Where You Should — and Shouldn’t — Travel in 2026

As the new year gets underway, many travelers are starting to think about where their next trip might take them. CNN Travel has released its guide to where you should — and shouldn’t — travel in 2026, highlighting destinations gaining momentum as well as places that may be less ideal due to closures, renovations, or logistical challenges.

Among the recommended destinations for 2026 are locations across six continents, offering a mix of culture, nature, and new accessibility. Cities like Bahrain and Adelaide, Australia, are becoming easier to reach thanks to new flight routes, while destinations such as Oulu in Finland and Brussels, Belgium, are drawing attention for their arts and cultural scenes. For travelers seeking more remote or scenic experiences, the Chilean fjords and Mongolia’s Orkhon Valley offer journeys where the travel itself is part of the adventure.

CNN Travel also notes that timing matters. Some popular attractions, including major sites in Paris like the Centre Pompidou and the Catacombs, are expected to undergo renovations in 2026, which could impact travel plans and visitor experiences.

Transportation is another major factor shaping travel this year. Airlines are continuing to adjust pricing strategies amid inflation and geopolitical pressures, while rail travel is expanding rapidly. Europe is seeing a revival of night trains and new high-speed routes in countries including Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Denmark. In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are investing heavily in rail systems to make travel between cities faster and more accessible.

The guide also encourages travelers to think about how they travel, not just where. Responsible tourism, cultural awareness, and respectful behavior are emphasized as global destinations work to balance visitor demand with local communities.

Finally, CNN Travel explores how artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT are being used to plan trips. Editors tested AI for tasks ranging from navigating major cities to accommodating specific dietary needs, offering insight into how travelers can use these tools effectively — and where human judgment still matters most.

Credit: CNN Newsource
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