Still searching for the perfect vacation to book for 2026? Tropical getaways are seemingly on everyone’s radar, especially in the midst of a particularly harsh winter for much of the U.S. A sunny, tropical location sounds like a dream to us, but if you’ve already taken a Caribbean cruise or gone snorkeling in Mexico, you may want to consider the islands that have been named the top trending destination in 2026 in TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Destinations. 

The “Hawaii of Europe”

Hawaii has long been a favorite getaway spot for Americans, but across the Atlantic, there’s an archipelago that has a similarly dramatic volcanic landscape, plus sunny weather and spectacular beaches. The Macronesian archipelago of Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal, comprises four islands in the North Atlantic, off the northwestern coast of Africa, about 250 miles north of the Canary Islands. 

Similar to the Aloha State, these islands have volcanic origins that reveal Earth’s dynamic geological processes. Roughly 5 million years ago, volcanic eruptions expelled rocks, ash, and lava from deep beneath the Atlantic Ocean, leading to the formation of the four islands: Madeira, Porto Santo, Selvagens, and Desertas. But like Hawaii, the islands of Madeira aren’t made of just black lava rock; instead, peaks are carpeted in lush greenery and endemic flora such as exotic orchids and proteas.    

The island of Madeira also boasts the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva forest, the largest surviving laurel forest in the world. Covering around 58 square miles, it’s a 15 million- to 40 million-year-old relic of the larger ancient subtropical rainforest that once covered much of Southern Europe. The forest is home to a unique network of more than 200 irrigation channels or aqueducts called levadas that were built in the 16th century and today serve as nature trails. The paths traverse tunnels, lush forests, and waterfalls, earning Madeira its other famous moniker, “Island of Eternal Spring.” Popular scenic levada routes include Levada do Rei (PR18) and Levada do Caldeirão Verde (PR9).

You could easily spend multiple days taking in the gorgeous natural beauty of the islands by hiking the levadas, wandering the landscaped lawns at Madeira Botanical Garden, sunbathing on the golden sand at Calheta Beach or Machico Bay, or taking a dip in the Natural Pools of Porto Moniz (which were formed by volcanic rocks). 

Historical Traditions

If you’re looking to experience art, food, and culture, Madeira has plenty of that, too. The birthplace of famous footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, Madeira is a melting pot of European, African, and South American cultural influences due to its history of trade and colonization. During the 15th century, the island of Madeira was cleared for agriculture in order to become a major European producer of sugar cane and wheat, but later it became more popular for its vineyards, which cultivated grapes to make the famous Madeira wine. (Blandy’s Wine Lodge is an excellent spot to try it.) 

In addition to fortified wine, Madeira is famous for poncha, a cocktail featuring honey, sugarcane spirit, and citrus, typically mixed with a traditional wooden stick called a caralhinho. There are also colorful festivals such as Carnival, the Flower Festival, and the Atlantic Festival. Bordado Madeira (Madeira embroidery) — a world-renowned craft passed down through generations — is another cultural highlight. 

In Madeira, visitors can experience these traditions firsthand, as well as wander the colorful capital of Funchal, which is named after the Portuguese word for the sweet-smelling fennel herb. Be sure to take the cable car to Monte to visit the historic, 18th-century church; see the large collection of African sculptures and koi ponds at Monte Palace Tropical Garden; and take a ride in the famous Monte Sledges, a 19th-century tradition in which passengers ride downhill in wicker toboggans maneuvered by two carreiros (drivers) wearing traditional white uniforms and straw hats.

