Brussels
Best for: Europe’s biggest new art museum, floral highlights, great food
Brussels is often overlooked on European itineraries, but I’m here to tell you that 2026 is your year to visit this easy-to-navigate city in Belgium. I visited this past fall, and I could have happily spent weeks here strolling the perfectly preserved Grand Place square, visiting the stunning Magritte Museum, taking selfies at the space-age Atomium and munching on the frites, waffles and chocolate that greet you around pretty much every corner.
In 2026, Brussels will welcome one of the most anticipated museums in Europe, the Kanal—Centre Pompidou, opening in November. A sister of the Centre Pompidou in Paris, which recently closed for a five-year renovation, Kanal will showcase contemporary works in a massive, multi-story converted Citroën garage and will be the largest new museum in Europe. And in August, the biennial Floral Carpet at the Grand Place turns the city’s beautiful historic square into a sea of petals.
My top recommendation for Brussels is to base yourself at the Hotel Amigo, conveniently located just a block from Grand Place. The historic building, once a 16th-century prison, is perfectly renovated with modern, uber-comfortable rooms, fantastic service and a location that can’t be beat. If that’s not enough to convince you to stay, they also have heaping platters of Belgian chocolate on the breakfast buffet.
Chicago
Best for: Obama Presidential Center, international jazz celebrations
The Obama Presidential Center is opening in the Windy City in June 2026, and it’s going to be a fascinating, truly immersive destination that will transform Chicago’s South Side. I got a hard-hat tour when I was in the city in May, and the 20-acre campus is so much more than a presidential library. It incorporates an interactive presidential museum, a community hangout space, performance and lecture venues, a garden, a basketball facility and even a sledding hill.
And in July, Chicago is hosting UNESCO’s International Jazz Day Concert as part of the country’s 250th birthday celebrations, bringing world-class musicians to a city already filled with foot-tapping jazz and blues.
Base yourself on the South Side near the ivy-covered University of Chicago and the Obama Center at the art-filled Sophy Hyde-Park Hotel. The restaurant here, the Mesler, is worth a stop, especially for the chicken and waffles at brunch. Plus, the property is right across the street from where the Obamas had their first date at Baskin-Robbins—there’s even a plaque on the sidewalk commemorating the moment.
Milan
Best for: Winter Olympics, fashion and style
Winter sports will take a fashionable turn when the 2026 Winter Olympics head to official host city Milan in February. The games will spread across the Dolomite Mountains of northeast Italy, and Milan promises to combine the thrill of competition with its signature flair for fashion, design and culture.
City highlights not to miss include the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for some of Italy’s most fashionable shopping, as well as the Duomo di Milano, one of the largest cathedrals in the world. And you can’t miss the famed La Scala opera house and the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where you can view Leonardo DaVinci’s The Last Supper. Plus, art lovers can catch special exhibits during 2026 at the Palazzo Reale, including works by Cézanne and Renoir.
I’m a big fan of the stylish European hotel group Rocco Forte, and they just opened a new hotel, The Carlton, in the center of the city—right in time for the Olympics. I’m especially excited about the property’s Cafe Floretta, a plant- and light-filled atrium, perfect for relaxing between your sprints to Olympic venues.
Fort Worth, Texas
Best for: World Cup action, Juneteenth Museum, Universal Kids Resort
Everything is bigger in Texas, and in 2026, that’s especially true for the Fort Worth area. During the summer, AT&T Stadium, about 20 minutes from the city, will host nine matches in the FIFA World Cup, more than any other location in the U.S.
On the cultural front, the National Juneteenth Museum is set to open in the Historic Southside neighborhood of Fort Worth, with an interactive celebration of freedom spearheaded by Opal Lee, the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” Plus, the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame just unveiled a major 16,000-square-foot expansion in the city too.
And families will want to keep an eye on nearby Frisco, about a 45-minute drive from Fort Worth, where the long-awaited Universal Kids Resort will open in 2026. The park will feature seven themed lands: Shrek’s Swamp, Jurassic World Adventure Camp, SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom, Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club, DreamWorks’ TrollsFest, Puss in Boots Del Mar and the Isle of Curiosity.
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Best for: Lit-inspired travel, Anne of Green Gables musical
If your idea of a perfect vacation starts with a suitcase filled with books, I have great news for you: 2026 is the year of “bookbound” destinations, according to Skyscanner. The travel booking site discovered that 57% of travelers have already booked, or would consider a trip, inspired by literature.
