New museums are opening all the time in the world, modern hotels are appearing, and major sporting and cultural events are being prepared. Therefore, the question “where to go in 2026” is heard more and more often. This material will help you understand which countries and cities are really worth paying attention to.
The list includes destinations that are setting tourism trends in 2026 and are already being actively discussed by travelers. Here are the best places to travel in 2026 for various types of vacations: cultural trips, active routes, gastronomic discoveries and relaxation by the sea. If you are planning a trip in 2026 and want to choose a destination without any doubts, this list of countries will be a convenient reference point.
Norway
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Norway will become one of the most attractive travel destinations in 2026 thanks to a combination of wild nature, thoughtful service and new hotel discoveries. In the capital, it is worth visiting the National Museum – the largest museum of art, architecture and design in the country, as well as trying the floating saunas on the Oslo Fjord, which are especially popular in the warm season. One of the most famous tourist routes remains the Flåm Railway, which passes through mountain valleys and stops at the Kjosfossen waterfall – one of the most striking natural locations in Norway. The small town of Flåm attracts travelers with its views of the fjords and mountains. In 2026, Relais & Chateaux Yrti Island Retreat – a new premium hotel will open on the island of Træna, and among the proven accommodation options are the hotels of the 62° Nord chain – Storfjord, Hotel Union Øye and Brosundet, located near the city of Ålesund with convenient access to the fjords. Michelin-starred restaurants, including Gaptrast and Omakase by Sergey Pak in Bergen, remain important for gastronomic tourism, making Norway an ideal choice in 2026 for those looking for a comfortable and modern outdoor vacation.
Malta
Malta in 2026 remains one of the most interesting travel destinations. The island is located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea and has been ruled by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs and British for centuries, which has shaped its multi-layered architecture and traditions. In the capital, Valletta, you can see characteristic gallarija-style balconies, restaurants serve Sicilian-style baked pasta, and the streets are still home to red British mailboxes. In 2026, Casa Bonavita will open in Attard, an 18th-century palazzo set in lush gardens, created by Christopher Sharp and Susanna Sharp, founders of The Rug Company. In the center of Valletta, Romègas will open, a historic palazzo about 500 years old with a rooftop pool. The island is also home to the MICAS Museum of Contemporary Art. Malta in 2026 is about beach holidays, city walks and a rich cultural program.
Los Angeles, USA
Los Angeles will become one of the main tourist destinations in 2026. The city is preparing for several large-scale events that will attract the attention of travelers from all over the world. From March to June, the Silver Lake district will host the Noma restaurant residency under the leadership of René Redzepi. The menu will be based on local products and a modern approach to gastronomy. In June and July, Los Angeles will host the FIFA World Cup matches. The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will open in September. The museum was founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson. The building was designed by architect Ma Yansun. The exhibition will present props, costumes and models from the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises.
Egypt
Egypt in 2026 attracts special attention of travelers, because in November 2025 the Grand Egyptian Museum opened in Cairo. For the first time in one space, the complete collection of Tutankhamun's treasures is presented. This is an important event for world tourism and for everyone interested in the history of Ancient Egypt. In the center of Cairo, you can stay in apartments in the Immobilia building, decorated in the Art Deco style. From here it is convenient to get to the pyramids of Giza and walk through the historical quarters of the city. Then the route leads to Luxor. Here you can take a cruise on the Nile Canopus ship, which is decorated in the format of a boutique hotel and heads to Aswan with stops at ancient monuments. You can end your trip at the Al Moudira Hotel, located next to the Valley of the Kings. This is a destination for those who want to see world-class attractions and plan a rich trip.
Estonia
A few years ago, Estonia was often overlooked in favor of more popular Scandinavian countries. Now, that’s all changing. Tallinn has become a popular destination for travelers thanks to its well-preserved medieval center, strong restaurant scene, and vibrant nightlife. The city is compact, walkable, and modern at the same time. To get a better feel for Estonia, it’s worth venturing outside the capital. There are over two thousand islands along the Baltic Sea coast. There are many nature reserves, pine forests, and freshwater springs. Small manors and guesthouses offer a place to stay amidst the silence and nature. It’s on the islands that you can better understand the smoke sauna tradition, an important part of Estonian culture. Giyumaa Island is a must-see. It’s a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with open landscapes and windswept coastlines. This is a destination for those who want to relax in nature, slow down, and see the Baltic from a different perspective.