Other Top Trending Destinations in 2026

With so much unique history, natural beauty, and culture, Madeira is destined to be an adventurous holiday to remember, which is why it’s gaining so much popularity among travelers. But why stop there? Check out the full top 10 list of the trending destinations making waves in 2026, according to Travelers’ Choice reviews on TripAdvisor:

• 1. Madeira, Portugal
• 2. Tbilisi, Georgia
• 3. Chicago, Illinois
• 4. Quy Nhon, Vietnam
• 5. Puerto Escondido, Mexico
• 6. Milan, Italy
• 7. Glasgow, Scotland
• 8. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
• 9. Recife, Brazil
• 10. San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina

Featured image credit: © Rulan/stock.adobe.com

There are certain destinations so captivating that they’re worthy of a repeat visit — or two, or three, or 10. Perhaps it’s a relaxing lakeside cabin that you go to with family each year, or maybe it’s a bustling city that provides endless opportunities to try new flavors, experience new sights and sounds, and embark upon new adventures. Everyone has a different answer about the places they keep going back to, so we asked the members of our editorial team for a few of the locations that hold special significance to them. Check out the travel destinations that our editors can’t get enough of.

Livingston, Montana

Several years ago, a close college friend of mine moved to Livingston, a quaint city in southwestern Montana, north of Yellowstone National Park. Before then, I’d never heard of the place, but over the last three years, I’ve found myself visiting Livingston and the surrounding area on multiple occasions. Now, I’m always looking for an opportunity to return to this idyllic Rocky Mountain locale. Despite its small size, Livingston boasts a thriving art scene, eateries that rival those back in my home of New York City, and awe-inspiring natural attractions as far as the eye can see.

One of my favorite things to do is to take a stroll along the powerful Yellowstone River, which runs adjacent to town. I’ve also seen shows at the Blue Slipper Theatre, a small community-run performing arts space that adds to Livingston’s reputation as a destination for creative types. For breakfast, I recommend the “Trû Jam Sammy” at Tru North Cafe — an English muffin topped with egg, maple sausage, cheddar, and house-made blueberry compote. As for dinner, nothing beats linguine and meatballs at the Italian eatery Campione, which made The New York Times’ list of the best U.S. restaurants in 2023. 

Lastly, you can’t visit Livingston without driving an hour south for a day trip to the gushing geysers and plentiful wildlife of Yellowstone National Park, which is among the most incredible natural wonders I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing.

–Bennett Kleinman, Staff Writer

Kraków, Poland

I may be biased (my maiden name is Pudloski, after all), but Poland really does have it all. I’ve traveled there on three occasions — twice to Kraków and once to Warsaw. It’s extremely affordable compared to other European destinations, the food is comforting and delicious (give me a plate of pierogi and a bottle of Żywiec and I’m in heaven), and the museums and heritage sites are among the most profound I’ve ever visited. 

While Kraków is a marvel in its own right (the historic city center was among the first places to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site), I recommend taking a few day trips out of the city to the Bochnia Salt Mine, the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, and the mountain resort town of Zakopane — which, even as a reluctant hiker, I thoroughly enjoyed. In Warsaw, the standouts were the Warsaw Rising Museum, the Praga neighborhood (home to one of my all-time favorite dive bars, W Oparach Absurdu), and the sprawling Łazienki Park. Next on my Polish travel bucket list is the Baltic city of Gdańsk. 

–Kelsey Morrison, House Outlook Editor

Portland, Oregon

I visit Portland, Oregon, at least once a year — three times last year! — because my brother and a few other close friends live there. Though it’s the people that bring me out to PDX, I also love the city, especially in summer when it stops raining. (July in Portland is near-perfection in my opinion.) 

Must-dos include trying the food cart pods (the food in general gets an A-plus, and that’s coming from a New Yorker), catching a view of Mount Hood backdropping the city on a clear day, soaking in the pool at the Kennedy School (or any number of soaking spots), and visiting the Columbia River Gorge, whether it’s a swim at Rooster Rock State Park or venturing all the way out to White Salmon and Hood River. I’m a climber, so I make sure to get that in on my Portland trips, too. Of course, this list barely scratches the surface of this unique city, which often goes underappreciated compared to its neighbors on the West Coast — though I’m sure the locals are happy to keep it that way.

