The destinations that truly left a mark on us and why 2026 is a perfect time to visit these destinations.

Contemplating where to travel in 2026? If you’re dreaming about a year filled with inspiration, culture, jaw-dropping scenery, and places that feel just a little bit (or a lot a bit) awesome, you’re in the right place.

We are always chasing destinations that surprise us—places that make us reflect on our journey long after we’ve unpacked our bags. The kind of places where the food makes you go, remember that amazing little restaurant we tried, the landscapes that felt unreal, and the experiences that felt personal and stick with us.

These are the top places we recommend for 2026, based on destinations we genuinely loved and would go back to in a heartbeat. Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime adventure or just need inspiration to get your wheels turning, this list is for you.

Why 2026 Is the Perfect Year to Travel

While you can chase the latest Instagram or TikTok trend, we believe travelers are seeking meaningful experiences, ones that surprise you and awe you.
Many destinations are investing in sustainable tourism and truly trying to find ways to pair both culture with impact
Shoulder seasons are becoming more appealing (and affordable)
It’s the perfect time to explore underrated destinations or return to some familiar favorites that have fallen out of favor over the past few years
2026 is a year where its time to plan that trip you’ve been dreaming of taking or find the time to reconnect whether that’s on a solo trip to find yourself or sharing experiences with others

Top Places We Recommend Traveling to in 2026

🇲🇪 Kotor, Montenegro

Best for: Romantic scenery, hiking, medieval charm, amazing food

Why visit:
Kotor is a dreamlike blend of dramatic mountains, medieval old town streets, and crystal-clear bay views. It feels intimate, historic, and wildly scenic all at once. This entire town feels like a medieval dream, the idyllic town framed by the high mountains and bay. Kotor has an Italian feel but with a vibe all on its own. The Bay of Kotor is a UNESCO world heritage site and once you see it, you’ll understand why. The red roofed buildings and castle walls give it a romantic feel (almost like a Dubrovnik without all of the crowds with a mix of Switzerland views) that just makes you want to explore this beautiful city. It’s a place you really want to get lost in. Plus, the restaurants and food are amazing. 2026 is a great year to experience this amazing and still (mostly) underrated gem.

Why we loved it:
The hike up to the Kotor Fortress is one of the most rewarding views we’ve ever experienced. Add in incredible seafood (the Cuttle fish ink pasta is a must try!), charming architecture, and a laid-back pace—and this one stole our hearts. Matt consistently ranks this as one of his favorite and most underrated destinations. The views, the people, and the food are all amazing. The historic old town framed against the mountains is really special and a view you just want to take in as long as you can.

Book a stay at: Hotel Forza Terra

Can’t miss activity: Private Food Tasting and Walking Tour around Kotor

🇫🇷 Biarritz, France

Best for: Travelers seeking surf culture with European beach vibes

Why visit:
Imagine Southern California surf vibes, but with French flair. Biarritz is effortlessly cool, stylish, and relaxed. Even non-surfers will love walking the coastal paths and beach cafés. While we love the French Rivera, Biarritz offers a completely different type of beach vibe in France. Biarritz has the elegance of a French seaside town, but with unpretentious style. If you want to surf in Europe, Biarritz is a great destination to learn to surf or catch some waves if you are an experienced surfer. The beaches are long and sandy and offer beautiful dramatic cliff views. The rocky alcoves give you plenty of beaches that are off the beaten path if you want to find a secluded spot or you can stick to the main promenade area with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops. The Grande Plage offers an incredibly beautiful sandy beach that is nicely groomed and has plenty of room to spread out or rent a beach chair for the day (or check out the famous multicolored Grande Plage covered beach chairs). Biarritz has something for any traveler, surf culture and come as you are vibes, beautiful beaches to lounge and relax, beautiful rocky shoreline that is great for hiking or walking (or simply admiring the natural beauty), to the beautiful boardwalks and shopping, to upscale beautiful mansions nestled overlooking the beach. Biarritz is a beach town just waiting to be explored.

