Time Out editors on where you should travel in 2026

Best for: Cutting-edge wellness

In the works for over two decades, the stunning new thermal wellness destination BASIN Glacial Waters finally opened in 2025 on the shores of Lake Louise. If the Canadian Rockies have been on your hit list for a while, this chic new spa is reason enough to pull the trigger on a trip. Designed by Matteo Thun, the space looks out on the surrounding mountains and vivid blue waters – a view that’s as calming as any treatment on offer. The focus here is on thermal bathing. Think cold plunges, hot stones and a Finnish sauna offering traditional Scandinavian Aufguss rituals (which involves, essentially, sitting in 180-degree heat while a shirtless towel dancer throws snowballs and burns incense. It's trippy.) Best of all, after your spa time is over, you can take an icy cold plunge in one of Canada’s most iconic lakes. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget, made even more memorable by travelling via the new Passage to the Peaks route on ‘world’s best train’ the Rocky Mountaineer. 

📍 The best things to do in Canada

Best for: Performative readers

The spotlight has been far less hogged by Marrakech over the last couple of years with brilliant Moroccan hubs like Agadir, Casablanca and Essaouira all enjoying more attention from international visitors. However, 2026 is going to be Rabat’s year, and it’s all thanks to something of a renaissance for the city’s cultural offering. The Théâtre Royal de Rabat, a stunning and futuristic new 1,800-seat theatre and 7,000-capacity amphitheatre designed by the late Zaha Hadid is slated to open. And in April, on World Book Day, Rabat will become Unesco’s World Book Capital. To mark the occasion, there’ll be an opening ceremony, workshops and masterclasses, and even a public reading marathon – don’t forget your book.

📍 Discover the best cities to visit in Morocco (that aren’t Marrakech)

Best for: Beautiful beaches and boat trips

There’s been a buzz around Brazil’s Maraú Peninsula in recent years, and now the attention is turning toward the charming village of Algodões. It’s easy to see why this nearly untouched stretch of southern Bahia has captured so much attention. Expect postcard-worthy beaches, rivers that spill into the sea, and laid-back beach bars where coconut water and caipirinhas are enjoyed with toes in the sand, including favourites like Obaê and Calango. The hospitality scene has also blossomed, with beautiful places to stay: Vila Oya stands out as the top choice, offering effortless charm, tasteful design and standout local cuisine showcasing the freshest seafood. A highlight of any visit is a boat trip through Camamu Bay, stopping at the Tremenbé waterfall and a string of stunning beaches along the way.

Best for: A culture-packed break in a city constantly reinventing itself

Germany’s second city is already a world-class destination for culture – take the wave-like Elbphilharmonie concert hall, a now iconic part of the city’s skyline, or the Hamburger Kunsthalle, one of Germany’s biggest art museums. In 2026, it’s adding more strings to its bow with the brand-new UBS Digital Art Museum from the team behind Tokyo’s famous teamLabs, which will become the largest dedication to digital art in Europe. Future projects include a state-of-the-art opera house in HafenCity, complete with multi-layered rooftop gardens that serve up panoramic views over the River Elbe. Throw in reinvented wartime bunkers and leafy lakeside stays, and you’ll see why Hamburg is a no-brainer for your European city break this year. Berlin, who?

📍 Explore the best things to do in Hamburg

Best for: Bucket-list climbs and surreal stargazing

Hiking holidays are having their moment, and this World Heritage-listed alpine region – home to New Zealand's highest mountains and largest glaciers – is full of day walks and overnight treks to get your blood pumping. This autumn, the country’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge is set to open in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Stretching 189 metres along the Hooker Valley Track, the bridge will let hikers tackle the full ten-kilometre trail once again, while taking in views of NZ’s highest mountain. Base yourself at Mount Cook Village for at least a night, then drive one hour to Lake Tekapo – the largest Dark Sky Reserve in the Southern Hemisphere.

📍 Discover the best places to visit in New Zealand

Best for: Epicurean travellers chasing wine, food and adventure

Mendoza isn’t just any old wine region – it’s one of the world’s most important wine capitals. Anchored by legendary areas like Uco Valley, Luján de Cuyo and Maipú, which produce some of the planet’s most respected Malbecs (and other varieties), the region has long been a draw for vinitourism. But wine is only the beginning. The food scene here ranges from casual bites perfect for a midday break to standout restaurants with global recognition, often paired with local pours. Lodgings include affordable stays to architecturally striking vineyard hotels framed by the Andes. And beyond tastings, you’ll find horseback rides, hiking, rafting, and full-on outdoor thrills across the province.

Best for: Classic English countryside charm, minus the hordes

In 2025, the stupendously picturesque Cotswolds spot Bibury was named the most beautiful village in the world – but the accolade came at a complicated time, with the tiny place seriously struggling with overtourism. A more sustainable alternative? Cirencester, an equally gorgeous Gloucestershire town that can actually handle the crowds. Ideally located for exploring the area’s less busy (but no less beautiful) spots, the Cotswolds’ biggest settlement has countless charms of its own. An elegant collision of architectural styles, bags of Roman history at the Corinium Museum and the Amphitheatre, fabulous shopping options at the markets, a solid roster of pubs and restaurants; in the Cotswolds, Cirencester is the place to be.

