Looking beyond the usual hotspots? Our 2026 list highlights places where your visit supports communities, protects nature, and preserves culture.
Abu Dhabi, UAE – A cultural blockbuster year with new museums and theme parks.
Algeria – Ancient Roman ruins and vast deserts, now more accessible.
Colchagua Valley, Chile – Scenic wine country, gaucho culture, and stargazing road trips.
Cook Islands – Welcoming Polynesian hospitality on uncrowded islands.
Costa Rica – A biodiversity leader aiming for carbon neutrality.
Hebrides, Scotland – Whisky, ancient sites, and community warmth on wild islands.
Ishikawa, Japan – Supporting recovery through traditional crafts and sake.
Komodo Islands, Indonesia – Protecting dragons and coral reefs.
Loreto, Mexico – A 30-year conservation success for whales and sea lions.
Montenegro – Coastal beauty and historic towns beyond Croatia’s crowds.
Oregon Coast, USA – Public, dramatic coastline with new hiking trails.
Oulu, Finland – An Arctic Capital of Culture buzzing with creativity.
Philadelphia, USA – Epicenter of the U.S. 250th-anniversary celebrations.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia – A revitalized capital and ethical wildlife tours nearby.
Guimarães, Portugal – A medieval birthplace city and Europe’s 2026 Green Capital.
Samburu, Kenya – Rare wildlife, new astro-tourism, and community conservation.
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – Festive host of the 2026 Central American & Caribbean Games.
Slocan Valley, Canada – A new historical trail honours Japanese Canadian internment.
Uluru, Australia – Marking 40 years of Indigenous ownership with deeper cultural experiences.
Uruguay – Progressive, sustainable travel with rich wildlife and culture.
The destinations selected represent more than just beautiful landscapes or cultural sites—they signal a shift toward mindful travel. Each place on this list demonstrates a tangible commitment to balancing tourism with environmental stewardship, social equity, and cultural authenticity. By choosing to explore with intention, travelers in 2026 can become part of a larger movement that values preservation over exploitation and connection over consumption. Whether through supporting local guides in Ishikawa, respecting sacred lands in Uluru, or celebrating sustainable innovation in Oulu, your journey can leave a meaningful footprint long after you return home.
By James Kisoo
