There will be plenty of events worth traveling for in 2026. The Winter Olympics will be held in Italy in February, the FIFA World Cup will take place across North America in June, and in July, the United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary.
But beyond those major events on the calendar, there are plenty of reasons to pack your bags and hop on a plane: from dining at the latest culinary hotspot to taking in a stunning museum exhibition.
From Greece to Granada, here are the 20 best travel destinations for 2026, according to Forbes Travel Guide:
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi has long been the cultural capital of the United Arab Emirates. In the Saadiyat Cultural District, buildings such as the floating star-shaped dome of the Louvre Abu Dhabi or the new Zayed National Museum, shaped like a falcon’s wings, are just as striking as the works they house. While art lovers await the opening of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi next year, travelers can already visit new venues such as the Abu Dhabi Museum of Natural History or the TeamLab Phenomena digital art museum. The area also features a five-star hotel: The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort.
Antalya, Turkey:
The most popular destination on the Turkish Riviera attracts travelers seeking relaxation by its warm, turquoise waters. In Kemer, luxury all-inclusive resorts also stand out. Nestled among pine forests, the sophisticated Maxx Royal Kemer Resort—all-suite—offers six pools and three beaches. Regnum Carya entices guests with its pristine coastline, seven pools, and 557 rooms. Both also feature family-friendly water parks.
Antarctica
One of the most sought-after destinations for 2026 is the frozen continent. You can travel there in style aboard expedition ships such as Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot, a polar icebreaker for 245 passengers featuring a restaurant by Alain Ducasse. Silversea will make the start of the journey easier with its first hotel, The Cormorant at 55 South, which will open in Puerto Williams (Chile) in 2026. It will be the southernmost hotel in the world and the gateway to the cruise line’s luxurious Antarctic ships, such as the all-suite Silver Endeavor.
Croatia
Croatia continues its tourism boom and is now the fifth most popular destination in the world, according to the Virtuoso Luxe Travel Report 2026. It’s no surprise: from the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture of Dubrovnik to the sunny beaches of Hvar. This spring will see the debut of Four Seasons I, the hotel chain’s first yacht, with itineraries along the Dalmatian coast. Captained by Kate McCue, a pioneer in the cruise industry, the ship will feature the Funnel Suite, with a spectacular curved floor-to-ceiling window.
Dallas–Fort Worth:
For those looking to experience the World Cup next summer, Dallas is the city that will host the most matches out of all 16 host cities. But there’s much more to see: the new National Juneteenth Museum, dedicated to the history of freedom, and the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame, which will debut an expansion of nearly 1,500 square meters. The city will also welcome the new Knox Hotel, designed by Martin Brudnizki, and this spring, The Stoneleigh will become an Autograph Collection property featuring a revamped culinary concept by chef Michael White.
Emerald Coast, Florida
Along Florida’s picturesque Emerald Coast, 16 beach communities make up South Walton. High-end boutique accommodations such as The Pearl Hotel (Rosemary Beach), WaterColor Inn (Santa Rosa Beach), and Camp Creek Inn (Inlet Beach) overlook the Gulf. In addition, divers will have a new attraction: the historic SS United States will be sunk off the coast and will become part of the world’s largest artificial reef.
Grenada (Caribbean)
A still-undiscovered gem of the Caribbean, Grenada offers untamed beauty spread across three islands. It boasts 40 pristine beaches—notably Grand Anse, home to the modern Silversands Resort—30 dive sites, and the world’s first underwater sculpture park. It is famous for its spices, artisanal chocolate, and rum. Getting there will be easier than ever thanks to Delta’s new daily direct flight from Atlanta.
Hudson Valley, New York
Just an hour’s drive from Manhattan, the Hudson Valley offers a lush, picturesque setting that’s perfect for slow travel. You can experience it at a cabin on Wildflower Farms, with 140 hectares of meadows and forests, or at Troutbeck, a historic hotel that inspired figures such as Theodore Roosevelt and Henry David Thoreau.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles’s 2026 sports calendar is so packed that it will require multiple visits: the NBA All-Star Game in February, the U.S. Women’s Open golf tournament in June, and eight World Cup matches. Outside of sports, the renowned restaurant Noma will open a highly anticipated spring pop-up. In the cultural sphere, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will open, and LACMA will debut a new building designed by Peter Zumthor.
Mallorca
Space tourism has skyrocketed, and on August 12, all eyes will be on the sky for Spain’s first total solar eclipse in over a century. One of the best places to view it will be the Jumeirah Mallorca, perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean and the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. The hotel will celebrate the event with four days of themed experiences.
Milan and the Dolomites
Nearly two million spectators are expected to flock to northern Italy for the Winter Olympics and Paralympics. While Milan shines with fashion, art, and new hotels, the Dolomites—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—will take center stage with their rugged peaks and alpine landscapes.
Nikko, Japan
Just outside Tokyo, Nikko offers unspoiled nature: mountains, forests, lakes, hot springs, and waterfalls like Kegon. Located within the national park, The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko organizes exclusive experiences and activities for all ages.
Deer Valley in
Park City, Utah, has doubled its skiable area and opened new trails and lifts. In addition, there’s the upcoming Deer Valley East Village and exclusive programs such as “Ski with a Champion” at Montage Deer Valley.
Peloponnese, Greece
The next big destination for set-jetting. The region will serve as the setting for Christopher Nolan’s new film, *The Odyssey*. In Messinia, Costa Navarino brings Ulysses’ journey to life with themed itineraries and cultural experiences, just minutes from the Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino.
Rajasthan, India
India tops the rankings for international tourism potential. In Rajasthan, historic palaces such as Six Senses Fort Barwara and Amanbagh offer multi-day wellness, yoga, and Ayurveda programs.
Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
: Along the Mexican Pacific coast, surfing towns like Sayulita coexist with luxury resorts such as Punta Mita. Notable among them are Naviva, the exclusive adults-only Four Seasons, and the upcoming Siari Riviera Nayarit, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
Sonoma, California
Sonoma is poised to shine as a culinary capital in its own right. With 18 wine regions and more than 425 wineries, the experience is rounded out by top-rated restaurants like SingleThread Farms.
Washington, D.C.
The U.S. capital will be the epicenter of the country’s 250th anniversary. In 2026, new national museums will open and major urban renovations will be unveiled, while The St. Regis Washington, D.C. will celebrate its centennial.
Warsaw, Poland
In addition to its historic center, Warsaw is known for its vibrant culinary scene, which ranges from traditional milk bars to fine-dining restaurants. There’s no shortage of iconic sweets like paczki and wuzetka.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
The secret is out: Zanzibar welcomed nearly one million international visitors in 2025. Stone Town draws visitors with its history, but the beaches remain the main attraction. The Park Hyatt Zanzibar offers the best of both worlds, nestled between the historic city and the Indian Ocean.
