Inspirations ยท Destinations ยท 2026
Top 10 destinations for 2026 tested by our team: Eastern Indonesia, Albania, Georgia, Sri Lanka, Senegal, Puglia, South New Zealand, Peru, Oman, Madeira.
Every year, our editorial team takes on the challenge: selecting the 10 destinations that will define the year. Not a society best-of, not Instagram trend chasing. Our selection rests on three criteria: the quality of the on-site experience, the real value for money observed in 2025-2026, and the moment's singularity (climate transition, cultural event, new opening).
We've discarded destinations that have become impossible to enjoy (off-season Venice, some saturated SE Asia beaches) and those whose 2026 promise is overrated. Conversely, we've spotlighted underrated destinations we've personally tested between January and May 2026.
The ranking is editorial. No destination paid to be featured here.
Southeast Asia ยท Tier 1
South coast dry season perfect January to March, blue whales at Mirissa, iconic Kandy-Ella train. The region's unbeatable value: quality guesthouses from โฌ25, deserted beaches outside tourist hubs, fairly mature infrastructure.
Southern Europe ยท Tier 1
Italian shoulder season (May-June, September-October) remains sublime: 24ยฐC temperatures, 22ยฐC sea, crowds halved. Alberobello trulli, Brindisi masseria, Baroque Lecce. Puglia has replaced Tuscany in our hearts since 2024.
Caucasus ยท Off-beat
Turkey's secret neighbour is rising fast. Cosmopolitan Tbilisi, Kakheti vineyards (world's oldest), snowy Caucasus in May-June. Visa-free 1 year, English well-spoken by youth, unbeatable prices (โฌ10 meal, โฌ30 guesthouse night).
Latin America ยท Tier 1
December-April dry season perfect for the Pacific coast. Manuel Antonio and Corcovado national parks for wildlife (sloths, monkeys, toucans), Tamarindo for surf, Arenal for the volcano. Established eco-coast destination.
Africa ยท Safari
Wildebeest migration (June-October Serengeti side, November-March Ngorongoro side). Zanzibar accessible as an add-on.
Asia ยท Off-beat
Silk Road: Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva. Visa-free 30 days, very low prices, legendary hospitality.
Europe ยท Off-beat
Mediterranean at Balkan prices. Sublime Ionian coast (Ksamil, Himara), Albanian Alps for trekking.
Asia ยท Premium
Major reopening since 2024, tourist fee lowered to $100/day. Cliff monasteries, Snowman trek, intact culture.
Latin America ยท Tier 2
Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa. Dry season May-October.
Middle East ยท Short-haul
Arabia without the Emirati folklore. Wadi Bani Khalid, Wahiba desert, authentic Muscat.
| Destination | For whom | Season | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | First Asia trip | Jan-Mar | From โฌ1,400 |
| Puglia | Slow-travel couples | May-Jun / Sep-Oct | From โฌ1,200/wk |
| Georgia | Budget adventurers | May-Jun / Sep-Oct | From โฌ900 |
| Costa Rica | Nature families | Dec-Apr | From โฌ2,000 |
| Tanzania | Dream safari | Jun-Oct | From โฌ2,600 |
| Uzbekistan | Atypical cultural | May-Jun / Sep-Oct | From โฌ1,200 |
Marie L. โ
ยทSoutheast Asia specialist
Southeast Asia specialist.