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National Geographic has named the best places in the world to visit in 2026

The Dolomites mountain range in Italy topped the list.

Every year in October, the influential travel and tourism magazine National Geographic presents its list of the best places around the world to visit in the upcoming year.

In the fresh selection for 2026, the international community of National Geographic researchers, photographers, and editors has selected a list of 25 destinations to suit every taste, with the Dolomites mountain range in northeastern Italy at the top of the list.

This decision was primarily made because the next Winter Olympics will be held in February 2026, near Milan. However, you can visit this region at any other time of the year, as it will be very crowded during the main sporting events of the year, and prices will increase significantly.

The second place on the list was taken by the province of Quebec in Canada, where tourists are advised to pay attention to the new natural parks, and the Chinese capital of Beijing rounded out the top three, where travelers can expect an incredible immersion in history and culture.

The 25 Best Places in the World to Travel in 2026

  1. The Dolomites, Milan, Italy.
  2. Quebec, Canada.
  3. Beijing, China.
  4. Dominika.
  5. Rabat, Morocco.
  6. Hull, Yorkshire, England.
  7. The Badlands of North Dakota, USA.
  8. Manila, Philippines.
  9. Black Sea coast, Turkey.
  10. Khiva, Uzbekistan.
  11. Akagera National Park, Rwanda, East Africa.
  12. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
  13. Yamagata Prefecture, Japan.
  14. Highway 66, Oklahoma, USA.
  15. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia.
  16. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
  17. Oulu, Finland.
  18. South Korea.
  19. Guimarães, Portugal.
  20. Basque Country, Spain.
  21. Maui, Hawaii, USA.
  22. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
  23. Coastal Oaxaca (Costa Chica), Mexico.
  24. Fiji.
  25. Medellin, Colombia.

According to National Geographic readers, the best place to visit in 2026 is Banff, Canada, known for its stunning mountain landscapes with cliffs and azure lakes.

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Konstantin
Konstantin is a travel writer passionate about uncovering unique destinations and sharing practical tips for unforgettable adventures. A regular contributor to waypoinwonder.com, he specializes in bringing iconic landmarks and hidden gems to life through authentic storytelling. From exploring Maldives' best resorts to diving into Croatia’s natural wonders, his writing inspires readers to travel deeper and smarter.

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