Why we loved it:
We absolutely loved the laid back French beach vibes. To us it felt like a SoCal (especially after living in San Diego for 4 years), but with that French elegance. The architecture was beautiful with luxurious mansions overlooking the ocean and a large promenade to wander. We absolutely loved wandering the paved beach paths winding along the rocky beach cliffs. We loved spending the day lounging on the pristine beaches, surfing (or watching the surfers), sitting at the cafes with a pastry and coffee enjoying the ocean views, then capping off the night with some delicious French food and a glass of wine. We also loved seeing live music in the park in downtown Biarritz and truly think Biarritz does a great job with its outdoor space in the summer. One of the absolute best things is the food scene, which makes it a place where you can surf in the morning and grab burritos (decent for Europe!) for lunch and sip wine with a multi-course dinner by sunset. Make this the year to explore this French beach gem!

Book a stay at: Hotel de Silhouette

Can’t miss activity: Surf Lessons on the Côte des Basques beach

🇧🇷🇦🇷 Iguazú Falls (Brazil & Argentina)

Best for: Bucket-list natural wonders, incredible views

Why visit:
These waterfalls are massive, powerful, and humbling and experiencing both sides (the Brazilian and Argentine) offers two totally different perspectives. Situated on the border of Brazil and Argentina, Iguazu Falls has 275 distinct waterfalls with the tallest waterfall, Devil’s Throat, plunging 269 feet. The Iguazu Falls are massive (almost 1.7 miles long!) and the national park is well laid out with great hiking paths to catch views (and walk over top!) of these amazing waterfalls. The Iguazu Falls are the biggest waterfall system in the World and three times wider than Niagara Falls! If you truly want to be inspired by mother nature, plan your adventure to Iguazu Falls.

Why we loved it:
Iguazu Falls, simply put, is amazing. The first viewpoint where you see the expanse of the falls is just absolutely breathtaking. It’s hard to take in the sheer amount of waterfalls surrounding you. What truly sticks with us is walking the catwalks around and over the falls as the mist rose around us. I can’t emphasize enough, walking the catwalks while the waterfalls roar below you is just unbelievable and truly makes you realize the power of mother nature. Plus, we found one of our absolute favorite animals, the mischievous Coatis, those bandits stole my empanadas right out of the bag (still one of my favorite memories though)! Our best tip, do both sides if you can—the Brazilian side for views, Argentine side for immersion. Each National Park offers something unique and different and is absolutely worth the journey.

Book a stay at: Vivaz Cataratas Hotel Resort

Can’t miss activity: Gotta check out the falls right?!

🇨🇼 Curaçao

Best for: Caribbean vibes with culture, still a hidden gem, Digital Nomads

Why visit:
Part of the ABC islands in the Caribbean, this Netherlands owned island is outside of the Hurricane belt, making it an amazing beach destination year round. While Aruba is the most popular and well know of the ABC islands, Curaçao feels like a hidden gem with colorful architecture, calm beaches, very safe, great affordability, and a rich cultural mix which sets Curaçao apart from other Caribbean islands. The beaches are beautiful and the snorkeling is amazing. Imagine snorkeling with sea turtles, colorful fish, and maybe an eel or two with beautiful coral patches. Curaçao has plenty of beaches and dramatic coastlines. It is easy to find a secluded beach for relaxation or find a beach club to enjoy drinks, full service, and DJs. Outside of the beaches, there are plenty of cultural activities to explore such as the port town of Willemstad with its colorful Dutch architecture or the trendy Mambo beach area with upscale shopping, beach lounges, and outdoor nightclubs. We also noticed the large amount of digital nomads frequenting the many great coffee shops downtown. If you are looking for an under rated gem, look no further than the colorful Curaçao.

Why we loved it:
We absolutely loved the people, the food,the beaches, and the easygoing rhythm of the island. This was one of our favorite islands to explore, with incredible beaches throughout this small island, each offering its own vibe. We tried the best banana bread on the island from a small food truck vendor (yes - it was delicious!) and even got to hang out with some beach pigs on Playa Porti Mari. We fed (and snorkeled with) the sea turtles at Playa Piskado, where the fisherman clean their catches and toss them into the ocean. We hiked the rugged northern coast of Curacao, known as Banda Bou, and saw incredible lava formations, blow holes, and rocky cliffs plunging into the Ocean. One of the most surprising finds to us, was the absolutely incredible foodie culture in Curaçao. We ate at some incredible restaurants with gorgeous views (we’re looking at you Fort Nassau) and couldn’t get over how every restaurant, coffee shop, and beach bar seemed to have incredible food. Most of all, we enjoyed the amazing Caribbean vibes that felt unpretentious, rugged, raw, and beautiful.

