Each year, Lonely Planet inspires travelers around the world with its Best in Travel list – and the 2026 edition is a globe-spanning showcase of where to go next. The annual guide highlights 25 destinations and 25 experiences, celebrating the world’s most inspiring corners – from unspoiled islands to lively cities and ancient trails. Released in October, this year’s list reflects how travel continues to evolve: slower, more meaningful, and focused on connection.
Standout Destinations Around the World
Among the urban highlights is Mexico City, praised for its creative energy, walkable neighborhoods, and exceptional food scene. From Coyoacán’s colorful markets to La Roma’s galleries and leafy bougainvillea-lined streets, the city blends history, art, and modernity with ease.
Another favorite is Liberdade, the Japanese district in São Paulo, Brazil, often called “Little Japan.” With lantern-lit streets, anime murals, and authentic ramen bars, it captures a cultural mix unique to Brazil’s two million residents of Japanese descent.
In Europe, Tipperary, Ireland’s largest inland county, earns recognition for its sweeping green landscapes and medieval charm. Many travelers rush past on their way to the Wild Atlantic Way, but Lonely Planet notes that Tipperary’s peaceful backroads and landmarks like the Rock of Cashel make it one of the country’s most underrated routes. Meanwhile, Sardinia in Italy makes the list for its balance of pristine beaches, rugged mountains, and centuries-old traditions that remain deeply tied to local life.
Nature lovers will find adventure in Botswana, where safaris through the Okavango Delta reveal elephants, lions, and vast open skies. Peru, another top pick, invites travelers to explore beyond Machu Picchu, with lesser-known regions like the Amazon basin and the Andean valleys now drawing attention for their biodiversity and indigenous heritage.
In Asia, Phuket, Thailand, is redefining itself beyond its honeymoon image. Once known mostly for its resorts, it has become a hub for digital nomads and long-term travelers seeking community and balance between work and leisure. Jeju-do in South Korea also earns a spot for its volcanic landscapes, traditional villages, and slow-island pace that contrasts perfectly with nearby Seoul’s speed.
Other destinations on the 2026 list include Cádiz, Spain; Tunisia; Barbados; Réunion; Utrecht, Netherlands; Cartagena, Colombia; Quy Nhon, Vietnam; British Columbia, Canada; Finland; Siem Reap, Cambodia; and Jaffna, Sri Lanka – together forming a global map of adventure, culture, and discovery.
Experiences Worth Traveling For
In addition to its destination picks, Best in Travel 2026 names experiences that define the coming year in travel. Culinary adventures lead the way: food tours through Old Dubai and Kerala, India, celebrate local ingredients, spice histories, and generational recipes. Melbourne, Australia, continues to impress with its multicultural dining scene blending Asian, African, and Mediterranean influences, while Oregon’s Willamette Valley is a wine lover’s paradise, offering intimate tastings far from crowds.
For those chasing excitement, Grenada’s Spicemas Festival in August is named one of 2026’s can’t-miss events, drawing thousands to the Caribbean for a burst of color, rhythm, and celebration. Adventure seekers, meanwhile, can go rafting through the Grand Canyon, stargazing in New Zealand’s Wairarapa, or hiking remote trails in Tajikistan.
Wildlife travelers have their share of wonders too – from tracking elephants in Namibia to spotting whales off Portugal’s Azores and exploring Peru’s Amazon as citizen scientists.
Across continents and categories, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026 reminds travelers that the world remains full of beauty – not just in the landmarks, but in the stories, flavors, and encounters found along the way. Whether it’s the serenity of Finland, the rhythm of Cartagena, or the warmth of Tipperary’s countryside, 2026 promises journeys that connect travelers to the planet and to themselves.
