Wanderlust Alert! Our Top Travel Destinations for 2026

By Amy Andrews
October 1, 2025
12 Min Read

Ready or not, the 2026 travel season is almost upon us! We’ve sifted through the noise of would-be destinations, serving up both the familiar and far-flung to tickle your family vacation fancy. And along with a few perennial family favorites, we’ve shaped our list around less-explored places worldwide that have as much to offer as their more popular counterparts … meaning you can enjoy the thrill of discovery without the tourist hordes. Consider your wanderlust engaged!

A blue passenger train travels across a multi-arched stone railway viaduct surrounded by lush green hillside vegetation. The weathered brick bridge features approximately nine visible arches and spans across a verdant valley with dense forest, including palm trees and tropical plants. Overcast skies create dramatic lighting over the scenic railway landscape. — Nine Arches Bridge in Sri Lanka is a remnant of the colonial days. Photo by Hendrik Cornelissen on Unsplash

Ciao Bambino’s Top Travel Destinations for 2026

Sri Lanka

The teardrop-shaped island of Sri Lanka is nestled off the southeast tip of India, and its welcoming locals, variety of terrain ranging from beaches to mountains, and extensive history, all in an atmosphere where tourism feels welcome and still somewhat new, make it the first destination on our 2026 list. Sri Lanka’s influences include nods to its time as a colonial chess piece — the Portuguese arrived in the 16th century, the Dutch in the 17th century, and finally the British at the very end of the 18th century (when it was called Ceylon). Happily, today Sri Lanka has come into its own, beckoning visitors who crave an exotic locale not heaving with crowds. If you go, you can look forward to local experiences like visiting a home garden to watch the art of cinnamon peeling, whale watching from a private yacht or cycling through the paddy fields, all of which the CB Travel Advisor team can coordinate with our in-country partners.

Three reindeer traverse a snowy landscape with their heads lowered toward the ground, likely foraging for food beneath the snow. The rightmost animal displays prominent antlers, while all three have thick winter coats with light-colored fur. The snow-covered terrain shows subtle wind patterns and texture, with soft, warm lighting illuminating the scene. — Reindeer in Svalbard, Norway. Photo by Fredrik Solli Wandem on Unsplash

Svalbard, Norway

Svalbard (“land of the cold shores” in Old Norse) is an archipelago extending between Norway and the North Pole and embodies the current “coolcation” trend, luring families from well-trodden warmer destinations to chillier summer climes with unbelievable scenery and authentic experiences. Due to its location, summer in Svalbard is particularly jaw-dropping as the sun never sets, providing endless hours for adventures that range from glacier spotting to hiking and even midnight golf. You can explore on land, but our preferred method is to savor the remote landscapes, wildlife and lengthy summer days via small-ship expedition cruise. With a combination of the culture and vibrancy of Oslo and a true Arctic immersion replete with glaciers, polar bears in their natural habitat, reindeer, arctic foxes, walrus and beluga whales, this is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime journey.

A bustling street market features a fruit vendor's stall in the foreground displaying a variety of tropical produce, including a prominent pyramid of large green pomelos, along with oranges, bananas, dragon fruit, and other fruits arranged in baskets and crates. Behind the stall, a busy street scene shows pedestrians, motorcyclists, and shopfronts with awnings lining both sides of the road. Vietnamese signage is visible on buildings, including advertising for products. — A typical street scene in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by Lisa Frederick

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Want to dive headfirst into an urban destination in Southeast Asia? Ho Chi Minh City makes our 2026 list for its young and lively vibe, more energetic than the capital of Hanoi. With a number of distinct districts to explore, Ho Chi Minh City (still referred to as Saigon by the locals) offers an interesting juxtaposition of French Colonial and modern architecture, and boldly flavored, craveable food, all at a relative bargain compared to other Asian cities. Highlights include a visit to Independence Palace, formerly the home of the South Vietnamese president; Ben Thanh market, one of the biggest and oldest in town; and vibrant shopping streets like Dong Khoi. There are also multiple museums like the War Remnants Museum (content only appropriate for teens and up) that bring Vietnam’s history to life. Intrepid explorers can even crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels about an hour’s drive away to experience firsthand what it was like for the Viet Cong during the war. CB Advisors can also arrange immersive activities like market shopping and a cooking class in a private home, or a night tour of the city on a vintage Vespa, to experience the city from a fresh perspective.

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A coastal scene photographed from rocky tan-colored cliffs overlooking deep blue ocean waters with white foam visible along the shoreline and around rocks. A mountainous coastline extends across the background, covered with green vegetation, while several peaks rise against a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds. Waves break against the rocky shore in the foreground, creating patterns of white water in the turquoise-tinted shallows. — The basalt Red Rocks form one of Dominica’s most beautiful natural landscapes. Photo by Nario Esprit on Unsplash

Dominica

If your family is looking for a Caribbean destination that bucks the beach trend, Dominica (not to be confused with the Dominican Republic) is worth a closer look. Located in the Eastern Caribbean between Guadeloupe and Martinique, the “Nature Island” offers a range of diverse exploration in one fairly compact locale, from jungle treks to awe-inspiring waterfalls and thermal hot springs, as well as whale watching and snorkeling with sea turtles. Although the island is relatively undeveloped and sees fewer visitors than some of its neighbors, CB can book you at luxury accommodations nestled into the unspoiled surroundings, with fabulous views over the turquoise waters plus top-drawer service … early morning turtle-viewing wakeup calls optional.

