There’s a specific kind of travel mood that shows up right after New Year’s: the group chat wakes up, the saved posts pile up, and suddenly everyone has strong opinions about “that café,” “that beach,” and “that place from the show.” 2026 travel is riding that wave hard.
This year’s trending destinations aren’t just popular because they’re pretty. They’re popular because they come with a storyline. Some are set-jetting stars (yes, the “White Lotus effect” is still doing numbers). Some are coolcations where the air feels crisp and the scenery looks unreal even on a bad phone. Others are “budget pivot” escapes that deliver a big holiday feeling without the big holiday bill.
We’re serving up a delicious buffet of travel inspiration that will have you itching to grab your passport and hit the road. Trust us, a trip to any of these places will make your Instagram followers green with envy!
1. Jane Austen’s England (Hampshire, Bath, Winchester)
Let’s start this list off with something incredibly special… This one is for those who grew up reading Jane Austen’s novels and want to live out their Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy fantasies.
In 2026, there are two Summer Balls, both held at the Bath Guildhall. Dancing will be led by Liz Bartlett of the Jane Austen Dancers of Bath, with live music from Beau’s Band. There’s a mid-evening break with a buffet supper, and the dress rules are strict in the most charming way: Regency attire is mandatory, and you’ll need flat shoes—heels aren’t permitted in the ballroom.
The Gardens of Sotherton Summer Ball — Saturday, 30th May 2026
This May ball is inspired by the wooded vistas and serpentine paths of Sotherton in Mansfield Park, which means the theme leans into garden romance rather than glittery grandeur. The food and dances for the evening will reflect the garden concept. Guests are invited to add a touch of greenery, pheasant feathers, or flowers to their Regency finery. It’s one of those themes that sounds niche until you see it in a room full of people who understood the assignment.
Fruit and Flowers of Bath Ball — Saturday, 27th June 2026
This June ball is inspired by Austen’s letter-writing and her observations of Bath fashion. Jane Austen wrote to her sister Cassandra from Queen’s Square, Bath in June 1799 that “Flowers are very much worn, and fruit is still more the thing.” The festival is running with that idea in full! Flowers and fruit will shape the theme, reflected in both the dances and the food served. Guests are invited to include a nod to the theme in their attire. So, expect a ballroom that looks like an elegant garden party wandered indoors and decided to stay.
This June ball also comes with a detail that travellers tend to love once they’ve done it: it’s a fully “switched-off” event. After your ticket is checked, your phone will be sealed inside a magnet-locked pouch for the full duration of the evening. Don’t worry, you’ll release it when you leave. Funny enough, this often becomes the part people talk about most afterwards.
2. Koh Samui, Thailand
The White Lotus effect clearly hasn’t faded yet. In fact, this year it’s spilling into something bigger: Koh Samui’s resorts are turning their own celebrations into mini-attractions. Lunar New Year programming, for example, is getting plenty of attention — including themed events like a Fire Horse celebration at Four Seasons.
And even though Samui has its own nightlife, one of the most popular “extra plans” sits just offshore: the Full Moon Parties on Koh Phangan. In 2026, they’re still one of the most recreated itineraries for travellers who want the iconic Thailand party night — then an easy, quieter reset back in Samui the next day
What’s trending isn’t one single attraction. It’s the “Samui sequence” people keep recreating: pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, lush jungles, luxury villas. And, of course, mouthwatering Thai food, Koh Samui serves as the perfect backdrop for your next out-of-town beach trip!
3. Vietnam
The easiest way to make Vietnam feel smooth (especially for overseas travellers) is to build it like a good story. Start with a city chapter for energy, then add an island chapter for comfort, and finish with an adventure chapter. Let’s explore the country!
Ho Chi Minh City
Early 2026 is a particularly good window to visit Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). The city is at its peak dry season and the events calendar provides easy anchors for planning. January starts loud with a major cultural festival atmosphere, February pulls in the business and design crowd. And the rest of the season stays lively even when you don’t have tickets to anything.
Here’s what’s trending for early 2026 in HCMC, without turning your trip into an event marathon:
- Vietnam Cultural Festival at Suoi Tien (early January): big, busy, and the kind of spectacle that feels uniquely local in the best way
- VIATT 2026 (late February), a major trade show that brings international energy into the city
- Garden Art-style cultural programming, plus regular sporting events like the HCMC International Marathon
- Bui Vien Street stays a reliable “we’ll just go for one drink” zone (nobody ever goes for one)
Ha Giang
Ha Giang always looks unreal. It has the kind of scenery that makes people book first and ask questions later. Name it: mountain roads, epic viewpoints, and a route that’s become a rite of passage.
In early 2026, there’s an additional reason Ha Giang is pulling attention: the Ha Giang Discovery Marathon & Ultra Trail, happening March 13–15, 2026. It’s designed for adventure runners who want their race to double as a landscape documentary. The distances ranging from 6km to 70km and routes passing through places like the Dong Van Karst Plateau.
Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is trending as a top Southeast Asian destination because it’s doing something very modern: blending natural beauty with “entertainment destination” scale. It is especially good for families and mixed groups because the island makes planning easy. You can do beaches and villa time, but you can also plug into headline attractions when the group wants a big “wow” day.
Part of Phu Quoc’s rise is practicality. Easier entry policies, increased flight access, and a growing entertainment scene mean it’s become one of the simplest “big holiday” choices in the region—especially for overseas travellers who want tropical beauty with polished infrastructure.
