Searching for the best places to travel in 2026? Condé Nast Traveller’s annual list highlights destinations set to trend thanks to new openings, cultural renaissances, sustainability efforts, and unforgettable experiences. Perfect inspiration for anyone planning trips in 2026.
Primary SEO keywords: best places to visit in 2026, 2026 travel destinations, where to travel in 2026
Source: Condé Nast Traveller

1. Arusha, Tanzania 🇹🇿 — Safari Meets Culture (image above, AI generated)
Why go: New forest lodges and the upcoming Goodall Centre for Hope make Arusha a top base for ethical safaris and conservation tourism.
Perfect for: Safari lovers, wildlife photography & slow travel.

2. East Coast, Barbados 🇧🇧 — Rugged Caribbean Escape
Why go: Untamed beaches, surf culture, and improved flight access put Barbados’s east coast on the 2026 radar.
Perfect for: Beach lovers, surfers & winter sun seekers.
Source: Condé Nast Traveller

3. Brussels, Belgium 🇧🇪 — Europe’s Creative Capital
Why go: The opening of Kanal–Centre Pompidou plus a thriving food and design scene transforms Brussels into a must-visit cultural city.
Perfect for: Art lovers & European city breaks.

4. Chiriquí Province, Panama 🇵🇦 — Eco Adventure Paradise
Why go: Rainforests, whale-watching, marine parks and boutique eco-lodges make this Panama region a standout for nature travel.
Perfect for: Eco-tourism & off-the-beaten-path explorers.

5. Northern Namibia 🇳🇦 — Luxury Desert Safaris
Why go: New small-scale lodges and conservation-driven wildlife experiences elevate Namibia’s safari scene.
Perfect for: Luxury safari travel & landscape photography.

6. Upper Carniola (Gorenjska), Slovenia 🇸🇮 — Alpine Fairytale
Why go: Alpine lakes, medieval towns, and access to the Julian Alps make Slovenia one of Europe’s most underrated destinations for 2026.
Perfect for: Hiking, road trips & slow travel.

7. Deer Valley, Utah, USA 🇺🇸 — Final Sundance Era
Why go: 2026 marks the final Sundance Film Festival here, alongside major ski-resort upgrades.
Perfect for: Ski trips, film fans & winter escapes.

8. Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi 🇦🇪 — Middle East Cultural Hub
Why go: Major museum openings, including the long-awaited Zayed National Museum, redefine Abu Dhabi as a global culture destination.
Perfect for: Museum lovers & luxury travel.

9. Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, France 🇫🇷 — Sustainable Alps
Why go: Rail-first access and climate-focused tourism initiatives position this alpine town as a leader in sustainable travel.
Perfect for: Eco-conscious travellers & mountain lovers.

10. Uluru, Australia 🇦🇺 — Sacred Outback Journeys
Why go: New Indigenous-led experiences and guided walks deepen cultural understanding of Australia’s iconic red centre.
Perfect for: Cultural travel & once-in-a-lifetime trips.

✈️ Travel Trends Defining 2026
✔ Sustainable & eco-friendly tourism
✔ Culture-first itineraries
✔ Less-crowded, emerging destinations
✔ Meaningful, experience-based travel

📌 Sources

• Condé Nast Traveller – Best Places to Go in 2026
  https://www.cntraveller.com/article/best-places-to-go-in-2026
• Condé Nast Traveler (US edition) – Destination breakdowns and extended features