Collage of trending 2026 travel destinations including mountains, beaches, and city streets

Top Travel Destinations and Trends for 2026

The travel landscape is shifting in exciting ways for 2026. From Japan’s sun-soaked islands to Europe’s alpine escapes, travelers are seeking experiences that combine authenticity, adventure, and relaxation. According to global booking trends, destinations like Okinawa, Japan, Sardinia, Italy, and Big Sky, Montana are capturing attention for their natural beauty and sense of discovery.

This new era of travel isn’t just about where you go. It’s about how you go. People are craving slower, more intentional experiences that immerse them in local culture, nature, and community. Boutique stays, small-group adventures, and sustainable escapes are replacing crowded resorts and whirlwind itineraries.

From the tranquil coastlines of Vietnam to the artistic streets of San Miguel de Allende, 2026’s trending destinations highlight diversity and depth. Whether you’re planning your next big trip or simply looking for inspiration, these are the places defining how the world will explore in the year ahead.

Travel Trends Shaping 2026

In 2026, travelers are choosing meaning over mileage. The biggest trend is purposeful travel, journeys that foster connection to local people, environments, and traditions. Remote and rural destinations are seeing a surge in popularity, driven by a desire to disconnect from digital noise and reconnect with nature.

Sustainability is also top of mind. Eco-friendly lodges, locally owned accommodations, and regenerative tourism projects are becoming deciding factors for travelers. Meanwhile, “slow travel” continues to rise, favoring quality time in fewer destinations rather than fast-paced itineraries.

landscape view of a mountain village — Travelers in 2026 are seeking authentic, slow-paced experiences that connect them with culture and nature.

Best Destinations for Nature and Adventure

Adventure seekers and nature lovers are gravitating toward wide-open spaces and mountain landscapes that inspire awe.

Big Sky, Montana

Known for skiing in winter and hiking, fly-fishing, and stargazing in summer, Big Sky is a haven for travelers looking to unplug and explore.

Savoie, France

Alpine villages, crystal-clear lakes, and French charm make Savoie a dream for outdoor lovers seeking both mountain air and refinement.

Golden, British Columbia

Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, Golden, British Columbia is the perfect basecamp to visit six of Canada’s most stunning national parks: Yoho, Glacier, Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Mount Revelstoke, while enjoying its small town charm.

mountain landscape in Savoie, France — The French Alps region of Savoie is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Emerging Islands and Beach Escapes

Island destinations are making a strong comeback, with travelers craving turquoise waters, local culture, and sustainable luxury.

Okinawa, Japan

With subtropical beaches, coral reefs, and a relaxed lifestyle, Okinawa blends traditional Ryukyuan culture with modern island charm.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Known for pristine beaches and lush jungles, Phu Quoc is Southeast Asia’s next great island escape, balancing authenticity with boutique comfort.

Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia offers turquoise coves, Mediterranean cuisine, and centuries of history—perfect for travelers seeking luxury with local flavor.

Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Closer to home, this Gulf Coast gem pairs emerald waters with laid-back charm, offering a classic yet affordable beach retreat.

Turtle swimming in turquoise water beach in Okinawa, Japan with mountains in the background — Okinawa’s sun-soaked beaches and coral reefs are gaining popularity in 2026.

Cultural and Historic Hotspots

Cultural travel continues to lead the way as explorers seek meaning through art, food, and architecture.

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Colorful streets, artisan markets, and a thriving creative community make this UNESCO-listed city a must-visit for cultural travelers.

Jaipur, India

The “Pink City” offers royal palaces, intricate architecture, and sensory depth—a dream for history lovers and storytellers alike.

Bodrum, Turkey

Ancient ruins meet coastal glamour in Bodrum, where history and luxury coexist along the sparkling Aegean.

Colorful street in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico with historic buildings — San Miguel de Allende’s vibrant streets and artisan markets attract culture seekers.

Hidden Gems and Underrated Escapes

For those looking to avoid crowds, 2026’s hidden gems promise serenity and discovery.

The Cotswolds, England

Rolling hills, stone cottages, and cozy inns make the Cotswolds a timeless countryside escape.

Limón, Costa Rica

Rich in Afro-Caribbean culture, rainforest adventures, and coastal beauty, Limón is one of Costa Rica’s most authentic regions.

Colombia’s Coffee Region

Colorful towns like Salento and the Cocora Valley offer natural beauty, warm hospitality, and rich coffee traditions.

Rolling hills and stone cottages in the Cotswolds, England — The Cotswolds offer timeless countryside charm and peaceful retreats.

Sustainable and Mindful Travel Destinations

Eco-conscious travelers are seeking destinations that protect ecosystems and empower local communities.