Florence, Italy
The cradle of the Renaissance looks new in 2026. Hotels are opening here, historic buildings are being renovated, and major art events are being prepared. La Réserve Firenze will open in the Oltrarno district. The project is located in a 15th-century palace in a lively neighborhood a few minutes from the center, but without the crowds of tourists. The format is unusual: it is not a classic hotel, but six separate apartments. The space is designed to make guests feel like they are in a private residence with thoughtful design and the atmosphere of old Florence. At the end of April, after a long renovation, Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel in Fiesole will open. The hotel has renovated the gardens and created a new spa complex in collaboration with Guerlain. From here, a panorama of the city opens, and this is one of the most beautiful points in the region. Florence in 2026 is interesting not only for its hotels. The renovation of the Museo Sant'Orsola, an important space for contemporary art, is being completed. In March, a major exhibition of Mark Rothko will open at Palazzo Grassi. Some of the works will also be shown in other historical museums in the city to create a complete immersion in the artistic context. Florence has long been on the list of the best cities to travel. In 2026, it once again gives a good reason to come – even to those who already know it well.
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan in 2026 attracts those who are looking for space and nature without mass tourism. This is a country of mountains, high-altitude lakes and nomadic traditions. People come here not for hotels, but for landscapes and a sense of freedom. One of the most famous places is Lake Son-Kul. It can be reached by horseback or on foot along mountain routes. Tourists often stay in yurts and spend the night in the open air. In 2025, the Kyrgyz Nomad Trail was expanded by hundreds of kilometers. In 2026, this route will become even more attractive for trekking. Kyrgyzstan is a destination for active recreation, mountain crossings and complete immersion in nature.
Japan
If you need another reason to visit Japan in 2026, here it is. After a 19-month renovation, the Park Hyatt Tokyo, one of the most famous hotels in the world, made famous by the film Lost in Translation, has reopened. In spring 2026, the Capella Kyoto will open in Kyoto. The hotel will be housed in a former school building in the Miyagawa-cho district. In autumn 2026, Shuri Castle in Naha, Okinawa, will reopen after restoration. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former center of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The castle was rebuilt after a fire in 2019. Japan offers a very diverse range of experiences: hot springs, ski resorts, temples and sacred sites like Mount Koya. It is this diversity that makes the country one of the most exciting travel destinations in 2026.
Devon, England
In 2026, interest in literary travel will increase. This year, a new film adaptation of Wuthering Heights, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, will see many travellers heading to the moors of West Yorkshire. But if you want a less obvious route, Devon is the place to go. The region could gain further attention with the release of Sense and Sensibility, starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, due in September. Among the new places to stay is Fowlescombe Farm, a manor house near Dartmoor with ten suites in restored stone buildings. The interiors are modern but respectful of the history. The restaurant uses locally sourced produce and the menu changes daily. The Endsleigh Hotel remains a classic choice for a relaxing break amidst gardens and an old park in the Tamar Valley. And The Pig-at-Combe near Exeter offers a more relaxed atmosphere, shepherds' cottages for overnight stays and a mini spa. Devon is suitable for those who want coastal walks, peace and quiet and rural scenery without the crowds.
Seychelles
Seychelles in 2026 is an easy choice for those who dream of warm sea and silence. The archipelago consists of 115 islands, and each of them looks like from the most beautiful postcards: light sand, clear water, granite rocks and tropical greenery. La Réserve Seychelles will open on Praslin Island – a small complex with private villas by the ocean. After renovation, Fregate Island will again welcome guests – a private island with villas in the middle of nature. Here you can see giant turtles, as well as relax in the spa or just be alone. If you want a simpler format, you should choose Mahe Island. There are more hotels of different levels, it is convenient to explore the beaches and get acquainted with the local cuisine.
Alberta, Canada
Alberta is all about mountains, lakes and a sense of scale. Lakes Louise and Jasper are stunning with their water colours, and national parks offer hours of hiking along mountain trails. Rimrock Resort Hotel will open in Banff after renovation. The hotel is located high in the mountains, with views of the valleys. Near the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is the new Basin Glacial Waters thermal complex with saunas and pools filled with glacial water. Alberta in 2026 will be suitable for those who want to combine active routes with relaxation in a spa surrounded by nature.
Botswana
Botswana is a completely different pace of travel. The main thing here is nature. The Okavango Delta is considered one of the best places for safari in Africa. Botswana deliberately limits the number of tourists. The principle of “fewer people – more quality” works here. The camps are small, located far from each other and pay a lot of attention to nature conservation. Such trips are not cheap, but in return they provide silence, space and real contact with wildlife. In 2026, a new Elela camp from the Singita brand will open in the Abu conservation area. This is a small complex with separate houses overlooking the floodplains. The format is intimate, with an emphasis on privacy. Botswana is a safari without crowds, dawns over the savannah and a feeling of closeness to wildlife. There is no rush here. And this is what becomes the main value of the trip.
Based on material from vogue.co.uk