Whether you have plans or not, a new travel destination plan for the new year is invaluable. However, in addition to the well-known classics and destinations in Europe, there are also more travelers actively looking for new and less predictable destinations that are ideal for holidays.

In 2026, travel is shifting. Visitors are looking for authentic, tourist-free locations. Locations that provide culture, nature and place – minus the crowds that tend to follow what you see on TikTok. Ponder slowness, silence, the abundance of nature and cities that invite exploration.

The focus of this guide is that. Here are 10 emerging holiday destinations to add to your radar for 2026, from far-off wetlands to jungles teeming with wildlife — to quieter, lesser-known European towns. All of which I can vouch for as being wholeheartedly epic.

Serengeti, Tanzania

We heard about the Great Migration in the millions of wildebeest crossing the treacherous Mara River between Kenya and Tanzania, we were wanting to visit the Serengeti for a long time.

The Serengeti is a favourite safari destination and has become more accessible in recent years, due to better transport and accommodation facilities. There’s a huge level of enthusiasm building which is why it’s the perfect time to go before the numbers of visitors escalate even more.

Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has been slowly gaining in popularity, but it remains very quiet in comparison to other historic countries.

Visiting this location isn’t a vacation and it’s more about architecture, craftsmanship and layers of history. The country should spend at least a week exploring well, but Bukhara is a great destination to visit as a one-day trip. Beware of the hidden markets, the good local food, and the abundant courtyards and plazas with elaborate blue tiles.

If you’re up for the challenge, go for a traditional hammam spa. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself spending time perusing silk rugs, ceramics, hand-stitched coats and so on – you may need additional luggage for your trip home.

The Pantanal, Brazil

We spend a lot of time on our travels travelling around nature, and if you didn’t see the Pantanal in southern Brazil, it would have been unthinkable even if it wasn’t easy to get there.

The biggest tropical wetland in the world is not easily accessible — but so what? It doesn’t have as many visitors as other wildlife areas, but it offers exceptional rewards. The Pantanal is also home to jaguar as well as caimans, tapirs, capybaras, anacondas and hundreds of bird species.

We were fortunate to see a family of giant river otters, several jaguars swimming in the waterways and much more. The expense of visiting this area is high, but after some research I found Jaguar Eco Reserve, and actually found it to be a lovely place to stay with hugely friendly staff, meals cooked at home and daily trips to see the wildlife.

Lindos, Greece

Greece is always a pleasure to visit, but there are quieter areas as well. Lindos is a slower, more relaxed base and more atmospheric than Rhodes Town or Mykonos.

This whitewashed village brings together sheltered bays for snorkelling, cobbled streets with shops and tavernas and an ancient acropolis that stands majestically above the town. The Heart Shaped Lagoon, St Paul’s Bay which is situated outside of town, is one of the best places to spend an afternoon swimming or snorkeling.

Looe, Cornwall

Cornwall is always one of our go-to choices for coastal breaks but when we were looking for a wedding venue, we happened upon Looe which has since become one of our favorites.

Within walking distance of this small harbour town there are sandy dog-friendly beaches, rocky coves, clifftop walks and an independent and compact centre where you can find some eateries and shops. There are freshly baked pasties to savour, cozy pubs and a few smarter restaurants to be found, and it’s easy to stay for a couple of days.

If you’re not tempted to try the old train journey to Liskeard on the Looe Valley Line, or to take in a red wine and curry at the Ye Olde Salutation Inn.

Cusco, Peru

While the enormity of the site and its majesty capture the imagination, Cusco is well worth exploring as a destination in its own right, and is sadly underreported. This once-capital city of the Incas has a wealth of Andean history, colorful squares and a great food scene.

There’s so much to do in the city that you don’t need to travel to the countryside, from boutique artisan shops to brunch cafés, there’s local shops aplenty and an abundance of alpaca knitwear stores. Consider the nearby ruins, pottery workshops, cooking classes, and you have yourself a place to happily “while away the time” – not just pass through to the Sacred Valley – Cusco.

Zell am See, Austria

It is a guaranteed outdoor enthusiast’s choice if that’s your type of thing. Whether you’re skiing or visiting in the summer, this lakeside town is sure to be appealing all year round.

When it was not ski season, we were hiking, swimming in the lake, pedaling on pedal boats, gondola riding and relaxing in an alpine spa with a view of the mountains. You can also bike, enjoy watersports or winter activities such as snowshoeing, and it is suitable for groups and families. It’s surprisingly simple to get to and only a short flight to Salzburg.

Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck remains a city that is as much an art center as it is a setting for dramatic mountain landscapes in Austria. Its Italian roots are reflected in the pastel streets with cafés and shops, and its Austrian beer halls anchor it to reality. St. James Cathedral, the Golden Roof and the Imperial Palace are just some of the highlights, to be complemented by the alpine zoo and panoramic mountain views reached via the Nordkette cable cars.

Exmoor, England

If you’re not one of the many people who is already a big fan of England’s countryside, then you might not think of Exmoor but you should. Although wild ponies are the park’s most famous feature, there is much more to see.

Take a day trip to Wild Pear Beach, see the gardens at Dunster Castle, or paddle through the streams at Watersmeet before tea. Take time to explore the historic sites of Lynton and Lynmouth, joined by a cliff railway, or enjoy impromptu picnics on the cliffs above the sea following a drive along the Heritage Coast.

Yosemite, USA

Yosemite National Park is one of the world’s most rewarding nature destinations, for anyone who is attracted to the waterfalls, granite cliffs and long hiking days. Whether it’s a path filled with mist or a vantage point that captures dramatic vistas, or a serene forest stroll, it’s a real place you’ll remember long after leaving.

Everest Base Camp, Nepal

Nepal is home to the Everest base camp. Hiking is a weekend activity for some. If you’re ready for a bit of a challenge then a hike through the mountains is the perfect idea to get a bit of exercise and travel into your year, and there’s no better ride than Everest.

Over a distance of more than 5000 meters, the trip will pass via the Khumbu glacier, Khumbu icefalls, and Sagarmatha National Park above sea level in 14 days. Plus, you’ll be able to boast about your accomplishment forever when you arrive at the end viewpoint. A slightly less popular trek, but still awesome, is the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Grasse, France

Although the south of France is always a favorite, there are other tiny, lesser-known towns to explore. Among these is Grasse, the traditional center of French perfume production. Don’t be surprised by narrow cobbled streets, the smell of fresh pastry wafting from bakeries and washing hanging out of closed windows – or by the high quality perfumes that fill the air from local perfumeries. Effortless French ambiance and no crowds on the coast here.

Tibet, China

Tibet is now shaping up as a hidden gem for the travelers who aren’t interested in a typical tourist bucket list tour. On the highest plateau in the world, it has enormous open spaces, ancient monasteries and a culture steeped in spiritualism and tradition – a place I am very eager to visit. There are a number of Tibet tour routes that make travelling to the region somewhat easier than it used to be, but in essence the region is about a slower pace and meaningful encounters.

From hiking through isolated valleys and mountain passes to seeing Lhasa and the Potala Palace, the trip is an experience in and of itself. The top travel trends that will propel new vacation destinations in 2026. The top destinations in 2026 aren’t always brand-new locations; rather, they’re locations that are being rediscovered in novel ways.

Popular Travel Destinations for 2026

2026 is shaping up to be a year of exciting destinations, and these trends are what’s making them so popular.

The top places to visit in 2026 are not necessarily new but places that are being discovered in a new way. In this section the following travel trends for 2026 are presented:

Less expensive fares guaranteed by the company

A short city break is still in vogue, but more travelers are opting for fewer destinations but staying longer. This way of thinking is ideally suited to towns such as Lindos, Looe and Grasse that are pedestrian friendly, full of character and laid-back.

Nature-first travel

Wildlife and landscapes and fresh air is what people want – not to the extent of expedition level. There are areas such as the Pantanal and the Amazon Rainforest that provide a valid nature experience that is accessible, comfortable and rewarding.

Crowd-avoidance without compromise

There is increasing demand for alternatives to hotspots. This is evident in Cusco beyond Machu Picchu, Bukhara past its more touristy counterparts on the Silk Road and Innsbruck for other larger Alpine centres.

Meaningful luxury

In 2026, luxury is more of a place, space and atmosphere than it is an excess. Comfort comes from the fact that it’s located in the Serengeti, in tented lodges in the Pantanal, or in the alpine spa towns of Austria.

Closer-to-home rediscovery

Locations in the UK and Europe are experiencing a resurgence in interest, as travel becomes more expensive and sustainability is on the agenda. While Cornwall and Exmoor may not be unknown, lesser-known corners and smaller towns are in focus. Whether you’re thinking about where to travel next year but need a break from the same, but still want to travel comfortably, stunningly and with great experience, this is a list of some of the best places to travel in 2026 before everyone else gets the idea. Keep this list for future reference, and watch these destinations as they are still climbing the ladder stealthily.