Pro Tip:

Rent a car—many of the best beaches are tucked away and renting a car will give you maximum flexibility to explore this amazing island.

Book a stay at: Curacao Avila Beach Hotel

Can’t miss activity: Boat Tour over to Klein Curacao

🇨🇦 Victoria, British Columbia

Butchart Gardens outside of Victoria, BC

Best for: Nature, gorgeous views, and Victorian elegance

Why visit:
This beautiful town located on the island of Vancouver, Canada has so much charm, character, and natural beauty. The moment you land in the harbor you feel transported back to a beautiful Victorian harbor town with a long promenade along the sound. Victoria has historical architecture, coastal walks, lush gardens, Orca sightings, and whale watching. The rugged coastline makes for some incredible drives and walks with Pacific coast charm. Be sure to take a boat out on the sound (especially an Orca sightseeing cruise!), visit the Butchart Gardens, the float home villages, parliament building, and the many gardens and parks throughout the city.

Why we loved it:
We absolutely loved visiting the iconic Fairmont Empress, wandering the Inner Harbour boardwalk, and Victoria’s slow pace (compared to Seattle) made it incredibly relaxing. In addition to wandering the lovely downtown area, we especially enjoyed road tripping right outside of the city. The rugged coastline made for some amazing walks (especially Cattle Point and Smuggler’s Cove!) and a beautiful drive which made us want to stop at every viewpoint and take it all in. The highlight for us was taking an Orca watching cruise where we saw a mama and several babies swimming around. It was an absolutely incredible moment. Make this the year to visit this gorgeous city!

Book a stay at: Fairmont Empress Hotel

Can’t miss activity: This whale watching tour to see orcas is a must!

🇪🇸 Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

Best for: Underrated beach escapes

Why visit:
If you haven’t heard of this Spanish Canary Island, now is the time to put it on your bucket list. This island feels wild and rugged, with incredible beach vibes. Fuerteventura is known for it striking volcanic landscapes, sand dunes, endless beaches, and fewer crowds. If you are looking for a beach destination where you can surf, snorkel, windsurf, enjoy soft sandy beaches, and explore rugged volcanic coasts with black sand beaches, Fuerteventura should be on your list. This is a place where you can find amazing restaurants and nightlife (be sure to check out Corralejo!) while still finding quiet solitude. Fuerteventura is perfect for all types of travelers from family friendly adventurers to couples to a friends get together. Come see why this is one of our favorite Canary Islands.

Why we loved it:
Fuerteventura feels wild, untouched, and refreshingly chill. Driving around and staring at the landscape of volcanoes and calderas felt otherworldly, plus watching the sunset from the top of a volcano is truly an amazing experience. We especially loved wandering the black sand beaches at playa de ajuy, exploring the sand dunes and beach at Grandes Playas Corralejo, and eating amazing seafood in the town of Corralejo. Fuerteventura was the perfect vibe, offering amazing beach time with plenty of amenities with fewer crowds than Gran Canaria and Tenerife.

Pro Tip:
Fuerteventura is best explored by car as this island shines when you are out exploring the rugged terrain.

Book a stay at: AVANTI Lifestyle Hotel

Can’t miss activity: If you don’t rent a car, then this tour is a must to see the island!

🇪🇬 Cairo, Egypt

Best for: History lovers, Adventurers

Why visit:
Seeing the Pyramids of Giza in person is an incredible life moment and one that we think everyone should experience, plus the new Grand Egyptian Museum (opened in November 2025) makes 2026 the perfect time to go. Exploring the many different pyramids around Giza and beyond is such a surreal moment. The ancient towering monuments are just powerful symbols of ancient civilization. Seeing the history in person will literally give you goosebumps to think of how many individuals, world leaders, and historical figures have also gazed out at these amazing feats of engineering. Additionally, gazing out at the Nile River between the imposing city of Cairo and the historical city of Giza is a beautiful sight. It’s not just the history, Cairo also has incredible food (the shawarma is amazing!) and unique culture experiences such as haggling in the bazaars, getting your own cartouche necklace, or checking out local merchandise shops like perfume, papyrus, or spices. 2026 is a great time to explore this amazing city.

