Haven’t finalised your travel plans for the next twelve months? Then you’ve come to the right place for some inspiration! This time we resisted the urge to include an eponymous 26 spots, and instead limited ourselves to a much more manageable 15. However, the selection still spans and the globe and a variety of different destinations, so we hope you find something that piques your interest and has you opening up a new tab to check flights. Happy travelling and all the best in the coming year!
Vote for your favourite global travel destinations in 12 different categories, including these Top Destinations for 2026, here!
Vancouver, Canada
Put Vancouver right at the top of your 2026 travel list – and underscore it twice. The city is buzzing as an official host for the FIFA World Cup, meaning the atmosphere will be absolutely electric (and the pubs packed). But even if you don’t know an offside trap from a tourist trap, “Rain City” is a stunner. It’s one of the few places where you can ogle snow-capped mountains while sipping coffee by the Pacific Ocean.
You absolutely must get lost in the ancient cedars of Stanley Park – it’s bigger than Central Park, not that we’re bragging – and then stuff your face with artisan doughnuts at the Granville Island Public Market. It’s the perfect blend of world-class sporting chaos and jaw-dropping natural beauty, so pack your football kit and your hiking boots. You’re going to need both.
Guadalajara, Mexico
Get ready to add a splash of colour to your 2026 travel plans with a trip to Guadalajara. This vibrant heart of Jalisco is gearing up to host the FIFA World Cup, so you can expect a city-wide fiesta to go along with the football. But the real magic happens away from the pitch. Guadalajara is the birthplace of both mariachi music and tequila – do you need any more reasons to visit?
Spend your days wandering through the stunning historic centre, marvelling at its colonial architecture and grand plazas. When you’re ready for a change of pace, the legendary town of Tequila is just a short trip away for an authentic tasting experience. It’s a perfect mix of high-stakes sport and rich, authentic culture, served up with a side of delicious street tacos. Pack your bags and your sense of adventure – Guadalajara is waiting!
Philadelphia, USA
If your 2026 diary isn’t already earmarked for Philadelphia, you might want to grab a pen. The City of Brotherly Love is pulling double duty, and frankly, it’s showing off. Not only is it hosting the FIFA World Cup – cue the global football frenzy – but it’s also the centrepiece for America’s 250th birthday bash.
It’s basically the ultimate two-for-one deal on history and hysteria. You can stand in the very room where the US was born at Independence Hall, give a nod to the cracked Liberty Bell, and then head to Lincoln Financial Field to scream until you’re hoarse.
Between the revolutionary history and the sporting drama, you’ll need fuel. Do yourself a favour and grab a proper Philly cheesesteak – wiz wit, naturally. It’s a year where the past meets the pitch, and honestly, you won’t want to miss a single minute of it.
Milan, Italy
In 2026, Milan is trading its runway for a ski run – well, sort of. The city is the glamorous gateway to the Winter Olympics, meaning you can get your fill of high-fashion and high-altitude thrills all in one trip. Expect the capital of chic to be buzzing with even more energy than usual. You can spend your morning marvelling at the jaw-dropping Duomo di Milano, then dedicate your afternoon to some serious retail therapy in the Quadrilatero della Moda.
After a day of exploring historic sights and pretending you can afford designer goods, refuel with a proper Milanese feast. We’re talking creamy risotto alla Milanese and a classic aperitivo. It’s the perfect opportunity to pair world-class sport with world-class style. Pack your best coat and an appetite for adventure; Milan is ready to put on a show.
Glasgow, Scotland
If you fancy a trip that’s equal parts thrilling sport and gritty, authentic charm, then get Glasgow on your 2026 calendar. The city is set to host the Commonwealth Games, so you can expect an atmosphere that’s absolutely electric, with a friendly Glaswegian welcome to match.
When you’re not cheering on your favourite athletes, you can get lost in its world-class cultural scene. Stand in awe of the ancient Glasgow Cathedral, then dive headfirst into the city’s legendary music scene with a pint in hand at a traditional pub. Glasgow doesn’t do things by halves; it’s a city of stunning architecture, raw creative energy, and a sense of humour that’s second to none.
