Recommendation from journey author Christopher Muther

What I’m making an attempt to say is, loosen up, folks. Travel is enjoyable.

So, let’s get to the matter at hand. Here are just a few of the spectacular locations I’ve visited or hope to see in 2026. I’ve named 10 areas, however the windmills of my thoughts are spinning with an countless variety of locales that I’m nonetheless craving to see. Every time a reader asks, “Have you been to…” I normally add it to the record. In the meantime, listed below are my high decisions for 2026. Please, be type in your responses. My remedy payments are already by way of the roof.

Greenland

The world’s largest island discovered itself within the headlines final yr after President Trump indicated that the United States ought to take management of the autonomous Danish territory. Last week, he reiterated that the US wants Greenland for nationwide safety. No matter what occurs politically, Greenland is slowly turning into extra accessible to vacationers. At the tip of 2024, the trendy Nuuk International Airport opened, and in 2026, new airports will open in Ilulissat and Qaqortoq. Last yr, United Airlines started providing seasonal direct flights to Nuuk from Newark. The dramatic panorama of the icy island (80 % lined in snow) provides spectacular climbing, ice cruises to the Icefjord in Ilulissat, and loads of dog-sledding. Spring and summer time are one of the best occasions to go to, particularly when the Flower Valley in Tasiilaq is in full bloom.

Waitsfield, Vt.

It’s primarily recognized for the ski trails at Mad River Glen, however Waitsfield has lots going for it the remainder of the yr. Once the snow is gone, it turns into a haven for on-road and off-road biking, in addition to river-centric actions reminiscent of paddling, fishing, and swimming, each within the river and at Blueberry Lake. 5th Quarter Butcher + Provisions has essentially the most complete assortment of Vermont-made cheeses. The tiny historic downtown has boutiques and eating places (take a look at the notably charming, river-side eatery Jessica’s at Swift House). It additionally makes an incredible launching level for leaf-peeping. The not too long ago opened, pet-friendly Madbush Falls hotel, positioned within the long-abandoned Madbush Alpine Chalet, has fashionable rooms and a seasonal possibility to remain in creekside tents.

Montreal

I inevitably get the query, “What’s your favorite place?” And for years, my go-to reply was at all times “Lake Como, Italy.” I like Lake Como, however once I take into consideration the place I go to most frequently for comfort, tradition, meals, and festivals, the reply is at all times Montreal. Unlike Boston, Montreal is a metropolis that throws its arms round winter, filling the darkish, chilly days and nights with festivals and outside artwork installations. I’m shocked by the variety of Bostonians who’ve by no means been to Montreal. It is six hours by automotive, or an hour by airplane, however the metropolis of almost 2 million has an extremely various variety of neighborhoods, retailers, nightlife, and eating places. There are solely three Michelin-starred eating places, however the culinary scene right here is maybe the best in North America (take that, New York). In summer time, the streets are stuffed with festivals and outside eating. This yr, Montreal hosts the UCI Road World Championships. This summer time, town is remodeling Avenue McGill College right into a pedestrian sq. with inexperienced areas for artwork and leisure.

Watamu, Kenya

Yes, Africa is a protracted method to go to solar your self at a seashore, however the seashores of Watamu are value a facet journey if a safari in Kenya is in your future. There are miles of undeveloped white sand circling the beautiful azure waters of the Indian Ocean. The diving and snorkeling at Watamu Marine National Park are glorious, with over 600 fish species, together with clownfish, lionfish, and parrotfish, in addition to sea turtles. A sundown cruise on a standard dhow is a soothing method to see the birds from a novel vantage level, and much more enjoyable when the captain busts out a bottle of champagne and a plate of hors d’oeuvres. When I visited in June, I principally had the seashores to myself, apart from just a few courageous kite surfers. I used to be content material to observe them from the sand.

