Unveiling 2026's Premier Travel Experiences: Your Ultimate Guide to Global Discovery
Norway: A Blend of Natural Grandeur and Cultural Immersion
Norway offers a diverse experience catering to both admirers of scenic beauty and those seeking relaxation. In Oslo, explore the vast collections of art, architecture, and design at the National Museum, or indulge in the therapeutic benefits of the floating saunas on the Oslo fjord. During summer, these spots transform into sunny havens where people swim in the refreshing waters. Alternatively, journey on the Flåm railway to the Kjosfossen waterfall, where ethereal figures in red attire perform traditional Norwegian dances amidst the dramatic cliffs—an unforgettable spectacle in the enchanting, albeit bustling, village of Flåm.
Norwegian Hospitality: New Openings and Culinary Delights
The hotel landscape in Norway is seeing exciting additions, such as the upcoming Yrti Island Retreat, a Relais & Chateaux property scheduled to launch in April 2026 in Træna, one of Norway’s most ancient fishing communities. For those who prefer established elegance, 62° Nord offers a trio of charming hotels—Storfjord, Hotel Union Øye, and Brosundet—strategically located near the stunning fjords stretching from Ålesund. Food enthusiasts can savor the new Michelin-starred restaurants, including Bergen’s Gaptrast and Omakase by Sergey Pak.
Malta: A Cultural Nexus in the Mediterranean
Malta, frequently hailed as a global crossroads, showcases a fascinating amalgamation of cultures. This blend is evident everywhere, from the Arabic-influenced gallarija balconies adorning Valletta’s architecture to the Sicilian-inspired baked pastas served in its eateries, and even the distinctive red English postboxes. Throughout history, Malta's strategic position in the Mediterranean has made it a key outpost for various empires, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and the British.
Malta's Evolution: Boutique Hotels and Contemporary Art
This year presents an ideal opportunity to visit Malta, thanks to a wave of sophisticated new hotels. In the charming hilltop village of Attard, Casa Bonavita, an 18th-century palazzo hotel, is nearing completion, surrounded by fragrant olive blossoms and jasmine. Romègas, a 500-year-old protected palazzo in Valletta, originally home to a Knight of Malta, also prepares to open its doors, boasting a rooftop pool perfect for cooling off during the island's hot summers. Additionally, the contemporary art museum MICAS, which launched last year with an exhibition by Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos, further cements Malta's status as a hub for design-conscious travelers.
Los Angeles: A Year of Grand Events and Cultural Revitalization
2026 is poised to be a monumental year for Los Angeles, as it continues its resurgence following last year's devastating fires. From March to June, acclaimed chef René Redzepi will bring Noma, his world-renowned gastronomic restaurant, to Silver Lake for a residency, promising a menu crafted from entirely locally sourced ingredients. In June and July, Los Angeles will host several FIFA World Cup matches, drawing numerous fans. Come September, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, will open its doors. Designed by Ma Yansong, this futuristic museum will offer an immersive experience in visual storytelling, featuring props, models, costumes, and more from iconic films like Star Wars and Indiana Jones.
Egypt: Unveiling Ancient Treasures and Luxurious Expeditions
For those awaiting the Grand Egyptian Museum's opening, the wait concludes in November 2025. After two decades of construction, the museum is finally ready to display the complete collection of Tutankhamun’s treasures, among other artifacts. To enhance your journey through the Land of Pharaohs, Egypt Beyond offers sophisticated travel planning. Begin your trip in one of their elegant Art Deco apartments in Downtown Cairo’s Immobilia building, a favorite among the London fashion elite, ideal for exploring the Giza pyramids or shopping in the bustling souks. Then, embark on a cruise aboard the luxurious Nile Canopus boat, which offers a boutique hotel experience as it sails from Luxor to Aswan, past ancient ruins. Conclude your adventure at the historic Al Moudira Hotel in Luxor, also part of the Egypt Beyond group, where you can explore its hand-painted corridors, lush gardens, and visit the Valley of the Kings, located right at its doorstep.
Estonia: A Baltic Gem Gaining Recognition
Estonia, a Baltic state, is quickly emerging from the shadow of its Scandinavian neighbors. This cosmopolitan and technologically advanced nation is drawing attention with Tallinn's charming medieval architecture, burgeoning culinary scene, and lively nightlife. To truly experience Estonian culture, venture to its 2,000 rugged islands along the Baltic Sea, where nature reserves, pine forests, and freshwater springs offer rustic retreats and a chance to discover the country's smoke sauna culture, celebrated in a 2023 Sundance documentary.
Hiiumaa: A Retreat into Estonia's Wild Heart
In 2026, the UNESCO-protected biosphere of Hiiumaa island will take center stage with the opening of Eha Retreat. This highly anticipated sanctuary will feature eight suites and three secluded forest cabins, offering deep immersion in the island's tranquility. Guests can participate in programs blending ancient Estonian healing rituals with modern science, including mineral-rich peat wraps and sound journeys for deep sleep. The experience is complemented by hyper-seasonal menus crafted by Green Michelin Star chef Peeter Pihel, featuring foraged berries and seaweed, ensuring every aspect of the stay fosters a connection with the land and Estonia's unique culture.
Florence, Italy: A Renaissance City Reimagined
Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is once again experiencing a period of renewal, particularly in its hospitality sector. La Réserve Firenze, housed in a 15th-century palace in the vibrant Oltrarno district, offers six private apartments designed to feel like a stay at a stylish friend's home, removed from the summer tourist crowds yet close to the city center. By late April, Villa San Michele, a Belmond Hotel in the Fiesole hills, will reopen after an 18-month renovation, featuring refreshed gardens and a new Guerlain spa complex.