It’s the perfect place to experience elite sport while soaking up some proper Scottish spirit. Just be sure to pack a raincoat alongside your supporter’s flag – you’ll probably need both
Route 66, USA
In 2026, the Mother Road hits the big 1-0-0, and frankly, she doesn’t look a day over ninety-nine. Route 66 isn’t just a road; it’s a 2,400-mile ribbon of pure Americana, and its centennial is the ultimate excuse to fill your tank and empty your wallet on kitschy souvenirs.
Your journey kicks off in the windy streets of Chicago, winding down through the shadow of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. By the time you hit Tulsa and Oklahoma City, you’ll be humming classic tunes and craving fried delights you didn’t know existed.
Hold onto your cowboy hats in Amarillo – yes, the steaks really are that big – before the landscape shifts to the dusty, enchanting deserts of Albuquerque. You’ll want to stretch your legs in the pine forests of Flagstaff, a surprisingly cool respite before the final push.
The finish line? The sun-soaked chaos of Los Angeles, where the road meets the Pacific. From neon motels to diners serving coffee strong enough to wake the dead, this isn’t just a drive; it’s a pilgrimage through a century of stories, neon signs, and chrome dreams. Happy birthday, Route 66 – let’s get this show on the road.
Guimarães, Portugal
Guimarães isn’t just showing off its history in 2026, it’s painting the town green – literally. As the newly crowned European Green Capital, this northern gem proves that you can be the birthplace of a nation and still be cutting-edge.
It’s a delightful mash-up where medieval heritage meets modern sustainability, so you can soak up culture without the carbon guilt. Spend your days getting lost in the UNESCO-listed historic centre, admiring architecture that’s likely older than your great-great-grandparents, or scaling the iconic Guimarães Castle to survey your kingdom (sword optional).
It’s not all just solar panels and recycling bins, though; the city is buzzing with a vibrant, eco-conscious energy that makes every ancient street feel fresh. Pack your trainers and a reusable bottle – Guimarães is the perfect spot to travel responsibly while having a properly brilliant time.
Trenčín, Slovakia & Oulu, Finland
If you’re the kind of traveller who likes a bit of everything, 2026 is serving up a cultural two-for-one deal you won’t want to miss. Meet the European Capitals of Culture: Trenčín, Slovakia and Oulu, Finland. It’s a study in delightful contrasts. First, head to Trenčín, a city straight out of a storybook, lorded over by a magnificent medieval castle. Expect cobbled streets buzzing with a surprisingly modern arts scene – it’s history with a creative, contemporary twist.
Then, swap your fairy-tale for a fleece and jet off to Oulu. This Finnish hub is where Arctic chill meets high-tech cool. You can spend your days cycling through snowy landscapes and your nights marvelling at the Northern Lights, all while surrounded by cutting-edge innovation. From Slovakia’s ancient ramparts to Finland’s frozen shores, it’s a cultural journey that spans from the heart of old Europe to the top of the world.
Hull, England
Forget what you think you know about Hull. In 2026, this Yorkshire city isn’t just embracing its seafaring past; it’s practically showing it off on a golden platter. The headline act? The grand unveiling of a major new maritime attraction that’s set to transform the historic North End Shipyard, the Hull Maritime Museum. It’s the kind of museum experience that makes dusty display cabinets look positively ancient, breathing new life into the city’s Arctic Corsair heritage.
But don’t stop there. Wander through the cobbled, film-set-ready streets of the Old Town, where history feels close enough to touch (and the pubs are excellent). Then, dive into The Deep – literally one of the most spectacular aquariums in Europe. It’s a city that’s reinvented itself without losing its gritty, authentic soul. Whether you’re a history buff or just love a good fish and chips by the water, Hull is ready to surprise you.
Albania
If you’re craving a Mediterranean holiday but can’t face another summer scrummaging for a sunbed, then let us introduce you to Albania. Despite what’s felt like a decade or more of unabated development, it’s still one ’s best-kept secret, offering all the sparkle of its famous neighbours without the selfie-stick-wielding crowds. Imagine driving along the Albanian Riviera, pulling over at a pristine, empty beach that would make Greece green with envy.
It’s not just about the coastline, either. You can wander through ancient Roman and Greek ruins at Butrint, a UNESCO site so atmospheric you can almost hear the togas rustling. Then, dive into the vibrant chaos of Tirana, where Ottoman, Italian, and Communist-era architecture tell a complex story. It’s a country where the people are as warm as the weather and the food is fresh, delicious, and astonishingly cheap. Get there before everyone else figures it out.