We love to get trip inspiration from books, especially the classics, which is why Prince Edward Island made our list. The beloved 1908 novel Anne of Green Gables, by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery, has inspired millions to visit the book’s magical island setting, and for 2026, you can plan a trip around the musical version, which will be staged throughout the summer.
While you’re here, stop at Green Gables Heritage Place for an insider’s look into the inspiration behind the books. You’ll also want to spend some time checking out the stunning views of the island’s white beaches and sand dunes, as well as take a walking tour of Charlottetown, an ideal way to meet the locals.
Spain
Best for: Solar eclipse spotting, indulging in paella
Spain is one of my favorite countries to visit, and this summer it will be even more exciting due to a full solar eclipse traversing the sunny, southern European country on Aug. 12. The eclipse will first travel across the Russian Arctic, eastern Greenland and Iceland (one of 2025’s top travel picks), but for the easiest-to-reach and most-developed tourism spots, Spain is your best option. The eclipse will cut a path across the mainland as well as Spain’s four Mediterranean islands: Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera.
Top mainland options for a Spanish-eclipse vacation include Galicia, Asturias and the bustling city of Valencia on the country’s southern coast. Valencia is the home of Spain’s famed saffron rice paella, filled with meat and fish. It’s so famous, there’s even a “World Paella Day” on Sept. 20, also fun to plan a trip around.
Casadei, a Spain specialist at Audley Travel, suggests making Asturias your home base. “Asturias has a very strong cultural identity and is unique from the rest of the country, with Celtic roots and its own language and traditions.” Plus, she adds, “It is perfect for nature lovers, thanks to its lush green landscape and beautiful beaches, plus the Picos de Europa mountain range.” Bonus: For hikers, the Camino de Santiago, a network of ancient pilgrimage routes, runs through Asturias.
San Jose, California
Best for: Sports fanatics looking for 2026 Super Bowl, World Cup and March Madness action
If you’re a sports lover, look no further than San Jose in 2026. The year starts with Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium, just a 10-minute light rail ride from downtown San Jose. In March, San Jose hosts Sweet 16 and Elite 8 games of the NCAA basketball tournament at SAP Center. But wait, there’s more! Come June and July, the FIFA World Cup will go(ooal) to Levi’s Stadium for six matches.
“The city is going to be a big party all year long and a great place to base yourself for the World Cup and other sports events,” says O’Hare, a former Olympic speed skater who represented the U.S. at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. O’Hare also told me that the city will be hosting viewing parties, live concerts and lots of special entertainment to coincide with the tournament.
New York City
Best for: USA250 Sailing, Macy’s Day Parade centennial, World Cup final
The city that never sleeps will definitely live up to its nonstop-action reputation in 2026!
From July 3 to 9, the largest international flotilla of tall ships ever assembled will arrive in New York Harbor for Sail4th 250. The tall-masted event will feature celebrations including fireworks, culinary festivals, an amplified Fleet Week and an International Aerial Review headlined by the United States Navy Blue Angels.
Later in the summer, the World Cup finals will take place in the New York area, which will bring sports fans from around the world for the biggest international sporting event of the year. And then, come fall, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a balloon- and float-filled extravaganza.
Even if you don’t splurge on a stay at the recently reopened Waldorf Astoria New York, definitely plan to have a drink or coffee in the spectacular Peacock Alley Lounge. The historic Art Deco hotel was closed for eight years while it underwent a $2 billion restoration (the most expensive in American history), and the result is stunning. Don’t miss the gorgeous “Wheel of Life” mosaic floors, created from 150,000 gleaming tiles.
Seoul, South Korea
Best for: Kids who want to rock with KPop Demon Hunters
What do you get when you let the kids plan a vacation? This year, it’s probably going to involve a trip to Seoul—aka KPop central—which is quickly morphing into the place to go for tweens and teens, especially kids who are obsessed with KPop Demon Hunters. I have to say, my family is also planning a visit, although more for the food trends, cutting-edge style, innovative skin care and exploring all the Hallyu (Korean-wave) experiences.
According to Priceline, the “kidfluence” trend for 2026 means Gen Alpha (kids born after 2010 or so) is driving where families go: 87% of parent travelers actively involve their children in planning family vacations, 60% say their children suggest travel destinations based on pop culture interests and more than half say their kids have requested international trips inspired by a movie, show, game or celebrity. (As a parent traveler, I have to say the trend is pretty spot on.)
