Unearth The Voyage
Next year is shaping up to be one of the most exciting travel years in recent memory. From the FIFA World Cup spreading across three nations to the Winter Olympics in Italy, plus a rare solar eclipse sweeping Europe, 2026 offers something special for every kind of traveler. Whether you love sports, nature, culture, or adventure, these twenty countries deserve a spot on your travel wish list.
1. United States
Get ready for the biggest soccer party North America has ever seen. Sixteen cities across the country will buzz with energy as the expanded FIFA World Cup brings fans from every corner of the globe between June 11 and July 19, 2026.
From Miami to Seattle, Dallas to New York, each host city will transform into a festival ground. Street parties, fan zones, and cultural celebrations will run nonstop throughout the tournament.
Plan to arrive early or stay late to explore beyond the matches. Each host city offers its own flavor, from Southern barbecue to Pacific Northwest coffee culture, making this more than just a sports trip.
2. Canada
Only in Canada can you catch a World Cup match in the morning and hike through towering pines by afternoon. Toronto and Vancouver will host games, but the real magic happens when you pair urban excitement with wild landscapes just outside city limits.
Vancouver sits minutes from coastal rainforests and ferry routes to Vancouver Island. Toronto offers easy weekend escapes to Niagara Falls or Muskoka cottage country.
Summer weather in both cities hits that perfect sweet spot—warm days, cool evenings, and long daylight hours. Book accommodations early, as soccer fans and outdoor adventurers will compete for the same hotel rooms during match weeks.
3. Mexico
Few countries live and breathe futbol like Mexico does. The historic opening match in Mexico City will ignite a passion that spreads from packed stadiums to neighborhood taquerías where every TV will be tuned to the games.
Beyond the capital, Mexico offers endless post-match possibilities. Head to Oaxaca for mole and mezcal, explore colonial gems like Guanajuato, or decompress on Caribbean beaches in Tulum.
The pueblos mágicos—magical towns scattered across the highlands—combine cobblestone charm with authentic culture. Time your visit to catch both World Cup fever and traditional festivals that showcase Mexico’s rich heritage beyond the beautiful game.
4. Italy
Mark February 6 through 22 on your calendar—the Winter Olympics return to Italy for the first time since Torino 2006. Milano-Cortina brings together two stunning worlds: sophisticated city culture and dramatic Alpine peaks.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, nestled in the Dolomites, offers world-class skiing with jaw-dropping pink-tinged mountain views at sunset. Between Olympic events, explore nearby Trento’s castles or Verona’s Roman ruins.
Milan balances the mountain action with fashion, art galleries, and legendary restaurants. The combination makes this Olympics perfect for families where some want adrenaline while others prefer cappuccinos and Leonardo da Vinci masterpieces. Book lodging now—Alpine hotels fill fast.
5. Spain
Imagine watching the moon swallow the sun as it sinks toward the horizon on August 12, 2026. Northern Spain sits in the perfect path for this rare celestial show, turning an already beautiful region into an astronomer’s dream destination.
Cities like Bilbao, Santander, and parts of Asturias offer prime viewing spots. Arrive a few days early to explore Basque Country’s pintxos bars or hike the Picos de Europa mountains.
Summer in northern Spain means pleasant temperatures, green landscapes, and fewer crowds than the Mediterranean coast. This once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event gives you the perfect excuse to discover Spain’s cooler, lesser-known northern territories while witnessing cosmic magic.
6. Iceland
That same August 12 eclipse sweeps across western Iceland, offering two full minutes of midday darkness against a backdrop of volcanoes and cascading waterfalls. Parts of the Reykjanes and Snæfellsnes peninsulas sit directly in the path of totality.
Iceland in August means midnight sun transitions, wildflower meadows, and puffin colonies still active along the coasts. Combine eclipse viewing with classic Ring Road adventures or West Fjords explorations.
The dramatic contrast of celestial darkness over Iceland’s otherworldly terrain creates photo opportunities that will flood social media. Book early—eclipse chasers worldwide have already circled this date, and Iceland’s accommodations, though growing, remain limited during peak summer.
7. Portugal
Before racing into Spain, the August eclipse clips western Portugal, giving viewers in Porto and surrounding areas a front-row seat. This celestial event adds cosmic drama to a country already overflowing with reasons to visit.
Porto’s riverside charm, port wine cellars, and azulejo-covered buildings create a stunning urban base. From there, cruise up the terraced Douro Valley or head south to Alentejo’s cork forests and whitewashed villages.
