20 Places to Travel in 2026: Destinations in Focus

*Travel | Destinations | WorldWire* The year 2026 offers travellers plenty of reasons to look beyond the world's most familiar tourist destinations. Alongside established cities and holiday hotspots, a growing number of destinations are drawing attention for their cultural heritage, natural landscapes, wildlife and efforts to connect tourism with local communities. BBC Travel's 2026 travel guide highlighted 20 destinations across several continents, with particular attention to places where tourism can contribute to local communities, conservation and cultural preservation. Here is an original overview of those destinations. ## 1. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi enters 2026 with an expanding cultural scene. The Saadiyat Cultural District is becoming increasingly important to the city's identity, bringing together museums, art, architecture and cultural attractions. The emirate offers a combination of modern architecture, museums, food, family attractions and cultural experiences. ## 2. Algeria Algeria combines Mediterranean landscapes, ancient history and the vast scenery of the Sahara. Its Roman archaeological sites are among the country's major attractions, while historic cities and North African traditions provide another layer to the experience. For travellers interested in history and archaeology, Algeria offers a different perspective on the Mediterranean world. ## 3. Colchagua Valley, Chile Chile's Colchagua Valley is closely associated with vineyards and wine production. Located south of Santiago, the valley combines vineyards, mountains, rural landscapes and food experiences. A visit can extend beyond wine tasting, with opportunities to explore estates, restaurants and the countryside surrounding the vineyards. ## 4. Cook Islands The Cook Islands offer a classic South Pacific setting of lagoons, beaches and island communities. Rarotonga is the main gateway, while less-developed natural areas provide a quieter side of the archipelago. Improved air connections in 2026 are expected to make the islands more accessible to international visitors. ## 5. Costa Rica Costa Rica remains one of Central America's most prominent destinations for nature and wildlife. Rainforests, volcanoes, beaches and protected areas form the foundation of its tourism industry. The Osa Peninsula is particularly notable for its biodiversity and proximity to areas such as Corcovado National Park. Tourism in the region increasingly intersects with conservation and habitat protection. ## 6. The Hebrides, Scotland Scotland's Hebrides offer dramatic coastlines, open landscapes and strong local traditions. The islands provide opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing and cultural exploration. Islay is also closely associated with whisky production, giving travellers an opportunity to combine natural scenery with Scotland's famous distilling tradition. ## 7. Ishikawa, Japan Ishikawa is known for traditional crafts, food, gardens and sake. The region is also undergoing a significant recovery following the Noto Peninsula earthquake of January 2024. Two years after the disaster, tourism is being viewed as one way to support local businesses, artisans and communities rebuilding their livelihoods. Kanazawa provides access to historic gardens and traditional crafts, while Noto offers opportunities to experience local inns, food, sake and agricultural traditions. ## 8. Komodo Islands, Indonesia The Komodo Islands are Indonesia's representative destination on BBC Travel's 2026 list. The area combines extraordinary wildlife with marine ecosystems, savannah-covered hills and beaches. Komodo dragons remain the region's defining attraction, while coral reefs and surrounding waters support a rich variety of marine life. Visitors can explore the islands by boat, join ranger-guided excursions and stay in or around Labuan Bajo. Conservation and visitor management remain central to the future of tourism in the national park. ## 9. Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico Loreto sits between desert landscapes, mountains and the Sea of Cortez. The region is well suited to travellers interested in outdoor activities, marine life and a slower pace of travel. Boating, diving, fishing and wildlife experiences are among the activities associated with the surrounding waters. ## 10. Montenegro Montenegro combines Adriatic coastline, historic towns, mountains and protected natural areas. The Bay of Kotor is among its best-known landscapes, while the country's interior provides a different experience with mountains, lakes and wildlife. Lake Skadar is particularly important for birdlife and offers an alternative to the country's coastal resorts. Montenegro also marks 20 years of independence in 2026. ## 11. Oregon Coast, United States The Oregon Coast is characterised by cliffs, forests, beaches, rock formations and historic lighthouses. A road trip along the coast provides access to small towns, hiking routes and marine wildlife. Whale watching is another attraction, while the region's coastal scenery makes it particularly suited to travellers who prefer outdoor experiences. ## 12. Oulu, Finland Oulu becomes one of Europe's cultural focal points in 2026 as a European Capital of Culture. The city is hosting