Are you still pondering your vacation plans for 2026? It’s time to act, as the first must-see destination lists for the upcoming year are beginning to emerge.
On October 21, the esteemed travel guide, Lonely Planet, unveiled its “Best in Travel 2026” book, presenting a curated collection of 25 remarkable destinations and 25 unforgettable experiences to mark in your travel diary. This year, the guide also introduces a fresh way to plan your adventures through the new Lonely Planet Journeys travel-planning service.
CNN Travel had the opportunity to sit down with Nitya Chambers, Lonely Planet’s executive editor and senior vice president of content, to delve into the selections that made the list and the stories behind them.
Among Chambers’ favorite entries this year is Brazil’s charming “Little Japan,” the Liberdade neighborhood in São Paulo.
“Brazil is home to the largest Japanese community outside of Japan, with around 2 million people claiming ties to Japanese descent,” she explains. “Liberdade is brimming with surprises, from vibrant anime-inspired street art to serene Oriental gardens. It’s even rumored to house the best ramen outside Tokyo, although that’s a debate that never seems to cool down.”
Another standout in the urban category is Mexico City, a place that Chambers cannot praise enough. “It offers an incredible blend of history, food, culture, and art! Plus, it’s wonderfully walkable. The bougainvillea-lined neighborhoods of Coyoacán, La Roma, and La Condesa are particularly noteworthy this year.”
On the U.S. front, Lonely Planet shines a spotlight on Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, which is also featured in National Geographic’s Best of the World list for 2026. Chambers highlights Maine as another exceptional destination. “The culture in Maine is truly one-of-a-kind within the United States. Its coastal charm, abundant hiking opportunities, and breathtaking national parks stand out.”
For nature lovers, a spring hike in Maine is highly recommended, with the opportunity to observe heron rookeries that can support legions of birds, numbering up to 500.
Heading west across Europe, Chambers describes Tipperary as “a hidden gem.” As Ireland’s largest inland county, she notes, “Many travelers just pass through on their way to the Wild Atlantic Way, but Tipperary offers some of the most stunning and underrated driving routes you’ll find.”
In Asia, the island of Phuket has earned its reputation as a romantic getaway but is increasingly being recognized as a vibrant hub for digital nomads as well. Chambers remarks, “People are redefining their daily lives in relation to work. Phuket, with its picturesque beaches, lush jungles, and relaxed coastal lifestyle, is perfectly suited for this new wave of travelers.”
Lonely Planet’s comprehensive list of places not to miss in 2026 extends to delving into Botswana, exploring Peru, venturing to Jeju-do in South Korea, the IKara-Flinders Ranges and Outback in South Australia, and beach-centric destinations such as Cádiz in Spain, Sardinia in Italy, and the Caribbean’s Barbados. Other highlighted spots include the Solomon Islands, Reunion, Quetzaltenango (Xela) in Guatemala, Jaffna in Sri Lanka, Utrecht in the Netherlands, Cartagena in Colombia, Finland, Quy Nho’n in Vietnam, British Columbia in Canada, and Siem Reap in Cambodia.
### Fun Times and Feasting
Lonely Planet’s “Best in Travel” list also features an array of 25 experiences to savor in the coming year, including food tours in both Old Dubai and Kerala, India. Chambers shares a personal connection, noting her grandparents hail from Kerala: “It’s a spotlight on the regional food scene, rich with locally sourced ingredients. The spices like pepper, cardamom, and turmeric create a uniquely vibrant cuisine that’s been shaped by centuries of trade.”
The lively culinary scene in Melbourne, Australia is another top pick, where flavors from Asia, Africa, and the Mediterranean converge to create an “eclectic, energetic, and experimental” dining experience.
Wine enthusiasts should keep an eye on Willamette Valley in Oregon, where “beautiful and accessible” vineyards promise a serene escape. “You’ll find a relaxed environment without the crowds, which is certainly something to toast to,” they suggest.
Believed to be the Caribbean’s ultimate party hotspot, Grenada is set to come alive next August with the Spicemas festival, drawing over 20,000 revelers. Those in search of a raucous experience will want to explore the “legendary nightlife scene” in Belgrade, Serbia, deemed “raw, electric, and unapologetically wild” by the guide.
Chambers also lists “Spending the night in a traditional Japanese Ryokan” as one of her favorite experiences. “These inns offer a glimpse of authentic Japanese culture, with gourmet cuisine and hot springs, providing a soothing retreat that harkens back to a more leisurely, analog era.”
Another unique accommodation option highlighted is staying in a train carriage at Kruger National Park in South Africa, where guests can blend luxury living with wildlife spotting.
Also featured for 2026 are experiences such as staying at Hawaii’s Volcano House in Volcanoes National Park, embarking on a rapid rafting adventure down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon—a trip Chambers likens to a “bucket list, once-in-a-lifetime” journey—and stargazing in New Zealand’s Wairarapa, where dark skies are gaining recognition for their stunning displays of the galaxy.
The experiences don’t stop there. Further recommendations include hiking and wild camping in Tajikistan, exploring the Bathing Trail in Victoria, cruising the Mekong River, and biking through the scenic vistas of the Philippines’ Batanes Islands.
As you consider your travel plans for the coming year, these carefully curated highlights may just inspire you to chart a course for adventure and discovery.