Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2026: Top 25 Destinations to Visit This Year

Welcome to Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2026 – your annual guide to the most inspiring journeys across the globe for the year ahead. Our team of travel experts has selected 25 must-visit destinations across the world, organized by region and category, for you to explore this year.

The 25 Best Destinations to Visit in 2026

North America

• Maine, USA – Perfect for coastal hiking, delicious lobster, and quiet lighthouse-views off the beaten path
• Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, USA – Untamed prairie landscapes and stunning dark skies for stargazing
• Mexico City, Mexico – World-class museums, incredible street food, and vibrant culture

South America

• Peru – Iconic Inca trails, Machu Picchu, and incredible diversity from the Andes to the Amazon

Europe

• Finland – Arctic adventures, midnight sun in summer, northern lights in winter, and incredible saunas
• Cádiz, Spain – Southern Spain's best-kept secret with beautiful beaches, sherry, and flamenco
• Tipperary, Ireland – Rolling green countryside, traditional Irish pubs, and fewer tourists than Dublin
• Cartagena, Colombia – Colorful colonial architecture, Caribbean coast, and vibrant nightlife
• Quetzaltenango (Xela), Guatemala – Highland mountain culture, hot springs, and authentic Mayan culture
• Liberdade, São Paulo, Brazil – Japan-Brazil cultural fusion, incredible food, and unique history
• Utrecht, Netherlands – Charming canals, less crowded than Amsterdam, great cycling
• Barbados, Caribbean – Perfect beaches, rum, and Caribbean hospitality
• Sardinia, Italy – Stunning turquoise coast, delicious food, and ancient nuragic ruins

Africa

• Réunion – French island in the Indian Ocean with incredible hiking, volcanoes, and Creole culture
• Botswana – Premium safari experiences with incredible wildlife viewing
• Tunisia – Ancient Carthage, Sahara desert adventures, and Mediterranean coast

Middle East

• (No destinations listed in the top 25 for 2026)

Asia

• Jaffna, Sri Lanka – Northern Sri Lanka with fascinating post-war culture, empty beaches, and delicious Tamil cuisine
• Quy Nhon, Vietnam – Undiscovered coastal Vietnam with beautiful beaches and delicious seafood
• Phuket, Thailand – Still has plenty of quiet corners beyond the party areas, incredible island hopping
• Siem Reap, Cambodia – Gateway to Angkor Wat and countless other ancient temples

Oceania

• North Island, New Zealand – Volcanic landscapes, glowing caves, beaches, and incredible hiking
• Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park and Outback, South Australia – Outback Australia, dramatic gorges, and Aboriginal rock art
• Solomon Islands – World-class diving, WWII wrecks, and untouched coral atolls

The 25 Best Travel Experiences for 2026

Beyond destinations, Lonely Planet also selected 25 unforgettable experiences to have this year:

Nature & Adventure

• Raft the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, USA
• Cycle the Batanes Islands, Philippines
• Cruise the Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia
• Become a citizen scientist in the Peruvian Amazon
• Track desert elephants in Namibia
• Hike and wildcamp in the Fann Mountains, Tajikistan
• Spot giant whales in the Azores, Portugal
• Stay in the historic Volcano House at Halema'uma'u, Hawai'i

Culture & Food

• Attend a Premier League football match in England
• Dig into Kerala's culinary culture in India
• Explore Eileen Gray's iconic villa in the south of France
• Go on a cultural food tour of Old Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Look for jaguars in the Brazilian Pantanal wetlands
• Ride horses in the Ecuadorian Andes
• Sample wine in Oregon's Willamette Valley, USA
• Party on the beaches of Grenada in the Caribbean
• Dance till dawn in Belgrade, Serbia
• Dive into street art in Bristol, England
• Stargaze in Wairarapa, New Zealand
• Take a Creole trail ride in Louisiana, USA
• Eat your way through Melbourne, Australia
• See the Fighting Cholitas wrestling in Bolivia

Why Trust This List?

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel has been published annually for decades, with selections made by experienced travel editors and writers who have actually visited all the destinations they recommend. The list balances popular destinations with under-the-radar spots to give you options for every type of trip.

Whether you're planning a big international adventure or a shorter closer-to-home break, there's something here to inspire your 2026 travels.

Source: Compiled from Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2026