5 Trending Destinations That Promise an Epic Adventure in 2026
If you’re already dreaming about the best places to travel in 2026, this is your sign to start turning those dreams into plans.
From sunlit Adriatic coasts and the soaring Rockies to ancient citadels and neon-lit squares – 2026 is packed with bucket list destinations where cultural immersion, untamed nature, and once-in-a-lifetime moments come together.
And the best part? You don’t have to plan a thing!
With Globus guided tours and well-planned Cosmos itineraries, you get hassle-free travel planning, local guides, and curated access to experiences that most travellers only stumble upon by chance. Let’s count them down.
1. Croatia: The Adriatic’s Crown Jewel.
Image Source: Photo by Drif Riadh on Unsplash
Croatia tours 2026 are having a major moment – and one look at the sun-drenched Adriatic will tell you why.
With medieval towns perched on crystalline waters, terracotta rooftops glowing at sunset, and over a thousand islands waiting to be explored, Croatia offers that perfect blend of history and hedonism that keeps travellers coming back.
Why It Belongs on Your 2026 List
Dubrovnik’s city walls echo centuries of maritime power, and if they look familiar, that’s because they starred as King’s Landing in The Game of Thrones. Split’s Roman heart beats beneath café terraces and seaside promenades, while the cascading turquoise waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park create scenes so stunning, they barely seem real.
Want a Croatia tour that hits every must-see without missing the magic in between?
Globus Croatia tours offer curated sightseeing, premium coastal stays, and insider storytelling that bring the Adriatic to life. However, if you prefer great value with freedom to explore, consider Cosmos Croatia tours that deliver scenic sailing, iconic cities, and perfectly timed itineraries – all without the stress of navigating on your own.
2. Canada: Where Wilderness Meets Wonder
Image Source: Photo by Bruno Soares on Unsplash
Big skies and bigger summits – Canada offers raw natural beauty on a cinematic scale, and in 2026, it’s calling travellers back to nature – with sustainability in focus.
Why It Belongs on Your 2026 List
If epic scenery makes your heart race, Canada vacations might just take your breath away. Towering peaks in the Canadian Rockies, mirror-still lakes in Banff reflecting snow-capped mountains, the thundering majesty of Niagara Falls, and charming cityscapes from cosmopolitan Vancouver to European-flavoured Québec City – Canada is a nature lover’s dream come true.
As the world leans into slower, more immersive travel, Canada emerges as one of the best places to travel in 2026, and Globus and Cosmos know how to make this vast country feel personal.
Want rail views and refined comfort? Globus tours has you covered with premium hotels and curated storytelling across Canada’s wild landscapes. Looking for affordability without missing the magic? Cosmos Canada itineraries deliver breathtaking stops, smart pacing, and no need to get behind the wheel.
3. Peru: Ancient Mysteries, Modern Marvels
Image Source: Photo by Scott Umstattd on Unsplash
Every history buff deserves a Machu Picchu moment – that first breathtaking glimpse of Peru’s famed Lost City of the Incas as morning clouds swirl around mountain peaks and centuries of history come alive before your eyes.
Why It Belongs on Your 2026 List
Machu Picchu remains one of the world’s most iconic travel goals. But beyond it lies the Sacred Valley’s handwoven heritage, Lake Titicaca’s floating villages, Lima’s world-class food scene, and the Amazon’s wild rhythms. Peru is the kind of destination that rewires your sense of wonder.
However, Peru’s magic comes with altitude, permits, and complex logistics – making guided travel the smartest way to go.
Peru guided tours from Globus offer high-altitude comfort, handpicked hotels, and storytelling that breathes life into ancient ruins. On the other hand, Cosmos Machu Picchu tours?? make it easier than ever to tick off this bucket list icon with smart pacing, affordable rates, and immersive cultural stops.
4. South Korea: Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow
The global love for K-pop, K-dramas, and kimchi cravings has introduced millions to Korean culture, making South Korea tours 2026 one of the hottest trends in travel. But this Asian country is more than just trendy – it’s timeless, layered, and deeply rewarding.
Why It Belongs on Your 2026 List
South Korea is the perfect fusion of past and present, where ultramodern Seoul skyscrapers tower above ancient palace grounds, lantern-lit Buddhist temples offer peaceful retreats, and lush island escapes like Jeju provide volcanic landscapes unlike anywhere else on earth.
Beyond Seoul, Gyeongju’s royal relics and bustling food markets make South Korea an unexpected cultural feast.
Looking for an immersive trip to South Korea without the hassle of DIY tour planning? Globus small group discovery tours get you closer to the real Korea – from sizzling street food in Seoul’s night markets to traditional temple stays, every experience connects you deeper through food, language, and local culture. Cosmos also offers value-driven South Korea tours that are perfect for first-time Asia explorers – Their tour directors help bridge language barriers, facilitate authentic connections, and guide you through curated activities. Plus, the CosmosGO app helps you make the most of your free time.
5. The Balkans: Europe’s Best-Kept Secret
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Ready to trade the tourist trail for cobbled charm and postcard landscapes – minus the crowds? Enter the Balkans: a culturally rich, cost-friendly, and soul-stirring region that’s waiting to be explored in 2026.
This diverse region spanning multiple countries offers some of the best places to travel this year, especially for those ready to veer off Europe’s beaten path.
Why It’s One of the Best Places to Travel in 2026
Montenegro’s fjord-like bays, Bosnia’s Ottoman bridges, Serbia’s gritty cool, and Transylvania’s Gothic mystique make this a tour of contrasts and connection. It’s history that still breathes, architecture that stuns, and food that feels like a hug.
The region’s complex history creates fascinating layers you’ll discover everywhere: Roman ruins standing alongside Ottoman mosques, Austro-Hungarian architecture next to Byzantine monasteries, all within relatively compact distances.
Now, while complexity is part of the Balkans’ charm, it also makes planning a challenge without the right support from Globus and Cosmos Eastern Europe tours simplify borders, logistics, and cultural decoding. From family-run wineries to fortress towns, you’ll go deeper with local guides and curated access.
Why Travel with Globus or Cosmos?
Whether you’re splurging on once-in-a-lifetime luxury or planning a smart-value escape, the Globus Family of Brands makes touring the world easy, exciting, and unforgettable. Here’s how we make travel seamless and truly unforgettable:
- Expert local guides and English-speaking professional tour directors who bring places to life
- Explore the world with multinational co- travellers who are also travel enthusiasts and keep the group travel spirit going
- Culture through cuisine – Sample Local delicacies on select programs and sink in the real local flavours
- Ample time to explore the cities on your own Free time & flexibility, thanks to tools like CosmosGO and GlobusGO Apps
- Perfectly timed itineraries & priority access
- Travel operations backed by values like sustainability (Lighthouse Project) and responsible wildlife care
- Great seasonal deals and trip protection – get insured for unexpected travel cancellations and other unforeseen events
- Travel with a legacy travel company which invented the concept of circular group tours way back – with a 98 year heritage in making happy travellers
Ready to start planning? Explore Cosmos vacation deals and Globus escorted tours 2026 and discover how well-paced, stress-free travel makes every journey
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