Portugal’s relaxed pace makes it perfect for slow travel—lingering over pastéis de nata, wandering medieval streets, and watching sunsets from clifftop perches. The eclipse simply adds one more unforgettable moment to an already magical Portuguese summer adventure.
8. Japan
While the world watches World Cup and Olympics, Asia’s top athletes gather in Aichi-Nagoya for the Asian Games from September 19 to October 4. This multi-sport celebration brings together competitors from dozens of nations in a festival atmosphere.
Nagoya itself often gets overlooked, but it offers castle history, incredible food, and Toyota’s futuristic museum. Use it as a base to explore nearby Kyoto’s temples, the art islands of Setouchi, or Hokkaido’s hiking trails.
Early autumn in Japan means comfortable temperatures, fall foliage starting in northern regions, and harvest season bringing peak flavors to every meal. The Games add extra energy and cultural exchange to an already vibrant travel season across the country.
9. Denmark (Greenland)
For travelers who crave the extraordinary, the eclipse path arcs over eastern Greenland on August 12—arguably the most adventurous viewing location on Earth. Imagine totality above glaciers, with icebergs floating in fjords below and the midnight sun still glowing at the horizon.
Getting there requires planning: scenic flights over the ice cap, boat expeditions through fjord systems, or specialized eclipse tours. August offers relatively mild Arctic conditions and extended daylight hours for exploration.
This trip combines bucket-list eclipse viewing with genuine polar adventure. Greenland’s raw beauty, Inuit culture, and pristine wilderness create memories that last forever. Only the bold will experience this particular cosmic moment in such an extreme setting.
10. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast is rapidly becoming the Middle East’s newest luxury destination. Projects like the St. Regis Red Sea Resort blend sustainability with five-star comfort on pristine islands where coral reefs meet desert landscapes.
The tourist e-Visa now covers citizens from over 60 countries, making entry simpler than ever before. Beyond beach resorts, explore ancient Nabataean ruins at AlUla or the historic streets of Jeddah’s old town.
Diving and snorkeling here rival Egypt’s famous sites but with far fewer crowds. The combination of untouched marine life, cutting-edge eco-resorts, and improving accessibility makes 2026 an ideal year to discover this emerging destination before everyone else catches on.
11. Morocco
When northern Europe shivers, Morocco basks in gentle winter sunshine. The country packs incredible diversity into a compact space—snow-capped Atlas peaks, Sahara dunes, Atlantic surf towns, and bustling medinas all within easy reach.
Infrastructure keeps improving, especially the Al Boraq high-speed rail linking Tangier to Casablanca in just over two hours. This makes multi-city itineraries smoother than ever, whether you are hopping between Marrakech’s souks and Essaouira’s beaches.
Morocco rewards both first-timers and repeat visitors with endless layers to peel back. Riads hide behind plain doors, family recipes vary village to village, and every region offers distinct crafts and traditions. 2026 is perfect for finally checking it off your list.
12. Türkiye
Few countries match Türkiye’s ability to blend ancient history with natural wonders. Istanbul alone could fill a week—Byzantine mosaics, Ottoman palaces, and a food scene that spans continents, all split by the shimmering Bosphorus strait.
Venture inland to Cappadocia, where hot-air balloons drift over fairy-chimney rock formations at sunrise. The sight looks Photoshopped but is gloriously real, especially in the soft light of dawn.
Coastal lovers should tackle sections of the Lycian Way, a long-distance trail hugging Mediterranean cliffs. Visit during shoulder seasons—late spring or early fall—when temperatures cooperate and wildflowers bloom. Türkiye delivers history, adventure, and hospitality in equal, generous measures.
13. Greece
Everyone knows Santorini and Mykonos, but Greece holds dozens of islands waiting beyond the Instagram favorites. The Dodecanese chain near Turkey and the green Ionian islands off the western coast offer authentic experiences without the summer crush.
Shoulder seasons—May through June and September through October—remain the secret to enjoying Greece properly. Temperatures stay comfortable, seas remain warm enough for swimming, and locals have time to chat instead of just serving crowds.
Island-hopping by ferry becomes an adventure itself, with each stop revealing different architecture, cuisine, and landscapes. Combine classic ruins with hidden coves, family tavernas, and sunsets that need no filter. Greece rewards those who venture beyond the obvious.
14. Slovenia
Tiny Slovenia punches way above its weight for outdoor lovers. The Julian Alps offer hiking that rivals Switzerland, Lake Bled provides postcard perfection, and the country’s commitment to green tourism means pristine forests and clean rivers throughout.
