Forbes Travel Guide's Top Destinations For 2026
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Forbes Travel Guide's top destinations for 2026 are 20 places, from Milan and the Dolomites to Antalya on the Turkish Riviera. The list came out on December 28, 2025, and every pick has a clear reason to go this year: a big event, a new hotel, a museum opening or a food scene on the rise. A few of those events are behind us, but most picks still make a great trip this year. Here's the full list and how to choose.
TL;DR
- Forbes Travel Guide named 20 top destinations for 2026 across six continents.
- The Winter Olympics, World Cup and Mallorca's eclipse have passed, but most picks work year-round.
- Fall and winter favorites include Sonoma, Nikko, Park City and Antarctica.
What are Forbes Travel Guide's top destinations for 2026?
The list mixes big cities like Los Angeles and Abu Dhabi with slower escapes like the Hudson Valley and Japan's Nikko. It isn't a ranking, so treat it like a menu.
- Europe: Milan and the Dolomites (Italy), Warsaw (Poland), the Peloponnese (Greece), Mallorca (Spain), Croatia, Antalya (Turkey)
- United States: Washington, D.C., Park City (Utah), the Emerald Coast (Florida), Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, the Hudson Valley (New York), Sonoma (California)
- Mexico & Caribbean: Riviera Nayarit (Mexico), Grenada
- Africa, Middle East & Asia: Abu Dhabi (UAE), Rajasthan (India), Nikko (Japan), Zanzibar (Tanzania)
- Polar: Antarctica
Which 2026 picks are still worth booking this fall?
Most of them. The headline events are over, but the hotels, museums and scenery that earned these spots aren't going anywhere.
| Already happened | Still great for late 2026 |
|---|---|
| Winter Olympics in Milan and the Dolomites (February) | Los Angeles: the new Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, slated to open in September |
| FIFA World Cup matches in Dallas-Fort Worth and LA (June–July) | Sonoma and Nikko: harvest season and autumn leaves |
| Mallorca's total solar eclipse (August 12) | Park City and Antarctica: Deer Valley's expanded ski terrain, plus the polar cruise season |
How do you pick the right 2026 destination for you?
Start with the trip you want, not the headline. Match your travel style to two or three picks, then check the season and your budget.
- Pick your vibe. Wine and food: Sonoma, Warsaw. Wellness: Rajasthan. Beaches: Grenada, Zanzibar, Antalya. Culture: Abu Dhabi, Washington, D.C.
- Check the season. Antarctica runs on a short summer window, and Park City is best once the snow arrives.
- Prep the paperwork. India, Tanzania and Antarctica need more planning around entry rules, customs and insurance than a Hudson Valley weekend.
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FAQ
Which place is number one on Forbes Travel Guide's 2026 list?
There isn't one. Forbes Travel Guide presents its top destinations for 2026 as a set of 20 picks, not a ranking. Each place earned its spot for something specific, like the Winter Olympics in Milan, new museums in Abu Dhabi or a fresh wave of luxury hotels.
Is it too late to visit a Forbes 2026 destination this year?
Not at all. The big one-off events have passed, but Sonoma, Nikko, Park City, Antarctica and Washington, D.C. all shine in fall and winter. Most picks will still be excellent in 2027 too, so the list works for next year's plans as well.
Which destinations on the list are best for a beach trip?
Grenada, Zanzibar, Antalya and Florida's Emerald Coast are the strongest beach picks. Grenada has around 40 beaches, Zanzibar pairs sand with historic Stone Town, and Antalya is known for big all-inclusive resorts on the Turkish Riviera. Grenada also has new nonstop Delta flights from Atlanta.
Conclusion
Forbes Travel Guide's top destinations for 2026 run from Olympic Milan to the quiet Hudson Valley, with beaches, ski slopes and Antarctic cruises in between. The headline events are done, but most picks are still worth the trip this fall and winter. Choose two that fit your style, check the season, and prep before you book. Browse our travel guides and turn this list into a real itinerary.
Source: Forbes Travel Guide, "Forbes Travel Guide's 20 Top Destinations For 2026" (December 28, 2025). NexaFiles is an independent store and isn't affiliated with or endorsed by Forbes Travel Guide.