Jejudo, Quy Nhon, Tipperary and other trend destinations 2026

Lonely Planet today unveiled its new «Best in Travel 2026» edition – offering 50 exciting reasons to explore the world in the coming year. What's new: For the first time, the publication presents 25 recommended experiences alongside 25 trending destinations.

From Botswana to Cambodia

The list of trending destinations ranges from Maine on the US East Coast to Réunion in the Indian Ocean to the Italian island of Sardinia, which stands for slow travel and Mediterranean authenticity. Cadiz (Spain), Tipperary (Ireland), and Utrecht (Netherlands) are also coming into focus – destinations that emphasize authenticity, culture, and quality of life.

Other highlights include Botswana, Peru and the Flinders Ranges in South Australia – regions that combine nature, adventure and ecological responsibility.

This is the complete list of top travel destinations for 2026:

• Botswana
• Peru
• Jeju-do, South Korea
• Ikara-Flinders Ranges & Outback, South Australia
• Cadiz, Spain
• Liberdade, Sao Paulo, Brazil
• Sardinia, Italy
• Theodore Roosevelt National Park, USA
• Reunion
• Tunisia
• Barbados
• Solomon Islands
• Maine, USA
• Mexico City, Mexico
• Tipperary, Ireland
• Quetzaltenango (Xela), Guatemala
• Jaffna, Sri Lanka
• Phuket, Thailand
• Utrecht, Netherlands
• Cartagena, Colombia
• Finland
• Quy Nhon, Vietnam
• British Columbia, Canada
• North Island, New Zealand/Aotearoa
• Siem Reap, Cambodia

Experiences that last

The selection of travel experiences is diverse: from rafting in the Grand Canyon to a culinary tour through old Dubai to a Premier League match in England or street art in Bristol.

Nature lovers can find inspiration whale watching in the Azores, hiking through Tajikistan, or stargazing under the dark skies of New Zealand’s Wairarapa. Those drawn to culture and joie de vivre can dive into Belgrade’s vibrant nightlife or join the colorful celebrations of Spicemas Carnival in Grenada.

This is the complete list of top experiences for 2026:

• Hiking and wild camping: Tajikistan
• Cultural Food Tour: Old Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Sleeping in a train car: Kruger National Park, South Africa
• Eileen Gray's house: Southern France
• A night in a Ryokan: Japan
• Tracking desert elephants: Namibia
• Looking for jaguars in the wetland: Iberá, Argentina
• Watching the Flying Cholitas: Bolivia
• A river cruise on the Colorado River: Grand Canyon, USA
• Exploring the Great Bathing Trail: Victoria, Australia
• A river Cruise on the Mekong: Vietnam & Cambodia
• Horseback riding in the Andes: Ecuador
• On the Creole Trail Ride: Louisiana, USA
• A culinary tour: Kerala, India
• Attending a Premier League match: England
• In Willamette Wine Country: Oregon, USA
• Exciting gastronomy scene: Melbourne, Australia
• Become a Citizen Scientist: Amazon, Peru
• Partying in the Caribbean: Grenada
• Sightseeing by bike: Batanes Islands, Philippines
• Exploring the legendary nightlife: Belgrade, Serbia
• Staying at the Volcano House in Hawai'i: Volcanoes National Park, USA
• Whale Watching: Azores, Portugal
• The World of Street Art: Bristol, England
• Stargazing: Wairarapa, New Zealand/Aotearoa

This year’s edition also showcases a fresh visual identity: a larger format, modern softcover with flaps, striking photo galleries, and color-coded chapters. Best in Travel 2026 invites readers not just to browse, but to fully immerse themselves. Notably, destinations from the DACH region are absent this year — with Germany, Austria, and Switzerland missing from the list.

The best Lonely Planet destinations for 2026 can also be viewed: www.lonelyplanet.de/best-in-travel-2026.html