Florence's Artistic Revival: New Exhibitions and Cultural Landmarks
Florence's cultural calendar for the upcoming year is equally compelling. The Museo Sant’Orsola, a contemporary art hub, is set to complete its extensive renovation. March will see a major Mark Rothko exhibition at Palazzo Grassi, exploring the artist's dialogue with Old Masters, with his monumental canvases displayed across various historic city museums for an immersive experience. While Florence remains a timeless destination, this year promises new discoveries and an evolving artistic landscape.
Kyrgyzstan: An Untouched Frontier for Adventurers
Kyrgyzstan offers an array of unforgettable experiences, as previously highlighted by Ali Farooqui. These include horse trekking to Song-Kul Lake, yurt camping under an incredibly clear night sky, and exploring its stunning alpine lakes and meadows. Last year, the Kyrgyz Nomad Trail expanded by 600 miles, making it an even more attractive destination for hikers seeking intrepid adventures.
Japan: A Fusion of Tradition and Modern Luxury
Japan provides compelling reasons to visit, including the recent reopening of the iconic Park Hyatt Tokyo, famous from 'Lost in Translation', after a 19-month renovation. Guests can stay overnight or enjoy cocktails at the New York Grill & Bar on the 52nd floor, taking in city views accompanied by soft jazz. Spring 2026 will also mark the opening of Capella Kyoto, a luxury hotel set in a former school in Miyagawa-chō, featuring traditional wooden townhouses, Kyoto-native materials, artisan collaborations, a Japanese counter restaurant using salvaged school materials, and a French brasserie. Furthermore, Shuri Castle in Naha, Okinawa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is scheduled to reopen in fall 2026 after being rebuilt from a 2019 fire. From hot springs to ski mountains and sacred sites like Mount Koya, Japan truly offers diverse attractions for every traveler.
Devon, England: Literary Landscapes and Regenerative Escapes
With the forthcoming Margot Robbie-led adaptation of 'Wuthering Heights' and a new 'Sense and Sensibility' adaptation filmed in the region, West Yorkshire's wild moors and Devon's scenic beauty are set to draw literary enthusiasts. Devon, a picturesque county in Southwest England, is experiencing a revival, spearheaded by Fowlescombe Farm. This 450-acre regenerative retreat near Dartmoor features ten luxurious suites in restored stone barns and a Victorian farmhouse, offering a sleek yet sensitive contemporary style. Chef Elly Wentworth's field-to-fine dining menu at the refectory dining barn showcases daily available produce. For those preferring Regency romance, Olga Polizzi's Hotel Endsleigh remains a premier choice, with 100 acres of Grade I-listed gardens and hidden grottoes on the Tamar Valley's edge. The Pig-at-Combe, near Exeter, provides quirky country charm with luxurious shepherd's huts and a mini-spa in a former potting shed, ideal for coastal foraging or moorland strolls.
Seychelles: Tropical Paradise and Sustainable Luxury
The Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 Indian Ocean islands, offers idyllic beaches, extraordinary wildlife, and a vibrant cultural mosaic. This year brings new luxurious accommodations to its pristine shores. While a journey from the U.S. may be long, the experience is profoundly rewarding. La Réserve Seychelles, opening on Praslin Island in the summer, will feature six breezy beachside villas, establishing itself as an exclusive retreat. For eco-conscious travelers and wildlife enthusiasts, Fregate Island, a conservation sanctuary, will make its grand return this fall. Home to Aldabra giant tortoises and hawksbill sea turtles, it offers 14 private villas and three estates, alongside a state-of-the-art regenerative spa, a 25-acre hydroponic farm, and a rum distillery. For budget-friendly options, the main island of Mahé provides excellent choices for beach hopping and immersing oneself in Creole culture, complete with Seychellois grilled fish and coconut curries.
Alberta, Canada: Majestic Landscapes and Alpine Adventures
Alberta's natural splendor, with the snow-capped Rocky Mountains, the vivid turquoise of Lakes Louise and Jasper, and the charm of towns like Waterton and Canmore, is undeniable. This Canadian province, also a rich source of dinosaur fossils, is currently experiencing a significant moment. This surge in popularity can be attributed to several developments in and around Banff National Park. The Rimrock Resort Hotel is undergoing a design-focused renovation and will reopen this summer as a flagship property within Accor’s new luxury Emblems Collection, serving as an ideal year-round base for alpine adventures on Sulphur Mountain. Additionally, Basin Glacial Waters, a new thermal bathing destination designed by Italian architect Matteo Thun, has been unveiled at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Spanning over 19,000 square feet, it features saunas, steam rooms, and cold plunge pools fed by the Victoria Glacier, offering a slice of Nordic wellness in the heart of the Canadian wilderness—a compelling reason to visit Alberta in 2026.
Botswana: Unrivaled Safari Experiences in the Wild
Botswana stands out among African safari destinations, offering unparalleled wildlife sightings in the Okavango Delta, a lush oasis within the Kalahari Desert. Adhering to a "low volume, high value" tourism model, Botswana's intimate, high-end camps are deeply committed to conservation. While a trip here comes with a premium price, the magical, once-in-a-lifetime safari experience it provides justifies the expense. Singita, a leading South Africa-based safari brand renowned for its purpose-driven philosophy, exceptional service, and stylish camps, is establishing a presence in the Abu Concession, spanning 170,000 hectares of untouched wilderness across the Okavango. Elela, named from the Setswana word "to flow," will open in December, featuring eight circular, stilted camps designed to reflect the Okavango Delta's seasonality, offering 360-degree views of the shifting floodplains. This new addition is expected to be a top choice for safari enthusiasts.