If you’re one of those perennial travellers who are always looking for new places to visit that live somewhat off the beaten track, you’re likely already familiar with Lonely Planet and its annual lists of the most unforgettable travel destinations and experiences. Those already planning getaways for next year are in luck – 2026’s list is out, and there are a few solid options just within Asia alone.
Jaffna, Sri Lanka, has been pegged as the best destination for ‘culture, cuisine, and island adventures’, and for good reason. Since the end of the Sri Lankan Civil War in 2009, the historical city, which has been under Portuguese, British, and Indian foreign rule, has been undergoing a revival as a cultural hotspot. Visit the Jaffna Fort and Jaffna Public Library to better understand its long and storied history, and make sure to get a look at the Dravidian architecture of its gorgeous Hindu temples, like the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil.
Also on the list is Jeju-do, South Korea, a spot that’s already popular with Asian tourists for its natural beauty and wealth of outdoor activities. If you love hiking, consider taking on Jeju’s gorgeous and diverse Olle trails, spanning 27 routes and 437 kilometres around the island, through small towns and beautiful coasts. Or summit Hallasan, the near 200-metre-tall volcano at its heart. If you’re more of a diver, there are gorgeous reefs and tropical fish around Seogwipo, its southern city, but be careful of strong currents.
Otherwise, you can check out Quy Nhon, Vietnam, a beautiful coastal city full of ancient temples, beaches where you can catch a tan, and an incredible food street where you can sample local delicacies; Cambodia’s Siem Reap, home of the world’s largest religious building Angkor Wat, plenty of high-octane activities like zip-lining and quad biking, alongside a healthy nightlife that includes a circus; and Phuket in Thailand, a popular tourist spot replete with beautiful white beaches, top-notch dive sites and surf spots, and trendy restaurants and pubs.
The world’s best travel destinations in 2026, according to Lonely Planet:
- Maine, USA
- Reunion, Africa
- Jaffna, Sri Lanka
- Peru, South America
- Finland, Europe
- Cádiz, Spain
- Botswana, Africa
- Tipperary, Ireland
- Quetzaltenango (Xela), Guatemala
- Cartagena, Colombia
- Liberdade, São Paulo, Brazil
- Mexico City, Mexico
- British Columbia, Canada
- Utrecht, Netherlands
- Barbados, Caribbean
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, USA
- Sardinia, Italy
- Jeju-do, South Korea
- Quy Nhon, Vietnam
- Siem Reap, Cambodia
- North Island, New Zealand/Aotearoa
- Phuket, Thailand
- Ikara-Flinders Ranges and Outback, South Australia
- Tunisia, Africa
- Solomon Islands, Oceania
Check out the full list and Lonely Planet’s travel recommendations here.
Have you heard? This Asian country recently ranked as the best place in the world for solo travellers
Plus: These are officially the 10 happiest cities in Asia in 2025, according to locals
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Asia newsletter for the best travel inspiration straight to your inbox.