10 Underrated Journey Destinations To Go to in 2026, In accordance with Specialists

As journey tendencies evolve, 2026 is shaping as much as be a yr of discovery, with some locations that could be lesser-known to Americans moving into the highlight. Here, we spotlight some compelling locations which might be poised for a surge in reputation this yr.

Malta

“Malta’s appeal among North American travelers continues to accelerate…it will be fueled by Delta Air Lines launching direct seasonal flights to Malta beginning June 2026 as well as great connectivity from European cities that makes for a great pairing destination for city and island itineraries,” Jessica Parker, a luxurious journey adviser for Virtuoso and Cadence, instructed Newsweek.

Tracy Lamourie, founder and managing director at Lamourie Media, who lives in Malta, instructed Newsweek that the southern European island “has everything for every taste,” from the quiet, historic streets of Mdina to the slower tempo of Gozo, “where horses still walk on the streets and much of the landscape still looks as it did a thousand years ago.”

Visitors can simply hop on a ship journey from the capital metropolis of Valletta to Malta’s Comino Island for a dip within the pristine turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon.

Sardinia, Italy

With Delta Air Lines launching a brand new flight route from New York City to Olbia in Sardinia in May, the Italian island might be one to observe this yr.

Michelle Durpetti, the proprietor of Michelle Durpetti Events, instructed Newsweek: “Sardinia is one of the most exciting destinations to watch for 2026. It offers the rare combination travelers are craving right now—untouched natural beauty, deep cultural authenticity, and understated luxury.”

She added: “While long favored by Europeans, it remains relatively undiscovered by American travelers, making it ideal for those seeking a place that feels special rather than saturated—from its crystal-clear coastline to its ancient traditions and hyper-local food culture.”

Budapest, Hungary

“For an underappreciated European city that can act as a great alternative to Vienna, check out Budapest,” Parker prompt, the place the Danube River flows by the middle of the town.

Parker says: “It’s incredibly easy to get around on foot, and I highly recommend walking around on the Pest side. Buda is a bit hillier but serves up some of the best views in the city.”

Biarritz, France

“Biarritz, located in the French Basque Country, is a compelling alternative to the French Riviera, offering dramatic coastline, surf culture, and a deeply rooted culinary tradition,” Alexis Doerfler of The Destination Designer, a luxury travel agency, told Newsweek. “The region balances laid-back elegance with exceptional food, design, and cultural depth…2026 is definitely the ideal moment to visit before demand accelerates.”

Alentejo, Portugal

Doerfler also pointed to Alentejo for its “rare sense of space and serenity that is increasingly difficult to find in Europe.” Visitors won’t want to miss the medieval hill town of Monsaraz and stargaze in the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve, the first site in the world to be certified as a “Starlight Tourism Destination”—a certification backed by UNESCO.

Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico

A short drive from San Diego, just south of the border, Valle de Guadalupe is “one of the few wine destinations that still feels very local and undiscovered,” Parker said. “I went this spring, and fell in love with the caliber of food, wine, hospitality and design. It was everything I was hoping for and more.”

El Salvador

Chris Atkins, owner of Central America Fishing, told Newsweek: “Over the past several years, it’s become clear that El Salvador is the next up-and-coming destination.”

“You can visit quaint colonial mountain towns, Mayan ruins, and even a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Joya de Ceren, otherwise known as the ‘Pompeii of the Americas,’” Atkins said. “Great surf without a huge lineup of surfers, El Salvador is becoming a very poorly kept secret as it’s now recognized as one of the top international surf destinations.”

Panama

“Panama is a great country to consider in Latin America for its unique combination of lush nature, beach, and culture,” Parker mentioned. “With new direct flights from multiple U.S. cities, access is easier than ever.”

Alex Sanchez of travel company G Adventures told Newsweek that “the desire to feel something—awe, wonder, joy, connection—is outpacing the urge to simply ‘see’ something.” Panama, he mentioned, affords “beach time, plus amazing culture, food and architecture…a trifecta for travelers.”

Kyrgyzstan

Lee Thompson is the co‑founding father of the Flash Pack journey firm. He has traveled to over 100 nations as a photojournalist for varied newspapers. He instructed Newsweek: “Kyrgyzstan is the destination I’m most excited about for 2026,” because it’s the place you’ll discover locations that “still feel untouched,” similar to “vast mountain landscapes, high-altitude alpine lakes and nomadic traditions that haven’t changed for centuries.”

Albania

Thompson describes Albania as “effectively the hidden-secret version of Greece or Croatia—stunning beaches, exceptional food and historic towns—but without the crowds or inflated prices.”

Do you’ve got a travel-related story to share? Let us know by way of [email protected], and your story might be featured on Newsweek.