📍 Discover the best things to do in the Cotswolds

Best for: The right balance between adventure and indulgent downtime

Central Vietnam is officially stepping out of the shadows of the big cities to become a heavy-hitter in 2026. It’s never been easier to get there thanks to a wave of new international flights landing at Da Nang International Airport, and the city’s skyline is getting a serious upgrade with the debut of Nobu Hotel Danang – think 43 stories of beachfront luxury alongside Nobu’s signature Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine. Just up the coast, the ancient capital of Hue is having a total royal renaissance, with some incredible cultural restorations of the imperial city underway. And if you’re all burnt out from daily life, then the upcoming wellness-heavy Grand Royal Riverside Hue is the balm. From the sandy dunes of Mui Ne to the laid-back coastal charm of Da Nang, the whole region offers the perfect balance of adventure and luxury.

Best for: Slow-burn Himalayan adventures beyond the well-trodden trails

Nepal will always be heaven on Earth for hikers and backpackers, with its spectacular peaks and charming teahouses. For 2026, the vibe is shifting towards alternative, soul-stirring experiences, whether it's on quieter trails like the Mardi Himal and Pikey Peak or ‘star-bathing’ at the Himalayan Hideaway Resort. Eco-lodges and wellness sanctuaries are mushrooming: there’s the legendary Dwarika’s Sanctuary, which has just launched a transformative, minimum-stay holistic residency that’s setting the gold standard for digital detoxes. Even the sacred city of Lumbini is getting a sleek new Crowne Plaza, making it easier than ever to explore Buddha’s birthplace in total comfort. For some city buzz, check into the new Moxy Kathmandu for a dose of heritage chic – it’s the perfect base to explore creative hubs like Bagaichā, a Japanese restaurant and art gallery in Patan.

Best for: Exploring the next big set-jetting destination (before everyone else does) 

Not content with just saving cinema, Christopher Nolan's IMAX blockbuster The Odyssey will be doing wonders for Mediterranean tourism this year too. His version of Homer’s great epic has Matt Damon's Odyssey landing on the shores of Favignana, a tiny island 18 kilometres off of the west coast of Sicily, reputed to be the 'goat island' where Homer's hero stopped for provisions ahead of his encounter with the Cyclops. The eye-rubbingly beautiful beaches and cyan seas are just as cinematic IRL, while the hinterland is full of rustic charm. Our tip? Get there before the set-jetting crowds descend.

📍 Discover the best places to visit in Sicily

Best for: An alternative Nordic city break

Gothenburg is Stockholm’s younger cousin, but she’s getting more and more interesting as a destination. This city has all the food, culture and Scandi vibes as the Swedish capital, but with more of a small town vibe. Hang out in a free art gallery in the city centre (like the weird but wonderful Gothenburg Museum of Art), or head out to Gamlestan for a magnificent cluster of craft beer taprooms. This year is looking bigger than ever here, with the brand-new Paradox Museum and new street food market Vassen set to launch in the spring. But perhaps the most exciting thing coming out of Gothenburg at the moment is Way Out West festival, which has got Lorde, The Cure and the Gorillaz already on the bill for 2026.

📍 Discover our favourite Nordic city breaks

Best for: Soaking up the cultural and gastronomic soul of Mexico

If any state truly captures the spirit of Mexico, it’s Oaxaca. Its rich tapestry of cultural diversity and indigenous heritage is complemented by world-renowned traditional cooking; you’ll find everything from staples like mole, mezcal, and tlayudas in the local markets to sophisticated haute cuisine in its many celebrated eateries. The Jalatlaco and Xochimilco neighbourhoods in Oaxaca city are made for leisurely strolls, where you'll find hidden gems, charming galleries, and cafés tucked away on every corner. A half-hour drive from the city centre is the Monte Albán pyramids, a monumental Mixtec and Zapotec legacy and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Now, all that being said, we’re aware that Oaxaca is no hidden gem. But while many travellers flock here in November for Día de Muertos, we’d recommend experiencing the summer Guelaguetza celebration instead. This cultural festival, more popularly known as the Lunes del Cerro, is unique to the state of Oaxaca. Plan your visit for the final two Mondays in July to see Oaxaca come alive with traditional dance and dress. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Oaxaca

Best for: Unbelievably blue water and dreamy poolside stays

No cars, no chaos, no worries – that’s just life on Rottnest Island. Known to the Traditional Noongar Owners as Wadjemup, and affectionately as ‘Rotto’ by locals, this mindblowingly beautiful slice of paradise has long been a favourite for day trippers, just a scenic 30-minute ferry ride from Fremantle or 90 minutes from Perth. Now, visitors have even more reason to stay awhile with the island’s newest luxury stay, The Lodge Wadjemup, unveiling its dreamy poolside rooms in mid-2025. Just in time for Aussie summer, the island has also added pickleball courts, Aboriginal cultural experiences, and a new accessible boardwalk at South Thomson for scenic strolls. But let’s be real – Rotto’s secluded bays and friendly quokkas make it worth the visit any time of year.