Why we loved it:
First, Cairo as a city is massive and very developed. It’s overwhelming in a good way, layered between ancient and modern architecture, with bustling roads and people mixed with monuments and churches surrounding you from a thousand years ago, making it truly unforgettable. We were amazed at this bustling mega city where only a short drive away lies the famous pyramids, situated in the desert yet within sight of the massive city, a perfect blend of old and new. The highlight for us was taking a guided Egyptologist tour of the Pyramids and Saqqara Pyramid, as well as visiting Memphis to see ancient Egyptian artifacts and statues. The guided tour is definitely worth it! We felt fortunate to also explore the Egyptian museum (before the new one opened) and seeing King Tut’s Artifacts up close. It was another surreal experience. Another pinch us moment was floating along the Nile in a traditional Egyptian boat called a felucca. Sailing the Nile was one of our absolute favorite activities in Cairo. We hope you enjoy the ancient city of Cairo and the majesty of the pyramids as much as we did!

Pro Tip:
Hire a knowledgeable local guide, it changes everything and really gives a personalized experience so you can ask questions and have your own photographer.

Book a stay at: Kempinski Nile Hotel, Cairo

Can’t miss activity: Guided Pyramid Tour is a must!

🇯🇴 Wadi Rum, Jordan

Best for: Desert magic & night skies

Why visit:
There is honestly nothing like being out in the rugged open desert with its towering sandstone cliffs, vast silence, and star-filled skies. 2026 is a great year to explore the quiet solitude of the open desert in Wadi Rum. The best way to enjoy the desert is by staying at a bedouin camp. No matter what type of bedouin experience you choose, camping in a tent or staying in a dome, it is truly an incredible experience that feels like traveling back in time. The hospitality is amazing with music, games, food, and tea while you enjoy the camp experience. Being underneath the crystal clear skies make you realize just how wonderful the night desert sky is to behold. The stars twinkle and sparkle with the milky way painted above you. If that isn’t reason enough to visit, exploring the rugged desert is hauntingly beautiful. Whether you are hiking, riding a camel, driving, motor biking, or taking a four-wheeler through the desert, each adventure mode offers a unique way to explore the vast open desert and ingrains in your memory for years to come.

Why we loved it:
We loved the full Bedouin camp experience, the sunsets, stories, and otherworldly landscapes. We loved sipping tea and staring out at the night sky, it really makes you feel that we were connecting to our past. It truly gave us a new appreciation for the desert life, slowing down, and enjoying just being surrounded by the landscape. One of the biggest highlights, and one that we highly recommend, was hiring a driver to take us through the desert and it felt like we were on Mars with the towering red cliffs and open desert landscape, literally like being in a scene from Star Wars. Wadi Rum is such a cool and unique destination and one that we would highly recommend for a unique experience to reconnect with nature and the desert lifestyle in 2026.

Pro Tip:

Stay overnight. The night sky alone is worth it.

Book a stay at: Wadi Rum Dream Camp

Can’t miss activity: Take a Jeep tour through the desert

🇳🇴 Bergen, Norway

Best for: Cozy Nordic vibes, incredible scenery

Why visit:
If you are dreaming of Norway vibes and beautiful fjords with waterfalls cascading off of the mountains, look no further than Bergen. This city, located about 7 hours from Oslo, is one of the coolest coastal towns in Norway. The colorful harbor houses give the town an upbeat and cozy vibe with plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, and museums to explore. The town is surrounded by beautiful inlets and incredible mountain views, where after a long day of hiking, biking, or simply wandering the town, you can grab a coffee or a beer and gaze out at the incredible scenery. Bergen is also the gateway to dramatic fjords, which, honestly is a must do if you visit Bergen. Make 2026 your year to visit this incredible town and enjoy the Nordic vibes and inspiring nature surrounding you.

Why we loved it:
Bergen felt intimate and artsy, with incredible nature right at our doorstep. Bergen was one of our favorite towns in Norway to explore. Simply just strolling through the town and looking around made us feel like we were in a movie. While visiting Bergen, you’ll want to try the delicious food, see Norwegian history (check out the Bryggens Museum), and visit the Mariakirken. After exploring the town we really enjoyed taking the funicular up to the top of the mountain overlooking Bergen and the surrounding area. The views are simply beautiful and one of our favorite memories was taking pictures with the celebrity goats while wandering around the hiking trails up top. The ultimate highlight for us though was taking a fjord cruise to Flam. It was an incredible experience to see the steep mountains with waterfalls cascading around us. We can’t recommend it enough. Bergen and the fjords will stick with you long after you leave.

