Best places and experiences to travel in 2026, according to Lonely Planet

If you haven’t booked your 2026 vacation yet, now’s the time — the “must-visit” lists for next year are already out.

Lonely Planet recently released its book Best in Travel 2026, highlighting 25 top destinations and 25 unique experiences to try in the year ahead. The guide also comes with curated itineraries via the new Lonely Planet Journeys service for planning your trips.

CNN Travel spoke with Nitya Chambers, Lonely Planet’s executive editor and senior vice president of content, about the choices and why they made the list.

Top Destinations

One of Chambers’ favorites is Liberdade in São Paulo, Brazil — also known as “Little Japan.”

“Brazil has the largest Japanese community outside Japan, with around two million people of Japanese descent,” Chambers explains. “Liberdade is full of surprises — anime-inspired street art, a Japanese garden. It’s rumored to have the best ramen outside Tokyo, though that’s always debated.”

Another urban pick is Mexico City, praised for its history, culture, art, and food. Neighborhoods like Coyoacán, La Roma, and La Condesa, adorned with bougainvillea, were singled out as must-see.

In the U.S., Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota and the state of Maine made the list.

“Maine has a unique coastal culture and incredible hiking opportunities. Its four national parks are stunning,” says Chambers.

Europe’s hidden gem is Tipperary, Ireland, the country’s largest inland county, noted for its scenic drives. In Asia, Phuket continues to draw honeymooners but is increasingly popular among digital nomads, thanks to its beaches, jungles, and laid-back coastal lifestyle.

Other destinations for 2026 include Botswana, Peru, Jeju-do (South Korea), Ikara-Flinders Ranges and Outback (Australia), Cádiz (Spain), Sardinia (Italy), Tunisia, Barbados, Solomon Islands, Réunion, Quetzaltenango (Guatemala), Jaffna (Sri Lanka), Utrecht (Netherlands), Cartagena (Colombia), Finland, Quy Nhơn (Vietnam), British Columbia (Canada), and Siem Reap (Cambodia).

Experiences and Activities

The Best in Travel experiences list features 25 activities, including food tours in Old Dubai and Kerala, India.

“Kerala’s cuisine is unique, rooted in fresh local ingredients and centuries of spice trade,” Chambers says.

Melbourne, Australia, is highlighted for its vibrant culinary scene — a mix of Asian, African, and Mediterranean influences. Wine enthusiasts are encouraged to visit Willamette Wine Country in Oregon, with its beautiful vineyards and few crowds.

Festivals and nightlife include Spicemas in Grenada — drawing over 20,000 visitors in August — and Belgrade, Serbia, praised for its “raw, electric, and unapologetically wild” nightlife.

Unique Stays

• Japanese ryokan: Traditional inns with tatami interiors, hot springs, and gourmet cuisine.
• Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge (South Africa): Sleep in luxury train carriages inside Kruger National Park while spotting wildlife.
• Volcano House, Hawaii: A stay overlooking volcanic landscapes.

Adventure and Active Travel

• Colorado River rafting, Grand Canyon, USA
• Stargazing, Wairarapa, New Zealand
• Hiking and wild camping, Tajikistan
• Bathing Trail, Victoria, Australia
• Mekong River cruise, Vietnam and Cambodia
• Biking tour, Batanes Islands, Philippines

Wildlife and Nature

• Azores, Portugal: Whale and dolphin watching
• Etosha National Park, Namibia: Tracking desert elephants
• Andes, Ecuador: Horseback riding
• Also: jaguar spotting in Iberá, Argentina; citizen-science activities in the Amazon, Peru

Sports and Culture

• England: Premier League matches, offering a unique window into local culture
• Bolivia: Cholitas wrestling — traditional female wrestlers in long skirts and bowler hats
• France: Visit Eileen Gray’s house
• England: Explore street art in Bristol

This list offers a mix of culture, adventure, wildlife, and culinary experiences, giving travelers inspiration to plan a truly memorable 2026.