Where to go in 2026: When to visit our Best in Travel destinations

For most travel lovers, a new year promises countless opportunities to take an unforgettable trip.

To foster inspiration, look no further than Best in Travel 2026 – a roundup of the best places to visit next year. With a mix of 26 destinations and experiences all over the world among our picks, there’s plenty to pack in. 

Let this month-by-month guide help you plan for the best time to visit each of these incredible places in the coming year.

Where to travel in January

Cartagena, Colombia

The peak of Colombia’s dry season is ideal for a visit to Cartagena. Avoid the humidity, but hold on to the warmth. A perfect getaway for those suffering through a chilly winter, the city is an epicenter of history and nightlife. Beyond its picturesque beauty, Cartagena tells a story of resilience and resistance. Visit the Museo de Oro Zenú to see exquisite gold artifacts crafted by the Zenú, an Indigenous group that thrived in the Caribbean lowlands before the Spanish conquest. Across Plaza de Bolívar, the Museo Histórico de Cartagena reveals the city’s darker past in exhibits on the Spanish Inquisition and the transatlantic slave trade. 

Planning tip: Cartagena is hot year-round, so think lightweight clothes. Bring sandals or flip-flops for the beach, but sturdier shoes make walking on uneven sidewalks and cobblestones easier.

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Melbourne, Australia

January is summer in Melbourne, which means long, warm days. Here, the food scene is the world's envy. Melbourne is Australia’s cuisine capital, where the menu moves from the flavors of the Mediterranean to zesty Asian bites to the sweet spices of Africa – all served as stylish yet affordable plates. As you explore the streets of Melbourne’s Central Business District, you'll uncover a neighborhood bursting with boisterous and ever-changing street art, and a chance to savor Aussie café culture. Opt for a takeaway piccolo latte before joining the line at Lune Croissanterie, where one bite of a boldly flavored seasonal cruffin (croissant-muffin) will have you all in on the fervor.

Planning tip: For pub and café lovers, stay in the side-by-side young and hip neighborhoods of Fitzroy and Collingwood.

Where to travel in February

Barbados

With minimal rainfall and timed outside of hurricane season, there's plenty to do in during a warm-weather escape to Barbados. Start in the UNESCO-listed capital, Bridgetown, where stores and historic landmarks flank the streets. Meander along Broad St for duty-free shopping and a stop in St Michael’s Cathedral, a coral limestone landmark with stained glass windows. And when in doubt, hit the beach.

Planning tip: Nonstop flights serve Barbados from many major cities, including New York, Miami, Boston, Atlanta, Toronto and even London. Grantley Adams International Airport is about a 20-minute drive from the capital city of Bridgetown.

Kerala, India

This time of year, you’ll find warm days and cool evenings, perfect for a food-focused journey through this unhurried southwest pocket of India. The adventure not only reveals the sizzling secrets and traditional roots of its kitchens, but also spotlights an intriguing history in which locally grown spices – pepper, cardamom, turmeric – have always played a key role. Even within Kerala, cuisine varies enormously, from the rich Mappila cooking of the northern Malabar region to the south coast’s coconut-laden stews mopped up with fluffy appam (rice pancake).

Planning tip: While the food is stellar, make time to cruise through Kerala's languid backwaters rippling beneath electric green palms. 

Where to travel in March

Jaffna, Sri Lanka

You’ll find clear skies and sunny days in March in Sri Lanka. The perfect opportunity to uncover the city of Jaffna’s nuanced history. To delve into Sri Lanka's past, visit the restored Jaffna Public Library, which was set on fire during the war; the pentagonal-shaped Jaffna Fort, originally built by the Portuguese in 1619; and the two bunkers, now turned into museums, at the luxury Fox Jaffna resort. An hour-long ferry from Jaffna is the tiny island of Delft. With its shallow reef, coral-fenced houses, and homestays like the Delft Village Stay, the sleepy island is ideal for slowly cycling around between home-cooked meals.

Planning tip: While the beaches in Sri Lanka are hard to beat, head inland and to see the country’s rice fields, enjoy clay-pot cooking in small villages, explore mountain towns with pleasant weather and encounter artists tending to crafts practiced for generations.

Batanes Island, Philippines

March makes for a magical time to visit the Batanes Islands. It is the start of the warm season, so you’ll avoid peak temperatures, ideal for the unforgettable experience of biking the islands. You'll want to rent a bike as soon as you land in the capital city of Basco. Pedal to Basco Lighthouse in Naidi Hills, enjoy stunning views of Mt Iraya, and explore boulder-strewn beaches. Spend a day looping the roads around the island, soaking in the idyllic views, especially at Racuh a Payaman (aka Marlboro Country), with its vast pasturelands. Consider bringing the bike on the faluwa (traditional boat) to Sabtang Island, where traditional stone houses still stand; good for a day trip or overnight stay.