The Azores, Portugal

This Atlantic archipelago leads in sustainable tourism, offering whale watching, volcanic landscapes, and community-led conservation.

Tasmania, Australia

Pristine wilderness, local food, and creative energy make Tasmania a model for mindful, regenerative travel.

Volcanic landscape and geothermal pools in the Azores, Portugal — The Azores prioritize eco-conscious travel in a dramatic Atlantic setting.

Planning Your 2026 Trip

Whether you prefer mountains, islands, or cultural escapes, planning your 2026 adventures starts with timing. Spring and fall typically offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Budget travelers can find value in Vietnam and Costa Rica, while luxury seekers might favor Europe’s islands or countryside retreats.

For sustainable stays, look for eco-certified properties or community-based accommodations. The key is to match your travel goals with your pace because in 2026, meaningful experiences outweigh the number of passport stamps.

woman walking on Condado Beach in Puerto Rico — Travel with curiosity, intention, and wonder in 2026.

As 2026 approaches, one thing is clear. The future of travel is personal, purposeful, and rooted in discovery. Travelers are looking beyond traditional hotspots to find places that reflect their values and passions, whether that means sustainable island escapes, cultural city breaks, or restorative mountain retreats.

The destinations leading next year’s trends, from the wild outdoors of Canada to the colorful streets of Mexico, invite us to slow down, connect, and experience the world more meaningfully. Wherever your next journey takes you, let 2026 be the year you travel with curiosity, intention, and a renewed sense of wonder.

You may also like Things to Do in the Palm Beaches this Fall and Winter.

21+ Glamping Retreat in Central Texas

We recently had the opportunity to visit the new Serana Glamping Retreat, which is a 21+ glamping experience located in Paige, TX. That’s about 30 minutes from both Bastrop and Smithville, TX, and about an hour from Austin. Here’s what went down and everything you can expect.

Accommodations

There’s three options for accommodations, one of three kampinas (small cabins), the Little Bluestem (luxury tent), and the Big Bluestem (bigger luxury tent).

The kampinas now have full electricity and provide heat/AC, electrical outlets, etc. The Bluestems do not have electricity, but Serana provides a portable charger for you to use during your stay, and each tent has a wood burning stove for those colder nights.

We stayed in the Little Bluestem, and it was beautiful! It felt like we were in an upscale hotel. Walking up to the tent, you first arrive at the gravel patio with 2 separate sitting areas and a gas firepit. The view from both sitting areas is a pond that was breathtaking at sunset. The front of the tent has a netted enclosure. So you can leave the tent open in the day (and night if you choose) to enjoy the views of the property while keeping a bit of privacy and stopping critters from getting in. There are also 3 windows that you can zip closed if you’d like.

There is a queen sized bed with a memory foam mattress (very comfortable), plush white bedding and sheets, a coat rack, just enough decor to make you feel at home, and another sitting area inside the tent, as well as the aforementioned wood burning stove. They also provide Turkish bath towels, and boy were we naïve. We thought it was an extra throw lol. Firewood is also provided for the stove, but I advise you to bring your own kindling to easier light the fire. Maybe watch a few Youtube tutorials like this one also.

wood burning stove inside the Little Bluestem

Amenities

Since this is a true glamping retreat, several amenities are provided for your comfort, such as an outdoor kitchen and bath house. In the kitchen you’ll find a refrigerator, a cooktop, sink, coffee and tea makers, cookware, dishes, flatware, a barbecue grill, and a Traeger grill.

The bath house has 2 bath stalls and a sink right outside them. There are also 2 outdoor showers with rain shower heads. Toiletries were also available in the showers.

Lastly in the communal section are a big firepit for lounging and a Quonset hut for dining. We loved the rustic yet modern look of the common areas. It really made you feel like you were having an elevated retreat experience.

Around the Property

Serana is set on a 53 acre property with 4 ponds, chickens, ducks, coming soon, an outdoor gym, and wide open spaces to roam and explore. I was literally frolicking through the fields at one point!

Serana also does something very cool. They have mobile chicken coops that they move periodically. This allows the chickens to naturally fertilize and turn the soil, resulting in beautiful, bright green grass. We unfortunately couldn’t find the ducks while we were there.

The property itself is full of photo ops, but you may get too caught up in enjoying it so much that you forget to “do it for the Gram”. All in all, this was a very enjoyable stay, and I would definitely do it again. If you’d like the best of both worlds, the great outdoors and being in town, read my previous blog post here, giving tips on things to do in downtown Bastrop.

Visit www.seranatx.com to book your stay and get away from it all for a few days. For even more pictures of our stay, click here to see my Instagram post. Thank you Serana Glamping Retreat for the awesome experience!