Los Angeles

This was not an excellent yr for Los Angeles. Per week of damaging wildfires burned by way of town and its surrounding areas. Trump despatched the National Guard into town with claims that they had been essential after protests broke out over ICE’s crackdown on immigration. All of this led to a drop in worldwide tourism. The particles left within the wake of the hearth has been cleaned, the National Guard has been ordered to go away town, and now Los Angeles can get again to what it does greatest: procuring, studio excursions, and museums. The Getty Center is a free museum based mostly in travertine buildings designed by famed architect Richard Meier. The museum shows artwork from the medieval period to photographic masterpieces. The gardens descending adjoining hills supply a few of the greatest views in LA. The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA is value a go to for American and European up to date artwork, in addition to provocative exhibitions. West Hollywood stays an epicenter of LGBTQ+ tradition and a great escape for a debauched night of bar-hopping.

Anguilla

I’ve made no secret of the truth that Anguilla is my favourite Caribbean island, made all of the extra interesting with the introduction of direct flights from Boston this winter. For a spot the dimensions of Manhattan with a inhabitants of 16,000, the island is spoiled with an embarrassing variety of good eating places and seashore golf equipment. Winter is the prime season right here, with vacationers flocking to benefit from the comfortable, white-sand seashores and to fill the eating places. But right here’s a secret for you: summer time is simply as pretty. The temperatures change little in summer time, however resort costs do. The uber-posh Cap Juluca resort, with winter charges of $2,000, drops to $1,000 in the summertime. The eclectic Quintessence Hotel drops from over $1,000 an evening to $400 an evening in the summertime. You get the thought. Summer means fewer crowds and luxurious on a budget, or at the least extra reasonably priced than regular.

Porto, Portugal

Lisbon is a superb metropolis, stuffed with vibrant structure, historic church buildings, and engaging egg tarts. But it’s additionally stuffed with folks. Lots of people. That’s why I choose to move north, particularly to Porto, the Douro River Valley, and hidden gems reminiscent of Braga and Guimarães, that are a fast prepare experience away. It’s one of the best of Portugal on a smaller scale. Here, there’s room to breathe as you take pleasure in native wine (there’s greater than Port) and scenic river boat rides. Access to the area expanded in 2025 with four-times-weekly direct flights from Boston to Porto. Those May-to-October flights will return in 2026, and also you’ll discover me on considered one of them.

Cook Islands

If you’re searching for distant, the Cook Islands are as faraway as you could find. But this group of 15 islands in Polynesia can also be one of the vital fascinating locations you’ll see, from the rainforests to crystal blue Lagoons. I found it years in the past when New Zealand Air had a sale on flights. It’s simpler to succeed in now that Hawaiian Airlines upgraded its Honolulu-Rarotonga route in June 2025 with extra handy daytime departures and new US connections by way of Alaska Airlines. Night markets, just like the one at Muri Beach on Rarotonga, supply conventional umu-cooked meals (cooked in an underground oven), as do island night time cultural reveals. This was the primary journey that I ever went out of my method to attend a Sunday church service. It was a manufacturing, in the absolute best approach. This will sound cliché, however it actually was the kindness of the folks I keep in mind. One afternoon, I made a decision to take a motorbike and discover a distant part of Aitutaki. I discovered myself hopelessly caught within the mud. A stranger got here out of nowhere and spent an hour serving to me free it. He refused to simply accept something however a handshake in return.

Philadelphia

You could have heard that the US is celebrating its 250th birthday this yr. Historic US cities (whats up, Boston) can be epicenters of the celebration. It’s an excellent excuse to move to Philadelphia. Start on the Museum of the American Revolution, the place you’ll discover over 120 uncommon artifacts and paperwork that inform the story of the Declaration of Independence. The National Constitution Center will open two new galleries this yr, considered one of which can home a uncommon copy of the Constitution, considered one of 14 recognized unique copies. Because town is providing an awesome variety of occasions, I like to recommend Visit Philadelphia’s website an entire record of actions.

Cork, Ireland

I at present consider Cork as town that received away from me. When I used to be in Ireland within the fall of 2025, I explored Dublin and Galway, however spent solely a fast night time in Cork. I used to be kicking myself for having spent solely a really quick afternoon and night right here. As quickly as I spot an affordable airfare, I’ll doubtless be again. In my brief time there, I solely had time to walk downtown and seize a drink, however I used to be completely charmed by what I noticed and pledged to spend a correct block of time right here. Now I’ll flip it again to you, associates. When I return to Cork, what do I must see?

Christopher Muther may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him @Chris_Muther and Instagram @chris_muther.