–Meg Neal, History Facts Editor and Deputy Managing Editor

Holmes County, Ohio, and Waxhaw, North Carolina

I’m a big fan of weekend getaways in the country, and my two favorite spots I’ve found so far are Holmes County, Ohio, and Waxhaw, North Carolina. The rolling hills and wide-open spaces of the latter make it a great place to slow down, but it also has a unique claim to fame: It’s home to the highest concentration of Amish people in the world. The locally made food is a highlight, too. For those who love fine dining as much as I do, check out Tarragon at the Inn at Honey Run and 63 Corks in nearby Strasburg. 

Waxhaw, meanwhile, feels akin to Stars Hollow, the fictional town from Gilmore Girls. I love finding bookstores anywhere I go, and Kimbrough Booksellers is a small but mighty shop tucked away in Mule Barn Mercantile, which is a great stop for those who love shopping and antiques. As for restaurants, I recommend Virtuoso Breadworks, Maxwell’s Tavern (some of the best burgers I’ve ever had), Gréco Fresh Grille, and Mary O’Neill’s Irish Pub. Also be sure to hit up A Cause for Tea in the neighboring town of Monroe for the coziest tea house you’ll ever find. My personal favorites are the cherry almond and Corsican pear flavors.

–Brooke Robinson, Interesting Facts Editor

Nashville, Tennessee

There’s something about a midsize Southern city that I haven’t been able to find anywhere else. I keep an eye on my favorite musicians’ tour schedules because I’m always up for a long weekend in Nashville. The capital of country music pairs Southern hospitality with the sophistication of a metropolitan city, though it has acquired a reputation as a mecca for bachelorette parties (yes, I did have mine there). Personally, I keep returning to Nashville for the attractions outside of the honky-tonk scene. 

I’ve attended multiple shows at the Grand Ole Opry, taken a tour of the Ryman Auditorium (which has hosted countless musicians), traveled for the opening of the Dolly Parton Broadway musical, eaten at James Beard-nominated restaurants, and shopped at local boutiques. With a few extra days, I’ve paired it with a drive down the picturesque Blue Ridge Parkway to spend some time in an Appalachian Mountains cabin.

–Jennifer Freeman, Word Smarts Editor

Kauai, Hawaii

Choosing one favorite repeat destination might seem like an impossible task for a travel editor. But the truth is, with limited vacation days and an endless appetite for wanderlust, I don’t find myself returning to many places, when there are so many others on my bucket list to explore. Sure, I can’t resist hopping on a flight for a long weekend in Paris or New York City — two of my favorite cities on Earth — but growing up in Southern California, Hawaii was one of our family’s favorite getaway spots. I’ve visited the Aloha State many times, but as an adult I find myself returning to one island in particular: Kauai. 

The Garden Isle gets its nickname from its frequent rain showers that result in its famously verdant landscapes, but don’t let the threat of rain deter you. Showers are often quick to pass and tend to be isolated to a few locations. The North Shore is typically wetter than the South Shore, but it’s also home to two of the island’s must-visits: Hanalei (the state’s best small town) and its gorgeous crescent-shaped bay and the rugged Napali Coast. If the latter looks like something out of a movie, that’s no coincidence — it has starred in flicks including Pirates of the Caribbean and Jurassic Park. 

On Kauai’s southwest side, you’ll find Waimea Canyon, and with a nickname like the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” it’s clear why it demands a visit. If you’re staying on the North Shore, be sure to break up the drive with a stop for fresh poke (Fish Express is a no-frills local favorite near Lihue Airport) or a classic Hawaiian shaved ice at JoJo’s. 

–Peter Vanden Bos, Daily Passport Editor

When arriving from an international flight, travelers are required to pass through customs to verify their identity and declare any items they’re carrying with them. This ensures any necessary duties are paid and the items are permitted in your country of arrival. But what happens if you forget about one or two of those items — or don’t realize you were supposed to declare them in the first place? Should you automatically assume you’re in trouble with the local authorities, or is there a bit of leniency when it comes to these sincere slipups? Here’s what happens when travelers forget to declare potentially problematic items at customs.

