HomeTravel news and articlesThe best travel destinations 2026

The best travel destinations 2026

16/12/2025
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Louise from TourCompass at Lake Louise

2026 is fast approaching, so now is the perfect time to start planning your next travel adventure for the coming year.

But where should you travel on your next tour?

We’ve asked our enthusiastic travel specialists—who have explored every corner of the world—for their recommendations. Based on their advice, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 best travel destinations that promise you unforgettable experiences in 2026.

Morocco

Colourful street in Morocco

At the end of 2025, we introduced our first destination in North Africa: Morocco. Here, golden desert landscapes, sun-kissed coastlines, and vibrant cities beckon you to discover a world of new adventures.

In Morocco’s cities, you’ll quickly feel the country’s vibrant energy. Explore the maze-like streets of Marrakech, where the scent of spices lingers in the air and colourful stalls, street vendors, and historic riads create an atmosphere like nowhere else. In Fes, life unfolds in the ancient medina, where traditional craftsmanship and beautifully decorated buildings reflect a long and proud history.

In the Sahara Desert, you can gaze across the undulating sand dunes, feel the warm desert sun on your skin, and end your day beneath a star-studded night sky, where the only sound to break the silence is the gentle whisper of the wind in the sand. In the Atlas Mountains, dramatic landscapes await, along with small Berber villages clinging to the mountainsides. During certain times of the year, the snow-capped peaks glisten in the sunlight.

Along the Atlantic coast, you’ll be greeted by the refreshing sea breeze, taking the edge off the heat. Charming coastal towns invite you to relax and unwind after a day of adventure.

Be among the very first of our guests to discover our tours to Morocco in 2026—and enjoy the chance to combine vibrant city life, diverse natural wonders, and unforgettable moments beneath the Moroccan sky.

Check out our tours to Morocco below:

New Zealand

Beautiful view of lake and mountains in New Zealand

New Zealand has long been on our wish list of new destinations, and in 2025, this dream finally became a reality.

The majestic natural wonders of New Zealand are without doubt the main draw for its visitors – and with scenery ranging from sparkling glaciers and majestic volcanoes to mirror-like lakes and dramatic mountains, it’s easy to see why.

But the spellbinding landscapes are by no means the only thing that makes a tour to New Zealand truly unforgettable. The country also enchants with its traditional Māori culture, which is still very much alive today. You’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in it up close in Rotorua, regarded as the heart of Māori culture in New Zealand.

If you can’t get enough of Oceania, why not combine your New Zealand adventure with a tour to Australia – a land that captivates with its vibrant cities, extraordinary wildlife, legendary surf beaches, and the iconic red outback, where Uluru rises majestically above the landscape.

Fancy experiencing New Zealand’s extraordinary landscapes and rich culture in 2026?

Check out our tours to Aotearoa New Zealand below

Mexico

Beach on Isla Holbox

Mexico is a firm favourite with our travellers, so for 2025, we’ve expanded our tour programme to include even more incredible experiences in the country – as well as exciting new combination options.

History is ever-present in Mexico, where traces of ancient civilisations such as the Maya and the Aztecs appear everywhere as silent witnesses to a time long past. Among the most iconic sites are Chichen Itza, where majestic Maya temples rise above the lush jungle, and Templo Mayor, the ruins of the ceremonial heart of the former Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan.

A tour to Mexico offers not only a fascinating cultural heritage but also breathtaking landscapes, with jungles, coastlines, and underground cenotes creating unforgettable natural scenes.

If you’re craving pure relaxation, you can round off your adventure on some of Mexico’s beautiful beaches, such as the paradise islands of Isla Holbox and Isla Mujeres, where turquoise waters and powdery sands await. You could also combine your tour with Guatemala, where Tikal National Park will captivate you with its stunning jungle and its magnificent ancient pyramids and temples.

Travel to Mexico in 2026 and discover a vibrant blend of culture, natural wonders, and blissful beach life.

Check out our tours to Mexico below:

Sri Lanka

The beautiful highlands of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is proof that a country doesn’t need to be large to offer truly grand experiences.

From a practical point of view, Sri Lanka is an ideal destination: there’s no significant time difference, and the island’s top highlights are only a few hours’ drive apart – a huge advantage if you want to make the most of every minute of your tour, or if you’re looking to experience Sri Lanka with kids.

Sri Lanka offers world-class wildlife experiences. Get ready to explore Udawalawe National Park, home to one of Sri Lanka’s largest elephant populations, and Yala National Park, famous for more than 50 species of mammals and over 200 bird species.

The incredible diversity of Sri Lanka’s nature matches its wildlife. Be amazed by everything from majestic mountains rising above the landscape, to lush tea plantations stretching as far as the eye can see. Add over 1,340 kilometres of coastline, and you have countless gorgeous beaches to relax on and enjoy a beach holiday.

Adventure awaits you in Sri Lanka!

Check out our tours to Sri Lanka below:

Canada

Beautiful lake in Canada

Canada is one of the latest destinations to join our programme for 2025.

With its atmospheric cities, captivating wildlife, and breathtaking scenery – from snow-capped mountain ranges and endless forests to sparkling waterfalls – Canada is a country that invites you to embrace epic adventures.

A tour of Canada promises a wealth of unique experiences. If you set your sights on the western part of the country, you can look forward to spectacular views over the legendary Rocky Mountains, vibrant cosmopolitan cities, and some of the world’s most beautiful national parks. Travelling to the eastern regions means soaking up the energy of bustling cities like Québec City, Montreal, and Toronto – not to mention the iconic Niagara Falls, where mighty torrents of water thunder down right in front of you.

