The most unforgettable places to go next year, from Wild Patagonia to Luxury Croatian Sailing

Although we haven't yet finished our 2025 travels, we are ready to start filling up our and your 2026 travel calendar with unreal destinations.

We are visiting Buenos Aires and sailing from Ushuaia to Antarctica late February to early March, then we are volunteering with Habitat for Humanity Global Village in Kenya in May, and attending TBEX Asia in August (keep reading below to find out where). 

So whether you’re dreaming of sailing on turquoise seas, wandering through ancient alleyways, or hiking in remote corners of the world, this list has got you covered. These are the ten places I’m most excited about for next year, and they all pack that perfect mix of beauty, adventure, culture, and a little bit of magic.

1. Wild Adventure in Patagonia (Chile & Argentina) 

Patagonia is where nature reigns supreme. Towering mountains, mirror-like lakes, ice fields, and winds that nearly carry you away — this remote slice of South America feels like the edge of the world in the best way.

We are going to get a taste of Argentinian Patagonia when we visit Ushuaia, nicknamed the “End of the World,”  since it is tucked at the southern tip of South America, where the Andes meet the Beagle Channel. It feels more like the start of an adventure. 

Backed by snow‑capped peaks and filled with colorful, lively streets, this gateway to Patagonia offers endless thrills. We can't wait to wander Parque Yatana to connect with Argentina’s indigenous heritage before heading out to glaciers, forests, and windswept trails that define the region’s wild heart.

Why 2026: With growing eco-tourism routes and fewer crowds, this is the year to go.

Don’t miss: Torres del Paine, Perito Moreno Glacier, and a classic Patagonian barbecue in a mountain lodge.

Pro tip: Don’t overpack, but do bring windproof everything. Patagonia’s famous for four seasons in a day. Be sure to check out Southern Explorations for a Patagonia trip all its own. We hope to sneak in some travel with them while we are there, too. They specialize in South American travel and have been creating itineraries for years.

2. Sail the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia in Luxury 

Luxury cruises along the Dalmatian Coast are hands down one of the most beautiful ways to explore the Adriatic. Picture a week on a boutique ship with ensuite cabins, sundeck views, and daily dips into cobalt-blue water.

Why 2026: Croatia continues to rise in popularity, and sailing is still one of the most relaxing (and elegant) ways to see it.

Highlights from a cruise: 

• Strolling Split’s Diocletian’s Palace

• Wine tasting on UNESCO-listed Hvar

• Visiting medieval towns like Trogir & Šibenik

• Swimming in hidden coves before lunch on deck

One of our all-time best packing wins was bringing only a carry-on for a Mediterranean sailing trip. No baggage stress, just swimsuits, breezy dresses, and my Kindle. Trust us, pack light, you’ll be glad.

3. Hidden Gem Europe: Georgia (the country, not the state we grew up in)

Tucked between the Black Sea and the Caucasus Mountains, Georgia is a cultural playground with epic mountain landscapes and wine country older than history books. Our guest on this podcast episode suggested that we visit, and it's been on our bucket list since.  We also binged the Travel Squad Podcast's episode about Kim's recent visit to Georgia. 

Why 2026: It’s still under the radar as it is still affordable, stunning, and incredibly welcoming.

Highlights: Tbilisi’s bohemian streets, sulfur baths, hiking in Kazbegi, and sipping homemade wine in Sighnaghi.

Tip: Use Tbilisi as a base, and book a local guide early to get insider tips on where to go.

4. City Meets Mountains: Almaty, Kazakhstan 

If you've ever dreamt of sipping coffee in a modern city while snow-capped peaks tower just beyond? That’s Almaty. We are planning to visit in August 2026 for TBEX Asia 2026, and can't wait to explore this part of the world we haven't been to yet. 

Why now: Central Asia is opening up to travelers, and Kazakhstan is ready for its close-up.

Must-do: 

• Hike Big Almaty Lake

• Ride the gondola up to Shymbulak Ski Resort

• Stroll the leafy avenues and bazaars in town

Packing tip: You’ll want layers and comfy shoes — you’ll be city-walking one day and mountain-trekking the next.

5. Road Tripping the Scottish Highlands

We have gushed about this on the podcast, and one of the most unique travel experiences we have ever had, but truly, there’s no road trip like a Highland one. Craggy cliffs, lochs that shimmer, castles on every other hill… it’s that good.

Why visit in 2026: The NC500 route is still wild enough to feel like an adventure, especially if you dodge peak season.

Personal pick: Find a cozy B&B near Glencoe, hike a bit, then warm up with whisky and live music in a pub.