Planning tip: The Batanes Islands are a great option for solo travelers looking to see impressive landscapes and explore on their own.

Where to travel in April

Jeju-do, South Korea

This time of year on the island of Jeju-do offers blooming flowers and comfortable weather, perfect for outdoor exploring. Summit Hallasan, the 194m (6387ft) volcano at the heart of South Korea’s largest island; It is the ultimate Jeju high. The warm oceans around the southern city of Seogwipo are perfect for diving among soft coral, kelp and tropical fish. The 27 hiking routes of the Jeju Ole Trail cover the island’s extraordinary natural beauty and its culture one step at a time. Don’t miss the smaller, outer islands, including Gapado, where, if timed correctly, the buttery yellow wildflowers sway amid the stone-walled fields of green barley.

Pro tip: This island escape is just over an hour flight south of Seoul. Which makes it a great weekend trip from the city.

Utrecht, Netherlands

For a shoulder season trip, look to Utrecht. With cool, crisp weather and quieter streets, it’s great for exploring. Wander over to the Gothic Domtoren, which looms over the city. Climb the tower’s 465 steps for views stretching to Amsterdam, then descend to DOMunder, where Roman foundations and medieval artifacts tell 2000 years of buried history. Don’t miss the UNESCO-listed Rietveld-Schröderhuis, an art installation with movable walls that transform rooms and geometric furniture. Afterward, explore the city’s 2-level canals. 

Planning tip: Easily accessible from Amsterdam by train, Utrecht is a brilliant destination for a weekend break within Europe.

Japan

While each season has its draws for savoring a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) stay, April is the star with blooming cherry blossoms and fresh spring vegetables found in daily meals. 

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If you find yourself at a ryokan, expect tatami mats, shoes off, elaborate set meals, common bathing facilities and futon bedding. We have found the ideal form is the onsen ryokan, an inn that includes natural hot spring baths, often open air, like the multiple baths at Ginzanso in Yamagata Prefecture. To slip into a hot spring is to commune with the earth’s molten core – heated by magma, elementally nourished.

Planning tip: Book early, as onsen ryokans tend to fill up well in advance. 

Where to travel in May

Réunion, Africa 

May in Réunion is the beginning of the dry season, which means the crowds have not fully descended and the weather is wonderful. The real star of this island is its astounding beauty. Packed into 2500 sq km (965 sq miles) are 400 microclimates, maybe half as many endemic species, plus mountains, ridges and valleys listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. And then there’s Piton de La Fournaise, the island’s volcano, one of the most active in the world.

Planning tip: For a lesson in culture and history, visit the Cirque de Mafate. This deep amphitheater-like valley is one of the three central cirques born from the collapse of an ancient volcano. It is home to a few Creole villages today, lost between tree-fern-covered mountains and winding trails.

Azores, Portugal

With the advantage of mild weather, spot wildlife (especially whales!) among these nine islands scattered across the vast emptiness of the North Atlantic Ocean. There's a good reason the Azores have never been more popular. The islands are one of the best places in the world to see whales and dolphins; sightings are almost guaranteed. 

Planning tip: Tour boats embark from most of the islands, but Ponta Delgada in São Miguel is the most popular departure port. 

Where to travel in June

Finland 

While Finland is known for its iconic winter wonderland, June offers long sun-filled days (catch a peek of the midnight sun in northern Finland). With its Baltic breezes and easygoing air, Helsinki is an enticing springboard, with upbeat food, art and design scenes. Don’t miss Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage fort, and Tuomiokirkko, a neoclassical cathedral. Explore further, and you’ll love the laid-back beat in towns and cities like island-skipping, castle-topped Turku; cultured, lakeside Tampere; and riverside Oulu, with its lively market square, Kauppatori.

Planning tip: Home to more than 55,000 lakes, make sure to spend some time on the water when you visit. 

South of France

Warm temperatures have arrived in the South of France come June, but peak summer crowds and heat are still at bay. Architecture lovers won't want to miss seeing Villa E-1027, a home owned by Eileen Gray, an Irish-born designer who brought her genius for interiors into the realm of architecture. Villa E-1027 was her first major project, and it is often cited as a masterpiece that has inspired generations of designers. After years of neglect and deliberate damage during WWII, Villa E-1027 fell into disrepair until it was purchased by conservationists, who restored the villa, preserving Gray’s vision for future generations.

