Top 17 Places to Go in 2026 — How to Choose the Right One for Your Travel Style

Find the right 2026 escape for your travel style — without the overwhelm

Staring at a long list of "best places 2026" and not sure which one fits your family, budget, or sense of adventure? You're not alone. Between new nonstop routes launched in late 2025, shifting shoulder seasons due to climate impacts, and more loyalty-program sweet spots, picking the right destination has never been more tactical.

How this guide helps

This article pairs 17 top destinations (inspired by The Points Guy's 2026 picks) with the travel styles that suit them best — families, adventurers, budget travelers, and luxury seekers — and gives precise when-to-go windows and booking approaches for 2026. Use the quick decision framework below, then jump to destinations that match your goals.

Quick decision framework: Match destination to your travel style

• Families: Prioritize easy access, family-friendly lodging, health-safety, and buffering days for jet lag.
• Adventurers: Look for seasonally safe windows for hiking, diving, or wildlife viewing plus certified guides.
• Budget travelers: Focus on shoulder/off‑season months, low-cost carriers, and alternative towns near major hotspots.
• Luxury seekers: Aim for private transfers, suites or villas, and points upgrades during off-peak luxury windows.

Travel trend note: In late 2025 and early 2026 we saw continued demand for sustainable, less-crowded experiences and a wave of new nonstop routes that open quicker itineraries from secondary US and European cities.

Top 17 places to go in 2026 — and who should book them

1. Tokyo, Japan

Why go: Tokyo remains a cultural megahub where polished urban life meets rapid-transit access to day trips (Nikko, Hakone). It's a 2026 staple for food, museums, and family-friendly tech experiences.

• Best for: Families (kid-centered museums, safe neighborhoods), luxury seekers (boutique ryokans & Michelin dining), culture travelers.
• When to go: Late March–April (cherry blossom peak) or October–November (autumn colors). Consider shoulder-season weekdays to avoid crowds.
• Booking approach: Book flights early — new transpacific services launched in late 2025; use points for premium seats. Reserve family-size hotel rooms or an apartment for convenience.

2. Lisbon & coastal Portugal

Why go: Mild climate, compact historic districts, and growing value compared with other Western European capitals.

• Best for: Budget travelers (affordable food and trains), families (walkable streets and beaches nearby), luxury seekers (quirky boutique hotels).
• When to go: April–June and September for warm weather without the July crowds.
• Booking approach: Use rail passes for multi-city Portugal trips; book apartments in Alfama or Chiado for families. Snap up off‑peak awards for Iberian carriers in 2026.

3. Iceland (Reykjavík & the Ring Road)

Why go: Dramatic landscapes, short driving distances between wonders, and strong sustainability policies make Iceland a top choice in 2026.

• Best for: Adventurers (hiking, glacier walks), luxury seekers (geothermal spas & boutique lodges).
• When to go: June–September for full access; March–April or late September for northern lights with fewer tourists.
• Booking approach: Rent a 4x4 for remote routes; book guided glacier/ice cave trips in advance as operators have capped group sizes since 2024.

4. Mexico City

Why go: A vibrant culinary scene, world-class museums, and laid-back family-friendly neighborhoods.

• Best for: Food-loving families, budget travelers, culture seekers.
• When to go: March–May for dry weather and festivals; avoid summer rain season for outdoor plans.
• Booking approach: Look for low-cost carrier specials from US hubs; book Airbnb or family suites in Polanco/Condesa. Use local guides for market and culinary tours.

5. Cartagena & Colombia's Caribbean coast

Why go: A colorful colonial city with easy beach escapes and a rising boutique-hotel scene.

• Best for: Couples and family beach escapes, budget travelers who favor local guesthouses, luxury seekers for boutique colonial hotels.
• When to go: December–April for drier weather; shoulder months May and November can yield lower rates.
• Booking approach: Use multi-stop tickets that pair Bogotá or Medellín with Cartagena; book beachfront hotels well in advance for December holidays.

6. Athens & the Greek Islands

Why go: Ancient history and island hopping in 2026 is easier with increased ferry frequencies and new seasonal flights.

