The Best​​ Places to Go in 2026

As we look ahead to a brand new year of possibilities, I wanted to share a little travel inspiration to spark your wanderlust. Every December I start hearing the same thing from clients: “Where should I go next?” And honestly, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years in a long time—full of new openings, revived cities, and places that feel wonderfully untouched.

This curated list gives you some of “The Best Places to Go in 2026” and is perfect whether you’re planning your next big adventure or just love imagining where your passport might take you. Each place offers something fresh: new museums, new ways to experience nature, new cultural spaces, and of course, new stories waiting to be made by you.

East Coast, Barbados

Go for: a new (unspoiled) slice of island life—and more access than ever

Barbados' wilder East Coast makes for a more rugged, windswept version of the Caribbean getaway—and with new flight and cruise options, there are now even more ways to access this surfer's paradise.

The island is developing the port of Speightstown on the north end of the island, which now offers new moorings for smaller luxury cruise vessels. This will invariably mean more visitors. But that doesn’t mean you can’t easily escape the crowds should you choose. While Barbados’s most popular luxury resorts lie along the tranquil western shores on the Caribbean Sea, adventure-minded travelers can drive just a half hour northeast from Grantley Adams International Airport or the busy Bridgetown cruise ports to reach the island’s more rugged Atlantic coastline, where dramatic scenery, world-class surfing, and colorful fishing villages preserve the island’s unspoiled character. Start in Bathsheba, where powerful waves have long drawn surfers to the Soup Bowl, a reef break revered by international pros. There’s plenty of outdoor activities for nonsurfers too, with a national park and wildlife reserve protecting the majority of the east coast from commercial development. Hike from Bath Beach to Bathsheba on a scenic six-mile path that follows the former route of the island's coastal railway. Then round out the day in the nearby village of Martin's Bay on Thursdays, when the Bay Tavern Fish Fry brings together neighbors and visitors alike for fresh-off-the-boat red snapper, baked mac and cheese, and rum-fueled karaoke sessions.

Brussels, Belgium

Go for: creative inspiration and cultural revival

Brussels has long been known for its opulent Baroque buildings and timeless architecture, but new openings in 2026 it will cement its status as a hub of modern art and design.

This often-overlooked European capital is having a cultural moment, signaling a shift from a bureaucratic hub to a creative powerhouse. The opening of Kanal—Centre Pompidou in November 2026 transforms a long-dormant factory into a contemporary center for modern arts. One of Europe’s highly anticipated arrivals, it will feature expansive exhibition spaces curated with Paris’s Centre Pompidou, alongside a dynamic program of live performances, music, film, workshops, a library, and—five floors up—a restaurant overlooking the vast showroom, capped by a rooftop bar with panoramic city views. Just steps away is newly opened The Standard, with a rooftop bar, greenhouse-style lounge, and bold design that mirrors the city’s creative energy.

Brussels’ cultural revival is visible everywhere, from the refreshed façades of Place de la Bourse to the Dome Project, a restoration of Belgium’s first department store with modern flair. Nearby, the Gare Maritime, a former freight station, seamlessly blends sustainable architecture with design fairs and chef-led food stalls. Plan a spring visit, when Art Brussels draws galleries and collectors from around the world for a vibrant international fair, and the biannual Zinneke Parade transforms the city’s streets into a stage of theatre and imagination. For those seeking more adrenaline, base yourself in the city for the Belgian Grand Prix in July to marvel at the sporting spectacle.

South Africa

Go for: a first taste of Africa that delivers everything in one trip

If you’re mapping out big travel plans for 2026, South Africa deserves a spot at the top of the list. It’s one of those rare places that feels effortless yet extraordinary from the moment you arrive. First-timers get all the magic in one go: legendary game reserves, expert-guided safaris and real chances to see the Big Five in their natural habitat. Pair that with dramatic coastlines, mountains that look painted into the sky and a mix of cultures that gives every day a new flavor.

Beyond the wildlife, the experiences are wide-ranging and genuinely memorable. You can wander the colorful streets of Cape Town, taste your way through the Winelands, stay at intimate lodges where every detail is taken care of or road-trip along the Garden Route for postcard views at every turn. Between the food, the scenery and the ease of exploring, South Africa offers a rich, layered journey that feels exciting but still completely accessible—perfect for a standout adventure in 2026.

Texel, The Netherlands

Go for: the best spot for outdoor activities

The Netherlands is a treasure chest of exquisite art-filled cities and towns, canals, windmills, and tulip fields, along with shiny-new sustainable urban environments, and glorious natural landscapes, coastlines, and islands. While it’s one of Europe’s smaller nations (you can cross the entire country in a handful of hours), choosing where to spend your time takes planning. 

Basking less than 2 miles off the Dutch coast, the bucolic Wadden Sea island of Texel (pronounced "Tes-sel") is capped by a crimson lighthouse and fringed by sweeping white-sand beaches. With its lush pastures grazed by fluffy sheep (prized for their wool) and dairy cows (producing milk used in local cheeses, chocolate, and ice cream, mixed with freshly picked berries), along with rambling forests and nature reserves, Texel is an outdoor paradise. Cycling trails crisscross the island, with activities ranging from horse riding and skydiving. Watersports include sailing and kitesurfing. Some 10,000 seals swim in the surrounding waters; you can spot them on boat trips or at Ecomare’s seal sanctuary.

Bonus!: In summer, there’s also a service linking Texel with the Frisian island of Vlieland giving you a chance to explore another amazing destination!

Ine, Japan

Go for: a peaceful slice of old Japan that feels untouched and unforgettable

There is nowhere as diverse as Japan. From snow-peaked mountains to islands coated with white sand, from cities with electric nightlife to quaint towns in the Alps with nothing but local spots and friendly smiles. It’s a country that sits high on many bucket lists, and after being one of the last to fully reopen, it has surged back with incredible momentum. Today, Japan is once again one of the most sought-after destinations in Asia.

Described as Japan’s most beautiful village, Ine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built right on the waters of Ine Bay. The village is made up of more than 200 traditional boat houses, known as funayas, which sit so close to the shore that boats glide directly beneath the homes. Despite the powerful coastal weather Japan can face, this floating village has stood the test of time, protected by the calm waters and uninhabited islands surrounding it. Ine offers a rare look at “old Japan,” the kind of quiet fishing life that’s getting harder to find. Visitors can watch fishermen bring in their morning catch, wander along peaceful waterfront lanes, or even stay overnight in renovated funayas for a front-row seat to village life.

It’s also an easy add-on from Kyoto or Amanohashidate, making it a perfect 2026 highlight for travelers who want something authentic but still accessible. Boat tours through the bay, fresh seafood lunches, and soft sunsets over the water show a completely different side of Japan that most people never experience. It’s peaceful, picturesque, and effortlessly memorable—an incredible addition to any itinerary.

If something catches your eye or gets you daydreaming, just send us a note to hello@gottaskedaddletravel.com. We’d love to help turn it into your next unforgettable trip!