If you dream of the freedom to set your own pace, why not embark on a memorable Canadian road trip? Pause whenever a landscape catches your eye, make spontaneous detours, and add your own personal touch to the journey. Alternatively, you could sit back and admire the view on one of Canada’s remarkable train journeys. The choice is yours.

Are you ready to discover Canada and create memories that will last a lifetime?  

Check out our tours to Canada below:

Malaysia

Street art in Georgetown, Malaysia

Malaysia is bursting with unique experiences, making it an increasingly popular destination among our guests.

With attractions ranging from vibrant metropolises and historic colonial towns to breathtaking landscapes and fascinating wildlife, Malaysia is a land full of striking contrasts.

If you want to soak up the energy of the city, Kuala Lumpur offers impressive skyscrapers towering above bustling streets. If it’s history that intrigues you, pay a visit to Georgetown, where old colonial architecture stands in sharp contrast to contemporary street art and a buzzing street food scene.

When you’ve had your fill of the lively city life, you can venture out to explore Malaysia’s diverse landscapes, from the rolling green hills of the Cameron Highlands, draped in endless tea plantations, to the deep rainforests of Borneo, where you’ll have the chance to see orangutans in their natural habitat.

If you dream of relaxing in peaceful surroundings, you can also round off your adventure with a beach holiday on some of Malaysia’s stunning shores.

Thinking about making Malaysia the backdrop for your next travel adventure in 2026?

Check out our tours to Malaysia here

Galápagos Islands

Iguana in volcanic landscapes on the Galapagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands are the perfect choice for anyone longing for extraordinary nature and wildlife encounters.

Ecuador may be a small country, but it delivers unforgettable experiences—none more magical than the Galápagos Islands, an enchanting archipelago located about 1,000 km off Ecuador’s coastline.

Thanks to their remote location, the Galápagos Islands have developed a truly unique ecosystem, unlike anywhere else on earth. This is precisely why the islands are recognised on the UNESCO world heritage list. In Ecuador, look forward to meeting the extraordinary wildlife of the Galápagos Islands, which includes tortoises, penguins, and marine iguanas.

Craving even more encounters with nature’s wonders? Combine your journey with a tour to Peru, offering breathtaking views of the iconic Andes mountains, or pay a visit to the Amazon rainforest, where the awe-inspiring flora and fauna are guaranteed to leave any visitor speechless.

Are the Galápagos Islands on your travel wish list for 2026?

Check out our tours to the Galapagos Islands below:

Madagascar

Baobab Alley in Madagascar on a sunny day

Madagascar is a truly spectacular destination for lovers of nature and wildlife – and this year, we’ve expanded our programme with even more exciting tours to this remarkable island!

Set in the heart of the Indian Ocean, you’ll find the ‘eighth continent’ – Madagascar – a land of spellbinding beauty, where the flora and fauna are so unique that most of the species can be found nowhere else on earth.

Within Madagascar’s national parks, you can look forward to encountering everything from chameleons and frogs to stick insects and exotic birds—not to mention over 100 different species of lemurs that inhabit the island. In addition to its remarkable animal life, the national parks also showcase breathtaking landscapes, ranging from striking orchids to the majestic baobab trees.

While Madagascar’s immense biodiversity is undoubtedly what attracts most visitors, it’s far from the only thing to experience here. The island also boasts idyllic beaches perfect for relaxing in the sun, as well as the capital, Antananarivo, where you can immerse yourself in the country’s fascinating history and culture.

If you’re dreaming of experiences beyond the ordinary, Madagascar should be your destination of choice in 2026!

Check out our tours to Madagascar here

Vietnam

Street in Hanoi after dark

Vietnam is one of Asia’s most popular destinations – and, to be honest, it’s easy to see why!

A tour to Vietnam has something to offer everyone, from vibrant modern cities and ancient temples, to breathtaking natural landscapes and idyllic coastlines.

Look forward to visiting the capital Hanoi, a city that combines buzzing modern life with centuries of history. If you want to delve even deeper into Vietnam’s past, the imperial city of Hue, with its ancient palaces and temples, awaits you – or visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, where history literally unfolds beneath your feet.

If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, Vietnam offers plenty of opportunities for just that. For example, soak up the stunning views over Ha Long Bay, where majestic limestone formations rise above tranquil waters, or unwind on one of Vietnam’s many beautiful beaches.

Get ready to experience all the very best that Vietnam has to offer!

Check out our tours to Vietnam below:

USA

Two women standing at a viewpoint at the Grand Canyon in the United States

If you’re dreaming of a road trip adventure, the USA is—and always will be—a true classic.

With its world-famous cities brimming with culture and history, along with dramatic natural wonders that captivate every traveller, the USA is the ultimate destination for an unforgettable road trip.

Some of America’s most legendary highways are waiting for you—including Highway 1, Route 66, and the Overseas Highway. Along the way, you’ll be treated to breath-taking views and taken straight to some of the USA’s greatest natural treasures, such as the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Zion.

On your road trip through the USA, you’ll stop off in several major cities, giving you the chance to immerse yourself in the country’s fascinating culture and history. For example, you might choose a road trip through California, passing through iconic cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, or explore Florida, where vibrant Miami is ready to welcome you.

Why not make 2026 the year you experience the USA’s legendary highways behind the wheel? If you’d rather sit back and let someone else do the driving, you can also explore the USA by train.

Check out our tours to the USA here

Have you chosen your destination for 2026?

Are you any closer to deciding where your tour will take you in 2026?

The world is brimming with incredible destinations, which can make it difficult to pick where your next adventure should begin.

If you need a helping hand finding your perfect destination, or have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our experienced travel specialists.

Exploring the world with TourCompass couldn’t be easier – we’re with you all the way!

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller