Published 17th Nov. 2025
Written by Emma Begley
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Now that the clocks have gone back and winter has truly set in, it’s no surprise that people are dreaming of next year’s getaway. But where to go? 2026 is set to be a pretty exciting year in travel, from the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in the USA to the lifting of non-essential travel bans in South Mozambique. To help you decide, we’ve crafted a shortlist of the hottest destinations on the map, including two new destinations we’re adding to our roster next year... Read on to find out where to go in 2026…
If you’re looking for where to go in 2026, you may not have to travel far. 2026 is set to be a year of historic cultural exchange between the UK and France: the British Museum will be displaying the iconic Bayeux Tapestry, which illustrates the 1066 Battle of Hastings, for the first time since it was crafted 1,000 years ago, and the Royal Academy will become home to over 120 French pieces in their ‘Painting the French Riviera’ exhibition. If that doesn’t tee you up nicely for a trip across the Channel, we don’t know what will.
And there’s more. If you’re anything like us, then you’ll be eagerly anticipating the return of The White Lotus next year. After previous seasons in Hawaii, Sicily and Thailand, season four will reportedly take place in the south of France, making it the ideal 2026 ‘set-jetting’ destination. The exact location is still under wraps, but we think the Cote d’Azur would be perfect: think sparkling blue sea, glamorous hotspots and pristine beaches.
Image by Terrence Connors.
Okay, okay, the USA is a trending destination pretty much every year, but next year is set to be a big one. 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and this historic occasion will be celebrated across the USA with a range of exciting events leading up to the Fourth of July, from musical performances and fireworks to museum exhibitions.
Prefer a road trip to a rodeo? 2026 also happens to be the 100th anniversary of Route 66, the legendary highway that connects Chicago on the East Coast with Santa Monica on the West. Head out on the road trip of a lifetime across eight states, experiencing everything from the bright lights of Las Vegas to the rustic ranches of the American West.
As if that’s not enough, the USA is co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, so plan your road trip for June and you’ll be able to swing by a match in Houston or Los Angeles.
Image by Colin + Meg / Unsplash.com.
From postcard-perfect beaches to pristine dive sites, Mozambique is a truly captivating country, so we were thrilled when the FCDO announced that they were lifting the ban on non-essential travel to South Mozambique earlier this year. 2026 will also see the launch of a new charter flight between Gorongosa National Park and the coastal town of Vilanculos – and what better way to celebrate the restrictions being lifted than planning a tour of South Mozambique’s best national parks?
Begin in Gorongosa, where, since 2008, initiatives have been underway to restore native wildlife and wilderness to a pre-civil war state. After spotting lions and elephants in the bush, hop over to Vilanculos, the gateway to Bazaruto Archipelago National Marine Park. Spend your days snorkelling with dugongs, whale sharks, dolphins and sea turtles, before heading back to the beach to bask in the sunshine. If you’d rather dive a little deeper beneath the waves, our friends at Original Diving are pros in all things diving in the Bazaruto Archipelago.
Image by Sam / Adobe Stock.
Kyrgyzstan might not be your first thought when planning where to go in 2026, but it’s becoming more popular for travellers seeking a moment of peace. If it’s adventure that you’re after, Kyrgyzstan is the place for you: the country is home to the Tian Shan (or ‘heavenly mountains’), an incredible mountain range hiking and climbing.
Alongside natural wonders and thrilling outdoor activities, Kyrgyzstan boasts bustling cities, spectacular sites and incredibly friendly locals. Combine trekking in the mountains with exploring Bishkek’s Soviet-era architecture and sampling tasty Kyrgyz cuisine in local restaurants for the ultimate off-the-beaten-track 2026 trip – it might just become one of your new favourite destinations.
Image by Daria Nikitina.
North Africa has long been a favourite at Original Travel (especially for Ben, our Conde Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist for Egypt), so it just made sense when we decided to launch Tunisia this year. In true North African style, Tunisia boasts picturesque coastlines, dramatic landscapes and historic sites, perfect for those looking to explore a new corner of the continent.
While Tunisia has garnered a bit of a reputation as a fly-and-flop destination (which is unsurprising, given the beautiful coastal cities of Hammamet and Sousse), we’re here to shout about its thriving culture and incredible history. Head to Tunis, the capital, for ancient ruins, artistic and cultural museums and buzzing souqs, or visit some of the country’s nine UNESCO World Heritage sites, from the majestic Medina of Tunis to the Amphitheatre of El Jem in Mahdia.
Image by Claire Priou.
Last up on our list of where to go in 2026 is Saudi Arabia. Once completely closed off to tourists, Saudi Arabia is now welcoming visitors with open arms. A first trip to this mysterious country is truly a feast for the senses: picture sprawling desert plains, sandstone ruins, colourful coral reefs and the sweet aroma of traditional spices wafting from local souqs.
Travelling with a history buff? Plan a visit to the ancient Nabataean city of Hegra, set just outside of Al-Ula, to marvel at its towering sandstone tombs and intricately carved facades. Prefer a cheeky beach break? Head to the Ummahat archipelago, where divers can take advantage of the Red Sea’s fantastic visibility and pristine reefs, and landlubbers can enjoy a spot of R&R on its white sand beaches.
Image by Alixe Lay.
Header image by Julia Nimke.
Practical advice and inspiration for your next trip
They say April showers pave the way for spring blooms, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick around waiting for them. While much of Europe is still shaking off winter beneath stubborn grey skies, the south is already enjoying golden sunshine and pleasantly warm days. From the spice-scented streets of Istanbul and the ancient wonders of Athens to Sicily’s coastal charm and Andalucia’s cultural soul, April strikes the sweet spot for spring exploring.
9th March 2026 - Travel Inspiration
Why choose between the climate and culture of the Mediterranean and the fresh air of the mountains when you can experience both at once? Lake Como is known for its beautiful landscapes, historical villas and, of course, its vibrant blue waters. You can do as much or as little as you like – take a boat out on the lake, walk along the shore or simply sit and sip an Aperol spritz as you take in the sights, sounds and flavours of Italy.
9th March 2026 - Travel Inspiration
Masserie are deeply rooted in Puglia’s history and culture. For centuries, these agricultural estates have shaped the lives of local people and withstood periods of intense socioeconomic transformation. The land and the farmhouses are so intrinsically linked, it’s hard to imagine spending time in Puglia, or to get a true feel for the heart and soul of the region, without exploring all that a masseria stay has to offer.
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