These places are more than just landscapes; they will remind you of what it means to live a real life.
2026 is the year when, despite all the hardships, you need to keep traveling to gain experiences that will stay with you for a long time. InsureAndGo has named 7 places that you must visit to “satisfy your soul.”
1. Kanazawa, Japan
Tokyo is noisy, Kyoto has temples. And Kanazawa is a place to go to feel time slow down. The perfectly preserved samurai quarter, world-class gardens, and vibrant craft culture create a sense of old Japan quietly pulsating in the background.
In Kanazawa, you can explore the samurai neighborhoods, visit the Museum of Contemporary Art of the 21st Century, and try gold leaf ice cream.
Another must-visit destination in Japan is Naoshima, an “art island” with giant Yayoi Kusama pumpkins by the sea and museums that seem to grow out of the ground.
In addition, the Kiso Valley is worth a visit, where you can travel back in time along the Nakasendo Trail and walk from Magome to Tsumago. These are two beautifully preserved Edo-era postal towns.
2. San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
San Pedro de Atacama is a village of extremes. It has the world’s driest desert and the glacial peaks of Patagonia. In the Atacama Desert, you can watch the stars and swim in the saltwater lagoons.
In addition, it is worth visiting Valparaiso in Chile. It is a bohemian port city, painted with graffiti from head to toe. The island of Chiloé is famous for its myths, wooden churches, and fishing villages.
In Torres, the pearl of Patagonia, you can hike the W Trek route, swim past glaciers, or simply sit and admire the scenery.
3. Lake Bled, Slovenia
Slovenia is small, but there are more wonders than you might think. There are alpine lakes, wine valleys, and bridges guarded by dragons. It is a country where life is both vibrant and peaceful.
On Lake Bled, you can take a boat to a tiny island chapel, ring the bell of wishes, and climb to the Oistritsa observation deck to see a panorama that will keep you captivated for a long time.
Ljubljana is an ecological capital. Here you can enjoy coffee by the river, bike rides past street art, and a lively gastronomic scene.
You can also visit the Triglav National Park, see the Julian Alps, the emerald river Socha, and the mountain passes and waterfalls in the green gorges.
4. South Africa
South Africa doesn’t let go for long. Here, the landscapes change from mountains to vineyards and savannas in just one day.
You can visit Kruger National Park, see giraffes and elephants grazing, stay at a nature-themed hotel, and listen to lions at night.
Cape Town is a city surrounded by mountains and the ocean. It is worth climbing Table Mountain, walking through the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap, and enjoying the sunset in Kemp’s Bay.
Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are wine valleys that are easy to explore by bike or tram, with tastings and long lunches under the oaks.
5. Tofino, Canada
Tofino feels like the end of the world – in the best way. Here, rainforests intertwine with the wild Pacific coast.
It is worth visiting Chestermen Beach, where you can enjoy a stroll along the shore and watch the waves roll in with a hot drink in your hand.
In the Pacific Rim National Park, you can hike along a rainforest trail or kayak through peaceful bays to admire the ocean and spot eagles.
Yukluet is a quiet port town with a local atmosphere and fantastic fish and chips.
6. Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
Tongariro is a truly epic place, with volcanoes, emerald lakes, and a sense of history.
One of the best day trips in the world is worth visiting
Tongariro Al with craters and surreal Emerald Lakes. From the route, you can admire the Ngauruhoe, a sacred Maori mountain.
The village of Wakapapa is an ideal base for exploring the national park. To understand the cultural significance of this area, it is worth visiting the Tongariro Tourist Center.
Taub is a town by a lake with thermal springs and waterfalls.
7. Matera, Italy
Cut into a limestone gorge in southern Italy, Matera looks timeless, but it has never been more modern.
Another must-visit destination in Italy is Sassi di Matera, which features ancient cave dwellings and rock-cut churches, many of which have been restored and transformed into boutique hotels, wine bars, and art galleries.
Piazza San Pietro Cavosso is the perfect place to watch the sunset with a glass of Alianico, while the Murgia National Park, a wild landscape with trails, caves, and panoramic views, offers an unforgettable outdoor experience.