• Best for: Families (lots of educational sites), luxury travelers (private yachts, upscale island villas), adventurers (lesser-known islands for hiking).
• When to go: May–June and September–October for comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.
• Booking approach: Book ferries and Aegean flights early; combine Athens city breaks with 3–5 day island stints to optimize cost and experience.

7. The Azores

Why go: Remote, green, and emerging as Europe's best off‑grid nature escape — ideal for low-impact adventure travel.

• Best for: Adventurers (hiking, whale watching), families who love outdoor days, budget travelers seeking off-season deals.
• When to go: May–September for whale watching and hiking; winter is stormy but peaceful and cheaper.
• Booking approach: Book island-hopping ferries and small guesthouses early; prioritize local eco-certified guides.

8. Kenya (Nairobi + Masai Mara)

Why go: Classic safari with increasing community-led tourism initiatives — 2026 emphasizes responsible wildlife viewing.

• Best for: Adventurers and families (child-friendly conservancies), luxury seekers (private tented camps).
• When to go: July–October for the Great Migration in Masai Mara; January–February for calving season.
• Booking approach: Use vetted operators that employ local-certified operators; lock in camps early for migration windows and consider loyalty program upgrades on Nairobi flights.

9. Jordan (Amman, Petra & Wadi Rum)

Why go: Compact route with incredible archeology and desert experiences suitable for many travel types.

• Best for: Families (short distances between sites), adventurers (desert trekking/camping), culture travelers.
• When to go: March–May and September–November to avoid summer heat.
• Booking approach: Hire locally-run guided tours for Petra and Wadi Rum; consider multi-day passes and book Bedouin camp experiences in advance.

10. New Orleans, USA

Why go: Resurgent music scene, resilient food culture, and a calendar of festivals that make this an all-season option in 2026.

• Best for: Culture-focused families, budget travelers (walkable neighborhoods), food and music lovers.
• When to go: February (Mardi Gras for seasoned planners) or October–November for milder weather and fewer crowds.
• Booking approach: Book family-friendly hotels in the Garden District for quieter nights; use event alerts and flexible date searches for best fares.

11. Croatia (Istria & Dalmatian Coast)

Why go: Beautiful coastlines, emerging food and wine trails, and quieter alternatives to the busiest islands.

• Best for: Couples, families looking for island hopping, budget travelers in shoulder seasons.
• When to go: May–June and September for warm seas and fewer day-trippers.
• Booking approach: Rent a car to explore Istria and smaller towns; book ferries and private transfers early in summer.

12. Peru (Cusco & Machu Picchu)

Why go: Timeless historic routes and multi-day treks with improved crowd management measures rolled out in 2025–26.

• Best for: Adventurers (trekking), families with older kids, culture travelers.
• When to go: May–September (dry season) for reliable trails. Book entry times for Machu Picchu well ahead due to timed-ticket limits.
• Booking approach: Reserve award seats and guided treks early; pair a city stay in Lima to earn different travel experiences.

13. Vietnam (Hanoi, Hoi An & Ha Long)

Why go: Dynamic street food, easy internal flights, and a wide range of budgets make Vietnam a perennial 2026 favorite.

• Best for: Budget travelers (street food & hostels), adventurers (motorbike routes), families seeking culture.
• When to go: February–April or August–October (regional variation matters: North vs. South).
• Booking approach: Use internal low-cost carriers for long legs, book train or ferry tickets in advance for Hoi An and Ha Long Bay tours.

14. Saudi Arabia (Riyadh & AlUla)

Why go: Rapidly growing tourism infrastructure and archaeological attractions have made Saudi one of 2026's most talked-about new-entry travel markets.

• Best for: Culture seekers, luxury travelers (new resorts and exclusive heritage stays), adventurers curious about desert landscapes.
• When to go: October–March to avoid extreme heat; luxury events often lock in shoulder-season pricing.
• Booking approach: Use licensed local tour operators; check visa rules (e-visas for many countries) and plan for modest dress codes.

15. New Zealand (South Island)

Why go: Stunning alpine scenery and outdoor sports with excellent infrastructure for adventure travel; 2026 sees an uptick in boutique adventure lodges.

