‘Best of the World’: National Geographic reveals the highest 25 journey locations for 2026

Twenty-five areas, from all around the globe, have been chosen as the highest picks for probably the most distinctive journey experiences subsequent 12 months. Travel editors, contributors and worldwide companions, alongside the Nat Geo group, consulted on the world’s greatest meals, seashores, structure and extra to go to within the upcoming 12 months.

National Geographic’s “Best Of The World 2026” options distinctive locations, from giraffes and zebras in an East African nationwide park, to snorkeling with manta rays in Fiji, and Maui’s well-known black sand seaside in Hawaii. The record has unimaginable ideas to fulfill any “travel bug.”

Nathan Lump, editor-in-chief of National Geographic, defined how “travel has the power to inspire and transform us.”

“In this year’s ‘Best of the World,’ we especially wanted to highlight unexpected destinations that the algorithms are probably not serving you – for instance, Uzbekistan’s Khiva or Rwanda’s Akagera National Park, “Lump stated in a press launch. “Of course, we know that not every trip can be an off-the-beaten-path adventure, so we were mindful to include some surprisingly compelling places that are also more easily accessible. Whatever kind of traveler you are, our goal is to ensure we’re sharing fresh ideas that help you connect with that feeling of discovery and joy that comes from a great travel experience.”

Whether touring the “snow monsters” of the Zao Mountains in Japan, or exploring Spain’s Basque Country past a complete photo voltaic eclipse, the curated choice will spark an curiosity with all adventurers.

Full record of National Geographic’s “Best of the World 2026”:

• Akagera National Park, Rwanda, East Africa
• Basque Country, Spain
• Beijing, China
• Black Sea Coast, Türkiye
• Coastal Oaxaca (Costa Chica), Mexico
• Dominica
• Fiji
• Guimarães, Portugal
• Hull, Yorkshire, England
• Khiva, Uzbekistan
• Manila, Philippines
• Maui, Hawaii, U.S.
• Medellín, Colombia
• North Dakota Badlands, U.S.
• Oulu, Finland
• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Québec, Canada
• Rabat, Morocco
• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Route 66: Oklahoma, U.S.
• South Korea (Dongseo Trail)
• The Dolomites, Milan, Italy
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia
• Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
• Yamagata Prefecture, Japan

For extra of Nat Geo’s “Best Of The World 2026” record, go to: natgeo.com/bestoftheworld.

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