The Best of…Travel
The 12 Best Places to Travel in 2026
By Eddie Johnson | Updated on May 27, 2026
Travel in 2026 is all about finding places that feel exciting, authentic, and just a little unexpected. Whether you’re craving amazing food, walkable old towns, beach sunsets, mountain views, or unforgettable cultural experiences, this year’s top destinations deliver all of it. Wander through the colorful neighborhoods of Lisbon, spend long evenings enjoying tapas in Valencia, or soak in the timeless beauty of Kyoto.
1. Lisbon, Portugal
Set along the sunny Atlantic coast, Lisbon is the kind of city that instantly makes you want to slow down and stay awhile. Spend your days wandering the colorful alleyways of Alfama, hopping on the famous yellow trams, and stopping for way too many custard tarts at Pastéis de Belém. Don’t miss the incredible views from São Jorge Castle — especially around sunset, when the whole city seems to glow.
Where to stay in Lisbon: Hotel da Baixa
2. Valencia, Spain
If you’re looking for sunshine, amazing food, and a city full of energy, Valencia checks every box. Wander through charming old streets, grab a table for some paella by the coast, and soak up the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle. Just outside the city, Xàtiva Castle sits high above the countryside with panoramic views that are absolutely worth the trip. Between the history, beaches, and unforgettable food scene, Valencia is one of those places that’s easy to fall in love with.
Where to stay in Valencia: Caro Hotel
3. Florence, Italy
Florence is one of those cities where you’ll constantly find yourself saying, “Okay, this place is unreal.” One minute you’re standing beneath the massive Duomo, and the next you’re wandering into a tiny side street that looks straight out of a movie. Art, history, and incredible architecture are basically everywhere — but so are amazing pasta, gelato stops, and cozy wine bars. Florence has this perfect mix of world-famous sights and Italian charm that makes it impossible not to love.
Where to stay in Florence: Hotel Art Atelier
4. Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is one of those places that just feels special from the moment you arrive. You can wander through peaceful bamboo forests, explore stunning temples like Fushimi Inari, and maybe catch the city at its most magical when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. It is the perfect mix of beauty, history, and calm, with a little bit of wonder around every corner.
Where to stay in Kyoto: The Celestine Hotel Gion
5. Sydney, Australia
Sydney is one of those cities that instantly wins you over—sparkling harbor views, an iconic skyline, and a laid-back coastal vibe. You’ve got must-sees like the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge right on the water, plus Bondi is just a short ride away for surf, sand, and walks at Bondi Beach. Beyond the big landmarks, it’s really about wandering neighborhoods, grabbing a great coffee, and soaking up that mix of city energy and beach lifestyle that makes Sydney feel so special.
Where to stay in Sydney: Ovolo Woolloomooloo
6. Santorini, Greece
Santorini is one of those places that feels almost unreal in person—whitewashed villages clinging to volcanic cliffs, deep blue Aegean waters below, and sunsets that stop everyone in their tracks. In Oia, crowds gather each evening for that famous golden-hour glow, while nearby Fira brings lively cafés, shops, and sweeping caldera views you can stare at for hours. Beyond the villages, you can explore ruins, relax on Red Beach, or sip local wines at hillside vineyards overlooking the sea. Add in boat trips around the caldera, hidden beaches, and plates of fresh Greek cuisine, you’ll find that Santorini delivers that perfect mix of romance, scenery, and slow, sun-soaked adventure.
Where to stay in Santorini: Chelidonia Luxury Suites
7. Dublin, Ireland
Dublin is the kind of city that feels warm and welcoming from the moment you arrive, blending rich literary history with lively pubs, live music, and classic Irish charm. You can wander the historic grounds of Trinity College to see the famous Book of Kells, stroll along the River Liffey, or spend an evening soaking up the energy of the Temple Bar district. Beyond the city center, highlights like the Guinness Storehouse, St. Stephen’s Green, and traditional pubs filled with music give Dublin its unforgettable personality. Add in friendly locals, hearty Irish food, and an easygoing atmosphere, you’ll see it’s a city that’s easy to love.
Where to stay in Dublin: The Morgan Hotel
8. Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is one of those cities that completely pulls you in, blending Europe and Asia with layers of history, culture, and nonstop energy. You can wander through the maze-like stalls of the Grand Bazaar, stand in awe beneath the massive domes of the Hagia Sophia, and cruise the Bosphorus for unforgettable views of palaces, mosques, and the city’s skyline. Highlights like the stunning Blue Mosque, the cafés and shops around Galata, and evenings filled with Turkish tea, kebabs, and rooftop sunsets make Istanbul feel both timeless and incredibly alive. It’s a city where every neighborhood seems to tell a different story, and getting lost in it is part of the experience.
Where to stay in Istanbul: DeCamondo Galata Hotel
9. Venice, Italy
Venice feels like stepping into another world, where canals replace roads and every corner seems straight out of a postcard. Glide down the Grand Canal on a gondola, admire the golden mosaics inside St. Mark's Basilica, and wander the maze of narrow alleyways and tiny bridges that make getting lost part of the fun. Along the way, you’ll stumble across charming piazzas, waterfront cafés, and landmarks like the iconic Rialto Bridge, all while soaking in the city’s timeless romance and old-world charm. Whether you’re sipping an espresso beside a canal or watching the sunset reflect off the water, Venice has a way of making every moment feel unforgettable.
Where to stay in Venice: Hotel Al Codega
10. Seville, Spain
Seville is full of energy, color, and classic Andalusian charm, where flamenco music drifts through lively plazas. You can wander the courtyards and gardens of the Royal Alcázar, climb the tower at the Seville Cathedral, and hop between tapas bars packed with locals. Landmarks like the Plaza de España and the Santa Cruz neighborhood give the city its romantic atmosphere, while late-night flamenco shows, bustling markets, and plates of jamón and patatas bravas make Seville feel alive at every hour of the day.
Where to stay in Seville: Hotel Boutique Las Casas de El Arenal
11. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is a city that somehow blends centuries-old tradition with futuristic energy at every turn. You can wander through the historic streets of Asakusa and visit the famous Sensō-ji temple, then hop across town to the flashing billboards and nonstop buzz of Shibuya. Food is a huge part of the experience, whether you’re enjoying world-class sushi near Tsukiji Outer Market, grabbing ramen in a tiny alleyway, or discovering hidden izakayas packed with locals.
Where to stay in Tokyo: The Gate Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon
12. Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia feels like stepping into another world, with its dramatic fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and rolling valleys. One of the most unforgettable experiences is drifting above the landscape in a hot air balloon at sunrise, as hundreds of colorful balloons fill the sky. Between the scenery, warm Turkish hospitality, and sunset views, Cappadocia feels completely unforgettable.
Where to stay in Cappadocia: Aydinli Cave House
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