📍 The ultimate travel guide to Rottnest Island

Best for: Warm water, warm weather, and warm people

Many travellers to South Africa will opt for Cape Town or the Kruger National Park, but I’m here to steer you towards Durban, with the warm, welcoming waters of the Indian Ocean soon to have a Club Med as its newest attraction. Opening in July 2026 and dubbed 'Beach and Safari', the world-famous resort will offer guests the chance to experience the ocean, safari ('bushveld' to locals), and the rich cultural history of the Zulu Kingdom. If you're more of a DIY traveller, Durban and its surrounds offer majestic mountain hikes in the Drakensberg, Big 5 and wetlands adventures, arty escapes along the Midlands Meander, some of the best waves to catch for surfers and plenty of golden beaches. It’s also home to a smorgasbord of the most delicious food in the country, in large part thanks to the Indian influence which Durbs is home to.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Durban

Best for: History buffs and off-grid adventurers 

This British Overseas Territory blends history with raw, nature-based fun and adventure in equal measure. Napoleonic sites are woven through the island’s landscapes, homes and museums, as the French emperor spent his final years on the island between 1815 and 1821. Jacob’s Ladder, a significant 699-step landmark running up the side of Jamestown, is quite the drawcard, as are the island's many hiking trails suited to all fitness levels. Dive a wreck just off the island's rugged shores or spot humpback and whale sharks between April and December in its warm equatorial waters. Airlink seasonal flights from Cape Town, South Africa, make this somewhat elusive island surprisingly accessible to plan an epic, multi-destination travel itinerary worth your time and money in 2026. 

Best for: Kitesurfing, dune adventures and deep relaxation

Still largely under the radar, Barra dos Remédios on Brazil’s Ceará coastline is emerging as a destination for travellers seeking something preserved, authentic and charming. This seaside retreat captivates with peaceful beaches, rolling dunes and mangroves, set to a slower rhythm where life follows the tides. The area is also a top spot for kitesurfing, thanks to steady winds, open waters and wide sandy stretches. Local hospitality shines at Casa Daia, the leading place to stay: warm and intimate, with elegant design that blends into the landscape. Its cuisine showcases fresh ingredients and regional flavors, balancing adventure, comfort and a light, easygoing spirit.

Best for: A surprising Canadian beach break with design-forward stays

Not to be confused with Prince Edward Island, this once under-the-radar destination midway between Montreal and Toronto has evolved far beyond its ‘cottage country’ roots. Famed for its white-sand beaches and surprisingly turquoise waters, Prince Edward County is now home to a wave of standout restaurants, design-forward stays like Wander the Resort (alongside cult faves like The Drake Devonshire) and buzzy cultural spaces like Base31. Best part? Zero try-hard energy. And we haven’t even talked about the 40-plus local wineries pouring stellar sips – most of which are small-batch and never make it out of the province. Cheers to that.

📍 How to spend a weekend in Prince Edward County

Best for: A secluded piece of paradise

When I told people I was travelling to Norfolk Island, they responded in one of three ways: blank stares, jokes about retirees or a nod to its colonial past. After four days exploring this often-overlooked external Australian territory in the South Pacific, I’m ready to advocate why it deserves a spot on every traveller’s radar in 2026. Just a 2.5-hour flight from mainland Australia, Norfolk feels like a world away, with historic charm, uncrowded beaches and unspoilt natural beauty. Whatever pace you’re after, the island delivers: you can stroll through World Heritage-listed convict ruins, hike in peaceful pine forests, uncover the island’s fascinating Pitcairn past, or swim at pristine beaches – including Emily Bay Lagoon, crowned Australia’s third-best beach in 2025.

📍 Discover the best things to do on Norfolk Island

Best for: An electrifying cultural experience in an ever-vibrant city

Hong Kong remains an absolutely buzzing city in 2026, ready to welcome art lovers from around the world. Whether it’s street photography spots or world-class art galleries, the city is bursting with creativity. The West Kowloon Cultural District is the definitive place to be, kicking off the year with the Hong Kong MusicalCon 2026 with nearly 100 international artists. It perfectly complements heavyweight attractions like the Hong Kong Palace Museum, currently featuring the largest-ever ancient Egyptian exhibition with priceless artefacts loaned from Egypt, along with Art Basel in Hong Kong, Asia's premier art platform. Beyond these events, new openings are revitalising neighbourhoods with chic lifestyle venues. This urban escape seamlessly blends nightlife, nature, and high fashion, all connected by its exceptional transit system.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Hong Kong