Where to travel in July

Botswana

Botswana has earned its place alongside popular safari destinations like Tanzania and South Africa, and this is an ideal time of year to cross a safari off of any travel bucket list. With landscapes spanning from delta to desert with a lack of light pollution, every star and comet blazes in the dark sky. Expect to see Africa's Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) as well as giraffe, zebra, hippo and more in any of the country's four main national parks.

Planning tip: Pack binoculars. Unless you’re on safari in a private reserve where guides can off-road into the bush, you’ll probably witness wildlife from a distance. Bring a good pair of general-purpose binoculars (specifications 8x40 or 10x42) and a decent zoom camera lens.

Andes Mountains, Ecuador

July is ideal for a visit to the Andes Mountains in Ecuador. Since it is the dry season, you’ll find clear skies that make views of the surrounding volcanoes and mountains easily accessible. During your time in the mountains, hop on a horse and live like los chagras (Andean cowboys) who have been roaming the region’s majestic terrain for centuries. Known as the Spirits of the Highlands, los chagras are skilled on horses, dedicated to their animals and to preserving the land. Ride among them, following their lead and charging (OK, ambling) across the Andean highlands with the awe-inspiring Volcán Cotopaxi (Cotopaxi Volcano) as a backdrop.

Planning tip: Build in some time for rest and recovery upon arrival. The elevation is extremely high and can require some adjusting for those accustomed to living near sea level. 

Where to travel in August

Maine, USA

There is nothing like a New England summer, which is why August is the best time to make a visit to Maine. This state, the first place in the continental USA to see the sunrise each morning, feels like it’s been renewed in the past decade. Seaside Portland, its largest city, has become the spot in New England to open a new restaurant, particularly for chefs who have big-city training and cred, yet fear the price of entry in Boston or New York. The result is a James Beard award or nomination on every downtown corner. After wandering the cobblestone streets of the old center, belly full, you must move on. There is, after all, a lot to see here.

Iberá Wetlands, Argentina

July in Argentina is both the cooler and drier time of the year, making time outdoors looking for wildlife easier. In Argentina, you’ll find the meandering waterways of the Iberá Wetlands where caimans glide noiselessly through the streams, bogs and marshes – watched closely by large groups of capybaras. And increasingly, jaguars survey their domain. Conservationists from Rewilding Argentina, an offshoot of Tompkins Conservation that builds travel experiences, estimate that as of 2024, its jaguar reintroduction program had repopulated 25 jaguars back into the Iberá Wetlands, after a 70-year absence from this landscape. As that wild population grows, sightings of jaguars in Iberá become more and more likely with each passing year.

Planning tip: Leave yourself ample time to travel between destinations in Argentina. The country is massive, and it can take whole days to reach your next city.

Where to travel in September

Tipperary, Ireland

September in Ireland has relatively dry autumn days and it’s perfect for enjoying the stunning landscapes. Hiking rugged trails, fishing, swimming and even horseback riding across open terrain are all at your fingertips. The light here is something to behold, casting the open valley in striking tones that shift throughout the day. The food is just as impressive. Tipperary apples are legendary, used in everything from tarts to world-famous ciders like Bulmers (Magners). Cashel Blue cheese is also worth traveling for: creamy, tangy and perfect with almost everything, especially locally produced crisps (chips) like hand-cooked O’Donnells or Blanco Niño.

Planning tip: Pub culture is alive in Tipperary. Spend your evenings at Thatch in Cloneen, run by the same family for seven generations, or Jim of the Mills, a Thursday-only spot that attracts folk and traditional musicians.

Belgrade, Serbia

The warm nights and cooler evenings, make Serbia perfect for the after-dark activities that draw many to the city. In fact, few places can rival Belgrade’s raw energy after dark. Its ability to transform industrial spaces into vibrant cultural hubs makes a night out in Serbia’s capital unforgettable. Start off your evening along the lively Danube and Sava riverbanks, where industrial neighborhoods like Savamala come alive at night – warehouse venues like KC Grad buzz with more than 200 music events annually. For large-scale beats, part of the city’s cargo and passenger port has transformed into a thumping venue. 

Planning tip: Beyond the nightlife, grab a meal at one of the kafanaes. They are traditional Serbian taverns which fuse food, drink and live music seamlessly. 

Where to travel in October

Cádiz, Spain

In October, you’ll find temperature weather and cool evenings in Cádiz, plus smaller crowds. While you’re in El Puerto de Santa María, catch one of the numerous daily ferries across the bay to enjoy choice tipples at sherry wineries. Alternatively, sip sherries straight from the barrel at Cádiz’s Taberna La Manzanilla. And what’s good wine without good food? Cádiz’s dining scene ranges from old-school tapas bars clustered around Barrio de la Viña to fusion restaurants, found in the streets around Plaza Candelaria and Plaza de la Catedral.

