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Where the World Will Travel in 2026
As 2026 dawns, the world stands on the edge of rediscovery. Travelers are seeking destinations that stir the soul, places where history whispers through ancient streets, nature paints with untamed colors, and human connection deepens every journey. From the snow-veiled peaks of the Himalayas to the sun-drenched coasts of Southeast Asia, the coming year celebrates the timeless beauty of our planet and the promise of new experiences that awaken wonder.
Whether you crave spiritual renewal, thrilling adventure, or intimate encounters with local culture, these ten destinations, handpicked by NOW Travel Asia, are set to inspire the journeys that define 2026.
10 Incredible Places to Discover in 2026
Tibet
Where the earth meets the heavens, Tibet remains a sanctuary for the spirit. Known as the “Roof of the World,” its vast landscapes, from shimmering turquoise lakes to snow-draped Himalayan peaks, evoke both awe and peace. Here, ancient monasteries like the Potala Palace rise above the clouds, while prayer flags flutter blessings into the wind. Travelers can walk alongside pilgrims on sacred kora trails, meditate at centuries-old temples, or witness spiritual festivals rich with color and devotion.
Why Go in 2026: With greater access routes and curated spiritual retreats emerging, Tibet offers not just a journey through breathtaking scenery, but an inner pilgrimage toward clarity, humility, and transcendence.
Krabi, Thailand
In 2026, Krabi takes center stage as one of Asia’s cinematic wonders, its dramatic limestone cliffs, emerald waters, and hidden lagoons featured in the 2025 blockbuster Jurassic World Rebirth. Beyond its Hollywood charm lies a realm of adventure and serenity. Travelers can kayak through mangrove forests, trek to cascading waterfalls in Khao Phanom Bencha National Park, or unwind in luxury spa sanctuaries beside the sea.
Why Go in 2026: With new eco-lodges, adventure routes, and community-led tours, Krabi invites travelers to reconnect with nature and rediscover the meaning of paradise, real, raw, and radiantly alive.
Bohol, Philippines
Bohol, famed for its surreal Chocolate Hills, offers more than postcard beauty. The island’s coral gardens and white-sand coves invite underwater exploration, while the emerald Loboc River calls for a tranquil cruise beneath a canopy of palms. Encounter the wide-eyed tarsier, one of Earth’s tiniest primates, or wander through the whispering Mahogany Forest on an eco-adventure.
Why Go in 2026: As Bohol embraces sustainable tourism and nature conservation, travelers can immerse themselves in a paradise that gives back, blending island adventure with heartfelt environmental purpose.
Hsinchu, Taiwan
Hsinchu is where Taiwan’s high-tech brilliance meets poetic tradition. Known as the island’s “Silicon Valley,” this dynamic city pulses with innovation, yet beyond its glass towers lie temples, night markets, and tranquil trails that reflect Taiwan’s timeless heart.
Why Go in 2026: As Hsinchu expands its art districts, tech museums, and green spaces, it’s becoming the ideal destination for the modern explorer, one who values both digital dynamism and cultural soul.
Shangri-La, Yunnan, China
Set on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, Shangri-La embodies the myth of paradise, a land where mountains mirror the sky and tradition shapes every moment. Visit ancient monasteries, sip yak butter tea with local villagers, and lose yourself among alpine meadows alive with prayer flags.
Why Go in 2026: With new sustainable lodges and cultural immersion programs, Shangri-La offers travelers a rare chance to step into a living legend, a journey that nourishes both curiosity and consciousness.
Hokkaido, Japan
Hokkaido has long been Japan’s northern treasure, yet 2026 invites travelers to experience its subtler seasons, when wildflowers bloom across rolling fields and hot springs steam beneath starlit skies. In winter, its powdery slopes beckon skiers; in summer, its seafood feasts and lavender farms delight the senses.
Why Go in 2026: As Hokkaido expands wellness retreats, culinary tours, and slow-travel itineraries, it promises an experience of balance, where nature, nourishment, and culture flow in perfect harmony.
Daegu, South Korea
Daegu, a city of heritage and heartbeat, is emerging as one of South Korea’s most compelling cultural centers. Once known for textiles and herbal medicine, it now fuses creativity with history, from bustling Seomun Market to the festive energy of the Daegu Chimac Festival. Nearby, Palgongsan Mountain offers a peaceful escape amid ancient temples.
Why Go in 2026: Enhanced connectivity and new boutique hotels make Daegu a fresh alternative to Seoul, a city where ancient healing wisdom meets modern vibrance, ready to surprise discerning travelers.
Valletta, Malta
Valletta, Malta’s UNESCO-listed capital, is a jewel of the Mediterranean, a city built by knights and bathed in golden light. Wander through cobblestoned alleys lined with Baroque facades, explore fortresses that once guarded empires, and dine on terraces overlooking the sapphire sea.
Why Go in 2026: As Valletta expands its calendar of art exhibitions, music festivals, and gastronomy events, it stands as a refined escape, ideal for travelers seeking heritage with a contemporary flair.
Madeira, Portugal
Floating in the Atlantic like a green gem, Madeira enchants with rugged cliffs, terraced vineyards, and the scent of laurel forests. Adventure seekers can hike ancient levada trails, dive beneath volcanic coastlines, or glide above emerald valleys while paragliding.
Why Go in 2026: With a world-class Nick Faldo-designed golf course opening and boutique wineries flourishing, Madeira now offers an elevated mix of nature, sport, and sophistication, the essence of refined exploration.
Kaş, Türkiye
Tucked gracefully along Turkey’s sun-kissed Lycian Coast, Kaş is a sanctuary where the soul of the Aegean still lingers in every breeze. Once a tranquil fishing village, today it remains refreshingly untouched, a place where whitewashed lanes climb toward ancient acropolises, and bougainvillea spills gently over stone walls. By day, dive into crystalline waters to uncover submerged ruins and vibrant coral gardens; by dusk, linger at a seaside taverna as the horizon melts into gold. In 2026, Kaş calls to discerning travelers seeking authenticity, artistry, and the rare beauty of a place that still moves at the rhythm of the sea.
Why Go in 2026: A hidden gem preserving the essence of the Mediterranean. World-class diving amid ancient relics and marine sanctuaries with Artistic coastal charm with boutique stays and local craftsmanship. Kaş is also Gateway to the Lycian Way, one of the world’s great hiking routes.
Kaş, Türkiye
A Year for Renewal
2026 is not just another year to travel — it’s a call to rediscover the world, and yourself. Each journey becomes a meditation on beauty, belonging, and possibility. Whether it’s standing before a sacred mountain, sharing laughter with locals, or tasting the earth’s flavors anew, travel reminds us that wonder is timeless.