Asian destinations have been getting some major buzz over the past year or so, with the continent recognised on the world stage for its prosperous cities, adorable villages and creative hubs. Based on the recent pulse check from the travel experts at Travel + Leisure, Asia’s tourism appeal is showing no signs of slowing down – with four key Asian destinations ranking on their recently released guide to the best places to travel in 2026.
Pulled from a list vetted by T+L editors, global correspondents and A-List travel experts, this year’s picks spotlight destinations that are becoming easier to reach, richer in culture, and more irresistible than ever. And four Asian hotspots – Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Okinawa and Madhya Pradesh in India – ranked among the top experiences in their respective categories.
First up, Malaysia – which ranked as the second best destination to visit for food and drink-related travel. According to Travel + Leisure, Malaysia’s breakfast has just been recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity – and honestly, anyone who has sat down to nasi lemak, roti canai and a frothy teh tarik at sunrise will understand why. T+L credits Malaysia’s morning ritual as “a distinctive element of culture and identity that connects diverse ethnic groups,” and the country’s dining scene is only getting bigger, bolder and sky-high.
Next up, the island paradise of Sri Lanka, which ranked as the seventh best destination for adventurous travel. Sri Lanka’s been a rising star for years, but according to Travel + Leisure, 2026 is the year the island becomes a “stand-alone destination” for thrill-seekers. Rumit Mehta – a T+L A-List travel advisor – suggests starting in the north, in Jaffna, before heading into the tea-covered highlands for hikes across Horton Plains and the estates above Nuwara Eliya.
Japan has been getting a whole lot of travel buzz lately, with one key Japanese destination getting the nod from the experts at T+L. Long regarded as “Japan’s Hawaii,”, the good people at Travel + Leisure predict that 2026 will be the splashiest year yet for Okinawa, which ranked as the sixth best destination in the world for beach vibes. The islands – one of the world’s famed Blue Zones – are beloved for turquoise waters, scuba-ready reefs and that warm, subtropical hush, and with new hotel openings and attractions in the works, Okinawa is turning up the heat for beachgoers in 2026.
If spotting a Bengal tiger in the wild is on your bucket list – and it should be – then Travel + Leisure insists Madhya Pradesh is the place to be, with the central Indian state ranking as the fifth best place in the world for nature lovers in 2026. With tiger numbers booming, a strong line-up of new openings in the works and new domestic flight routes, Madhya Pradesh is fast becoming the subcontinent’s premier wildlife destination.
These are the key Asian destinations ranked on Travel + Leisure’s guide to where to travel in 2026
Malaysia – Ranked #2 for Best Destinations for Food and Drink by Travel + Leisure
Sri Lanka – Ranked #7 for Best Destinations for Adventurous Travel by Travel + Leisure
Okinawa – Ranked #6 for Best Destinations for Beach Vibes by Travel + Leisure
Madhya Pradesh — India’s Wild, Tiger-Striped Heartland – Ranked #5 for Best Destinations for Nature Lovers by Travel + Leisure
You can read Travel + Leisure’s full guide to the best places to visit in 2026 over here.