The Most Beautiful Destinations for 2026 According to National Geographic – and How to Prepare for Them
Every year, as a new travel season approaches, National Geographic publishes its Best of the World list: 25 destinations chosen by its editors, photographers, and explorers as the most inspiring places to visit in the coming year.
The selection celebrates places that stand out for their nature, culture, innovation, or commitment to sustainable tourism — destinations where something is changing, where energy and renewal can be felt.
The 2026 edition highlights a mix of remarkable regions: mountain ranges full of new life, cities rewriting their history, and natural parks where recovery and adventure go hand in hand.
These are places that spark curiosity and invite you to explore. And because every journey becomes more meaningful when it’s well prepared, we’re sharing some ideas to help you experience these destinations — not as a tourist, but as a traveler who looks, listens, and learns along the way.
Europe and the Americas
The Dolomites, Italy – alpine grandeur before the Winter Games
With the Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics approaching, the Dolomites are back in the spotlight. Yet this mountain range remains, above all, a paradise for those seeking peace and nature: sharp peaks, mirror lakes, and valleys where you can hike for hours without meeting anyone.
Preparation: bring a hiking guide with hut-to-hut routes and a topographic map such as the Alta Via 1 to plan safely and avoid surprises on the trail.
suggestions: Dolomites Day Walks Cicerone | Dolomite High Route - Alta Via 1 National Geographic 4007
Basque Country, Spain – between coastlines, mountains, and gastronomy
In 2026, a total solar eclipse will cross northern Spain, and the Basque Country is one of the best places to see it, according to National Geographic.
But even without that event, the region is irresistible: rugged cliffs, lively fishing towns, and a culinary scene worth traveling for.
Preparation: pair a regional guide to the Basque Country and Navarre with a coastal or Pyrenees map to plan walks and food stops along the Camino del Norte.
suggestions: Basque Country & Navarre 3 France-Spain Bradt
Northumberland, United Kingdom – wild coastlines and ancient castles
Far from London’s rush, Northumberland reveals empty beaches, medieval castles, and echoes of Hadrian’s Wall. A place to truly slow down.
Preparation: the Northumberland Coast Path guide details each stage, with scenic highlights and historical landmarks along the North Sea.
Suggesties: St Oswald's Way and Northumberland Coast Path walking Cicerone
Alentejo, Portugal – slow travel among vineyards and windmills
Where the Algarve buzzes with tourism, the Alentejo offers stillness: cork oaks, whitewashed villages, and long shadows at sunset.
Preparation: a road map or cycling guide will help you navigate small villages, wineries, and quiet coastal trails.
Suggesties: Alentejo (wf) 57T Portugals Südosten - zw. Tejo&Algarve Rother
The Loire Valley, France – castles and winding cycle paths
The Loire Valley combines elegance and sustainability. Cyclists follow the river from castle to castle while new initiatives protect its landscapes.
Preparation: La Loire à Vélo cycling guides are ideal for pairing sightseeing with riverbank picnics.
suggestions: Loire à vélo fabuleuse évasion Ouest-France
Bohinj, Slovenia – the serene alternative to Bled
For those avoiding the crowds of Lake Bled, Bohinj offers a wilder, quieter Slovenia — crystal-clear water, green slopes, and lingering silence.
Preparation: hiking maps of Triglav National Park and day-walk guides will help you choose the perfect route.
suggestions: Julische Alpen / NP Triglav KOMPASS 064
Copenhagen, Denmark – the city cycling toward the future
The Danish capital keeps leading the way in sustainability, with green rooftops, new urban parks, and endless bike paths.
Preparation: a city plan or cycling guide helps you explore easily from neighborhood to harbor.
suggestions: Kopenhagen Marco Polo
San Luis Obispo, California – slow living on the Pacific
Halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles lies a coastal town that captures the essence of California: sunshine, surf, and a life without hurry.
Preparation: a California road map helps you plan the most scenic coastal drives between the two cities — with plenty of time to pause along the way.
suggestions: Californië ExpressMap
Patagonia, Chile & Argentina – back to the end of the world
Vast plains, glaciers, and never-ending winds: Patagonia remains pure adventure. National Geographic praises the region for its new parks and sustainable travel efforts.
Preparation: serious treks require detailed topographic maps and dedicated trekking guides.
suggestions: Patagonien und Feuerland wf 53T Rother | Patagonië / Vuurland Reise Know-How
Newfoundland, Canada – where the ocean swallows the horizon
Wild shores, warm people, and a proud, welcoming culture — Newfoundland isn’t just a place, it’s an experience.
Preparation: maps of the East Coast Trail and local story-rich guides make the island come alive.
suggestions: Newfoundland & Labrador ITMB
Savannah, United States – southern charm with character
With its leafy squares, moss-draped oaks, and thriving art scene, Savannah remains a city with soul.
