Okay so listen, I don’t usually write travel lists like one of those perfectly polished “Top 10” articles you see everywhere, mostly because half the time they’re either sponsored or just recycled from last year. But I’ve been lucky enough to sneak away to a few spots recently, and some places are just… wow. Like, the kind of wow that makes you wanna quit your job for a week (or forever, if your boss is chill). So here’s my messy, probably slightly opinionated take on 10 destinations you should hit before 2026.
1. Kyoto, Japan – Old Meets New
Kyoto is nuts. People always talk about Tokyo, but honestly, Kyoto has this vibe that’s like walking through a painting. You got these ancient temples and gardens, but then around the corner there’s a modern cafe with matcha lattes that look like they belong on Instagram. Fun fact: in the spring, the cherry blossoms bloom and it feels like the city literally hit “filters: ON.” I went last year, got lost in Gion for hours, and honestly stumbled upon some of the best sushi of my life because I had no plan. 10/10 recommend getting lost sometimes.
2. Lisbon, Portugal – Sunsets & Tiles
Lisbon is one of those cities that feels like it was painted for tourists, but somehow, it doesn’t feel fake. The streets are hilly as hell, which is basically a free workout if you’re trying to justify that extra pastel de nata. Bonus: the tiles everywhere are insane and it makes taking pictures feel effortless. I saw a video on TikTok recently showing a drone shot of the rooftops and honestly, I gasped louder than I care to admit. Also, cheap wine and seafood? Can’t beat that.
3. Banff, Canada – Nature Overload
If you like the outdoors but also wanna feel like you’re in a snow globe, Banff is your place. Mountains, lakes that are so blue they look photoshopped, and trails that will make you question why you ever sat in traffic. I did a hike last summer and legit bumped into a moose on the trail. Not kidding. He stared at me like I was trespassing in his Airbnb. Nature’s wild, guys.
4. Marrakech, Morocco – Colors & Chaos
Marrakech is like stepping into a painting… that’s also on fire, but in a good way. Markets, spices, rugs, people yelling but in a charming way—honestly, it’s sensory overload but it works. I tried haggling for a leather bag once, got completely embarrassed, and walked away with a rug that was definitely overpriced but looked amazing in my apartment. Bonus tip: hire a local guide, otherwise you’ll wander into alleyways and feel like you’re in a real-life escape room.
5. Santorini, Greece – White & Blue Heaven
Okay, this one’s a cliché, I know. But there’s a reason everyone posts Santorini on Instagram. The white buildings with blue roofs, the sunsets, the sea… it’s basically heaven. I stayed in a tiny guesthouse with like three stairs and no elevator (fit check, anyone?) and it was worth it. Tip: avoid peak summer if you want actual space to walk without bumping into 50 tourists holding cameras in your face.
6. Reykjavik, Iceland – Fire, Ice & Memes
Reykjavik is wild. Literally. You got glaciers, volcanoes, geysers, and hot springs that make you feel like a wizard. Also, the Northern Lights are kinda overrated in pics, but seeing them in person… oh man, it’s magical. I remember sitting in a hot spring at 1 a.m., sipping instant coffee from a thermos, thinking, “Yeah, this is life.” Iceland also has this meme culture around being cold and eating fermented shark, which I did not try but hey, some people live for it.
7. Cape Town, South Africa – Views & Vibes
Cape Town’s landscape is ridiculous. Table Mountain, beaches, vineyards, and yeah, penguins. Real-life penguins just chilling on the sand. I took a cable car up the mountain and nearly freaked out because I’m afraid of heights, but the view made me forget fear for like two seconds. The vibe in the city is artsy but still relaxed, and the food scene is honestly underrated. Pro tip: rent a car if you can, public transport there is… interesting.
8. Petra, Jordan – Walk Into History
Petra is the kind of place you think you’ve seen in movies but nope, it’s real. The hike through the canyon to the Treasury is epic, and yes, it’s hot, yes, there are a lot of tourists, but once you step into that main site, it’s like time stops. I tried to imagine living there 2,000 years ago and… nope, sweating buckets, too many stairs. But the history nerd in me was geeking out hardcore.
9. Havana, Cuba – Vintage Cool
Havana feels like a movie set. Classic cars everywhere, old buildings with peeling paint that somehow look gorgeous, music blasting from balconies. I spent an afternoon talking to an old local who explained how the city has changed over decades and honestly, it made me think about time differently. Also, mojitos there are basically life-changing. Not trying to be dramatic.
10. Queenstown, New Zealand – Adrenaline Central
If you’re into adrenaline, Queenstown is basically Disneyland for adults. Bungee jumping, skydiving, jet boating—you name it. I personally chickened out on skydiving (height = nope), but watched people scream their lungs out from 4,000 feet and honestly laughed way too hard. The scenery is also insane, like “how is this real?” insane.
So yeah, that’s my take on 10 destinations that I think are worth hitting before 2026. Some are cliché, some are off the beaten path, but all of them left me thinking, laughing, or just staring in disbelief at how beautiful our world can be. Travel is messy, tiring, expensive sometimes, but man, it’s worth it.
And honestly, even if you can’t go to all of them, just pin a couple on your map and dream a little. You’ll thank yourself later.