Travel 2026: The HOT / NOT list
Where will you be travelling in 2026? Have you found inspiration in Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel’ list, or are you finally going to tick off a destination on your bucket list? Will you be seeking sunshine and relaxation, or challenging outdoor adventures? Will you be embracing slow travel, solo travel, or cruising with the crowds? Whatever adventures await you, here’s some inspiration for the year ahead.
Sri Lanka: After topping Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel’ list in 2019 Sri Lanka has had a tough run. The outbreak of Covid-19 saw tourism grind to a halt, and the subsequent political crisis continued to keep the crowds away. However, since 2024 Sri Lanka has welcomed over 2 million visitors per year.
In February, Sri Lanka is set to co-host the T-20 Cricket World Cup, with matches to be played across venues in Colombo and Kandy. While Sri Lanka is not among the favourites to win the trophy, they will host some of the most anticipated games including a match against 2021 champions Australia, and greatest rivalry in the game, India vs. Pakistan. The cricket mad nation is sure to put on a spectacular show for everyone who visits.
Verdict: HOT
Sri Lanka in action against Australia in Kandy 2022
Iraqi Kurdistan: The festival of Nowruz is celebrated across the Kurdish regions of Turkiye, Syria, Iraq, and Iran. The most spectacular celebrations take place in Akre, 100 kms north of Erbil. In a tradition stemming from the ancient Zoroastrianism religion, the mountainsides of Akre will be set ablaze in a series of fires. The flames symbolise the renewal that comes with a new year and the triumph of good over evil. In 2026, Nowruz is set to coincide with Eid, and it is sure to feel like a never-ending celebration!
Verdict: HOT
Erbil during Christmas 2025
Georgia: If you enjoy travelling for Easter, why not double up and visit a country that also celebrates Orthodox Easter? Occurring a week after Easter, Georgians will come together and feast on their world famous cuisine on the second weekend in April.
In 2015, I was lucky to be visiting Stepandsminda (Kazbegi) during Orthodox Easter and shared lunch with the family who ran the B&B. April is also the tail end of winter in Georgia, so crowds and prices will both be down and there is still opportunity to venture into the mountains, as long as you are well prepared.
Verdict: HOT
A Georgian fest during Orthodox Easter
Austria: Vienna is set to host one of the more controversial editions of Eurovision this year. The boycott against the continued inclusion of Israel, following its genocide in Gaza (and ongoing illegal occupation of the West Bank), is growing by the month. Ireland and Spain led the boycott and have since been joined by Slovenia, Netherlands, and Iceland. There has been growing pressure in Australia for broadcaster SBS to withdraw and for other countries to follow suit. As much fun as Eurovision often is, this year it’s time to switch off.
Verdict: NOT
The Mozart statue in Vienna, Austria (photo credit: WTC Group Inc.)
Europe (summer peak): The European anti-tourism movement grew again in 2025. With its roots in Barcelona, the movement has spread throughout Spain and to neighbouring Portugal and Italy. European summers are rapidly losing their appeal, with long queues in increasingly oppressive heat, jam packed sights, and overpriced food and accommodation. Honestly, I struggle to see the appeal. Instead, try venturing to Eastern or Northern Europe, or even North Africa - Morocco, Algeria, or Tunisia.
Verdict: NOT
Crowds gathering at the John Lennon Memorial Wall in Prague, Czech Republic
North America: The FIFA World Cup is heading to North America for the first time this century. Spread across three countries - Canada, USA, and Mexico, the region is preparing for an influx of tourism. So, where to go?
Tourism to the US plummeted throughout 2025, and it is hard to make a case for visiting America before 2029. In December, proposed laws regarding the disclosure of social media accounts and personal contacts for tourists caused uproar and confusion, and nobody knows how this will affect World Cup crowds. In the lead up to Christmas the Trump administration also announced travel bans on 19 African countries, bringing almost half the continent under some sort of ban.
In comparison to Trump’s America, Canada and Mexico appear friendlier and more predictable options for international visitors. The Canadians and Mexicans are also hosting some of the more unusual match ups of the tournament including Uzbekistan vs. Colombia (Uzbekistan’s debut), New Zealand vs. Egypt, and Ghana vs. Panama.
Verdict: HOT (Canada & Mexico) / NOT (USA)
The blue skies of Vancouver, Canada (photo credit: Teaspoon of Adventure)
The Azteca Stadium in Mexico City (photo credit: Nomadic Backpacker)
Ethiopia: How many of us wish we could return to 2019? Well, in 2026, it’s your last chance to do so. In September, Ethiopians will celebrate their new year, and will be ringing in the year 2019. For many, Ethiopia is off the travel radar for the moment, and the security situation continues to fluctuate. However, for those brave enough to venture to Africa’s only uncolonised country, an incredible adventure awaits. Ethiopian new year celebrations include grandiose church services, festive community gatherings, and gorgeous feasts - and to sustain your energy levels, there is Ethiopia’s famous coffee.
Verdict: HOT
Ethiopian New Year celebrations in Addis Ababa
Antarctica: After a record breaking year in 2025, Antarctica is set for another influx of tourists this year. When the season begins in October, dozens of cruise ships will ferry thousands of tourists to the world’s last unspoiled continent. In the process, environmental damage will continue, in ways seen and unseen, and despite the best intentions of tour operators and visitors. I would urge everyone to reconsider Antarctic tourism, and to cross it off your bucket list. Similar experiences can be had in already tourist friendly destinations, and, for the sake of a selfie with a penguin, we can all work to protect Antarctica by staying away.
Verdict: NOT
A tourist poses for a selfie with penguins in Antarctica
Senegal: Tourism in West Africa has never reached any great heights and probably never will. The popularity and accessibility of West Africa’s 16 countries fluctuate with political changes, disease outbreaks, and regional conflicts and it is only for the most intrepid travellers. Senegal, on the Atlantic coast, is one of the more stable countries in the region, and will be hosting the fourth edition of the Youth Olympic Games later this year. It will be the first IOC event to be held in Africa and the Senegalese are sure to welcome visitors with open arms. If you’ve ever considered dipping your travel toes into West Africa, this could be the perfect opportunity.
Verdict: HOT
Fishing boats in St. Louis, Senegal (photo credit Adam Holley)
Australia: Last on the list is a vote for my home country. If you have never experienced a summer Christmas, then Australia is the best place to try it. The East Coast, as always, will be overrun with Brits and Europeans, so it might be best to head elsewhere. To avoid the crowds, head to less touristed places like Tasmania, South Australia, or the Northern Territory. In the regions outside Adelaide, you will find Australia’s best wine, while in ‘Tassie’ you can enjoy sunshine until 10pm and may still find snow if you venture deep enough into the mountains. Meanwhile, in the NT you can experience an ‘outback’ Christmas complete with Aboriginal cultural tours, crocodile cruises, and the Top End’s legendary storms. So if a summer in flip-flops and board shorts sounds appealing, head Down Under in 2026.
Verdict: HOT
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Do you have other destinations or activities that you would recommend for 2026? Leave a comment below, and enjoy your travels in 2026 wherever they take you.
Thanks to Adam at Touch The World Travel, WTC Group Inc, Riana at Teaspoon of Adventure and Nomadic Backpacker for the use of their pictures.
