The scenic 2.2 km Maltijae Pass, which will become part of the Donso Trail — an 850-kilometer route through South Korea planned for completion in 2027. Image source: nationalgeographic.com
The paradox of 2026 is that the most talked-about trips often aren’t about megacities but about places where you suddenly feel the world is bigger than your social media feed. National Geographic has assembled its list of destinations for 2026 to include everything from Olympic-scale events to rare natural “premieres” and cities suddenly stepping out of the shadows. Sometimes it’s rare phenomena that make people change their itineraries — for example, when it becomes clear where to best observe the major astronomical events of 2026, including a total solar eclipse.
Best Places to Travel in 2026 According to National Geographic
The NatGeo list for 2026 is built around a “reason”: a new park, a rare natural phenomenon, a cultural title, a major sporting event, or upgraded infrastructure. Below is a selection of the coolest destinations and reasons to visit them.
Beijing (China): Top Attractions
Why go: a rare occasion when “classic” Beijing is being rediscovered both literally and in terms of infrastructure.
What to see and do:
- Beijing’s Central Axis (about 8 km), recently added to the UNESCO list, plus a new sightseeing bus covering key landmarks.
- The Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, Drum Tower and Bell Tower.
- The Ming Dynasty Tombs, where all 13 complexes are gradually being opened.
- Night tours of illuminated sections of the Great Wall of China.
Beijing remains one of the best destinations for experiencing ancient architecture and the country’s grand history.
Beijing, the Forbidden City: built between 1406 and 1420, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Image source: nationalgeographic.com
Turkey’s Black Sea Coast: Where to Go and What to See
Why go: a wilder and less touristy alternative to the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. In a single day you can enjoy the sea and then head into the mountains.
What to see and do:
- Trabzon with its labyrinthine old town and traces of Greco-Turkish history.
- The tea terraces of Rize and waterfront views.
- Sumela Monastery on a cliff face and trips into the Pontic Mountains valleys.
- For adventure: Ayder with ziplines and routes through alpine meadows to the peaks of Kaçkar Mountains National Park.
In Amasra, Turkey, tourists and locals gather at Direkli Kaya (Pillar Rock) to swim in the Black Sea. Image source: nationalgeographic.com
Khiva (Uzbekistan): Ancient Silk Road City
Why go: this Silk Road museum-city is stepping out from the shadow of Samarkand and Bukhara, and transportation and hotels are catching up with demand.
What to see and do:
- The Itchan Kala fortress (UNESCO) and the “geometry” of restored madrasas and palaces.
- A high-speed rail connection expected to launch in autumn, significantly shortening the journey from Tashkent.
- Among new and convenient additions: the announced Samarkand Express (sleeper train) and the opening of Mercure Khiva.
The Itchan Kala fortress covers more than 26 hectares. It is home to the architectural marvel of Kalta Minor, as well as recently restored monuments, palaces, and a mosque. Image source: nationalgeographic.com
Donso Trail (South Korea): A New Long-Distance Hiking Route
Why go: the first long-distance hiking trail across the country, designed to be accessible not only for hardcore hikers.
What to see and do:
- Hike sections of the trail. Envisioned at about 527 miles long, it is divided into 55 segments of 12–19 km each, convenient for day hikes.
- Stay in small villages and towns along the way, where you can resupply without lugging a full backpack, and spend the night in affordable motels and local guesthouses.
- Explore Korea’s national parks and natural landscapes.
Dominica: Island of Whales and Tropical Forests
Why go: the world’s first marine reserve for sperm whales is being created here.
What to see and do:
- Hike through tropical forests and see waterfalls.
- Climb to the famous Boiling Lake — one of the largest hot springs on the planet.
- Whale watching or take a boat excursion along the coast.
Approximately 200 sperm whales live in these waters year-round, and spotting them is almost guaranteed.
A baby sperm whale off the coast of Dominica, where the world’s first sperm whale reserve is planned for 2026. Image source: nationalgeographic.com
Basque Country (Spain): Best Place to Watch the 2026 Solar Eclipse
Why go: this is one of the best places in the world to observe the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026.
What to see and do:
- Bilbao: the Old Town, parks and elevated viewing spots, plus a gathering point near the Guggenheim Museum.
- Pintxo bars, waterfronts, and a sense of “Spain without clichés,” where gastronomy becomes the itinerary.
- Panoramic viewpoints on the hills surrounding the city.
- Vitoria-Gasteiz: strolling through a city with medieval quarters and green parks that are worth a trip on their own.
Fiji: Best Islands for a Vacation
Why go: one of the most beautiful island regions on the planet, actively developing eco-tourism.
What to see and do:
- Snorkeling and diving on coral reefs.
- Hiking to waterfalls and through tropical jungles.
- Volunteer programs for coral reef restoration.
- Surfing the legendary waves of Cloudbreak.
Dravaka Island, part of the Yasawa archipelago in Fiji. Guests are offered a variety of excursions: from snorkeling with manta rays to learning about reef restoration and other conservation initiatives. Image source: nationalgeographic.com