Tip: Map your route but leave time for unplanned detours, like spending an afternoon watching the boats go through the lochs, exploring Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness, since Scotland rewards the curious.

6. Beach Trip Meets History in Bodrum, Türkiye

When we were in an Uber in Berlin this year, our driver (via Google Translate) gushed about his home, Bodrum, where sun-soaked Mediterranean style meets ancient ruins and luxury resorts. He said that we absolutely must have it on our bucket list.  I immediatley marked it on my Google Maps Want to Go List of Places.

Why go in 2026: It’s less hectic than Istanbul or Cappadocia but full of charm, seaside views, and amazing food.

Top places to visit: 

• Bodrum Castle

• Yachting along the coast

• Sunset dinners by the marina

  Travel tip: Visit in May or September — warm days, fewer crowds, and better hotel deals.

7. Vietnam from North to South

Vietnam is the ultimate slow-travel destination, and our friends Moh and Erica rave about it. You could spend weeks here and still feel like there’s more to see, plus it is an affordable destination for Americans and Canadians.

Why now: Infrastructure keeps improving, but you can still find uncrowded gems, especially in 2026.

Top experiences: 

• Sailing Ha Long Bay (take a peak and Colin and Meg's experience)

• Eating your way through Hanoi street markets

• Lantern-lit nights in Hoi An

• Exploring the Mekong Delta

  Pro tip: Pack light but leave room for shopping, and pack an extra bag in your luggage.  Vietnam has some of the best markets in Southeast Asia.

8. Experience the Rugged Beauty of Almería, Spain

Southern Spain is packed with so many gems that we want to explore more of them.  We had the chance to visit a handful on our Mediterranean Cruise in 2019.  Almería is east of Málaga and Sevilla, on our list, and still a secret to many. 

Why go: 

• It’s a beach-meets-desert dream

• The old town is gorgeous and authentic

• You can explore Cabo de Gata’s wild coastline or the cinematic Tabernas Desert

  Tip: Use Almería as a base for road trips — the scenery is wildly different from the typical Spain experience.

9. Off-the-Grid Morocco: Aït Bouguemez Valley or Chefchaouen

You've probably heard that Morocco has been on our bucket list for years.  We've been close to it (our phones even said welcome to Morocco when we were on our Mediterranean Cruise in 2019, and we almost went from Portugal in early 2020, but decided we needed to plan a little further ahead). Skip the crowds in Marrakech and head into the Atlas Mountains. Aït Bouguemez (the “Happy Valley”) is peaceful, stunning, and full of Berber hospitality.

Why 2026: Travelers are branching out from the usual Moroccan cities, and you should too.

Highlights: 

• Remote hikes

• Staying in traditional guesthouses

• Local meals made with love

  Optional add-on: Head to Oualidia for beach time and lagoon views.

10. Japan, but off the beaten path

Japan is having a moment, and it feels like everyone is visiting.  Due to current currency valuations and the rise in social content, it's making its way onto everyone's list.  We talked to Stephanie here about how to plan a trip to Japan and the must-see sights. 

But instead of the usual Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto itinerary, here are a few lesser‑known Japanese spots you may want to consider:

• Iya Valley (Shikoku) is tucked away, with vine bridges, steep mountains, and tranquil villages.   

• Nakasendo Trail (Kiso Valley, Honshu) is an old mountain route between towns like Magome and Tsumago, offering a dose of rural Japan.   

• Gotō Islands (off Kyushu) are more remote, coastal, with fewer crowds and plenty of authentic nature & culture.   

• Kanazawa (Ishikawa Prefecture) is quieter than many big Japanese cities, yet rich with history, gardens, and traditional vibes.   

• Kurashiki & Onomichi (Chūgoku region) with charming old towns, canals, and less traffic from international flights.   

Avoiding peak season can also make for a less crowded and less expensive visit. For mild, comfortable weather (not hot/humid, but also not cold) and fewer crowds, the best windows in Japan are:

• Late April through May: Spring is in full bloom, temperatures are moderate, and it’s after the first wave of cherry‑blossom tourists.   

• Late September through Early November: Autumn colours begin, the weather is crisp but not harsh, and the summer heat/humidity has passed. 

Regardless of where your 2026 Travel takes you, here are our top tips for every trip! 

1. Pack light. We promise you won’t regret it, and you can always pick up anything you might need or want.

2. Mark the places in Google Maps before you go. Offline maps + saved spots = no stress wandering.

3. Book local tours early. They’ll give you insider tips and help shape the rest of your trip.

4. Balance significant sights with slow moments.  It's the in-between coffee stops or beach walks that stay with you.

Where will 2026 take you? Email us at [email protected] and let us know!