The 10 Best Places To Visit in 2026, According to Our Editors

Some of the most memorable trips we take are to destinations we didn’t know we needed to visit until we got there. The likes of Paris, Tokyo, and New York are on everyone’s bucket list for a reason, but there’s something particularly special about arriving in a lesser-known place and instantly feeling at home. With that in mind, our editors set out to determine 10 places that are making a splash in 2026, from America’s newly designated “Creative City of Music” to the stunning Italian island whose residents have cracked the code for a longer, happier life. Check out Daily Passport’s top 10 destinations to visit in 2026.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

If you’ve never been to the City of Brotherly Love, there’s no time like the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence to visit. Known for its rowdy sports fans, cheesesteaks, and vital role in the birth of the nation, Philly is gritty in all the best ways. History buffs have plenty of fascinating exhibits to delve into at Independence National Historical Park, home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where both the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were signed, while art lovers can visit the renowned Philadelphia Museum of Art, home to the famous Rocky steps.

Philly will also host next summer’s MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park, timed to coincide with America’s birthday celebrations in July. It will be the first All-Star Game since this year’s incredibly dramatic World Series — the most-watched Fall Classic in 34 years.

Adelaide, Australia

Adelaide seems happy to let Sydney and Melbourne get more attention as it quietly builds a reputation as one of the most intriguing cities to visit Down Under. South Australia’s capital is home to the country’s biggest arts festival, which takes place from late February to early March and is really four festivals in one — Adelaide Fringe, Writers’ Week, Womadelaide, and the Adelaide Festival. There’s also a world-renowned zoo that’s the only place in the Southern Hemisphere with giant pandas, and architecture buffs have a lot to love, too — Adelaide was named one of the most beautiful cities in the world by Architectural Digest in 2024.

When you’re done exploring the city, globally renowned wine regions like Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and the Adelaide Hills are all an easy day trip. Better yet, United Airlines is making it easier to visit by launching the first-ever nonstop route from the U.S. to Adelaide this month on its Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Bratislava, Slovakia

Only one world capital borders two sovereign countries: Bratislava, which is nestled alongside Hungary to the south and Austria to the west. Vienna’s own capital, Austria, is just 45 minutes away by train, but after spending some time in Bratislava, you may want to cancel your multicity plans. The city’s Old Town is a destination unto itself, highlighted by Bratislava Castle, which was built in the 12th century and retains a certain majesty to this day, and the UFO Observation Tower (yes, it’s really called that), offering stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding area.

If you have a few extra days to spare, catch the hour-long train to Trenčín, another charming historic city that was one of two cities named a European Capital of Culture for 2026.

Hong Kong

With 75 Michelin-starred restaurants — only Tokyo, Paris, Kyoto, and London have more — Hong Kong is a certified foodie haven, especially since so many of those fine establishments are surprisingly inexpensive. The famed noodle shop Ho Hung Kee, for instance, will set you back only about $20 USD for such delectable Cantonese fare as beef hor fun.

Hong Kong is also famous for its incredibly dense skyline — with more skyscrapers than any other city in the world — but nearly 40% of the city is protected green space. Some of the best vantage points can be found in the mountains surrounding the city, and four of Hong Kong’s Peaks — The Peak, Lantau Peak, Tai Mo Shan, and Sai Kung Hoi — will see their hiking trails upgraded in 2026. Plus, the city is easier to get to than ever before thanks to new flights out of Los Angeles and Seattle.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

You might think, given its two names, that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a large place. Quite the opposite, as the Caribbean nation is one of the smallest countries in the world, covering an area that’s only about twice the size of Washington, D.C. It has an island (Bequia) that you can walk across in under an hour and a population of just 100,000 people.

With overtourism becoming more and more of a problem across the world, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is also the rare off-the-beaten-path destination that’s actually off the beaten path (for now). Its international airport didn’t open until 2017, and many of its 32 islands are uninhabited. Delta recently added flights from Atlanta, but for an authentic experience, you might consider arriving via sailboat or ferry.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Yes, Chattanooga is as fun to visit as it is to say, and there’s no better time than 2026 to discover this underrated Southern gem. This year, it became the first place in America to receive the rare National Park City distinction that honors “special places where we have a better relationship with nature, culture and heritage and can enjoy and develop ourselves.”

That’s quite a turnaround from the late ’60s, when Chattanooga was America’s most polluted city — now, it’s a haven for lovers of the great outdoors, with a revitalized downtown riverfront and a thriving food scene to boot. As Mayor Tim Kelly puts it, Chattanooga is “a city in a park, rather than a city with some parks in it.” Some of the city’s most popular spots include Signal Mountain, Missionary Ridge, and the 16-mile Riverwalk. Six miles outside the city is Lookout Mountain (one of our favorite panoramic viewpoints in America), and underneath the mountain, hidden in a limestone cave, you’ll also find Ruby Falls — the country’s tallest underground waterfall.

Sardinia

Italy is one of the world’s most-visited countries for a reason, but it’s also increasingly crowded, particularly on the mainland. For a slightly more sedate experience, try Sardinia. The country’s second-largest island is one of the five original “Blue Zones,” a term coined for places whose inhabitants have figured out the secret to longer, healthier lives (short version: less meat, more fish and vegetables). The island’s unique way of living is something visitors can absorb alongside the amazing culture and gorgeous sights. With new direct flights from New York taking off next year courtesy of Delta, Sardinia is easier to reach than ever — even if it’s just as difficult to leave.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam

There’s a good chance you’ve never heard of Asia’s most beautiful island, but 2026 might be time to change that. Phu Quoc received that coveted designation from Condé Nast Traveler, which placed the “Pearl Island” first among all Asian islands and third overall in its global rankings. More than half of Vietnam’s largest island, located in the Gulf of Thailand near the coast of Cambodia, has been designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which means there are hundreds of square miles of unspoiled beaches, coral reefs, and unique wildlife to discover. Go soon before it’s no longer considered a hidden gem — Pho Quoc recently made Expedia’s list of the top trending destinations, so clearly the secret’s getting out.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is one of those rare places with so much to do it’s hard to even know where to start, but fortunately, it’s even harder to go wrong. In October 2025, America’s most European city was named a UNESCO Creative City of Music, one of only two U.S. cities (along with Kansas City) to be so honored. For proof, look no further than Frenchmen Street, an alternative to the touristy French Quarter, where jazz, blues, reggae, and other live music is on offer seven days a week and (almost) 24 hours a day.

The Big Easy also abounds in uniquely beautiful architecture, cemetery tours (one of which features Nic Cage’s prepurchased mausoleum), and, of course, food. Gumbo, jambalaya, beignets, and po’ boys are all must-eats when visiting, but make sure you also get a whisky grilled cheese and frozen Irish coffee at Erin Rose.

Belize

Costa Rica tends to be the go-to for Americans who want to experience Central America, but our advice for 2026 (and beyond) is: Don’t sleep on Belize. Travelers are spoiled with choice for both budget-friendly accommodations in Belize City and eco-friendly beachfront resorts like Copal Tree Lodge, which offers all-inclusive packages. For those looking to really splurge, Caye Chapel, the first private Four Seasons island in the Americas, also will be debuting next year.

Either way, the Jewel of Central America has all the makings for a great getaway: gorgeous beaches, Maya ruins, the second-largest coral reef in the world, and amazing food. (Once you try fry jacks, you’ll want to eat them every morning.) Plus, English is the country’s official language and U.S. currency is accepted just about everywhere, making a trip to Belize even easier.