Best Places to Travel in 2026: 10 Emerging Destinations to Add to Your Bucket List

I can’t believe it’s already time to start planning my 2026 trips. There are so many places I want to visit but with limited time (and let’s be honest, budget), I’ve gotta be a little strategic.

Choosing your big holiday for the year can feel like a lot. Do you wanna chill on a beach, dive into culture and city life, or head off into the mountains with nothing but a backpack and some insane views.

And in the age of social media, it can feel like everywhere is already on someone’s “Top 10” list. But here’s the thing: there are still countries that will completely blow your mind, before they blow up with tourists.

So I’ve put together this list of underrated travel destinations that I genuinely think are going to be the best places to travel in 2026. Whether you want wild landscapes, off-the-radar adventures, or just a place that makes your friends say “Wait, where is that?”, this guide’s got you covered.

Why You Can Trust This Trending Destination in 2026 List

Between Oliver and I, we’ve visited over 70 countries, and when you’re on the road that much, you start to hear through the travel grapevine which destinations are about to blow up.

I still remember when Tulum was just a chill jungle town and Lisbon was flying totally under the radar. Now? They’re gorgeous, sure, but they’re packed. Tourist overload is real, and you can definitely feel the difference.

When everyone flocks to the same “hot” spots, it not only takes away from the magic of that place, but it can also put serious pressure on the local communities and environment. One of the best ways to travel more sustainably is to explore lesser-known destinations that are just as beautiful, just as rich in culture, and not yet swarmed by tourists.

We’ve been lucky enough to explore a handful of the countries on this list ourselves, and the rest are absolutely at the top of our list for 2026. We’re already planning the routes, dreaming about the food, and getting way too excited about the hiking trails. Hopefully after reading this, we’ll see you there.

Taiwan

What Makes It Special: Culture, nature, and street food packed into one super chill, affordable country.
Why It’s Trending: Cheaper than Japan, easier than China, and blowing up on TikTok.
Best Time to Visit: March to May or October to December.

Taiwan has been our absolute favorite destination of 2025, and honestly, it’ll be hard to top. It totally surprised us with its mix of safe cities, vibrant culture, jaw-dropping nature, and the best food we’ve had in ages. It’s also super budget-friendly. If Japan or South Korea are on your list but feel a bit $$$, Taiwan is an amazing (and underrated) alternative.

Check out all our Taiwan guides here for inspo for your trip!

Mongolia

What Makes It Special: Wide-open landscapes, nomadic culture, and otherworldly adventures you won’t get anywhere else.
Why It’s Trending: Rising interest in off-grid travel, new trekking routes, and growing buzz on YouTube.
Best Time to Visit: June to September.

Mongolia sits between Russia and China, but it feels like another planet entirely. Think endless green steppe, snow-capped mountains, wild horses, and nights spent in traditional yurts under the stars. It’s one of the least densely populated countries in the world, and that’s the whole appeal. If you’re craving slow, raw, disconnected travel (but in the best way), Mongolia is calling. It’s definitely in my top 5 next travel destinations!

Namibia

What Makes It Special: Surreal desert landscapes, epic road trips, and wildlife without the safari crowds.
Why It’s Trending: Improved roads, more flight options, and a big rise in adventure travel content.
Best Time to Visit: May to October.

Three times now I’ve had the chance to go to Namibia and every time, it just didn’t work out. Which is such a bummer, because this country has been on my list forever. 

Located on the southwest coast of Africa, Namibia is all about drama: burnt orange sand dunes, shipwreck-strewn beaches, and wide open skies. It’s perfect for land tours, photographers, group travel and anyone who wants Africa without the crowds. I’ve officially promised myself: next time I’m in South Africa, I’m finally crossing the border and doing it right.

Slovenia

What Makes It Special: A fairy-tale blend of lakes, castles, mountains, wine regions, and chill little cities.
Why It’s Trending: Eco-tourism boom, better train routes, and travelers ditching Croatia for somewhere quieter.
Best Time to Visit: May to October for warm weather; December for Christmas markets and snowy magic.

Slovenia might just be Europe’s most underrated country. It’s got everything you love about Italy, Austria, and Croatia, but without the droves of tourists. I’ve had my eye on it for a while now, and every time I see photos of Lake Bled or the Soca River, I spiral into planning mode.

Between the mountain towns, wine country, and sustainability-focused travel scene, this is the kind of place you visit once… and then start looking up property. I think next summer Slovenia will experience more tourists than it ever has. 

Sri Lanka

What Makes It Special: A compact island packed with beaches, surf, mountains, ancient ruins, and wildlife.
Why It’s Trending: It’s got that Bali vibe but still affordable, uncrowded, and way less built-up. Plus, the backpacker scene is booming.
Best Time to Visit: December to April for the south and west coasts; May to September for the east.

Sri Lanka has been on the rise for a while now. We visited in 2023 when it still felt pretty low-key, but since then, the secret’s definitely getting out, and I don’t blame anyone. It’s got everything: warm locals, amazing food, world-class surf, train rides through tea country, and actual safaris. Personally, I’ve got a feeling it’s going to tip into overtourism soon, so 2026 might be your last chance to experience it before that shift.

Check out all our Sri Lanka Guides here for inspo for your trip!

