15 Inspiring Travel Destinations to Visit in 2026

Just do it: buy that ticket, get on that plane, and travel. This world is way too amazing not to be explored. And you know what, if you don’t like it, you can always come home, at least you tried.

I love writing ‘best of’ blog posts not only because it gets me thinking of all the amazing memories I’ve created over the past 12 months, but it gets the juices flowing for my new hit list for the next year. So, for all you travelers or wannabe travelers, I’ve compiled a list of my top 15 places of 2026 in the hope that it will inspire you to visit at least one of them this year.

Make 2026 the year of you – travel, explore, create adventures, make friends of different ages and nationalities, eat unique food, and above all, Go Have Fun.

And so, here we go, the top travel destinations you SHOULD visit in 2026 (in no particular order) –

1. Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre is one of my favorite places I’ve ever visited – I mean, I loved it so much I got married there!

The name Cinque Terre literally means “five villages”, and Italians often refer to it as the Italian Riviera. If you want to eat the freshest seafood in the world, take in picture-perfect views, and experience the warmth and friendliness of small-town Italy, then I have to recommend Cinque Terre.  Just don’t go during school holidays as it gets pretty busy.

As for the best thing to do in the Cinque Terre, to me, there really is no better way to see this stunning region than to hike the gorgeous hiking trail that connects all 5 villages. Some parts of the trail are very easy to hike, especially the paved section connecting  Riomaggiore to Manarola. As you can imagine, there are stunning coastal views everywhere you look.

We also adored the day we rented a boat to see the colorful villages from the water. Taking a group boat tour on one of the ‘gozzo’ or small fishing boats of the Cinque Terre was an experience we’re so glad we did. We caught some fish and sipped on beers while admiring the stunning scenery. And got to see secluded beaches and sea caves.

Where to stay in the Cinque Terre

• In the village of Monterosso – We highly recommend Hotel Villa Adriana (one of the largest hotels in the Cinque Terre, and it has an outdoor pool). It is located in the new town of Monterosso. Mia Chi is also highly recommended and has stylish large rooms; it’s also located in the new town of Monterosso.
• In the village of Manarola – La Torretta has stylish rooms all with sea views and a hot tub. Acla Apartments are a fantastic self-catering option.

2. El Tunco, El Salvador

This is a tiny beachside town near San Salvador.  A surfer’s heaven and probably the most ‘touristy’ of all of El Salvador. With incredibly friendly locals, black sand beaches, and amazing local cuisine, El Salvador as a whole is one of those places that will inexplicably forever remain in my heart.

In my opinion, this is one of the best beaches in Central America. Most of the town’s hostels and restaurants line its black sandy beach. The main pathway through the town is a sandy trail; nobody wears shoes. In fact, the town is so laid-back it’s horizontal. My kinda place!

Obviously, if you want to surf, this is the place for you. There are lots of surf schools for you to choose from, but the surf is intense here, so you need to be very careful if you’re a newbie to the sport!

We spent our days in El Tunco pretty much lazing around, either sunbathing or surfing. Then, before dinner, we would watch the sunset with a beer in hand. Finally, ending our day eating at one of the really cheap but amazingly yummy little food huts. We loved Take a Wok and Bao House!

Where to stay in El Tunco

We stayed at the lovely La Sombra Hostel, just steps away from the beach. It was clean, had a lovely but small outdoor pool and super-helpful staff!

3. Lake Bacalar, Mexico

Between Chetumal and Tulum, it’s known as the lake of seven colours to locals. The crowning glory of Bacalar is its lagoon, also often referred to as the “Lagoon of Seven Colors,” because of its strikingly clear and vibrant hues of blue, which range from deep navy to turquoise. This natural wonder occurs thanks to its white limestone bottom and varying depths.

Most of the town’s accommodation is dotted along the banks of the lake.  You can wake up every morning and walk just meters to go for a refreshing swim in its turquoise waters. Or rent a kayak and head out on the bright blue water in search of hidden lake beaches.

We also spent a few hours exploring the nearby Fort of San Felipe, which provides insights into the area’s intriguing pirate history, and we spent our afternoons at Cenote Esmeralda and Cenote Azul.

The town of Bacalar (as it’s also known) is tiny, like literally 10 restaurants line the town’s streets – all incredible by the way. We loved La Trattoria del 46, a cozy Italian Restaurant.