A bonus perk of all the new attention for Seoul comes by way of new direct routes from across the U.S., including Salt Lake City (Delta) and Seattle (Alaska Airlines), which are already up and running, and NYC (United), starting in September 2026.
Philadelphia
Best for: Celebrating the country’s 250th birthday, the National Constitution Center, new art exhibitions
July 4, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, aka the nation’s semiquincentennial. While the 13 original colonies along the Eastern Seaboard all have reason to celebrate, there is no better spot to commemorate the founding of the United States than Philadelphia, where the nation was formed. To mark the momentous anniversary, Philly’s National Constitution Center will debut its newest permanent gallery, “America’s Founding,” over Presidents Day weekend. It will feature interactive exhibits exploring the American Revolution as well as the creation of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Starting in April 2026, the city is also rolling out multiple noteworthy arts initiatives for the semiquincentennial, including a Nation of Artists, a joint exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, one of the largest art museums in the country (and home of the iconic Rocky steps), and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the first art school and museum in the U.S. The dual-venue exhibition will highlight the evolution of American artists, and don’t forget to check out the “Ministry of Awe,” a living work of art with six stories of interactive space in a historic Philly building—including immersive exhibits, live performances and soundscapes for visitors to explore.
Kenya
Best for: Wildlife spotting, new safari offerings
Lions and elephants and rhinos … oh my! There’s nothing I love more than an African safari to see wild animals in their natural habitats. And Kenya excels at safaris that bring you close to all the animal action. Currently, Kenya is in the midst of an ambitious rhino protection project, including the creation of the world’s largest interconnected rhino sanctuary, in the Segera Reserve.
And in 2026, there are plenty of exciting new safari properties that make Kenya a must-visit for safari newbies and veterans alike. Marriott fans can earn and book safaris with points, including on their super-cool offering in the heart of safari country: the JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp, an exclusive 20-tent lodge opening in the first quarter of the year. Also opening next year are properties from the biggest names in safaris: A&K’s Kitirua Plains Lodge, scheduled to debut June 1, 2026, and Wilderness Mara and Wilderness Mara Villas, two adjacent luxury camps opening in Kenya’s Masai Mara in mid-2026. Micato Safaris, celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2026, also has two new itineraries through Kenya’s most iconic safari areas.
And if you’re looking to follow the “set-jetting” trend, which Expedia says is especially popular with Gen Z and millennial travelers (81% say they plan getaways based on what they’ve seen on screen), add Segera Retreat, a 50,000-acre wildlife conservancy in Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau, to your must-visit list. The remote safari lodge is the setting for Kathryn Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite, starring Idris Elba, which is streaming on Netflix.
Arizona/Route 66
Best for: Route 66, classic road trips, national parks, historic sights
There are plenty of reasons travelers love a road trip, among them spontaneity, affordability and slow travel. No wonder Hilton’s 2026 Trend Report found that a whopping 71% of Americans plan to drive on their next vacation.
It’s the perfect time to pack up the car and explore America’s most classic roadtrip, historic Route 66, which is celebrating 100 years in 2026. The “Mother Road” starts in Chicago and goes all the way to Santa Monica, California, a 2,448-mile trip that crosses eight states and features diners, motels, roadside attractions and plenty of nostalgic Americana charm.
If you have limited time and can’t drive the whole stretch, Arizona is a good option for a shorter trip. The state has the longest unbroken section of the original Route 66 still in existence today—158 miles across western Arizona from Topock (near Needles, California) to Crookton Road near Ash Fork. You’ll drive across vibrant badlands, volcanic fields and expansive pine forests to the edges of the iconic Grand Canyon, and finally into the rugged desert beauty and across the Colorado River.
In addition to the unbroken western stretch, the state has 385 total Route 66 miles, and along the New Mexico border, you’ll be greeted by the otherworldly colors of the Petrified Forest, the only national park that Route 66 runs directly through.
Greenville, South Carolina
Best for: Foodies, delicious dining, outdoor activities along the Reedy River
I’ve been singing the praises of Greenville since I visited this past spring, and I’m not alone. Priceline highlighted the southern gem in its “Top 10 Where to Go Next” destination list.
