The New Year is the perfect time to take another look at your bucket list.
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While you might not cross off any contenders, you might consider adding a few new destinations to the list. Just like travel trends come and go, exciting new locations also pop into the mainstream, letting you learn about places you hadn’t considered before.
The big question is—how can you find new places to visit in 2026? And which trending destinations are actually worth your time?
As we head into 2026, I’m taking a few notes from some of the world’s most popular travel publications. Instead of sticking to the well-trodden tourist path, these trending destinations let you venture into more unexpected territory.
Ready to tinker with your list of new places to visit? Check out these recommendations from some heavy-hitters in the industry.
10 new places to visit—choose your trending destination for 2026!
St. Julian’s (Malta)
If Valletta doesn’t capture your attention, maybe Malta’s seaside town of St. Julian’s will. It combines village charm with upscale nightlife, live music bars, and dining. You can get out on the water with boat tours and private sunset cruises, or head further inland to take on ancient history. Recommended by AMEX.
Algeria
If you’re a huge fan of Roman ruins, you might already know: some of the best sites are located in North Africa. In Algeria, you can explore Timgad, Djemila, Tiddis, Tipaza, and Calama. Aside from unspoiled ruins with little to no crowds, you can explore bazaars with handcrafted goods you can’t get elsewhere. Plus, flights and hotels are cheap—even if you’re staying in a five-star spot. With plans to expand its tourism sector, tours to major ruins are easier to find than ever before. Recommended by the BBC.
Hebrides, Scotland (UK)
The Hebrides are a chain of islands along Scotland’s rugged Atlantic Coast. You can explore natural wonders on lonely, dramatic beaches and coastlines, perfect for chasing sunsets. You can also explore the region’s famous sacred sites, including the well-known Calanais Standing Stones. When you’ve had enough of the history, you can start ticking off the Hebrides’ highly acclaimed distilleries, where you can sip on some of the best whisky in the world. Recommended by the BBC.
Hobart (Australia)
Hobart is the capital city of Tasmania, an island territory on the southern coast of Australia. It’s known as an arts and culture hub, a cuisine capital, and is otherwise home to markets that hawk fashionable items, handcrafted goods, and more. As an added perk, the island also produces some of the best fresh produce, beer, and wine in the country. Recommended by Expedia.
Phu Quoc (Vietnam)
Crystal-clear, blue-green waters surround this island. You can hang up in town or explore the myriad of beaches on Phu Quoc. There are temples where you can learn about Vietnamese culture, night markets where you can shop and sample street food, pepper farms that offer tours, and sandy beaches where you can watch some of the most dramatic and colorful sunsets in the world. Recommended by Expedia.
Brussels (Belgium)
Where I live in Europe, Brussels has a bit of a reputation for being boring. It’s home to the European Parliament, giving the city a bit of a formal, cold feel. But that’s just one side of the coin. The city has become a creative powerhouse, according to one travel publication. From swanky new rooftop bars to stylish department stores, there’s a surprise around every corner. Plus, great chocolate and fast cars. (I’m talking about the Belgian Grand Prix.) Recommended by Conde Nast.
Guadalajara (Mexico)
Looking for new places to visit that pack a cultural punch? You’ve got it in spades in Guadalajara. Next year, the city will host a handful of FIFA World Cup games, which will add a buzz that visitors can feel. Aside from futbol, the city is home to famous festivals, like the Guadalajara International Film Festival and International Book Fair, along with unique artistic residency programs and delectable distilleries that are headed by local women. Recommended by Conde Nast.
Dominica
Dominica is a tiny Caribbean island that’s laden with lush, tropical forests and surrounded by clean, vibrant waters. The country takes those natural wonders seriously, too. In early 2026, it will set up the world’s first Sperm Whale reserve, and you can (ethically) enter the waters to watch them migrate.
On land, you can explore the gorgeous forests, waterfalls, and hiking trails at your own pace before heading to the beach to relax and unwind. Recommended by National Geographic.
Sante Fe (USA)
Earlier this year, travelers voted Santa Fe as their favorite US city of 2025. If you want to stay local in 2026, head to Santa Fe. You can drink your way across its Margarita Trail, munch on artisanal bites at the Heritage Market, or—my recommendation—hole up at one of the city’s acclaimed resort spas and treat yourself like a little royal. Aside from things to do around town, Santa Fe is also surrounded by the gorgeous Sangre de Cristo foothills. Recommended by Travel + Leisure.
Czech Republic
If you want to know where Americans are flocking based on flight destination searches, I’ve got a data pick for you. According to flight searches made on Kayak, the Czech Republic is one of the hottest destinations for 2026. The central European country, known for great eats, great beer, and historic architecture, saw a 179% increase in flight searches for 2026 compared to 2025. Reported by Axios.