Where to stay in Lake Bacalar

As I said, we stayed at Casita Carolina for 3 nights, and we highly recommend it. It’s a quirky place to stay (we stayed in a small wooden cabin with a private bathroom), and it’s right on the lakefront with its own private wooden jetty!

Some other awesome hotels in Bacalar include:

• Hotel Casa Hormiga – a small boutique hotel with a lovely pool.
• MIA Bacalar – a super-luxurious 5-star property, if you fancy splurging!
• Yak Lake House – if you’re on a budget, this is a great place to stay. This hostel is adults-only and located right on the lagoon.

4. Hoi An, Vietnam

My favorite place of our month-long Vietnam trip. If you want to get some clothes made, make sure to pay Hoi An a visit. Heaps of tailors line the streets of this small town. I spent my days here wandering the cobble-stoned streets of the old town. And eating!

Hoi An is a foodie’s heaven. The ‘Banh Mi Queen‘ is here – a little old lady who makes the best Vietnamese rolls in the world for $1 USD. Other restaurants in Hoi An that we give our seal of approval include Home and Little Flower.

We spent a full day here cycling the surrounding area through rice paddies filled with water buffalo and down to the mile-long beach. Which I highly recommend doing.

Where to stay in Hoi An

We spent 4 nights at Hoi An Garden Villas a 3-star hotel on Nguyen Duy Hieu road. It features a lovely outdoor pool and clean and cool rooms. It is reasonably priced for Hoi An at $24 USD per night.

5. Caye Caulker, Belize

This teeny-tiny island is home to white sand beaches with crystal-clear water, plenty of cute cafes (I’m a big coffee lover), cool boutiques, and amazing, locally-run restaurants. If any of that sounds like your kind of vibe, then you’ve got to head to Caye Caulker ASAP!

In fact, one of the main reasons we came to Belize was to spend some time on Caye Caulker.

Yup, this laid-back island is known for its epic diving, colorful wooden buildings, and stunning beaches. The motto here is “Go slow,” and that perfectly encapsulates the pace of life here. It’s also teeny-tiny – you can probably walk the length of it in around 15 minutes, but despite its size, there are heaps of amazing things to do here.

Many tourists come here to dive into the Belize Barrier Reef, which is the second-largest reef system in the world. The first is the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

We decided to go snorkeling in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve instead, and it turned out to be our favorite activity from our time in Belize. You can read more about our tour below.

Otherwise, we spent our days here wandering the town’s sandy streets, stopping along our walk for a coffee (we really liked Ice & Beans Cafe). It’s really easy to walk around Caye Caulker as there are no cars 

Where to stay on Caye Caulker

We spent 4 nights at Caye Caulker Plaza Hotel, a 3-star hotel that’s just 200 meters from the beach. Our room came with a balcony, which was nice to sit out on in the evening and watch the sunset. They also have dorm rooms available here, if you’re on a budget.

Sea Dreams Hotel is another hotel we considered staying at – it’s close to the pier and has a lovely terrace area and free bike rental (handy!)

6. Rome, Italy

If, like us, you’ve long dreamed of standing in front of the Colosseum, strolling through cobblestone streets, checking out the Sistine Chapel, or eating gelato near the Trevi Fountain – then you’ve gotta visit Rome in 2026!

Some of my must-see sights in Rome include The Pantheon, with its massive dome and open oculus, is jaw-dropping inside and out, and The Colosseum, which is easily the most famous sight in Rome. It was built between 72 and 80 AD and could fit up to 80,000 people. It was mainly used for gladiator fights, public spectacles, animal hunts, and even mock sea battles.

Where to stay in Rome

 Hotel de Russie is one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. It’s peaceful, refined, and home to one of Rome’s most beautiful hotel gardens.

7. Lake Como, Italy

If it’s good enough for George Clooney, it’s good enough for us. As you probably already know, Mr Clooney famously owns a house here. The largest village on the lake is Como, and it’s less than an hour’s train ride from Milan to Como. From Como, grab the slow ferry to Belaggio, which stops at every village along the way; you can hop off wherever you like and hop back on the next ferry.

The scenery is incredible, but it gets pretty chilly on the ferry, so be sure to wrap up well.