Dominican Republic

What Makes It Special: Waterfalls, surf towns, jungle hikes, mountain villages, and some of the best beaches in the Caribbean Islands.
Why It’s Trending: Travelers are finally ditching the all-inclusives and exploring the island’s real beauty beyond the resort walls.
Best Time to Visit: December to April for dry season.

Since I was in high school, the DR’s mostly been seen as a cheap all-inclusive vacation spot, and hey, no shade if that’s your thing. But there’s so much more here, and it’s finally getting the credit it deserves. 

The island has gorgeous waterfall hikes, surf in Cabarete, lush mountain villages, and local food that’s actually worth traveling for. So my advice is to skip the wristband resort in 2026 and go explore the real Dominican Republic.

Kyrgyzstan

What Makes It Special: Dramatic alpine scenery, glacial lakes, and a strong nomadic culture you can actually experience.
Why It’s Trending: New tourism initiatives, better roads, and clearing information from overlanders and adventure vloggers.
Best Time to Visit: June to September.

I recently saw a couple road-tripping through Kyrgyzstan with a pop-up tent on their roof, and let’s just say I’ve now done way too much research for a trip I don’t have any plans on going on… YET! 

With its insane mountain passes, yurt camps, and untouched lakes, Kyrgyzstan is perfect for adventure lovers who want something totally different. It’s also a beautiful way to experience a side of Asian culture that’s more Central Asian and nomadic than what most travelers expect.

Northern Albania

What Makes It Special: Dramatic alpine scenery, remote villages, and one of Europe’s most underrated hiking regions.
Why It’s Trending: As the southern coast gets overcrowded, travelers are heading north for a quieter, more authentic experience.
Best Time to Visit: June to September for hiking season and river trips.

Albania’s coastline may be what’s trending, but if you ask us, the real gem is in the north. We visited in summer 2023, and while the beaches were packed, Northern Albania felt like a completely different world. It was peaceful, cool, and jaw-droppingly beautiful. 

The Theth to Valbona hike is easily one of our favorite hikes in Europe, and the Komani River, with its teal waters winding between steep cliffs, looks like something out of a fairytale. If you want fresh mountain air, quiet trails, and incredible local food, this is the spot.

Check out all our Albania guides for some inspo!

Paraguay

What Makes It Special: Small colonial towns, lush nature, and a rich cultural blend of Indigenous and Spanish heritage.
Why It’s Trending: Still wildly under the radar, with growing interest in offbeat South America and better access than ever.
Best Time to Visit: May to September.

Paraguay is high on my list right now. I’ve already visited a lot of the “big” South American destinations, and this feels like the next one to explore. It’s got wild natural beauty in the national parks, unique architecture, and a slower, more local pace of travel that’s honestly hard to find these days. If you’re craving something that feels a little more untouched, a little more authentic, Paraguay might just be your travel spot in 2026

Oman

What Makes It Special: Desert mountains, turquoise coastlines, and old-world charm without the flash.
Why It’s Trending: Middle East travel is expanding beyond the UAE, and Oman offers wild landscapes, cultural depth, and new eco-lodges.
Best Time to Visit: October to April.

So many people jet off to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, but Oman is the one I’ve got my eye on. It’s got this amazing mix of rugged canyons, golden deserts, and quiet coastal villages. I want to do some luxury travel of wild camping under the stars, wandering around ancient forts, and snorkeling in warm blue water but without the blingy skyscraper scene. Oman feels like one of those places that’s about to go big, and I’d rather get there before the crowds catch on.

FAQ: Where to Travel in 2026

What are the best places to travel in 2026 with family?

Taiwan, Slovenia, and the Dominican Republic are amazing family picks. They’re safe, affordable, packed with nature and culture and won’t leave you chasing your kids through massive crowds.

Where are the best places to travel in 2026 in Europe?

Europe is such a dream destination, personally I think Slovenia, Georgia, Puglia and Porto are some of the best destinations to visit in 2026. They aren’t too popular and all offer different things depending on what you’re looking for!

What are some cheap travel destinations 2026?

Northern Albania, the Philippines and Sri Lanka are great for your budget and your travel soul. You’ll get epic scenery and nature and way more value for your money.

Best places to travel in 2026 international?

Honestly, the whole list, but if I had to narrow it down? Sri Lanka and Taiwan are ones I think will really surprise international travelers in the best way.

Trending travel destinations in 2026?

Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Northern Albania, and Taiwan are all gaining serious traction, especially among travelers looking for something different, less touristy, and 100% worth the hype.

Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Visit in 2026

Alright, that’s the list and the spots that are bubbling just under the radar and totally deserve a spot on your 2026 bucket list. Some I’ve already fallen in love with, and others are at the top of my must-visit list. Either way, these are the countries I seriously believe are about to have their moment.

And if you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to plan where to go and how to do it all, that’s literally what we’re here for! After visiting 70+ countries, Oliver and I have fine-tuned the art of crafting travel experiences that feel exciting, smooth, and stress-free. Whether you want mountains, beaches, culture, or a mix of everything, we’ll help you build a custom itinerary that fits your vibe (and your vacation days).

Let’s plan the trip of your dreams — click here to learn more about our custom travel itineraries