Skip to main content

These are the best places to travel in 2026, according to CN Traveller

From Brussels to Naoshima, CN Traveller’s list highlights next year’s most inspiring destinations

By Amanda Teague Published November 16, 2025

Brussels, Belgium — Brussels, Belgium Walkerssk / Pixabay

If your travel bucket list is feeling a little light, CN Traveller has just given you 25 new reasons to grab your passport. The magazine’s highly anticipated “Best Places to Go in 2026” list spans every corner of the globe, from desert oases to design capitals, spotlighting destinations set to shine in the coming year.

Among the standouts is Brussels, Belgium, an often-overlooked capital that’s finally stepping into the spotlight. Long overshadowed by Bruges and Antwerp, Brussels is fast becoming a creative powerhouse thanks to the upcoming opening of the Kanal-Centre Pompidou, a massive modern art space housed in a former Citroën factory. The city’s food scene is also booming, offering both traditional Belgian favorites and bold new concepts.

Recommended Videos

Over in Tanzania, Arusha makes the list as a gateway to some of Africa’s most spectacular adventures. Sitting at the foot of Mount Meru, it’s the perfect jumping-off point for safaris through the Serengeti or a trek up Kilimanjaro, with new luxury lodges and community-led conservation experiences making the region more accessible than ever.

On the other side of the world, Naoshima, Japan, continues to redefine what an island getaway can be. Known as Japan’s “art island,” it’s home to world-class museums and installations, including works by Yayoi Kusama and Tadao Ando.

Rounding out the list are sunny escapes like Barbados’s East Coast, foodie havens like Guadalajara, Mexico, and natural wonders like Northern Chilean Patagonia and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

The best places to go in 2026

Arusha, Tanzania
East Coast, Barbados
Brussels, Belgium
Chiriquí Province, Panama
Deer Valley, Utah
Fès, Morocco
Gabon
Upper Carniola (Gorenjska), Slovenia
Guadalajara, Mexico
Hong Kong
Margaret River, Australia
Medellín, Colombia
Minas Gerais, Brazil
Naoshima, Japan
Northern Chilean Patagonia
Northern Namibia
Oulu, Finland
The Peloponnese, Greece
Potosí, Bolivia
Prince Edward County, Canada
Route 66, USA
Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, France
Udaipur, India
Uluru, Australia
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Contributor

Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio, is a dedicated explorer of both the world and the written word…

Topics

Destinations

Travel

I spent 72 hours in London with only a carry-on. Here’s how I did it in style

Luxury travel doesn't require a checked bag

London

Somewhere between the baggage claim carousel and the Elizabeth Line, I realized I'd already won. As passengers from my Norwegian flight to London crowded around the conveyor belt waiting for checked luggage to appear, I was already on my way into the city. Twenty minutes later, I was headed toward central London with nothing more than a carry-on suitcase and a backpack. I've become a bit of a carry-on evangelist over the past few years. Not because I'm trying to prove some minimalist point or because I enjoy seeing how few shirts I can survive with. I just genuinely think it's the better way to travel, especially for a long weekend in Europe.

My recent 72-hour trip from Copenhagen to London wasn't exactly a backpacker's itinerary. It included a stay at one of London's nicest luxury hotels, rooftop cocktails, dinners worth dressing up for, and plenty of walking through Soho, Covent Garden, and the rest of central London. Somehow, everything I needed fit inside my Travelpro Platinum Elite Slim Cabin Hardshell Spinner V2, with a backpack holding my flight essentials.

Travel

This New Montana Hotel Captures the Poetry of the Open Road

Helena's newest boutique hotel revives the spirit of the classic roadside motel.

Corner, Home Decor, Bed

In case you need another excuse for a Montana getaway this summer, a quirky new boutique hotel has opened in Helena, the Treasure State's capital. The Bell Hotel occupies the site of the former Bell Motel, a classic 1950s roadside lodge thoughtfully reimagined by CWG Architecture. Each of its 14 rooms features locally made chocolates, coffee, and artwork. While in town, ask the front desk about the Bell's Picnic in the Park package. The hotel supplies a basket of local treats and a blanket; Montana provides the sublime scenery and glorious weather. You're on your own for companionship.

Hannah honey was a peachy kind of girl /Her eyes were hazel and her nose was slightly curved /We spent a lonely night at the Memory Motel- The Rolling Stones

Travel

Want to feel like a lad watching England vs. Norway in New York City? The London is where it’s at

The quarterfinals are here. The London's where you should be.

Flag, Plant, City

The last quarterfinal games in the 2026 FIFA World Cup are here. England-Norway kicks things off in Miami before Argentina-Switzerland caps the day's action in Kansas City. One of the best things to come out of the World Cup has been the atmosphere these fans have provided at each city they've visited. We saw the amazing vibes out of Mexico City last week when England fans visited. Before the game, England fans partied and went toe-to-toe with Mexicans at bars everywhere. I know because I was there at The Dog House Pub.

After England beat Mexico in a classic Round of 16 game, fans flooded the streets and partied. We celebrated with England fans until the wee hours of the morning. If you have a serious case of FOMO, you need not worry. You can still catch good vibes and feel like a lad watching England-Norway at The London, A Luxury Collection Hotel, in New York City.