Pro Tip:

Take the Fløibanen funicular for incredible city, water, and mountain views.

Book a stay at: Grand Hotel Terminus

Can’t miss activity: UNESCO Fjord Cruise

🇿🇦 Betty’s Bay & Hermanus, South Africa

Best for: Wildlife & coastal charm

Why visit:

If you are interested in beautiful natural scenery, viewing incredible wildlife, and wandering through Victorian seaside towns then Betty’s Bay and the town of Hermanus need to be on your 2026 bucket list. Visit Betty’s Bay and Hermanus if you are interested in:

Seeing African penguins
Taking a Whale Watching Expedition
Exploring a small Victorian style town (Hermanus) with a vibrant little downtown and great fish and chips
Driving part of the Garden Route while enjoying ocean drives and sprawling nature

Why we loved it:
We loved both Betty’s Bay and Hermanus for its unforgettable wildlife encounters, fresh fish & chips, and quiet beaches. Hands down our favorite experience was seeing the small African penguins at Betty’s Bay, it was such a surreal experience to see penguins in Africa. Another highlight, we took a whale watching cruise and saw humpback whales frolicking in the bay, another incredible wildlife encounter. Lastly, one of Matt’s favorite memories was grabbing fish and chips and exploring the quiet beaches while Ash strolled through the local shops in Hermanus. Such a cool experience!

Pro Tip:
Plan during whale season for maximum magic.

Book a stay at: The W-Collection Esplanade Hermanus

Can’t miss activity: Big 5 Marine Wildlife Excursion from Hermanus (penguins and whales!)

🇬🇪 Tbilisi, Georgia

Best for: Foodies & culture seekers

Why visit:
Tbilisi is an underrated city with ancient streets, sulfur baths, and some of the best food we’ve ever had. If you haven’t tried Georgian food, this is your 2026 sign to book your flight for a tasting of khankali and khachapuri and then washing it down with a clay jug (qvevri) of wine. Besides the food and wine, Tbilisi is in a resurgence of its city with new projects, new skyscrapers, and new developments. Tbilisi has a beautiful mix of new city blocks and skyscrapers mixed with a historical old town built into its hilly terrains and large cliffs. Mix in the historical churches and monasteries and you can witness the amazing history of this city through its architecture. It is a beautiful city to explore, hike, and wander. Tbilisi is also a perfect city for digital nomads offering affordable accommodations, abundance of coffee shops and workspace, and delicious restaurants. Wandering these charming city streets should be on your bucket list!

Why we loved it:
Tbilisi has soul that is raw, beautiful, and deeply welcoming. We loved the vibe, the people, and the history of this city and this region. Tbilisi is truly a hidden gem with its food, wine, museums, sulfur baths, and mix of historical charm and modern development. We took a walking tour through the city and were fascinated with the history pulled between Europe, Russia, Asia, and its own Caucasus roots. Staring out from a cliff side overlooking the city and surrounding landscape made for a great way to indulge in the vibrant city, be sure to check out the Mother of Georgia statue to get sweeping views of the city. What stands out the most for us was our day trip to Kazbegi, the jaw-dropping mountain range in northern Georgia. Georgia is a country that shows off in the best possible way and makes you want to return to this incredible region and people…and of course the food.

Pro Tip:

Book a local food or wine tour or a walking tour around the city.

Book a stay at: King Gorgasali

Can’t miss activity: Day trip to Kazbegi

🇹🇭 Chiang Mai, Thailand

Best for: Culture & cuisine

Why visit:
If temples, mountains, walled cities, amazing people, wonderful hospitality,and some of the best food you’ve ever tried, then Chiang Mai needs to be on your 2026 travel bucket list. Chiang Mai is the gateway to northern Thailand with amazing culture and history. The walled city, with its ornate temples, is beautiful to wander around to discover incredible shops, restaurants, yoga studios, and unique experiences (like visiting the cat cafe!). Plus, the northern Thai flavors make for some of the best food in Thailand (our personal favorite). In addition to the amazing city, you also have access to visit Chiang Rai to see the iconic White Temple or to go on a wildlife adventure (be sure to research and find an ethical sanctuary!) to bathe and feed the elephants. Chiang Mai has charm, culture, and relaxed vibes that are perfect for a relaxing escape with some adventure mixed in.

