Time to Go: Lonely Planet’s Suggestions for Best in Travel 2026

Travel guide and media company Lonely Planet has officially unveiled its top destinations and experiences for next year with the release of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026. 

Among the list are 25 must-visit destinations and 25 essential experiences from all around the globe. 

Here are some of the experiences and destinations highlighted for 2026:

Maine Chance: This northern U.S. state is trending! Take a forest hike in the springtime to see Maine in bloom and at its most serene. Maine has it all, from a great culinary scene to art and architecture and a beautiful coastline. 

Chilled Wine: Reasons to visit the Willamette Wine Country in Oregon are myriad: charming towns, beautiful and accessible vineyards (with relatively few visitors) and an abundance of chill. It’s a literal breath of fresh air. 

Funky Finland: According to Lonely Planet, this eccentric Nordic land flies under the radar, but deserves to shine. “Whether you’re hanging out in happy Helsinki, with its Baltic light and cultural riches, or tripping the Northern Lights fantastic in the reindeer-bobbled winter wonderland of the frosty Arctic north, this country feels touched by a kind of magic,” Lonely Planet says.

Way to Stay: Japan’s ryokan – travel inns – offer a glimpse of traditional Japanese interiors, gourmet cuisine and hot-spring culture. They are built for relaxation, harkening back to a slower, more analog time: spend your visit strolling in the gardens, savoring multi-course kaiseki meals, or reading a book over a pot of green tea. 

Premier Pilgrimage: For sports lovers, a pilgrimage to watch a Premier League match at one of England’s football cathedrals is the ultimate sporting experience. Going to a match is not just visiting a stadium: it offers a unique window into the country’s passions and character that you’d struggle to find doing anything else.