It is also tied to a few flagship zones that keep appearing in holiday videos:
- Sunset Town: the hub for nightlife, dining, and signature shows
- Kiss Bridge (Kissing Bridge): iconic architecture + sunset views + effortless photo ops
- Kiss of the Sea Show: the big spectacle night that turns an evening into a memory
- Sun World Hon Thom & Cable Car: including the world’s longest cable car experience and Aquatopia Water Park
- VinWonders & Vinpearl Safari: theme park + wildlife park combo that’s a reliable family win
- Grand World Phu Quoc: the “Venice of Vietnam” canal vibe with shows, shopping, and evening energy
- Sunset Bazaar: a newer-feeling stop where “we’ll just have a look” turns into a full dinner mission
4. Phuket, Thailand
Phuket also retains its status as a hotspot. The big reason Phuket is peaking in early 2026 is timing. The island’s busiest, best-weather stretch (January to February) lines up with major events.
First, EDC Thailand lands in Phuket on January 16–18, 2026 at Rhythm Park, pulling in international festival crowds and turning the island into a global party weekend. At the same time, Phuket doubles as Southeast Asia’s luxury playground with the Thailand International Boat Show, scheduled for January 15–18, 2026 at Phuket Yacht Haven Marina, bringing superyachts, high-end travel energy, and a noticeably upgraded dinner scene.
Then in mid-February, Phuket leans into culture: Phuket Chinese New Year on February 17, 2026 lights up the island—especially around Old Town—with parades, performances, and a festive atmosphere that makes the streets feel like the main event.
Later in the year, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival (October 10–18, 2026) remains one of the island’s most powerful cultural moments—less “tourist attraction,” more living tradition.
In 2026, it’s a hotspot precisely because it’s flexible: you can go big with festivals and yacht-week energy, or go soft with Old Town mornings, beach afternoons, and nights that feel like a treat while staying at Phuket accommodation—without trying to do everything at once.
5. Kandy, Sri Lanka
In the vibrant land of Sri Lanka, where misty tea plantations, wild elephants, ancient temples, and rolling surf converge, you’ll find a country that truly has it all. Back in April 2022, there was some financial turbulence with the announcement of bankruptcy, but this year, a fresh breeze of change is blowing in with a new president keen on turning the country’s luck around post-pandemic and civil unrest.
Kandy is definitely one of the spots stepping up its game with the grand opening of its first-ever seven-star hotel, Aviyana Private Chalets. However, if you prefer a more private and intimate holiday, a stay at one of these scenic Sri Lankan villas is also just as spectacular.
6. Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky is getting an extra push into hotspot territory thanks to a perfect mix of data, pop culture, and new development. Expedia named Big Sky the world’s #1 trending destination for 2026, driven by a major surge in interest.
A big driver here is proximity to Yellowstone National Park, plus the broader “set-jetting” wave—because after a few seasons of Yellowstone on Paramount, a lot of travellers suddenly want to see “Big Sky country” with their own eyes (minus the family feuds and ominous music). It’s especially appealing in 2026 to travellers who want scenery, space, and the feeling of being far away without the inconvenience.
Even the dining has levelled up in a way that surprises people: Everett’s 8800 is a mountaintop dining experience at (you guessed it) 8,800 feet, which makes dinner feel like an activity, not just a meal. And if you want “Montana storybook” energy, Lone Mountain Ranch is famous for its sleigh-ride dinners—horse-drawn snow trails to a cabin meal that feels like you wandered into a movie set (the wholesome kind).
7. Le Morne, Mauritius
Think postcard-perfect beaches, dramatic mountains, and enough water sports to keep you busy for a week (or more!). Climb Le Morne Brabant for insane views, then chill on the white-sand beach – it’s seriously stunning… almost as stunning as its vibrant underwater life if you decide to go diving or snorkelling! You also can’t miss out on exploring the Domaine Des Grands Bois, where you’ll spot deers, monkeys, and rare birds you can’t find anywhere else in the world. Or just relax in your seaside villa while sipping coconut juice all day!
8. Tuscany, Italy
The rolling hills, vineyards, and charming towns of Tuscany are eternally romantic. This is the perfect destination for couples looking to celebrate their honeymoon, anniversary, or even their wedding this year! You literally can’t go wrong with spending your days wine tasting, exploring medieval villages, and indulging in delicious Tuscan cuisine. And to make it extra special, rent out a charming Tuscan villa surrounded by vineyards and go on a hot air balloon ride during sunset to make the trip extra memorable.
9. Niseko, Japan
Think world-class powder snow, ridiculously good food, and those amazing onsen (hot springs) to soothe your muscles after a day carving up the slopes. With an average annual snowfall of over 15 meters, this is a skier and snowboarder’s paradise.
But hey, even if you don’t enjoy snowsports, Niseko still has plenty to offer – such as incredible gourmet restaurants, stunning cherry blossoms in spring, and easy access to other Hokkaido highlights like Sapporo and Otaru. Plus, the luxury accommodation options are seriously tempting… you might just find yourself extending your stay!
10. Western Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
With the recent completion of the Trans-Labrador Highway, this vast and rugged landscape is now more accessible than ever before, opening up a wealth of opportunities for exploration. Discover windswept coastal villages steeped in 9,000 years of history, witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of towering icebergs, and explore subarctic forests and dramatic waterfalls.
Significant investments in Parks Canada sites, including enhanced visitor facilities at UNESCO World Heritage sites, promise an enriched and sustainable travel experience. Embark on Expedition 51, a circular route connecting Labrador with five Canadian provinces and offering detours into the US and even France – how cool is that?!
Related Articles:
The Smart Traveller’s Guide to Luxe-Feeling Wellness on a Budget
Layover vs Stopover Flights: Which One Should You Choose for Your Next Trip?
How to Choose a Villa That Matches Your Budget (Without Sacrificing Style)
Comments are closed.