Why we loved it:
Easy answer is ethical elephant experiences, beautiful temples, and unbeatable street food. Honestly, the Northern Thai food is some of the best food we have ever tried, we are looking at you Khao Soi (the most delicious coconut curry!). Wandering the city streets and past the old city walls gave us an appreciation for the rich history of thiscity and region. Two of our favorite experiences were visiting Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand, hiking to the twin pagodas, and relishing in the Wachirathan Waterfall, then feeding, walking with, and bathing the elephants at an animal sanctuary (again make sure to do your research to find ethical sanctuaries). Chiang Mai was one of our absolute favorite cities and regions to visit and we hope you have just as incredible of an experience as we did!

Pro Tip:

Avoid burning season (spring), trust us your nose will thank you.

Book a stay at: Siri Village Chiang Mai

Can’t miss activity: Doi Inthanon and Elephant Sanctuary Tour

🇳🇿 Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

Best for: Jaw-dropping scenery, nature lovers

Why visit:
It really is hard to put Lake Tekapo into words, but once you visit you’ll be in awe of its turquoise lake, lupine blooms, and incredible stargazing. The natural beauty and cool mountain air is just incredible to witness. Lake Tekapo is built up enough with great restaurants, bars, and grocery stores, but still small enough to feel raw and rugged. It has just enough amenities for those looking for modern conveniences, while still feeling like you are secluded in nature. If you are lucky enough to visit in New Zealand’s spring and early summer, you can enjoy the vibrantly colorful lupine blooms. If alpine lakes surrounded by mountains isn’t enough to sell you, Lake Tekapo has some of the best stargazing in New Zealand with gorgeous view of the stars and milky way. If you are looking for a breathtaking destination, Lake Tekapo needs to be on your list for 2026.

Why we loved it:
Lake Tekapo doesn’t feel real, we felt like we were staring at a painting. It truly felt like a fairy tale destination, the sun glittering off of the beautiful lake with the towering mountains perfectly framing the sky and water. Lake Tekapo gives an incredible vibe and natural beauty. We loved wandering around the lake and visiting the Church of the Good Shepherd, the iconic church located right in front of the lake. After visiting the church and putting our feet in the (freezing cold) lake, we spent some time hiking around and finding a quite place to relax and admire the beauty around us. After spending some time in nature, we went into the small town and had a fantastic meal and a glass of wine while watching the clouds slowly stretch across the sky. Lake Tekapo is truly a place just waiting to be experienced.

Pro Tip:

Visit during lupine season (late spring/early summer).

Book a stay at: Grand Suites Lake Tekapo

Can’t miss activity: Stargazing Tour

Interested in learning more about New Zealand? Check out our Travel Blog post about our 12 day road trip throughout New Zealand.

🇮🇹 Stintino, Sardinia

Best for: Italian island dreams

Why visit:
Stintino, located on the island of Sardinia, is known for its long beaches, crystal-clear water, and incredible seafood. If you are looking for a classic Italian beach destination with beautiful scenery, calm, shallow warm water (perfect for families or for floating in the water), and relaxing beach vibes, Stintino needs to be on your 2026 travel bucket list. This beach is perfect for all types of travelers, perfect for families of all kinds, solo travelers, couples who want to relax and float in the calm waters or find a quiet alcove, or for friends that want to get together and enjoy lounging (or drinking wine or beer) in the warm water (just don’t bring glass!). After spending the day at this beautiful beach, be sure to check out the incredible local seafood and wash it down with an ice cold Ichnusa.

Why we loved it:
To us, this beach was iconic, Italian, and awesome. The vibe is great and you’ll find everything from couples finding a quiet place to families playing and making memories, to groups enjoying themselves in the warm water. It’s relaxed, (mostly) local, and endlessly beautiful. While the beach does get packed during peak times, going early in the morning or later afternoon makes this an ideal beach destination. The turquoise water is incredible with the rugged scenery and the the shallow water makes it feel like a warm bath (in a good way). Plus the vibe and local seafood restaurants are a must try.

Pro Tip:

Go early in the beach season or visit early in the morning to avoid crowds. Base yourself near La Pelosa beach.