British Columbia, Canada

Uncover British Columbia in all its autumnal glory. Mossy forests, saw-toothed mountains, white water rivers and wildlife-rich ecosystems: British Columbia (BC) is the kind of place that makes you want to dash out of your hotel room and energetically embrace the natural elements. Beyond the wilderness, more human elements beckon. Multiculturalism is an increasingly important part of the fabric of BC. Not only is the province the ancestral home of 204 First Nations, whose heritage is visible in everything from totem poles to ceremonial masks, but its largest city, Vancouver, has developed into a rich mélange of international food and culture.

Planning tip: Try your hand at a road trip and cruise along British Columbia’s Sea to Sky highway. 

Colorado River, Grand Canyon

Autumn on the Colorado River can’t be beat, making it a lovely time for a rafting trip in the Grand Canyon. And while there may come a time when you question your decision to go white water rafting through the Grand Canyon, (like the moment that your cell service cuts out for a week, or OK, three; or when you’re introduced to the “groover,” a bathroom system consisting of a bucket and sawdust) these moments of trepidation pale in comparison to the overwhelming joy of being immersed in unadulterated nature. While rafting the Colorado, you have the sense of being in an untouched sliver of the country, as raw as it ever was.

Planning trip: A typical travel itinerary has no place here. Instead, adapt to the canyon. Typically you'll wake up, read the water, ride the white caps, build a campfire, sleep, repeat. For a self-organized expedition, engage a soup-to-nuts tour company like Oarsor Azra, or an outfitter like Ceiba Adventures,

Where to travel in November

North Island, New Zealand

A trip to New Zealand this time of year means fewer crowds and even temperatures. In Te Tai Tokerau (Northland), you’ll find Manea Footprints of Kupe, a cultural center that shares the story of Polynesian explorer Kupe. It’s the region’s third-largest employer, with all of the profits going back into the community. Meanwhile, in the Hawke’s Bay wine-producing region, viticulturalists no longer rely on terroir to describe provenance. Instead, they’re increasingly using tūrangawaewae. It roughly translates to “a place to stand,” but the term embodies more than just the soil in which the grapes are grown; it also refers to a multigenerational connection to the land.

Planning tip: This area is known for its geothermally heated waters, so pack a bathing suit and plan to take a dip. 

Namibia

The beginning of summer in Namibia promises hot days, which are actually ideal for elephant tracking. The heat tends to drive elephants to watering holes, making them easier to locate. It is important to note that only two populations of desert-dwelling elephants live on earth, and Namibia is the place to see them. Marvel at the massive footprints of these great animals and follow their footsteps alongside a handful of dry and ephemeral riverbeds in northwest Namibia. Watch the enormous adults stretch their trunks high into trees to grab food, while playful calves twirl their trunks.

Planning tip: For the best chance of spotting them, hire a guide with a well-equipped vehicle and the local knowledge to safely search for the elephants. Sightings aren’t guaranteed, but pack your binoculars and long camera lenses. Also bring a bandana or face covering, since the riverbeds can get dusty.

Where to travel in December

Mexico City, Mexico

You’ll find dry cool weather in December in Mexico City, while still avoiding the peak crowds of springtime. It is also a season of festivals and holiday spirit. This is the city of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera – artistic smarts are sewn into the very fabric of Mexico City. World-class museums cover every era of Mexico’s cultural history, and murals installed on the walls of public buildings are a picture book of the people’s past – from the Aztecs to the present-day residents of the largest Spanish-speaking city in the world. History is potent here, yet Mexico City has all the modern comforts of cheap ride shares and cocktail bars. Passing from plaza to plaza, you can feel the energy of a city waking up to its creative life force. 

Planning tip: Famous for its cuisine, food tours are a great introduction in a city bursting with flavor.

Mekong River, Vietnam and Cambodia

December marks the beginning of the dry season, making it perfect for time on the water. Crisscrossed by thousands of kilometers of waterways from the various tributaries of the Mekong River, the vast Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam is known as the country’s Rice Bowl for its bounty of rice and fruit. Life here is lived mainly on or by the water, making river cruising the ideal way to experience the Mekong Delta between Vietnam and Cambodia. Break up your days on the water with excursions into town, biking alongside the farm land and dining at local restaurants. 

Planning tip: Transnational cruises operate between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh on 3- and 4-day itineraries with longer 8- or 9-day cruises sailing between Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap, the gateway to the fabulous ruins of Angkor.