Whether you journey to be taught, indulge or join with native communities, there’s a world of potentialities ready on the market. Here are only a few expert-recommended locations to think about this 12 months.
Where to go for scrumptious eating
Mexico City: “Mexico City’s reputation as a global food capital is still overlooked by many, but three trips last year only reinforced what I already knew. Beyond tacos, which are especially delicious at Maizajo, there are innovators like Jorge Vallejo of Quintonil. The chef’s influential restaurant celebrates Mexico’s biodiversity and rich culinary heritage at the highest level. For convivial vibes, there’s the farm-to-table gem Máximo, the seafood haven La Docena, the traditional Mexican breakfast stalwart El Cardenal and the charming cantina El Tigre Silencioso. Skip the tourist traps and join the women-run Eat Like a Local — their food tour is smart, cheeky and gives back to the community. And yes, the famous guava roll from Panaderia Rosetta is worth it. Just head to the Puebla 242 outpost to dodge the lines.” — Renée S. Suen, meals and journey author and an academy chair with the World’s 50 Best
Bangkok: “I’ll travel anywhere for a great meal, but cities like Bangkok keep pulling me back. Last year alone, I visited twice. Sure, Thailand’s capital is renowned for street food, but its sophisticated culinary scene deserves greater attention. Homegrown stars like ‘Ton’ Tassanakajohn (Le Du, Nusara), ‘Pam’ Soontornyanakij (Potong) and Prin Polsuk (Samrub Samrub Thai) are cementing the city on the world stage. Michelin has taken notice of the precision contemporary German at Sühring, the soulful Southern Thai at Sorn, and the psychedelic, progressive Indian at Gaggan. On the sweets side, I can’t resist desserts by Dej Kewkacha (Kyo Bar, Kyo Roll En), one of Asia’s top pastry chefs. For more casual dining, do as the locals do: Head to air-conditioned food courts like upmarket Eathai or the super affordable Pier 21.” — Renée S. Suen
London, England, abounds in museums. A brand-new one, V&A East Museum, may even open within the spring.
Where to go for arts, tradition and historical past
London, England: “London is one of my favourite cities. There’s always something to see or do, especially when it comes to world-class museums, and many of them are free. For 2026, I’m excited about the Agatha Christie exhibition at the British Library, which will mark the 50th anniversary of the author’s death; ‘Wes Anderson: The Archives’ at the Design Museum; and Tracey Emin’s largest show to date, at Tate Modern. But London wouldn’t be London without a nod to royal life. The V&A exhibition ‘Marie Antoinette Style’ runs until March 22. Not to be usurped, ‘Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style’ will launch at the King’s Gallery in April, marking 100 years since HRH’s birth. Also notable for art and music lovers: the brand new V&A East Museum will open in April, with ‘The Music is Black: A British Story’ as the debut exhibition.” — Vivian Vassos, editor-in-chief of Bold Traveller journal
Diving in Vanuatu: This South Pacific nation is what author Jonny Bierman imagines Fiji was like 50 years in the past.
Where to go for positive-impact tourism
Vanuatu: “I love the South Pacific for its kaleidoscope reefs, volcanic landscapes and cultural connections, and last year, in search of something deeper, I travelled to Vanuatu. This lesser-known archipelago captivated me with its raw authenticity — it’s what I imagine Fiji was like 50 years ago. On Santo Island, I swam in blue holes where ancestral landowners took me foraging before they served traditional laplap and performed mesmerizing water music. I dove unexplored reefs with the first female Ni-Vanuatu PADI dive instructors, and danced with community members in the shadows of Tanna Island’s fiery Mount Yasur. In every way, Vanuatu delivered the South Pacific experience I’d always imagined.” — Jonny Bierman, sustainable journey journalist
Dalmatian Coast, Croatia: “In search of Croatia’s quieter coastline, I sailed the Adriatic with locals who knew where to find family-owned wineries, secret bars atop medieval towers, and aquamarine bays to moor for swim stops below verdant hillsides. Exploring Hvar’s high-energy harbour and Vis’s slower pace, Korcula’s walled old town and Mljet National Park, our days unfolded navigating between private coves only local crews could find. This intimate approach to Croatian sailing is expanding through Sail Croatia’s Green Sail program, which educates charter operators on ecoconscious practices, while connecting travellers to local experiences beyond day-trip reach. All of this is part of a broader transformation as Dubrovnik leads as the European Commission’s 2026 Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism.” — Jonny Bierman
Rick Steves, the best-selling journey guidebook writer, mountain climbing the Italian Alps in August.
Where to go for significant journey
“The best place, by far, to go this year is wherever your travel dreams are taking you, and avoid the overtourism caused by so many people converging at whatever the ‘hot destination for 2026’ is. What’s really hot is whatever is going on in your mind and heart. Would you like your kids to better understand their heritage? Well, for the O’Malley family, that may mean a trip to Ireland. Have a hankering to visit the World War II sights where your grandfather fought? Then this will be a good year for Normandy. In the mood for a multi-day hike on a venerable trail high in the Alps? Go for it, as I did in 2025.” — Rick Steves, bestselling journey guidebook writer