026: Komodo Dragon Festival, Flores (15th–17th August)

Bali’s beach clubs? Pretty cool. But there’s so much more to Indonesia. From the waterfalls of Lombok to the dragons of Komodo, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure playground for every kind of explorer. Snorkel with manta rays, trek up Mt Batur for the sunrise, learn to cook with the locals, or stroll through the rice terraces. 2026 is all about going beyond the Bali bubble and island hopping in Indonesia’s lesser-known destinations. And trust us, it’s worth the ride.

6. South Africa

Don’t miss in 2026: Cape Town International Jazz Festival (27th–28th March)

If you’re into wine, wildlife, or wonderful views – South Africa has you covered. Cape Town is a knockout (literally – Table Mountain punches above its weight), the Garden Route is road trip heaven, and safari time in Kruger? Who doesn’t have that on their bucket list? The culture is rich, the food is bold, and the sunsets over the savannah will make you never wanna leave. Go for the Big Five. Stay for the big vibes.

5. Albania

Don’t miss in 2026: Gjirokastër National Folk Festival (17th–19th July). Celebrated every 4 years!

Europe’s best-kept secret isn’t keeping quiet anymore. Albania is the underdog that’s rising fast – think Mediterranean beaches without the crowds or price tag, Ottoman towns that look like movie sets, and enough mountain trails to make up for your week of leg days at the gym. Tirana is quirky and cool, and the Albanian Riviera? *Chef’s kiss*. If non-basic hotspots are what you’re craving in 2026, Albania is the one for you.

4. South Korea

Don’t miss in 2026: Seoul Lantern Festival (7th–15th November)

K-culture’s global takeover doesn’t stop at music and skincare. South Korea is where tradition and tech hold hands under neon lights. Seoul is electric (think night markets, underground cafés, and busy streets). Then there’s Jeju Island’s beaches and culture. 2026 is your sign to dive deep into the K-wave, eat kimchi with every meal, and fall in love with a place that never sits still.

3. Georgia

Don’t miss in 2026: Tbilisi Open Air Festival (4th–6th July)

Ah, Georgia. This place is where mountains meet monasteries and the wine flows like water. Tbilisi is cobblestoned and chaotic in the best way, while the Caucasus Mountains offer views of a lifetime. You’ll try new foods (shout-out khachapuri), discover a new culture and wonder why nobody told you sooner about Georgia.

2. Scandinavia

Don’t miss in 2026: Stockholm Pride (28th July–2nd August)

Cool in every sense. Scandinavia’s got fab cities (AKA Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen), fairytale fjords, and fika all the way. There’s Northern Lights & cute reindeer in winter, midnight sun in summer, and cinnamon buns always. It’s also pure, peaceful, and painfully pretty. In 2026, hygge your heart out.

1. Japan

Don’t miss in 2026: Sapporo Snow Festival (5th–11th February)

Neon lights, ancient temples, robot cafés, and convenience store snacks that slap. Japan is the contradiction we’re living for in 2026. Tokyo will overload your senses (in the best way possible), Kyoto’s all zen gardens and geishas, and the snow & skis in Hokkaido? Unreal. Plus, where else can you slurp ramen at 2 AM? Bow down to the land of order, chaos, and perfect sushi.