Where to Go in 2026: 12 Trip Whisperer Picks

Every year, the big travel lists drop, and you can usually spot the patterns: destinations that are easier to do well, places with a clear culture/food/design hook, and cities where the hotel scene is doing the most.

I pulled signals from a few of the usual suspects (Amex’s 2026 trending list + Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel), and then curated a Trip Whisperer-style dozen based on what I’d genuinely love to plan, where the momentum is, and where 2026 feels like the sweet spot.

Tell us where you want Trip Whisperer to tailor an itinerary just for you!

1) Panama

Panama is the rare trip that hits cool city + easy escape without turning into a logistics project. Do Panama City for Casco Viejo charm, buzzy rooftops, and a surprisingly strong food scene, then disappear to the water. Did you know it's the only world capital with a rainforest inside its city limits? Very cool. San Blas is the unplugged, postcard version (think barefoot simplicity), while Bocas del Toro leans more beachy-and-social. If you want a “big trip” feeling with a “small trip” flight time, this is your move. My partners Namu Travel Group and I can take care of all the details so all you have to do is show up.

Copa launched new direct flights in 2025 from San Diego, Tampa and Raleigh, making it easier to access. This is in addition to flights already operating nonstop flights from 14 other hubs including Houston, Miami, FLL, DC, Orlando, Chicago, Boston, LA, Denver, Las Vegas, Newark, and SFO. It’s really a great long-weekend getaway from those cities and more.

2) Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is made for travelers who like a trip that changes shape every few days: spice markets, tea country & coastline. The extra-special 2026 play is going beyond the usual circuit—Jaffna (in the north) adds a deeper cultural lens and a sense of discovery that’s harder to find in the more heavily toured zones. And yes, you’ll want the iconic train ride through the hills because it’s actually as good as the photos.

3) Malta

Malta is tiny, but it packs a punch: honey-colored architecture, sea views everywhere, and that Mediterranean rhythm without the mega-crowds, especially if you go in shoulder season. Valletta feels like a living museum you can dine your way through, and Gozo is the antidote to overplanning: swim coves, long lunches, slow drives, repeat. It’s a “short flight, big vibe” destination.

You can pair this island visit with a city in Europe for the perfect city and relaxation pairing! Allow me to tailor your trip with the two brothers who founded Exclusively Malta, when you’re ready.

4) India (Udaipur + Jaipur + the Himalayas)

India is not a one-note trip—it’s a full sensory experience. Udaipur is romantic and cinematic (lakes, palaces, sunrises that feel scripted), while Jaipur is the design and textile lover’s dream: block prints, craft traditions, jewelry, and markets that will have you rethinking your entire wardrobe. Textile fanatics: pack an extra suitcase. No, seriously.

Then, if you want to balance the sparkle with serenity, add time in the Indian Himalayas for mountain air and a totally different pace. India rewards travelers who lean in—and 2026 is a perfect year to do it with intention (and the right hotels). Here is my incredible trip itinerary as a guide and contact for your tailored trip.

5) Namibia

Namibia is for the traveler who wants to feel tiny in the best possible way. The dunes of Sossusvlei look like a modern art installation, and the light is unreal, especially at sunrise. Pair that with the Skeleton Coast for moody, dramatic landscapes that feel like the edge of the world. It’s not a “do it all” destination—it’s a “do fewer things, but they’re unforgettable” destination. It’s one of those countries that lives rent-free in my mind and ultimate bucket-list.

6) Slovenia

Slovenia is the quietly brilliant European pick: beautiful, outdoorsy, and refreshingly manageable. You get a charming capital (Ljubljana), storybook lakes, and the Soča Valley’s turquoise water that looks fake (it’s not). It’s ideal for travelers who want the scenery of bigger-name alpine destinations without the crush of crowds or the price tag whiplash.

7) Basque Country, Spain (Bilbao + San Sebastián)

If your travel personality is “I plan my days around what I’m eating,” Basque Country belongs on your 2026 list. Bilbao gives you design-forward energy and museums, while San Sebastián is the coastal food capital that turns a casual bar crawl into an art form (pintxos = choose-your-own-adventure dining). It’s also an A+ festival destination, so you can time it for jazz, film, or peak summer celebrations for extra sparkle.

8) Colombia (Cartagena + Coffee Triangle)

Colombia is vibrant, warm, and deeply textured—Cartagena’s old city is one of those places where every doorway looks like a photoshoot. Add the Coffee Triangle for lush landscapes and slower mornings. I’d frame this as a destination that’s absolutely worth considering in 2026, with the caveat that smart planning matters: the right neighborhoods, vetted guides, and a curated itinerary make all the difference.

9) Lebanon (Beirut + Batroun + Bekaa)

Lebanon is a destination you feel in your bones: big hospitality, beautiful design, and table culture that turns strangers into friends. Join us for my curated Dining Series this August 2026. Beirut is creative and magnetic, Batroun gives you coastal ease, and the Bekaa Valley is where the wine-and-lunch days stretch out in the best way. It’s a place for travelers who crave cultural depth and human connection—while staying mindful of advisories and building flexibility into plans.

10) Copenhagen

Copenhagen is for people who love clean design, great coffee, and meals that become core memories. It’s a city that does “effortless cool” without trying too hard and 2026 is a great year to plan around its design and cultural calendar. You can keep it purely urban (bakeries, galleries, restaurants), or add a low-effort day trip for nature or coastal charm. I was there for a few nights last March, and regret not having more time.

11) Bangkok

Bangkok is having a hotel moment so strong it’s basically a reason to go by itself. This is the city where you can do rooftop cocktails, street food, temples, and a spa day—then repeat without boredom. It’s also one of the best “add-on” destinations in the world: pair it with a beach, a northern cultural stop, or just give it the time it deserves as a main event. Bangkok rewards travelers who don’t treat it like a layover.

If you’re a big AV geek, make sure to fly over by way of Singapore Airlines or another top carrier. Once you’re in Asia, you can easily take short hopper flights and highly suggest adding on Singapore for another cool city stop.

12) Mexico City (CDMX)

CDMX is always a yes for 2026: art, architecture, markets, museums, and a food scene that delivers at every level—from street tacos to tasting menus. The best way to do it is neighborhood-led: Roma/Condesa for stylish stays and cafe culture, Centro for history, and a market day to make it feel local. It’s one of those cities where you can be both busy and relaxed, depending on how you plan it.

The “go before it gets too crowded” note (aka: the unsexy truth)

For 2026, the destinations that book out first aren’t always the biggest-name places…they’re the ones with limited top-tier inventory (small design hotels, standout guides, sought-after rooms, and peak festival weeks). If you want the best version of these trips, you plan earlier than your group chat thinks is normal. Lebanon is the type of place that books up entirely for the buzzy summer months with everyone traveling ‘home.’