Preparation: a city plan and walking guide through its historic districts bring its stories to life.
suggestions: Charleston & Savannah 3 Lonely Planet
Cartagena, Colombia – colonial colors and Caribbean rhythm
Cartagena hums with life: bright facades, street music, and sea salt in the air. National Geographic calls it a city that celebrates its history without being trapped by it.
Preparation: a Colombia travel guide with a chapter on Cartagena helps you explore Getsemaní and the surrounding islands.
suggestions: Colombia 11 Lonely Planet
Africa, Asia and Oceania
Akagera National Park, Rwanda – a reborn savanna
Once emptied of its wildlife, Akagera now teems with life again — a model of ecological restoration where the Big Five roam without mass tourism.
Preparation: a regional map of Rwanda and its neighbors helps plan routes and safaris by season.
suggestions: Tanzania Rwanda Burundi National Geographic
Marrakesh, Morocco – tradition meets modern rhythm
The red city is alive again. Ancient crafts, new artists, and the scent of mint in every alley.
Preparation: a city map and cultural guide help you navigate the medina without losing its magic.
suggestions: Marrakech / Marokko Noord ITMB
South Africa – wine, wildlife, and wide horizons
From wine valleys to Kruger’s savannas, South Africa remains one of the most diverse countries to explore.
Preparation: a road map and eco-tourism guide help plan a journey full of contrasts.
suggestions: Zuid-Afrika Michelin 748 | South Africa Eyewitness
Yamagata, Japan – silence and spirituality in the snow
Mountain temples in mist, hot springs in winter, and a peace that’s rare even in Japan.
Preparation: Japan guides focused on mountain regions help you explore the Dewa mountains, Mount Zao, and their pilgrimage routes.
suggestions: Japan 18 Lonely Planet
Seoul, South Korea – tradition in a digital metropolis
In Seoul, centuries-old temples and futuristic towers coexist effortlessly. The city moves at every speed.
Preparation: a city map and culture-rich city guide help you make sense of its endless variety — from temples to night markets.
suggestions: Seoul 10 city guide Lonely Planet | Seoul Lonely Planet
Khiva, Uzbekistan – the city that revives the Silk Road
Within its mudbrick walls, Khiva feels frozen in time, even as high-speed trains now connect it to Samarkand.
Preparation: maps of Central Asia and a cultural guide help make the desert routes and Silk Road history tangible.
suggestions: Azië Centraal ITMB
Kerala, India – where water and wellness meet
Between coconut palms and calm backwaters, Kerala captures the gentle rhythm of southern India — perfect for slow, mindful travel.
Preparation: a regional map and southern India guide help you plan boat trips and Ayurvedic retreats.
suggestions: Kerala Petit Futé | India Zuid Reise Know-How
Bhutan – the land of happiness and mountains
Bhutan remains a model for meaningful travel: small groups, vast nature, and deep respect for tradition.
Preparation: trekking and pilgrimage guides, such as the Druk Path Trek, are essential for planning mountain journeys.
suggestions: Bhutan trekking Cicerone
Papua New Guinea – culture and wilderness in one journey
One of the last places where tradition still lives: vibrant villages, ancestral ceremonies, and unspoiled nature.
Preparation: topographic maps and cultural books help you understand both routes and rituals.
suggestions: Papoea-Nieuw-Guinea & West-Papoea Reise Know-How
Queensland, Australia – along the edge of the reef
The Great Barrier Reef is slowly healing, and travelers can now explore it responsibly through sustainable initiatives.
Preparation: a road map or regional east coast guide helps plan scenic drives and eco-friendly excursions.
suggestions: Queensland Centrale Kust Hema Maps
Christchurch, New Zealand – rebuilt with vision
After the earthquakes, the city has reinvented itself — modern, green, and welcoming.
Preparation: a New Zealand guide helps you link Christchurch with nearby nature, from Banks Peninsula to the alpine routes, making the city your perfect starting point.
suggestions: Nieuw-Zeeland Capitool
Vanuatu – islands of fire and resilience
After powerful storms, the people of Vanuatu are rebuilding with respect for tradition and the environment. Volcanoes, coral reefs, and legends intertwine.
Preparation: a South Pacific or Melanesia travel guide, including Vanuatu, helps you plan inter-island journeys.
suggestions: Nouvelle Calédonie 2023-2024 Petit Futé
From Inspiration to Experience
If reading this makes you want to start planning, that’s the whole point. These places aren’t distant dreams bu invitations.
A guidebook, a map, a simple search: that’s all it takes to begin. The rest unfolds step by step, until the idea becomes a journey.
The world of 2026 is wide open. Wherever you go, let curiosity be your compass it’s still the best way to travel.