10 Mar Top Travel Destinations for 2026

It’s time for our annual review of next year’s hottest travel destinations! After consulting top travel advisors across the U.S., we’ve rounded up the places travelers can’t stop talking about—and why they deserve a spot on your 2026 list.

Alaska

Bald eagles soaring year-round, grizzlies fishing in summer, orcas cutting through icy waters, and northern lights dancing in the winter sky—Alaska is nature’s grand stage. Whether you explore by expedition cruise with Lindblad, hop between coastal gems, or cozy up at a wilderness lodge like Tutka Bay, this is a destination that caters to every style and budget.

Paris

After the Olympic rush of 2024 kept many away, Paris is ready for a well-deserved encore. The City of Light remains irresistible, whether you’re strolling into a café for some people-watching, wandering the Galerie Dior, or trying your hand at macaron-making. Simply put: Paris is always a good idea.

Italy

Italy will forever hold a spot on the world’s travel wish list. Once you’ve checked off Rome, Florence, Tuscany, and Venice, it’s time to branch out. Picture yourself in the Dolomites at Forestis, lounging seaside in Puglia at Canne Bianche, or soaking up island life at Botania on Ischia. With more direct flights to Sardinia, Italy keeps finding new ways to tempt us back.

South Korea

Known for innovative skincare and spa rituals, South Korea is becoming a wellness-travel hotspot. But don’t stop there. Seoul’s electric food scene, centuries-old palaces, and cultural vibrancy are reason enough to go. And with K-pop’s global rise (and even fantasy-inspired hits like Demon Hunters sparking intrigue), South Korea is firmly on the must-visit list.

Portugal

If it seems like everyone you know is either visiting or moving to Portugal, you’re not wrong. Cascais’ seaside air, Évora’s charming streets, and Lisbon’s hills (with that familiar San Francisco vibe) are captivating travelers. Add in welcoming people, unforgettable food, and exceptional value, and you’ll see why Portugal is topping bucket lists worldwide.

Africa

A safari is the dream trip that never fades. From spotting the Big (and “ugly”) Five to sipping wine in South Africa, trekking with gorillas in Rwanda, or diving off Tanzania’s coast, Africa is magic. Beyond wildlife, it’s the warmth and generosity of the people that leave a lasting mark. If you’re wanting to go a bit deeper, organizations like Give a Day Global can connect you with meaningful volunteer opportunities.

Thailand

Thanks to The White Lotus, Thailand is having a moment. Bangkok boasts bustling markets, golden temples, and some of the world’s most flavorful (and affordable) food. Ethical elephant encounters, like those offered by Care for Elephants, are a must. And when you’re ready to slow down, Koh Samui awaits with enticing beaches, rejuvenating spas, and stories as fascinating as the fellow travelers you’ll meet.

French Riviera

Think glamour, sunshine, and postcard-perfect scenes and that’s the French Riviera. From the opulence of St. Tropez to laid-back Antibes, every town offers a different vibe (and a different excuse to dress chic for that Instagram shot). If this is on your list, book early and start saving now.  

Switzerland

Whether it’s lakes and alpine meadows in the summer or snow-dusted villages in winter, Switzerland is a dreamscape. A Backroads trip can help you make the most of the mountains and countryside, getting you off the beaten path a bit more. In winter, ski straight into cozy après-ski culture.  Grindelwald in particular looks plucked from a snow globe.

Japan

Consistently popular, Japan combines rich tradition with cutting-edge cool. From neon-lit Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, every stop is a contrast worth savoring. Where else can you visit a hedgehog café, enjoy streets so safe you’ll want to wander all night, and be greeted with kindness at every turn? Japan is proof that travel can be both eye-opening and endlessly fun.

So, where will 2026 take you? Whether you’re dreaming of snowy mountains, sun-soaked coasts, or a city buzzing with culture, this year’s list is packed with adventures waiting to be had.

Looking for other ways to change the world? For international and unique one day volunteer opportunities, visit Give a Day Global’s volunteer page.