exhibitions, performances, installations and other cultural programmes throughout the year. Its northern location also provides opportunities to experience Finnish nature, food and local traditions. Several cultural projects connect art with themes such as climate, nature and time. ## 13. Philadelphia, United States Philadelphia takes on added significance in 2026 as the United States marks its 250th anniversary. The city played a central role in the country's founding history and remains home to numerous historic sites. The 2026 calendar also includes cultural events and major sporting occasions, including FIFA World Cup matches and other major competitions. For visitors, Philadelphia combines American history with museums, public art, food and sports. ## 14. Phnom Penh, Cambodia Cambodia's capital continues to evolve as an urban cultural destination. Phnom Penh combines Khmer heritage, street food, markets, colonial architecture and contemporary city life. New public spaces and pedestrian areas are also changing how visitors experience the city. Chaktomuk Walk Street is one example, providing a riverside area for food, crafts and entertainment. ## 15. Guimarães, Portugal Guimarães is closely connected with the early history of Portugal. Its historic centre, medieval architecture and castle are among the city's most significant attractions. In 2026, Guimarães holds the title of European Green Capital, placing sustainability and environmental initiatives at the centre of its programme. The city is also around 65 kilometres from Porto, making it accessible as part of a northern Portugal itinerary. ## 16. Samburu, Kenya Samburu provides a different safari experience from some of Kenya's more famous destinations. The region features dry landscapes, mountains and diverse wildlife. Community involvement and conservation are important parts of tourism in the area, allowing visitors to experience wildlife while learning more about local communities and their relationship with the surrounding environment. ## 17. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Santo Domingo is home to one of the Caribbean's most important historic districts. The Colonial Zone contains historic buildings, stone streets and sites connected to the Spanish colonial period. Beyond its history, the city has an active contemporary culture shaped by music, food and everyday urban life. ## 18. Slocan Valley, British Columbia, Canada Slocan Valley offers mountains, forests, lakes and small communities in British Columbia. Outdoor activities such as hiking and lake-based recreation are central to the region's appeal. The area also offers opportunities to explore local history and community life, providing an alternative to Canada's larger and more heavily visited destinations. ## 19. Uluru, Australia Uluru is one of Australia's most recognisable natural landmarks and a deeply significant place for the Anangu Traditional Owners. 2025 marked 40 years since the historic handback of Uluru to its traditional owners. The way visitors experience the site has changed considerably. Climbing Uluru was permanently prohibited in 2019, while tourism increasingly focuses on cultural interpretation and experiences guided by Anangu perspectives. ## 20. Uruguay Uruguay offers beaches, historic districts, food, architecture and a relaxed urban atmosphere. Montevideo is the country's cultural centre, with a strong connection to tango and the broader culture of the Río de la Plata region. Food is another important part of the experience, particularly Uruguay's long-standing grilling traditions. For travellers exploring South America, Uruguay provides a destination with a distinct cultural identity and a different pace from the continent's larger tourist centres. --- # What the 2026 Travel Landscape Says About Tourism The destinations highlighted by BBC Travel span very different environments, from tropical islands and wildlife reserves to historic European cities and remote northern landscapes. Yet several themes appear repeatedly: conservation, cultural preservation, community involvement and responsible tourism. In Ishikawa, visitors can contribute to communities rebuilding after an earthquake. In Komodo, tourism is closely connected to wildlife and marine conservation. In Uluru, visitors are encouraged to understand the cultural significance of the landscape from the perspective of its Traditional Owners. For travellers, this means that choosing a destination can involve more than simply looking for famous landmarks. The way tourism interacts with local communities and environments is increasingly becoming part of the travel experience itself. ## Beyond the Familiar Tourist Route The 2026 destinations also demonstrate that international travel does not have to revolve around the world's most famous cities. Smaller communities, conservation areas, historic regions and destinations undergoing renewal can provide different kinds of experiences. From Indonesia's Komodo Islands to Japan's Ishikawa, from Montenegro to Costa Rica, these places show how travel can connect visitors with landscapes, cultures and communities in ways that go beyond conventional sightseeing. --- ## Source BBC Travel, *The 20 Best Places to Travel in 2026*, published December 2025. Additional reference: Time Out's summary of the BBC Travel 2026 destinations.