A new year is upon us, and that’s a very exciting thing. There are so many destinations to explore—a whole wide world awaiting our adventures.
But, of course, not all places are created equal. And your favorite destination? Well, it may be a spot you’ve never heard of (until now). Here are eight wonderful destinations to visit in 2026; some of them are just emerging as attractive destinations, while others are poised for a particularly standout year.
Oulu, Finland
Finland is one of the world’s most underrated countries for tourism. A Nordic land with a long history and a unique language, you’ll find more saunas than cars here. Finns treasure them not just for their relaxation and wellness benefits, but also because they form a key part of social life.
Tim Johnson
Author
Toronto-based writer Tim Johnson is always traveling in search of the next great story. Having visited 140 countries across all seven continents, he’s tracked lions on foot in Botswana, dug for dinosaur bones in Mongolia, and walked among a half-million penguins on South Georgia Island. He contributes to some of North America’s largest publications, including CNN Travel, Bloomberg, and The Globe and Mail.
