The 7 best places to travel in 2026 – and why

There are as many reasons to travel this year as there are destinations, but these seven global spots had us marking our 2026 calendars – from unforgettable city breaks to whole countries that deserve exploring.

There are epic Vietnamese train trips, jaw-dropping Boston fireworks and world-class cultural openings everywhere from Belgium to South Korea. Here are seven irresistible excuses (as if any were needed) to start planning your adventures for the year ahead.

1. Suzhou, China

For culture, canals and carnivals

Dating back more than 2,500 years, Suzhou in Jiangsu province is one of the Chinese Mainland’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and a longstanding centre of culture and learning. That reputation will be reinforced by the opening of the Suzhou Museum of Contemporary Art, where 12 striking pavilions will combine to create

646,000sq ft of exhibition space on picturesque Jinji Lake. Just a short stroll away, the 146-room Mandarin Oriental, Suzhou, also opening this year, adds another layer of luxury. Marco Polo famously dubbed Suzhou “The Venice of the East”, and its Grand Canal, a Unesco World Heritage Site, remains an atmospheric draw more than seven centuries later.

When to visit: March brings the return of Electric Daisy Carnival , a weekend of the hottest global EDM acts at Yang Cheng Lake Resort.

2. Brussels, Belgium

For new artistic inspiration

Long overshadowed by larger European capitals, Brussels is set for something of a cultural renaissance this year. Opening in November, Kanal Centre Pompidou has transformed a former Citroën showroom into a five-storey museum showcasing works by Matisse, Picasso and Giacometti, with a rooftop bar offering panoramic city views. Medieval masterpiece St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral celebrates 800 years with Luminiscence , a spectacular sound-and-light show that tells its story until 21 March, while Tomorrowland festival returns in mid-July with A-list electronic acts.

When to visit: Shoulder season – spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) – means fewer visitors but still plenty of al fresco dining and drinking options.

3. Vietnam

For South East Asia’s new seat of luxury

Vietnam is poised for its biggest tourism year yet as ever more travellers discover its dazzling cultural and culinary landscape. The sun-kissed southern island of Phu Quoc now rivals South East Asia’s long-established favourites thanks to a wave of new hotels, including the forthcoming Park Hyatt Phu Quoc. It’s part of a boom in exclusive Vietnamese hotels: further high-end properties include Four Seasons Hotel Hanoi at Hoan Kiem Lake and InterContinental Halong Bay. For rolling opulence, Golden Eagle’s new train itinerary from Ho Chi Minh City to Shanghai will whisk guests in style across the country, stopping at highlights such as the lantern-lit merchant town of Hoi An and the tranquil waters of Halong Bay.

When to visit: May avoids the peak summer heat and will attract triathletes to the Da Nang Ironman for its first full-distance race.

4. Boston, US

For a birthday to remember

Boston takes centre stage for the US’s semi-quincentennial – its 250th anniversary of independence. Boston 250 will commemorate the city’s revolutionary legacy with historical re-enactments, exhibitions, tall ships and fireworks over the harbour. It’s also the 400th anniversary of Salem, the spooky town whose 17th-century witch trials were immortalised in Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible. This Halloween hotspot is celebrating with an extensive programme of talks, exhibitions and parades leading into next year. Travel will also be easier thanks to the Liberty Liner 250, a new train linking Boston with Washington DC and New York in coach, business and first-class comfort, set to launch this year.

When to visit: The Fourth of July is the biggest party of them all.

5. Spain

For a total eclipse of the heart

Spain’s legendary cuisine, culture and sunshine are reason enough to visit – but 2026 adds a celestial twist. A solar eclipse in August will sweep across the country’s north, with Valencia and Palma de Mallorca perfectly placed for the spectacle. Motorsport fans can look forward to the roar of F1 engines at The Madring , Madrid’s new circuit, while Barcelona marks the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s death with exhibitions. This will also be the year of the highly anticipated completion of La Sagrada Familia ’s central spire – as of last October, it's the world's tallest church.

When to visit: Settle in for an extended late-summer stay: the eclipse is set to wow on 12 August and the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix revs up on 13 September.

6. South Korea

For trails and tales

Beyond the ever-rising K-wave of drama and music, pop culture powerhouse South Korea offers new adventures in 2026. The 849-kilometre Dongseo Trail will connect the country’s east and west in an epic hiking challenge already likened to Spain’s Camino de Santiago. The western trailhead at Anmyeondo Island is about three hours by road from Seoul. Plus, travel for more than 30 million anticipated visitors will be streamlined with a new digital tourist pass combining transport, cultural and leisure access.

When to visit: October and November bring seasonal beauty and fewer crowds – in both city and countryside.

7. Vancouver, Canada

For nature-led city breaks and multicultural energy

Nestled between mountains and ocean, Vancouver pairs stunning natural scenery with a laid‑back urban rhythm that makes it one of North America’s most lively cities. Forested Stanley Park, golden beaches and scenic waterfront paths sit minutes from a compact downtown, while neighbourhoods such as Gastown and Kitsilano add character through food, culture and design. This year, Vancouver steps onto the world stage as a host of the FIFA World Cup, bringing an added buzz – without overshadowing the outdoor escapes that define the destinationcity year‑round.

When to visit: June and July are perfect for beaches and hiking, while late spring and early autumn deliver mild weather and fewer crowds.