You can breakfast by an Alpine lake, lunch in a wine region, explore underground caves by afternoon, and reach the Adriatic coast by dinner. Everything sits within a few hours’ drive, making Slovenia perfect for travelers short on time but hungry for variety.
Slovenian cuisine blends Italian, Austrian, and Balkan influences into something uniquely satisfying. Local wines surprise visitors with quality and value. This micro-adventure destination deserves far more attention than it currently receives from North American travelers.
15. Albania
While crowds pack Croatia and Greece, Albania’s Adriatic coastline remains blissfully undiscovered. The Albanian Riviera stretches for miles—white pebble beaches, hidden coves, and water so clear you can count fish from the shore.
Inland, Ottoman-era towns like Berat and Gjirokastër climb hillsides with stone houses and cobbled lanes. Mountain valleys in the north offer hiking and homestays where hospitality runs deep and tourism remains refreshingly authentic.
Prices stay remarkably reasonable compared to neighboring hotspots, meaning your budget stretches further for accommodations, meals, and activities. Albania represents the Adriatic’s last frontier for travelers seeking beauty, culture, and value all in one welcoming package. Go before the secret spreads.
16. Rwanda
Locking eyes with a silverback mountain gorilla ranks among travel’s most powerful moments. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park protects these magnificent creatures in misty bamboo forests, and trekking permits, though pricey, fund crucial conservation efforts.
Beyond gorillas, Akagera National Park on the eastern border offers classic African safari experiences—lions, elephants, and giraffes roaming savanna landscapes. The contrast between mountain forests and open plains showcases Rwanda’s geographic diversity.
Kigali, the capital, surprises visitors with its cleanliness, safety, and emerging food scene that blends Rwandan traditions with international influences. Rwanda proves that a country can honor a difficult past while building a hopeful, welcoming future. This is transformative travel at its finest.
17. Namibia
Climbing the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei at sunrise feels like walking on Mars. Namibia’s landscapes operate on an epic scale—endless deserts, the eerie Skeleton Coast where shipwrecks rust in the sand, and night skies so dark that the Milky Way casts shadows.
Wildlife thrives in surprising places: desert-adapted elephants wander dry riverbeds, seals bark on Atlantic beaches, and Etosha National Park waterholes draw lions, rhinos, and antelope during the dry season.
Self-driving is popular here, with well-maintained roads connecting lodges and campsites across vast distances. Namibia rewards adventurous spirits with solitude, stunning photography, and the humbling sense of Earth’s raw power. Pack your widest lens and prepare for awe.
18. South Africa
South Africa feels like several countries stitched together—each region offers completely different experiences. Cape Town dazzles with Table Mountain looming over design-forward neighborhoods, beaches, and a waterfront buzzing with energy.
The nearby Winelands pour world-class wines amid Cape Dutch architecture and mountain backdrops. Drive the Garden Route for coastal drama, then head inland to private reserves where the Big Five roam and luxury lodges redefine safari comfort.
Timing matters: South Africa’s summer runs during the northern hemisphere’s winter, making it perfect for escaping cold weather. Diverse cultures, incredible food, adventure activities, and wildlife all come together in one incredibly photogenic package. South Africa delivers big on every promise.
19. Australia
Australia’s sheer size means you will need to pick your adventures carefully. Sailing through the Whitsunday Islands offers postcard-perfect turquoise anchorages and access to the Great Barrier Reef’s underwater wonders.
The Great Ocean Road delivers coastal drama with the Twelve Apostles rock stacks, while Western Australia’s wildflower season (late winter through spring) blankets the outback in unexpected color. Cities like Melbourne and Hobart have evolved into food and art capitals.
Australia works beautifully as a winter escape from northern cold, with beaches, barbecues, and Christmas on the beach feeling delightfully upside-down. Whether you crave reef snorkeling, wine regions, or urban cool, Australia covers all bases with characteristic laid-back confidence.
20. New Zealand
New Zealand practically invented epic road trips. The country’s compact size belies its landscape diversity—volcanic plateaus and geothermal pools dominate the North Island, while the South Island serves up fjords, glaciers, and the famous Great Walks hiking network.
Kayaking through the Marlborough Sounds reveals hidden coves and wildlife encounters. Geothermal areas let you soak in natural hot pools after days spent tramping through beech forests or along alpine ridges.
Kiwi hospitality makes every interaction pleasant, and the country’s adventure tourism infrastructure means safety and quality come standard. Whether you are chasing adrenaline or tranquility, New Zealand’s landscapes provide the backdrop for memories that will last a lifetime. Start planning your route now.