What To Declare

Before discussing the potential penalties for failing to declare something at customs, it’s helpful to know which items you should and shouldn’t declare. While each country has its own specific set of guidelines to be aware of when visiting, let’s examine the United States as an example.

The official rules require travelers entering the U.S. to declare all food, agricultural items, alcohol in excess of 1 liter, tobacco in excess of 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars, currency above $10,000 USD, and medications up to a 90-day supply. You should also declare any items purchased abroad, especially those of great value or made of sensitive materials such as ivory. If you’re unsure about whether you need to declare something, U.S. Customs and Border Protection advises, “If in doubt, declare it” — there’s no harm in being overly cautious.

If you forgot to declare something and are pulled aside for further inspection, the first thing you should do is inform the agent of your error. While this admission won’t get you off scot-free, it’s better to declare something late than to have the agent discover the item themselves, and it might suggest to the agent that you’re being sincere about your mistake.

Potential Forfeiture

In the U.S., customs agents have the legal authority to confiscate items if you forget to declare them, even if they are legally permitted in the country. Upon seizing the goods, the customs officer will pass the case along to a supervisor for approval, who will then refer the case to the Fines, Penalties, and Forfeiture (FP&F) Division. The FP&F Division will ultimately send a Notice of Seizure letter to the violator. 

If you have further questions or concerns about any seized property, it’s recommended that you reach out to the FP&F office at your port of entry. If you feel the property was wrongfully seized or have another justifiable reason for its return, you’re entitled to file a petition within 30 days or by the deadline listed on the Notice of Seizure. While there’s no guarantee of its success, it’s your best chance for getting seized goods back.

Fines and Penalties

In addition to potential forfeiture of an undeclared item, forgetful travelers are also subject to hefty fines and penalties. For example, a failure to declare agricultural items results in a $300 fine for first-time offenders and a $500 fine for repeat offenders. Failing to declare currency in excess of $10,000 can result in fines of up to $500,000, depending on the exact amount of cash you’re traveling with.

Other penalties may include the loss of a traveler’s duty-free exemption, which can range from as low as $200 to as high as $1,600, depending on the specific circumstances of your trip. Having this allowance rescinded means you’ll have to pay duty (taxes) on objects purchased abroad, even if they were originally bought in a duty-free shop. All told, a failure to declare may have a substantial impact on your wallet.

Future Travel Issues

If you forget to declare any required goods, customs agents are likely to record those infractions in their records, which can lead to travel headaches down the line. The next time you visit the airport, customs agents will see you’ve committed a past violation and may pull you aside for time-consuming secondary screenings.

Additionally, a failure to declare goods may lead to the revocation of trusted traveler programs such as TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. In the event that your membership in these programs is revoked, you’re entitled to make an appeal, though there’s no guarantee that doing so will work.

Criminal Charges

The most severe penalty for forgetting to declare items at customs is suffering criminal charges or even jail time. While these steps are often reserved for overt cases of smuggling or nefarious wrongdoing, it’s always up to the agent to decide whether or not to pursue charges or an arrest, especially if they conclude the omission was intentional. Potential jail time is determined on a case-by-case basis, but technically, travelers who, for example, bring more than $10,000 in cash are subject to up to 10 years in prison.

The Best-Case Scenario

At the end of the day, forgetting to declare something at customs rarely results in being let go scot-free, though you can likely expect more leniency if you’re cooperative and forthcoming. At the minimum, prepare for any undeclared objects to be seized. Should additional fines or penalties be levied on top of that, do what’s required of you in the moment and file relevant appeals afterward if you feel it was truly an honest mistake. 

It’s up to travelers to know the rules about airport customs, and forgetfulness or being uninformed is no excuse for breaking them, even by accident. If there’s a question about whether you should declare an item, it’s best to err on the side of caution to get by without issue.