• Best for: Adventurers (hiking, kayaking), families seeking outdoor education trips, luxury travelers for private lodges.
• When to go: November–March for summer activities; shoulder seasons are quieter but weather is variable.
• Booking approach: Reserve guided excursions and island lodges early; combine air passes with local transfers for savings.

16. Cape Town & South Africa

Why go: A hybrid of city culture, coastal drives, and nearby safari options. Post-2024 investments in hospitality have boosted luxury and mid-range choices alike.

• Best for: Families (child-friendly wineries and beaches), budget travelers (guesthouses), luxury seekers (private safaris).
• When to go: October–March for summer; June–August for whale watching and quieter city days.
• Booking approach: Use regional carriers and package nearby safaris; book Table Mountain activities and Robben Island tickets in advance.

17. Seychelles

Why go: Private-island vibes, excellent snorkeling, and a 2026 push toward ultra-luxury conservation stays that pair high-end travel with local preservation projects.

• Best for: Luxury seekers and honeymooners; adventurous snorkelers who value pristine reefs.
• When to go: April–May and October–November for calm seas and pleasant temperatures.
• Booking approach: Book resorts that include inter-island transfers; use points or packages to score villa upgrades in shoulder months.

Practical booking strategies for 2026

Across these 17 destinations, certain 2026 booking strategies consistently save money, time, and stress.

1. Tap new nonstop routes. Several carriers launched nonstops in late 2025 — check route maps for better connections and time-savings. A nonstop often beats a cheaper, multi-stop itinerary when factoring time off work.
2. Leverage points seasonality. Airlines and hotels opened more dynamic award pricing in 2025 — search flexible date calendars and target shoulder-season award windows for maximum value.
3. Book timed-entry attractions early. Destinations like Machu Picchu, Petra, and select museums limit daily visitors — reserve months ahead, especially for high seasons. Also consider building alert workflows and set fare alerts to catch award windows.
4. Choose shoulder/off‑season travel smartly. In many places the shoulder months deliver good weather, fewer tourists, and better rates — but always research weather anomalies (heatwaves, hurricane season) that have grown more variable since 2023.
5. Prefer local-certified operators. For safaris, treks, and marine activities, book companies with sustainability and safety certifications — they tend to offer better experiences and reduce community footprint.
6. Use fare alerts and multi-city searches. Set Google Flights and specialist alert tools (e.g., Skyscanner, Airfarewatchdog) and try open-jaw itineraries to see two destinations in one trip for similar cost.

Safety, visas, and documentation in 2026

Always check visa rules and health advisories close to travel dates — many countries expanded e-visa programs in 2025 and add biosecurity steps for wildlife destinations. For families, carry digital and hard-copy medical records and plan one buffer layover if traveling with young children.

Actionable takeaways

• If you travel with kids: Pick destinations with short transfers and family-size lodging (Tokyo, Lisbon, New Orleans).
• If you seek adventure: Prioritize time-limited natural events and certified guides (Kenya migration windows, Peru treks, Iceland glacier seasons).
• If you're on a budget: Use shoulder months, low-cost carriers, and alternative bases near hotspots (Istria vs. Dubrovnik; Azores off-peak).
• If you want luxury: Book in shoulder windows for private villa upgrades and use points where hotels loosen blackout dates in 2026.

Final planning checklist

• 1–3 months before travel: Lock lodging and timed tickets; buy travel insurance with storm and cancellation coverage if traveling in variable seasons.
• 3–6 months before travel: Reserve award seats and premium cabins; secure guided excursions (safari tents, glacier walks).
• Immediately before travel: Check local entry rules and register travel plans when visiting remote or high-risk areas.

Closing — choose the 2026 trip that actually fits your life

With so many excellent options inspired by The Points Guy's top picks, the smartest way to decide is to match one of these destinations to your travel style, calendar, and budget — then book the parts that sell out first (flights, timed entries, guided experiences). In 2026, flexibility and targeted planning unlock the best value: use shoulder seasons, points windows, and local operators to craft a trip that feels curated rather than generic.

Ready to pick one? Start by choosing your travel style below and bookmark two destinations from this list — then set fare alerts and pre-book the most limited elements (tours, park entries, or inter-island transfers). Your best trip in 2026 starts with one confident click.

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