I’m sure Lake Como will conjure up images of lakefront towns filled with candy-colored buildings and cobblestoned streets for you. And the glistening lake is at the very center of it all. Yep, Italy’s third-biggest lake is home to over 30 of these pretty towns.

Belaggio was our favorite town on the lake, but it’s very touristy. Varenna is also well worth a look.

Where to stay in Lake Como

In Belaggio – Hotel Bellagio is a brilliant, budget-friendly choice here. This small, two-star hotel boasts views over the lake, and the rooms although small are lovely. Many rooms come with a view of the lake, too. A room here starts from €125 per night and that includes breakfast.

In Varenna – My favorite hotel in Varenna is Hotel Olivedo, which is set within a 19th Century Building and is just a 2-minute walk from the pier in Varenna. A room here averages €150 per night.

8. Rye, England

Rye is one of my favorite towns in East Sussex, if not all of England; it’s full of historic stone buildings, winding cobbled streets, and plenty of fun things to do! In fact, I have to be honest: I first visited Rye to get some photos of the famed Mermaid Street but quickly fell in love with the rest of the town.

 The Harry Potter-esque Mermaid Street (one of the most famous streets in the UK!) is my top thing to do here!

Some of my other favorite things to do in Rye, East Sussex, include having my favorite hot chocolate from Knoops, hopping on a wine tour to nearby East Sussex and Kent, and catching the sunset at Camber Sands beach. For families, there are loads of fantastically unique Rye activities – there’s a School of Wizards and Witches (big Harry Potter vibes) and a Detective Mystery Trail, which requires some great problem-solving skills!

Where to stay in Rye

The 600-year-old Mermaid Inn is such a unique place to stay in Rye. The rooms here have sloping ceilings and creaky floorboards, and the hallways in the hotel have several winding staircases – all adding to the unique factor!

9. Palenque, Mexico

Shrouded in a thick, lush jungle with howler monkeys as your alarm clock, Palenque is like something from an Indiana Jones movie. We stayed in a tiny wooden cabin in the midst of the jungle right next to Palenque’s Mayan ruins.

A day trip to these ruins is a must. They are extraordinary and sort of awe-inspiring. And not too far away are the hidden ancient Mayan cities of Yaxchilan and Bonampak, which we actually preferred to the Palenque Ruins because they are quieter, mysterious, and super hard to get to.

In Palenque, we ate every night at Don Mucho’s, a yummy restaurant literally in the middle of the jungle – the walk there is interesting (you might just spot a howler monkey or three).

Where to stay in Palenque

We stayed next to the entrance to Palenque National Park at a gorgeous spot called Cabanas Kin Balam Palenque – the rooms are a series of wooden cabanas dotted throughout the jungle. And there’s a lovely outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant. We paid around $35 USD for a double room with a private bathroom.

10. Malaga, Spain

Many tourists skip Malaga in favor of the many beach resorts dotted along the nearby Costa del Sol, which is a real shame. Because Malaga turned out to be one of our favorite Spanish cities. It’s known as one of the oldest cities in Europe, rich in history and culture. Interestingly, Malaga was ruled by the Phoenicians, the Romans, and the Moors – and these influences can be seen throughout the city. Malaga sure has a unique mix of architectural styles, to say the least.

In Malaga, you can find the stunning Malaga Cathedral, explore world-famous museums like the Picasso Museum, and take in beautiful views from the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro. And even though Malaga is one of the largest cities in Spain, it still retains an almost small-town friendly vibe, and handily, all of its top attractions are close to one another.

And that’s why I love it. In fact, not only are there loads to do in Malaga itself, but there are loads of cool day trips from Malaga too (we particularly rate Setenil de las Bodegas and Ronda).

Where to stay in Malaga

We stayed at a gorgeous boutique hotel in the Old Town called Well and Come Hotel. The interiors are so stylish (I’d love my home to look like this) and there’s a fabulous spa with sauna, hot pool, etc, for adults-only that’s included in the rate. There’s also a gorgeous rooftop bar with awesome views of the city.

11. Siem Reap, Cambodia

Or, more accurately, perhaps Angkor Wat – one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a must-see if you’re visiting Cambodia. Siem Reap still maintains its Cambodian roots, but it has been very Westernized due to the sheer number of tourists that pass through here every week. If you visit here, be sure to get to Angkor Wat for sunrise; it’s outstanding and pure magic.