Saudi Arabia
Gone are the days when getting into Saudi Arabia felt like cracking a secret code. The Kingdom has now thrown open its doors with a tourist e-visa that’s easier to get than a decent cup of coffee at 3am (albeit it much more expensive). Plus, with direct budget flights now hopping over from Europe, your wallet won’t be weeping before you even land. But don’t just stick to the glossy skyscrapers of Riyadh. The real adventure starts when you rent a car – yes, you can do that, and the roads are excellent – and hit the tarmac for a proper road trip.
Cruise through the lunar-like landscapes of Al Ula, where ancient tombs are carved right into the rock, or head south to the misty peaks of Abha, where you might actually need a jumper (seriously). It’s a road trip where camels have the right of way and the scenery changes faster than your playlist. Buckle up; this is one ride you won’t forget.
Cairo, Egypt
Cairo has long been a heavyweight on the travel circuit, but just wait until you see it in 2026. The city has finally cut the ribbon on its shiny new toy: the Grand Egyptian Museum. And when we say grand, we mean it. This place is so massive it practically makes the nearby Pyramids of Giza look like adorable little neighbours. It houses Tutankhamun’s entire treasure collection, all in one place for the first time, alongside thousands of other artefacts that will make your jaw drop.
After you’ve had your mind thoroughly blown by 5,000 years of history, dive back into the glorious, modern-day chaos of Cairo itself. Get lost in the bustling Khan el-Khalili market, haggle for a lamp you don’t need, and refuel with some koshari from a street vendor. It’s ancient history and vibrant culture, all served up with a side of city buzz.
Abu Dhabi
If you thought Abu Dhabi was just about fast cars and fancy hotels, think again. In 2026, the UAE’s capital is cementing its status as a global art heavyweight with the long-awaited opening of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Perched on the cultural playground of Saadiyat Island, this Frank Gehry-designed masterpiece is a chaotic, beautiful jumble of cones and blocks that looks like it fell from space in the most artistic way possible.
It joins its elegant neighbour, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, turning the district into a dream for culture vultures. Of course, you can’t visit without paying homage to the sheer opulence of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – honestly, bring sunglasses for the glare of all that white marble. Whether you’re there for the cutting-edge art or just to see how many gold accents one city can handle, Abu Dhabi is an absolute masterpiece.
Fes, Morocco
If you’ve been putting off a trip to Fes because you were worried about dodging scaffolding, 2026 is your year to finally book that ticket. The ancient medina has just emerged from a massive, painstaking renovation, and frankly, it’s looking spectacular. It’s still the world’s largest car-free urban zone – so you can leave your driving gloves at home – but now the centuries-old architecture shines without the construction dust.
Wander through a labyrinth of 9,000 alleyways where donkeys still have right of way (seriously, move over) and discover restored fountains and intricate tile work that would make your bathroom renovation look like a DIY disaster. The souks are buzzing louder than ever, packed with artisans hammering brass and tanning leather just as they have for a millennium. It’s the perfect time to get hopelessly lost in history, haggle for a rug you definitely don’t have room for, and experience the spiritual heart of Morocco given a brilliant new lease of life.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Sure, you could spend your 2026 holiday sipping overpriced cocktails in a city bar, or you could celebrate a century of roaring lions in South Africa – or even better yet, you can do both. The big news is that the legendary Kruger National Park is turning 100, and it’s looking pretty good for its age. This isn’t just a park; it’s a sprawling kingdom of bushveld where you can spot the Big Five before breakfast. For the centennial, expect extra celebrations and a renewed focus on the incredible conservation work that keeps this place wild.
While you’re down south, you’ll likely touchdown in the urban jungles of Johannesburg or the stunning seaside sprawl of Cape Town. Both are brilliant, buzzing hubs perfect for a dose of culture and caffeine. But the real magic happens when you trade the skyscrapers for acacia trees. Pack your binoculars and maybe leave the leopard print at home – the real cats wear it better.
Vote for your favourite global travel destinations in 12 different categories, including these Top Destinations for 2026, here!
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