Travel Destinations Worth Planning Around Festivals in 2026

Here are some of the best places to travel in 2026, chosen by travel experts for their unique offerings, emerging trends, and opportunities for meaningful experiences.

Hong Kong is being imbued with fresh life, featuring an exciting new cultural center of gravity.

This 16th-century lake city is ushering in a new era with a flurry of luxury-hotel openings.

A wave of indie wineries, new restaurants, and boutique hotels is redefining the weekend escape.

Set to shine in 2026 with the historic reopening of its medina following a remarkable 15-year restoration.

The region of Potosí offers a geological bonanza of lagoons, hot springs, and snowcapped volcanoes, now with some of South America's buzziest hotel openings.

New eco-lodges open up access to untouched forests that are home to western lowland gorillas and sweeping savannas, ideal for a once-in-a-lifetime safari trip.

As the region marks the 40th anniversary of a historic hand-back program, a new chapter of purpose-driven tourism is evolving, with visitors guided by Aṉangu storytellers and glamping experiences.

The culinary scene has transformed, with many Michelin-star destinations and restaurants focusing on local farms and vibrant food in an approachable, SoCal beach city setting.

This region offers turquoise coastline, ancient olive groves, vineyards, centuries of history, and an amazing foodie scene. It's a no-brainer roadtrip destination, with a 24% year-over-year uptick in international visitors in early 2025.

Known for its quaint and charming rugged coastlines, cute maritime villages, mixture of cultures, beautiful hiking, and delicious seafood. It is recommended for summer visits.

The 2026 travel lists highlight a mix of familiar destinations being reinvented and under-the-radar gems gaining prominence. New infrastructure projects and increased airline service are making previously difficult-to-reach places more accessible. Major cultural events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and America250 are influencing travel picks for the year. Consider planning trips around specific events or new openings, but be prepared for potential delays.