Siem Reap is not only the largest religious monument in the world, but it is also one of the best-preserved. The symmetry, the carvings, and the long corridors create an atmosphere that feels almost otherworldly. Exploring the temple at your own pace allows you to appreciate the advanced and artistic nature of the Khmer Empire.

Where to stay in Siem Reap

We stayed at the Embassy Angkor Resort and Spa in Siem Reap and really rate it. This luxurious 5-star hotel has a huge outdoor pool, an excellent on-site restaurant, and our room had a balcony and was tastefully decorated. We paid around $100 USD per night.

12. Seattle, USA

Seattle is famous for coffee, being the home of Starbucks, so of course, I recommend visiting the first Starbucks in the world while you’re here. Seattle is also the home of the famous fish-throwing Pike Place Market, the giant Space Needle, and the very unique (and a little gross) chewing gum wall! You gotta see it to believe it!

Seattle is one of my favorite cities in the U.S., and we spent 3 nights in Seattle – which isn’t long enough if you ask me. I recommend allowing 5-6 nights in Seattle. My favorite part of the “Emerald City,” or “rainy city” as the locals like to call it, is the very cool neighborhood of Capitol Hill, and being on the water exploring Puget Sound!

Would you believe over 30 million tourists visit Seattle every year!

Where to stay in Seattle

Fairmont Olympic Seattle – a 5-star hotel on University Avenue, in fact, the building itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Rooms offer city views with French-inspired furnishings. There are numerous on-site restaurants.

13. Gili Air, Bali

Picture three minuscule islands in Bali, fringed by white-sand beaches and coconut palms, sitting in a turquoise sea: the Gilis are a vision of paradise. These islands have exploded in popularity and are booming like nowhere else in Indonesia – speedboats now zip visitors directly from Bali.

We stayed at Gili Air, which is the ‘couple-friendly’ of the three islands. It’s still rustic enough to feel like a tropical island experience, but I foresee that in 10 years’ time it will be developed beyond recognition, unfortunately.

Where to stay on Gili Air

We spent a couple of nights at the gorgeous Vyaana Resort Gili Air and it was awesome.

14. Bay of Islands, New Zealand

The Bay of Islands is an incredibly scenic coastal region on the North Island of New Zealand that’s made up of popular tourist destinations like Paihia, Russell, and Kerikeri.

We lived here (in Kerikeri) for over a year, and I must say that the ‘Winterless Far North’ as this region is nicknamed, was very good to us. For one, the weather is known as the best in the country, with average daily temperatures in the summer reaching 73 Fahrenheit (23 Celsius) and in the winter, you’re looking at 61 Fahrenheit (16 Celsius), which is pretty warm for New Zealand! And also, the beaches here are easily the prettiest in the country!

There really is so much beauty to be explored up here in the North of the North Island. From the famed Cape Reinga, the giant sand dunes at Te Paki, and the largest Kauri tree in the world, you are certainly spoiled for choice in the Bay of Islands!

Where to stay in the Bay of Islands

The Copthorne Hotel & Resort is located close to the famous Waitangi Treaty Grounds in Paihia. This large resort-style hotel offers a lagoon-style pool, a tennis court, and many of the rooms boast ocean views. There’s also a restaurant/ Cafe on-site.

15. Melbourne, Australia

Australia’s second-biggest city is a super popular destination. To me, Melbourne has a quirky, European vibe and is very different from its younger sister, Sydney. I call Sydney the younger sister and Melbourne the mature, older sister, as that’s the vibes both cities give off (to me, anyway!)

Plus, it’s consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities, and the dining scene here is one of the best in the world.

Begin your time here with a stroll through the picturesque Royal Botanic Gardens, where you can have a picnic amongst the lush greenery.

For your art and culture fix, visit the National Gallery of Victoria, which boasts an impressive collection of international and local artworks. And in the evening, you could take a sunset cruise along the Yarra River, where you’ll be treated to stunning views of the city skyline. For a unique dinner experience, check out the hidden laneways that are filled with charming cafes and restaurants. FYI, we really rate Coda Melbourne.

Where to stay in Melbourne

We stayed at The Adelphi Hotel on Flinders Lane. This is a super-stylish and popular hotel in the city. The rooftop pool is classy, and the rooms are very cool.

Thanks for reading,

Aimee & Paul x

Last Updated on January 24, 2026 by snaphappytravel