8 must-visit destinations to fit your 2026 mood

We’re exactly halfway through the first month of 2026, and there’s no better way to get through the dreariest time of the year than by planning your next escape.

This year, we’re being more intentional with our getaway choices and tailoring our trips to our personal goals. From new beginnings to cutting-edge innovation, discover the best places to visit this year – perfectly aligned with your aspirations for the months ahead.

Innovation: Colombia

New year, new you? If your 2026 resolution is all about personal growth and reinvention, perhaps a trip to Colombia is a good place to start. Colombia’s second-largest city, Medellín, needs no introduction: framed by the lush hills of the Andes’ very own Aburrá Valley, this city is South America’s rising star.

Elevated view of “Plaza Botero” in central Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia.

Once a place of years-long cartel conflict and civil war, Medellín is now an inspiring, urban mecca with artistic expression, creative energy, and a thriving foodie scene at its heart. Expect innovation in all corners of this cosmopolitan hub, from the buzzy nightlife scene to the escalators that allow both tourists and locals to navigate the once too-dangerous-to-enter Comuna 13.

To the north, you’ll find the captivating Caribbean coast, where the colourful port city of Cartagena welcomes you with cocktails, salsa, and Caribbean Sea views. Travelling up and down this stretch of coastline is as easy as it is beautiful, and pairing Medellín moments and Cartagena nights with a scenic hike in the lush jungle of Tayrona National Park is a bona fide way to leave the country feeling inspired and ready to “level up”.

Reaching new heights: Hong Kong

Emerging as a potential leader in global sustainability due to its impressive green practices, Hong Kong is high on our list of must-visit destinations this year. Ideally suited for forward-thinking travellers chasing that urban buzz, the region offers a unique blend of green spaces, modern infrastructure, and panoramic views – making it the perfect spot for city lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Central District, Hong Kong.

The city is one of stark contrasts: ancient temples are flanked by rising skyscrapers, rolling peaks envelop dynamic urban landscapes, and the densely populated mainland is juxtaposed with the slower-paced, rural Outlying Islands.

If your 2026 aim is to push yourself, where better to do it than Hong Kong’s Four Peaks? The year ahead is set to bring further development of the region’s hiking trails, allowing you to reach new heights with greater ease. If you want to experience the summits without the heat, the famed Peak Tram is your best bet. Running since the late 19th century, this historic funicular transports passengers to the top of Victoria Peak – one of the island’s highest points – showcasing incredible views of skyscrapers, the harbour, and surrounding islands during its steep ascent.

Ticking off the bucket list: Japan

Japan is always a good idea, and as flight prices decrease and flight accessibility surges, it’s looking like the country’s post-pandemic tourism boom is continuing well into 2026. This year, time your visit around the exciting Asian Games happening in Nagoya in September – held every four years – or the March opening of Tokyo’s MoN Takanawa (Museum of Narratives), where traditional Japanese culture and futuristic themes are set to combine through captivating displays.

Shibuya Scramble Crossing by night, Tokyo.

Top-dog cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto provide the perfect playground for noctourists, as vivid lights and nocturnal energies, plus famously tasty food stalls, lay the foundation for endless post-sunset experiences. Lesser-travelled spots, and one of our detour destinations last year, include Fukuoka: the land of Hakata Ramen, Yatai street food stalls, and a famously large reclining Buddha statue (it’s big).

And if you really want to keep your finger on the pulse, the Japanese prefecture on everyone’s lips for 2026 is Okinawa: a southern archipelago consisting of 160 mesmerising subtropical islands, captivating beaches, and a rich history that’s sure to fascinate.

Channelling new beginnings: Morocco

If your vibe this year is all about starting fresh, why not align your travels with a country that is doing the same? The home of bustling bazaars, gorgeous riads, and undeniably delicious food, Morocco is the recipient of more and more culture seekers each year.

Marrakech is of course the go-to on the tourist route, and rightly so: the so-called “Red City” stuns with its famed medina, beautiful traditional architecture, and must-see sights, from Ben Youssef Madrasa to the Jardin Majorelle, as well as the highly popular Yves Saint Laurent museum that rests adjacent to it.

Stores in the medina streets of Fez, Morocco.