Greenville has long been a top detour destination to avoid the crowds of southern hot spots like Charleston, but I can also say with certainty that this is where in-the-know foodies head for the South’s best up-and-coming food scene. The most recent season of Top Chef was filmed in Greenville and in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Michelin announced its first-ever American South selections at an event in Greenville (with one local restaurant, Scoundrel, winning a prized star). And there are plenty of chefs turning out gorgeous plates with southern charm: If you’re in town, don’t miss Soby’s, my absolute favorite, a classic for southern staples with an upscale spin.
There’s a great art and live music scene too, plus gorgeous natural areas like Falls Park. The stylish Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville, Autograph Collection, looks and feels like a glamorous mountain lodge—lots of rich woods and natural stone—and it is nestled right in the heart of Greenville on the Reedy River and 32-acre Falls Park. It’s the ideal spot to walk to all the tasty spots in town (a must so you can keep building your appetite!).
Adelaide, South Australia
Best for: New airline route, market redevelopment, wine tasting
My favorite way to start the chilly and dark new year? Head to the Southern Hemisphere, where the days are long and summer is going strong. One of the best places to travel in 2026 (and a great spot for summer fun in January) is Adelaide, Australia. Once solidly under-the-radar, Adelaide is stepping into the global spotlight thanks to a new United Airlines direct flight from San Francisco to the South Australian city starting in December 2025.
And early 2026 is perfectly timed for you to visit: Adelaide Central Market just got a multi-million dollar redevelopment, and events like the Adelaide Fringe (the Southern Hemisphere’s largest arts festival), LIV Golf Adelaide and the wine-and-food festival Tasting Australia will keep the city bustling through May. Later in the year, two new hotels open in Adelaide: The Little National, with 238 rooms and a rooftop bar, and Crystalbrook Sam, a 13-story hotel focusing on wellness, contemporary design and destination dining.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Best for: Expanded nonstop flights, active beachfront fun
There’s nothing more frustrating than adding a fun vacation destination to your calendar only to discover that it’s too difficult to reach to make it an easy escape. That’s not the case for Puerto Rico. The U.S. commonwealth is already an easy island getaway, since you don’t need a passport, won’t have to exchange money and even your phone plan will work like you’re back on the mainland. And in 2026, the island gets even more accessible with the launch of five new nonstop routes to San Juan on JetBlue, beginning in spring 2026, from Philadelphia; Jacksonville, Florida; Norfolk, Virginia; Richmond, Virginia; and Buffalo, New York.
And Priceline named San Juan one of their top “Expedition Beach” trending locations for the new year: According to their latest survey, 83% of travelers want more from a beach vacation than just lying around. That’s a perfect fit for San Juan, where I’ve tried everything from “snuba” (snorkeling with an oxygen tank floating nearby) and stand-up paddleboarding to e-biking around the Old City.
Hampi, India
Best for: Ancient Indian temples, hot-air balloon experiences
Once I heard about Hampi, India, from Micato Safari’s travel specialist, Emily Baldwin, it shot straight to the top of my travel bucket list for 2026. A town in the southern state of Karnataka known for its temples and ruins, Hampi features stunning vistas of rugged terrain, lush greenery and the majestic Tungabhadra River.
And the best way to see it all? The hot-air balloon rides that just rolled out at the end of 2025. (They’ll be available through April 2026, then will start up again in September.) Enjoy the extraordinary landscape of boulder-strewn hills, ancient temples and the fascinating ruins of the region from this unparalleled vantage point. You’ll gain a unique perspective on the architectural marvels that define Hampi, which are some of the oldest civilizational structures in the world. And just in case you’re wondering, the balloon flight paths change daily (based on wind direction and speed), meaning that every journey is a new adventure. All I can say is: Sign me up!
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Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing, and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Riley Casadei, Spain specialist at Audley Travel; interviewed, December 2025
- Tommy O’Hare, sports and special events director for the City of San Jose; interviewed, December 2025
- Emily Baldwin, travel specialist, Micato Safaris; interviewed, December 2025
- Kanal—Centre Pompidou: “Discover the new museum”
- Obama Presidential Center: “A Global Center for Change”
- Michelin: “A Taste of Excellence: MICHELIN Guide Announces Inaugural American South Selection”
- Priceline: “‘Where to Next’ 2026 Trend Report”
- Hilton: “Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report”
- Expedia: “Expedia’s Unpack ’26”
- Skyscanner: “Travel Trends 2026”
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