National Geographic has released its list of the world's best places to travel in 2026. From the Dolomites to Dominica in the Caribbean, here are 25 unique destinations you should see at least once in your lifetime. Find out which cities, islands, and national parks made the prestigious list and why they will be the top travel trends of 2026

Every year, the influential National Geographic magazine, one of the world's most authoritative publications on tourism, geography and research, publishes a list of the best travel destinations for the coming year.

The 2026 ranking, presented in October, covers 25 exceptional places - from mountain ranges and ancient cities to remote islands and national parks.

We tell you about the places that are definitely worth visiting in 2026 in this article.

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TOP 10 best places in the world to travel in 2026 according to National Geographic

1st place – Dolomites, Italy

This mountain range in northeastern Italy has become a top destination for 2026. The reason is not only the upcoming Winter Olympics, which will be held here, but also the breathtaking natural landscapes: steep cliffs, emerald lakes, alpine trails. National Geographic advises exploring not only famous points, but also quiet valleys, where the atmosphere of peace and primitiveness is still preserved.

In winter – snowboarding and skiing, in summer – hiking and camping among the rocks.

2nd place – Quebec, Canada

This French-speaking corner of North America combines European architecture, narrow ancient streets and new natural parks. National Geographic emphasizes that Quebec is a great choice for cultural and ecological tourism when you want to combine the urban atmosphere with nature.

A great opportunity to immerse yourself in French-Canadian culture and enjoy the scenery.

3rd place – Beijing, China

The capital of China is a city of contrasts: ancient imperial palaces and modern skyscrapers. In the 2026 ranking, National Geographic singles out Beijing as a destination where history harmoniously combines with futuristic areas.

The opportunity to see both traditional neighborhoods and an ultra-modern architectural landscape.

4th place – Dominica

A Caribbean island, often called the “island of nature”. Among the jungles, volcanoes and waterfalls, you can feel like a real explorer. National Geographic draws attention to the ecological aspect of a trip to Dominica – silence, nature, real remoteness from mass tourism.

A great choice for those looking for natural adventures outside the mainstream.

5th place – Rabat, Morocco

The capital of Morocco with a sophisticated blend of Arab, Berber and French influences. In the 2026 ranking, National Geographic notes that Rabat is a city that reveals Morocco from another side: not only as a vibrant tourist resort, but as a place with a deep history and culture.

Ideal for those who want to combine architecture, city atmosphere and North African hospitality.

6th place – Hull, England

A port city in East Yorkshire, experiencing a cultural renaissance. National Geographic recommends paying attention to Hull as an unexpected destination: art, music, new spaces and seafaring history.

A great option for those who want to explore England outside of London.

7th place – Badlands, North Dakota, USA

The vast, almost otherworldly expanses of North Dakota are the perfect place for a trip among the wild. National Geographic notes that these landscapes look like they came from another planet, and they are good for hiking, camping and stargazing.

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, this is a great choice.

8th place - Manila, Philippines

A dynamic city with a rich history: Spanish colonial heritage next to a modern metropolis, hospitable locals and a vibrant city life. National Geographic calls Manila a destination worth visiting in 2026 - especially if you are interested in a combined experience of culture, cuisine and urban energy.

Ideal for tourists who want to interact with the local culture and feel the urban atmosphere of Asia.

9th place – Black Sea Coast, Turkey

Less hyped than popular resorts – and that’s what makes it so appealing. Mountains, green valleys, a calm Turkish rhythm – National Geographic included this region in the 2026 list as an alternative to “mass” destinations.

Well suited for those looking for peace and nature without a large number of tourists.

10th place – Khiva, Uzbekistan

An ancient city on the Great Silk Road, which has hardly lost its authenticity. National Geographic advises paying attention to Khiva as an “open-air museum city”, where every stone, every wall breathes the history of caravans and trade.

What other places made it to the list of the best places to travel in 2026?

In addition to the ten main locations, National Geographic noted a number of other places worth visiting in 2026. They cover different continents, cultures and types of travel – from outdoor adventures to cultural discoveries and gastronomic expeditions.

Among them are the green spaces of Australia, which attract attention with sustainable approaches to tourism, Bolivia with its amazing landscapes of Salar de Uyuni, Malaysia with the jungles of Borneo, and Kenya, which continues to develop eco-safaris with respect for wildlife.

European destinations are also not left out – Portugal, Slovenia and the Netherlands are demonstrating a new balance between tourism and nature conservation, offering tourists a vacation without harming the environment.

In South America, it is worth paying attention to Argentina and Colombia, where the development of local communities and gastrotourism are combined with vibrant natural landscapes.

And among the new cultural discoveries are Taiwan, Jordan, Madagascar and Tanzania, which National Geographic calls “transformational destinations”: they open themselves to the world from a new perspective, inviting travelers to discover the true essence of a place – without gloss, but with soul.

Overall, the Best of the World 2026 list is not just a selection of tourist locations. It is an invitation to travel responsibly, to seek harmony between man and nature, and to discover the world through experience, not through cliché.

Full list of the 25 best destinations of 2026

1. Dolomites, Milan, Italy

2. Quebec, Canada

3. Beijing, China

4. Dominica

5. Rabat, Morocco

6. Hull, Yorkshire, England

7. Badlands, North Dakota, USA

8. Manila, Philippines

9. Black Sea Coast, Turkey

10. Khiva, Uzbekistan

11. Akagera National Park, Rwanda

12. Vancouver, Canada

13. Yamagata Prefecture, Japan

14. Route 66, Oklahoma, USA

15. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia

16. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

17. Oulu, Finland

18. South Korea

19. Guimaraes, Portugal

20. Basque Country, Spain

21. Maui, Hawaii, USA

22. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

23. Coastal Oaxaca (Costa Chica), Mexico

24. Fiji

25. Medellin, Colombia

National Geographic Readers' Choice

Interestingly, the magazine's readers separately chose their own favorite - Banff (Canada). The picturesque town in the Rocky Mountains is known for its turquoise lakes, national park and unique atmosphere of Canadian nature.

The ranking of the best places to travel in 2025 traditionally identifies the main tourism trends of the year: an emphasis on sustainable tourism, nature conservation, cultural diversity and new ways to discover the world without being overloaded with popular mass destinations.

From the snowy peaks of the Dolomites and the colorful streets of Beijing to the tropical beaches of Dominica and the serene landscapes of Canada, 2026 promises to be a year of discovery. So if you’re planning your next big trip, now’s the time to find your place on this list – and create your own story worthy of the pages of National Geographic.

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Reminder! From transparent capsules in Peru to a hotel deep in a mine in the UK - National Geographic has presented a selection of the most unique hotels in the world that turn an ordinary trip into a real adventure. Where to spend the night among the clouds, in the desert or underground - read in our material.

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