Book a stay at: Karamare

Can’t miss activity: Take a sailboat ride over to Asinara National Park

🇺🇸 St. Augustine, Florida

Best for: History lovers, beach lovers, and family friendly

Why visit:
St. Augustine is America’s oldest city with a lot of wonderful shops, restaurants, and galleries. It’s touristy, but not in your face, with both a Florida and old world Spanish vibe. With historic streets and coastal charm, beautiful beaches, and an imposing fort to explore, St Augustine is a dream destination for 2026. With so many things to do packed into a small town, St. Augustine will become one of your favorite cities and has something for everyone.

Why we loved it:
We absolutely loved wandering the historic streets, the coastal charm, and food trucks and winery. Some of our favorite things were taking a boat ride around the inner coastal waterway, seeing St. Augustine from the water is definitely worth it, visiting the sentinels of the coast lighthouse and learning about the Native American people who lived here, visiting Flagler, taking the historic tram ride to learn the history of St. Augustine, and visiting the Lightener Museum for fascinating finds! Lastly, we really enjoyed wandering around the National Shrine of our Lady of La Leche (a shrine to the Virgin Mary) while watching the free roaming peacocks. We visited with family and it was a perfect vacation with plenty to do for everyone.

Pro Tip:

Be sure to rent a car to explore the surrounding areas and the beaches

Book a stay at: The Collector Inn

Can’t miss activity: Historic Trolley and Museum Tour

🇸🇮 Lake Bled, Slovenia

Best for: Fairytale landscapes, Nature lovers

Why visit:
Lake Bled is a (not so) hidden gem situated in Slovenia with a beautiful iconic island church set in emerald waters. When you think of picture perfect Europe, you think of Lake Bled. It’s natural beauty is simply stunning and will make you want to stare out across the lake and its mountains. Visiting the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the main highlights and is a must do when you visit Lake Bled. Additionally, visiting the historic 16th Century Lake Bled Castle, full of history and incredible views of the surrounding area is another must visit. No visit is complete without taking the lift up the mountain and riding down the Alpine Coaster called Straza Bled for iconic views and a fun ride down the mountain. If that isn’t enough to sell you, the surrounding area has incredible hiking and biking trails surrounding Lake Bled as well as the peaceful nature preserve, the Vintgar Gorge. 2026 is a great year to visit (or re-visit) this incredible lake!

Why we loved it:
We absolutely loved the vibe of Lake Bled. It’s impossibly romantic and peaceful with jaw dropping views. One of our favorite things was taking the boat across the lake to the iconic Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The church is beautiful to visit and gives you 360 degree views around the lake. It can get crowded, but it is classic and iconic. We loved visiting the 16th Century Castle and, honestly, it has some of the most iconic views across Lake Bled, even if you aren’t into history it is still worth a visit. To top it all off, wandering through the Vintgar Gorge for a beautiful relaxing walk along the boardwalk in the peaceful nature reserve with its stunning waterfalls was another of our highlights. In addition to the views and iconic nature, one of our favorite memories was drinking coffee outside at our hotel overlooking the lake while trying the local cream cake (definitely worth a try). We hope you put Lake Bled and Slovenia on your 2026 travel list this year!

Pro Tip:
Be sure to rent a rowboat early in the morning as there can be quite a wait or queue during Summer.

Book a stay at: Hotel Triglav

Can’t miss activity: If you aren’t able to stay in Lake Bled then consider taking this day tour to Lake Bled from Ljubljana

Booking Resources We Trust

Here are some of our favorite links to get your travel plans started!

Flights: Expedia / Momondo
Hotels: Booking.com / Hotels.com
Tours: GetYourGuide / Viator
Ferries: FerryScanner
Rental Car: Expedia

Where Are You Traveling in 2026?

Whatever your motivation is to travel, we hope that you truly take advantage of this amazing world that we live in. Now is a great time to explore and connect. We hope you are inspired to make 2026 your best travel year, yet!

We’d love to know—what destinations are on your 2026 travel wishlist? Drop them in the comments or send us a message.

Here’s to chasing new roads, unexpected beauty, and unforgettable moments.
Happy adventuring! - Ashley and Matt

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you book or purchase through our links. We only recommend things we’ve personally used and loved. Thanks for supporting our blog!

Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out these other Blog posts:

Featured