2026 is fast approaching, which means it’s time to start thinking about and saving up for next year’s vacations. Thankfully, there are plenty of travel publications helping to pinpoint the most exciting places to visit. Familiar haunts are developing new cultural niches that make them worth revisiting, while formerly sleepy areas get revitalised into lively destinations.
While some of these places might be far-flung, CN Traveller has handpicked a few Asian spots that feel like they’re practically in your backyard. Whether you’re looking to take a shorter visit to a nearby gem or a longer journey to a place you never expected to go, we’ve got you covered.
One of CN Traveller’s picks is Hong Kong, an already popular destination because of its rich culture, excellent food, and array of activities. If you’re interested in the arts, the WestK Performing Arts Centre is opening three top-tier dance and theatre stages in 2026 within the West Kowloon Cultural District, all the better to showcase the city’s flourishing cultural scene. If you’re looking to spend some time in nature, there are improved hiking trail facilities at four of Hong Kong’s famous peaks: The Peak, Lantau Peak, Tai Mo Shan, and Sai Kung Hoi.
For the foodies, renowned chef Daniel Boulud is also opening a new rooftop French spot in Central, Terrace Boulud, as part of Mandarin Oriental’s ambitious revamp. And if you want a beautiful view of the city’s landscape, sky100 Observation Deck is reopening with new visitor experiences in the middle of the year.
Another pick is Naoshima, Japan. The area was once home to sleepy fishing villages but is now an art haven. The Naoshima New Museum of Art, located in a residential suburb, is a striking minimalist structure that opened in 2025, showcasing art from Japan and Asia. But you won’t just find art siloed into museums – contemporary works live in abandoned schools, are scattered along walking trails, and fill repurposed bathhouses. Art surprises you, showing up in unexpected places. With luxury hotels and tours taking root in the area, this year is the best time to visit, before the crowds arrive.
The last Asian selection is Udaipur, India, a beautiful lake city that has long drawn travellers looking for opulent experiences within its legendary luxury hotels. You’ll find that even more hoteliers have entered the fray, giving you even more reasons to visit if you love beautiful architecture and the glamorous life. Visit The House of Things to sample India’s homegrown design brands, curated by locals Astha and Manan Khetan, or attend the Oberoi Concourse d’Elegance’s second edition to see some of the most beautiful vintage automobiles the world and region have to offer.
The best places to visit in 2026, according to CN Traveller:
- Arusha, Tanzania
- East Coast, Barbados
- Brussels, Belgium
- Chiriquí Province, Panama
- Deer Valley, Utah
- Fès, Morocco
- Gabon
- Upper Carniola (Gorenjska), Slovenia
- Guadalajara, Mexico
- Hong Kong
- Margaret River, Australia
- Medellín, Colombia
- Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Naoshima, Japan
- Northern Chilean Patagonia
- Northern Namibia
- Oulu, Finland
- The Peloponnese, Greece
- Potosí, Bolivia
- Prince Edward County, Canada
- Route 66, USA
- Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
- Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, France
- Udaipur, India
- Uluru, Australia
- Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Check out the full list of 2026’s best holiday destinations and their highlights here.
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