As 2025 draws to a close, Lonely Planet has unveiled its highly anticipated Best in Travel 2026 guide, spotlighting the world’s most exciting destinations and unforgettable experiences for the year ahead.
For many travellers, trip planning begins with inspiration. Yet in an era overflowing with online advice, reviews, and reels, narrowing down where to go can feel overwhelming. Lonely Planet’s annual guide simplifies the search, curating 25 destinations and 25 must-try experiences that capture the spirit of travel right now.
Released on October 21, 2025, the Best in Travel 2026 edition celebrates diversity — from hidden gems to cultural capitals — offering an inspiring roadmap for travellers planning their next adventure.
The top destinations for 2026
This year’s selection ranges from tropical islands to historic cities, from wild landscapes to urban hideaways. Among the highlights are:
Jaffna in Sri Lanka, Cádiz in Spain, Réunion and Botswana in Africa, Finland in Europe, and Jeju-Do in South Korea. The Americas are well represented too, with Maine in the US, Mexico City, Cartagena in Colombia, and Barbados in the Caribbean all making the cut.
Other standout picks include Utrecht in the Netherlands, Tipperary in Ireland, and Sardinia in Italy — destinations that combine culture, authenticity, and natural beauty.
In an interview with CNN, Nitya Chambers, Lonely Planet’s executive editor and senior vice president of content, named São Paulo’s Liberdade district — known as “Little Japan” — as one of her personal favourites for 2026, calling it a vibrant blend of Japanese heritage and Brazilian creativity.
25 experiences not to miss in 2026
Alongside destinations, Lonely Planet’s editors highlighted 25 unique travel experiences that define the year ahead. From rafting through the Grand Canyon to tracking desert elephants in Namibia or riding horses in the Andes, the list captures the thrill of discovery across every continent.
The experiences include staying in a train carriage in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, cruising the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia, dining your way through Kerala in India, and attending a Premier League football match in England.
Japan’s ryokan stays also make the list — traditional inns where guests can immerse themselves in Japanese culture, cuisine, and hospitality. “The inns allow visitors a glimpse of traditional interiors, gourmet cuisine, and hot-spring culture,” Chambers told CNN. “They are built for relaxation, harkening back to a slower, more analog time.”
From stargazing in New Zealand’s Wairarapa to dancing till dawn in Belgrade, the 2026 edition encourages travellers to embrace adventure, culture, and connection in equal measure.
