What Are the Top Destinations to Visit in 2026?

National Geographic’s “Best of the World 2026” list highlights a vibrant mix of destinations around the globe that are primed for exploration in the year ahead.

From the majestic peaks of Italy’s Dolomites and Milan — where the 2026 Winter Olympics will cast a fresh spotlight — to the vast, Indigenous-led wilderness of Québec’s Nibiischii Park in Canada, these locations bring together culture, nature and unique experiences.

The list also features dynamic urban settings such as Beijing, China, where enhanced heritage access and visa-free stays meet ancient elegance; Dominica, home to the future world’s first sperm whale reserve; Wales’ port city of Hull, undergoing an £ 53 m maritime revitalisation; Turkey’s Black Sea coast, where ski slopes meet beach sands; the ancient Silk Road city of Khiva in Uzbekistan; Rwanda’s Akagera National Park, a restored safari gem; and South Korea’s new Dongseo Trail, a coast-to-coast adventure in the making.

Designed for curious travellers seeking places that are not only stunning but also timely, this collection inspires trips that are enriched by story, sustainability and authentic local connections.