A practical guide to the best places to visit in 2026, from Lonely Planet’s top picks like Botswana, Sardinia, and Jeju to how to choose a destination and plan around the season.

Every year, travel lists land in your feed and every year they feel a little too similar. Paris, Bali, Santorini, repeat. The 2026 lists are a bit different. Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026 includes some unexpected names, like Réunion, Tunisia, and the Solomon Islands, next to the usual crowd-pullers.

We’re in mid-October now, so the year is nearly over. That’s good news if you’re planning a late-2026 getaway or booking early for next year, since most of these places are best visited outside peak crowds anyway. Here’s a look at the best places to visit in 2026, what makes each worth the trip, and how to pick the right one for you.

Where These Recommendations Come From

Lonely Planet released its Best in Travel 2026 list last October, naming 25 destinations and 25 experiences. The list mixes well-known favorites with lesser-known picks that editors think deserve attention. National Geographic also published its own “Best of the World” list, and a couple of places, like Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, showed up on both.

Treat any list like this as a starting point, not a rulebook. A top-ranked destination can still be a bad match if you hate crowds, heat, or long flights.

Best Destinations for Nature and Wildlife

Botswana

If a safari is on your wish list, Botswana is a serious contender. It’s known for the Okavango Delta, where animals gather around water channels, and for a tourism approach that favors fewer visitors and higher-quality experiences. It isn’t cheap, but you’re paying for space and quiet, which is the whole point of going.

Réunion

This French island in the Indian Ocean is about 230 km from Mauritius, and it’s one of the more surprising picks on Lonely Planet’s list. It has volcanic landscapes, dramatic hiking trails, and a mix of cultures that shows up in the food. If you like mountains and beaches in the same trip, it’s worth a look.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Not as famous as Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon, which is exactly why people are talking about it. Think rolling badlands, wild horses, and bison without the traffic jams of bigger parks. It’s a strong option for road-trippers who want space.

Finland

Lonely Planet called Finland an “eccentric Nordic land” that deserves more attention. It’s a good pick for people who like lakes, forests, saunas, and quiet. Winter brings snow and the possibility of seeing the northern lights, while summer offers long, bright days.

Best for Culture, Food, and Cities

Cartagena, Colombia

This Caribbean city is known for its colorful old town, walled streets, and lively evenings. It’s easy to enjoy on foot, and the food scene mixes coastal seafood with street snacks. Go early in the day for sightseeing, since the heat can be intense by afternoon.

Mexico City

A longtime favorite that keeps earning its place. The food alone is a reason to go, from street tacos to high-end restaurants, but the museums, markets, and neighborhoods give you plenty to do besides eating. Give yourself at least four or five days.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Home to the Angkor temple complex, one of the largest religious monuments in the world. Many travelers rush through it in a day, which is a mistake. Two or three days, with sunrise and late-afternoon visits, gives you a much better feel for it.

Utrecht, Netherlands

Often overshadowed by Amsterdam, Utrecht has canals, a lively student atmosphere, and a more relaxed pace. It’s also a smart base if you want to see the Netherlands without Amsterdam’s crowds.

Jaffna, Sri Lanka

For travelers who want a destination that still feels off the standard route, Jaffna in the north offers a different side of Sri Lanka, with its own food, language, and history. It’s quieter than the south coast and rewarding if you’re curious about regional culture.

Best Islands and Coastal Escapes

Sardinia, Italy

Known for clear water, rugged coastline, and a food culture of its own. It’s a good choice if you want beaches without the crowds of the Amalfi Coast. Try going in late spring or September, when the weather is pleasant and prices are lower.

Jeju-do, South Korea

A volcanic island with hiking, waterfalls, coastal roads, and a food scene that’s earned a reputation across Korea. It’s also easy to get around, which makes it a good pick for first-time visitors to Korea who want some nature after Seoul.

Barbados

The usual Caribbean draws apply here, like beaches, rum, and warm weather, plus a strong local music and food culture. It’s popular for a reason, though the best value is usually found outside the high winter season.

Solomon Islands

This is the kind of destination for people who’ve already done the easy ones. It offers diving, remote islands, and a very different pace of travel. Facilities are limited, so it suits adventurous travelers who plan ahead.

A Few Underrated Picks Worth Knowing

Some of the 2026 list reads like a quiet suggestion to skip the obvious choices:

• Cádiz, Spain: One of Europe’s oldest cities, with seafood, sea views, and a relaxed Andalusian feel.
• Tunisia: Roman ruins, white-and-blue coastal towns, and a food scene that deserves more attention.
• Quy Nhon, Vietnam: A beach city that feels calmer than the big Vietnamese tourist hubs.
• Xela (Quetzaltenango), Guatemala: A highland city that’s a good base for volcano hikes, language schools, and local markets.
• Maine, USA: Lonely Planet ranked it fourth overall, with a mix of rocky coastline, lobster shacks, and fall colors.
• British Columbia, Canada: Mountains, ocean, and wine regions within a single trip.

How to Choose the Right Destination

A “best places” list can leave you more confused than before, so it helps to filter by what you actually want.

Start with your travel style. If you want rest, look at islands and beach towns. If you want food and city life, think Mexico City or Cartagena. If you want quiet and nature, look at Finland, Botswana, or North Dakota’s badlands.

Check the season. A great destination at the wrong time can feel disappointing. Monsoon months, extreme heat, and peak holidays can all change the experience. A quick search for the best months before booking can save a lot of regret.

Be honest about the budget. Safaris and remote islands cost a lot more than a week in Vietnam or Guatemala. Flights, visas, travel insurance, and local transport add up too, so work backward from what you can really spend.

Check entry rules early. Visa requirements, vaccination rules, and passport validity change, and they vary by nationality. Look at the official government or embassy website for your destination before you book anything non-refundable.

Don’t try to see everything. A slower trip to one region usually beats a rushed tour of five countries. You’ll remember more, and you’ll spend less time in transit.