The allure of travel is undeniable; it often ignites a spark that drives many to explore new horizons. One trip can quickly spiral into several, leading to significant life changes, like quitting a job to pursue a life on the road. While this may be a dramatic depiction, the point stands: there’s an abundance of destinations itching to be discovered, yet time remains limited for most travelers.
Fortunately, Travel + Leisure has meticulously compiled a list of noteworthy destinations for the coming year. This selection caters to a wide variety of interests, ensuring that food enthusiasts, urban explorers, sun-seekers, and nature lovers alike find their niche.
Food and Drink
In their exploration of culinary wonders, T+L highlights Malaysia as a must-visit destination. Few countries can attest to having their breakfast traditions recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Malaysia’s offerings, like the crispy roti canai and fragrant nasi lemak, showcase a blend of flavors that truly stand out.
Italy’s Umbria region is also gaining ground on the culinary map, especially for those interested in truffle hunting amid picturesque landscapes. This experience not only tantalizes the taste buds but also connects travelers with the rich agricultural roots of the area.
City Life
Seattle has shed its stereotype of just being a rainy coffee hub, evolving into a vibrant urban landscape. The city is on the verge of unveiling a new multibillion-dollar park, spanning 20 acres and linking downtown to the waterfront, coinciding with the excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Meanwhile, Singapore continues to dazzle with its stunning architecture and eco-friendly initiatives. The city is set to debut an adventurous zoological park alongside an immersive IMBA Theater in the well-loved Gardens by the Bay. Not to forget, Singapore’s Changi Airport has once again been crowned T+L’s top airport, a testament to its exceptional design and service.
Beaches
Anguilla is a treasure trove of pristine beaches, exuding an air of relaxed luxury. T+L A-List advisor Margie Hand shares her favorites: snorkeling at Shoal Bay, indulging in roadside barbecues, and embarking on catamaran tours to nearby cays, offering a glimpse of island life.
Photograph: Shutterstock
On the Mediterranean front, Turkey’s Bodrum is transforming from a quaint fishing village into an upscale destination likened to St. Tropez. This burgeoning interest, spurred on by new hotspots such as Maxx Royal Bodrum, has seen an astounding 85 percent increase in popularity this year.
Nature
For nature enthusiasts, Alberta, Canada, emerges as an idyllic alpine retreat. With its crystal-clear glacial lakes and majestic mountain ranges, it’s a haven for wildlife spotting, featuring elk, bison, and grizzly bears. Refreshing resort experiences, like staying at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, enhance the experience, marrying luxury with nature.
If you’re drawn to the thrill of a safari, Kenya’s Masai Mara is more enchanting than ever. The Wilderness Mara offers stunning riverfront accommodations with prime views of the Great Migration, ensuring an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Adventure
Adventurers should keep their eyes on Cyprus in 2026, where sunny beaches and mountain trails beckon. Offering a plethora of activities—from diving in coral reefs to skiing on Mount Olympus—travelers can truly engage with nature.
Photograph: Shutterstock
For those who prefer to watch rather than participate, the 2026 Olympics in Milan and the Dolomites promise thrilling spectacles. Milan will host indoor events, including figure skating and ice hockey, while thrilling skiing events will erupt in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Culture
Brazil has been designated the destination of 2026 by T+L, aptly praised for its rich cultural tapestry. From the sculptures at the Inhotim museum in Minas Gerais to the culinary delights of Belém, Brazil’s cultural scene is an explosion of color and creativity, epitomized by its world-famous Carnival celebrations.
Meanwhile, Doha is becoming increasingly accessible with new Qatar Airways routes, allowing travelers to explore its rapidly advancing cultural landscape, complete with innovative museums and vibrant artistic districts.
Water-Based Exploration
For those whose hearts are set on the water, Colombia’s Magdalena River offers unique journeys through wildlife-rich landscapes and remote villages via AmaWaterways river cruises, connecting Cartagena and Barranquilla.
If sailing the Danube piques your interest, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is launching a new vessel, Emilie, inspired by Gustav Klimt. Setting sail in March, it promises cultural enrichment and scenic beauty with stops in art-centric cities like Vienna and Budapest.
Explore more about these exciting destinations in Travel + Leisure’s comprehensive guide.
Stay informed about affordable travel options for 2026, and be aware of innovative changes in travel regulations, such as the new tax measures for air passengers in some countries.
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