However, in 2026, the cultural capital, Fès, is set to be the star of the show with the reopening of a plethora of cultural delights. At the top of this list is the renovation of the historic ninth-century Qarawiyyin Library – complete with solar panels – and Lalla Yeddouna Square, a revitalised urban space resting at the heart of Morocco’s oldest and largest medina.

Discovering new coordinates: Slovenia

Slovenia is rarely at the top of any must-visit European destinations list, yet it is one of the most stunning gems on the continent’s bejewelled crown. A land of fairytale-like villages, rising peaks, and deep caves, every inch of this small country is steeped in beauty, Slovenian folklore, and legend.

The first country to be declared a “Global Green Destination”, Slovenia is a hub of all things sustainability, with around 60% of its land covered in lush forest. In fact, the country’s capital, Ljubljana, often enjoys a reputation as being one of the world’s most liveable cities. In other parts, you’ll find the famous (and popular) Lake Bled, as well as stunning coastal cities, such as Piran.

What’s more, at the end of last year Slovenia launched a new digital nomad visa, allowing wanderlusting foreigners to live and work remotely amid the country’s magical landscapes for up to a year.

Getting outdoors: Tanzania

When a large portion of your year is spent hunched over laptops or scrolling on devices, a holiday is the perfect opportunity to get outside and get moving. If your 2026 aspirations include swapping your phone for unforgettable outdoor excursions, why not make East Africa your pit stop of choice?

Enter Tanzania: a captivating country bursting at the seams with bucket-list natural gems, from the 14,763-square-kilometre Serengeti National Park to one of the world’s highest volcanoes, Mount Kilimanjaro.

Giraffe in the bush, and the Kilimanjaro mountain.

An organised safari trip is without question the best way to discover this incredible country. A tour will take you on a surreal journey through sprawling national parks, pristine beaches – think the Zanzibar Archipelago, also coined the “Spice Islands” – and authentic villages. Plus, being escorted through paradise by an experienced guide is surely the best way to spot a lion or two.

Our tip: head to Arusha where, this year, The Goodall Centre for Hope will be opening in late October – an innovative space dedicated to the life of the famed conservationist, Jane Goodall.

Sticking to a budget: Albania

Focusing on saving the pennies this year? Well, you’re in luck: Albania is here to answer all your money-saving prayers.

Holding onto its hidden-gem status, this Balkan jewel is a fantastic 2026 holiday option for those who want to beat the crowds and soak up the sunshine, all the while enjoying a more affordable price tag. Combine this with the country’s diverse beauty, and you’ve got yourself an all-rounder of a retreat.

Summer Llogara pass view with serpentine road, Albania.

Spend your days hiking in the majestic Albanian Alps, or flitting between the buzzy cafés and trend-conscious boutiques of captivating Tirana – Albania’s vibrant capital city. UNESCO-listed sights are plentiful here, dotted everywhere from Butrint to Gjirokastër, with the particularly significant historic town of Berat, which dates back over 2,000 years.

Take a blissfully easy trip to Kosovo – Albania’s equally beautiful neighbour – or hit the road on a vista-heavy adventure along the Llogara Pass: a picturesque road-trip consisting of 3,500-foot-high winding mountain paths.

Disconnecting and reconnecting: Panama

Perhaps this is your year to virtually disconnect. If going off-grid sounds tempting, a holiday to the one and only Panama might be just the ticket. Most famous for the engineering wonder of the Panama Canal, this country is renowned as the ultimate geographical bridge – connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans as well as Central and South America. The result is an exciting concoction of diverse cultures, modernity, and tropical bliss spread across the country’s paradisiacal lands.

The San Blas Islands, Panama.

Begin your trip amid the towering skyscrapers of Panama City and then head to the popular archipelago of the San Blas Islands for the perfect blend of luxury and castaway chic. Bury your phone in your rucksack and discover true paradise as you hop from isle to isle – discovering breathtaking sands, adorned with sparkling waters, as you explore.

For the ultimate Robinson Crusoe-esque experience, make your way to the west’s Chiriqui Province. Here, you’ll find the region’s largest nature reserve and the Gulf of Chiriqui National Marine Park, home to howler monkeys, humpback whales, and more.

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