An elephant wades through a calm river with its distinctive curved trunk and dark body partially submerged in the water. The background features dense vegetation including mature trees and tall golden grasses along the shoreline, with warm lighting suggesting either early morning or late afternoon. A fallen branch extends into the frame from the right side, while the water's surface reflects the surrounding landscape. — An elephant enjoys a dip in Zambia’s Zambezi River. Photo by Nicole Olwagen on Unsplash

Zambia

Zambia may not be on the tip of your tongue when it comes to family travel in Africa, but perhaps it should be! This up-and-coming safari destination, smack in the middle of southern Africa, offers a variety of terrain ripe for exploration. One of its biggest draws is the almost unbelievably stunning Victoria Falls on the southern border with Zimbabwe, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Stable and welcoming, Zambia has a focus on eco-tourism (Lower Zambezi Park was the world’s first carbon-neutral park), a range of luxury bush camps and, of course, animal sightings galore. Highlights are South Luangwa Park, known as the Valley of the Leopards but with plenty of hippos and elephants too; the chance to go on a walking safari; and an exceptionally rich cultural experience that tops that of many neighboring countries. While Zambia is excellent for a standalone safari, it also pairs well with time in South Africa. In addition to game drives, including night drives, you can look forward to canoeing the Zambezi river, guided rainforest walks, helicopter flights (the route over Victoria Falls known as the “Flight of Angels” tops the list) or a private sunset river cruise.

An aerial view of a downtown urban skyline featuring multiple modern high-rise buildings and skyscrapers against a clear blue sky. In the foreground, a public park area contains a large reflective bean-shaped sculpture and a contemporary curved metallic pavilion structure, surrounded by green trees and pathways with visitors visible as small figures in the plaza. The scene is photographed during golden hour lighting, casting warm tones on the building facades. — Millennium Park, Chicago. Photo by Muzammil Soorma on Unsplash

Chicago

Among the best of kid-friendly U.S. city breaks, Chicago beckons families with its famous skyline, buzzy Navy Pier, fanatic sports culture, shopping on the Magnificent Mile and an array of amazing parks. And 2026 is the perfect time for a visit: It’s the centennial celebration of Route 66, which originates here at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Adams Street. Route 66 is the iconic highway that made westward travel (all the way to Santa Monica, California) a reality for Americans, and you can still visit historic preserved sections that evoke true Americana with postcard-worthy scenery, art and roadside attractions like a drive-in movie as you head west. But back to Chicago — don’t miss lakefront Grant Park, home to the Art Institute of Chicago and Buckingham Fountain; Millenium Park and its viral Bean sculpture; “Art on the Mart,” a digital art installation projected on the Merchandise Mart along the Chicago River; iconic museums like the Museum of Science and Industry; and the Obama Presidential Center, just for starters. Make time to explore farther afield too; the city is also loaded with hidden gems and wonderful neighborhoods that take you well away from the throngs.

An adult orangutan and a juvenile orangutan sit together on a wooden platform with the adult embracing the younger one, both displaying characteristic reddish-brown fur and dark facial features. In front of them are scattered white objects, possibly coconuts or food items, along with dried plant material such as corn husks. The background shows blurred green tropical forest vegetation, indicating their natural rainforest habitat. — A mother orangutan and her baby in Borneo. Photo by Simone Dinoia

Indonesia

Bali bubbles up on many family destination lists, as it has become somewhat synonymous with an exotic vacation spot, and though it still has its charms, overtourism has taken a toll in recent years. Cast your sights a bit wider in Indonesia and pair a brief stop in Bali with time in less-traveled and touristed Sumba Island or Borneo. These locales offer families a glimpse into the country’s soul — on Sumba, a quick 1-hour flight from Bali, be ready for expansive grasslands and rice paddies paired with an authentic vibe, anchored by locals who believe their ancestors still live among them and build everything with a nod toward spirituality. Unforgettable adventures abound, like horseback riding on the beach, swimming with horses (yes, you read that correctly!) and next-level surfing. Vast Borneo, the third-largest island in the world, offers rainforest treks; a conservation center for sun bears, the smallest bears in the world; an orangutan sanctuary, unbelievable diving and extensive national parks. Note, it does require more of a vacation time investment due to navigating its extensive and diverse terrain, but the payoff is worth it.

A coastal town features historic stone buildings and fortification walls along a curved sandy beach populated with beachgoers. The turquoise and blue waters meet rocky outcrops and golden sand, with swimmers visible in the shallow areas. Clear blue skies stretch across the scene, with the coastline extending into the distance where additional landmass and sailboats are visible on the horizon. — Centuries-old ramparts surround Saint-Malo in Brittany. Photo by Teddy Charti on Unsplash

Brittany, France

Dreamy, moody Brittany on the northwest tip of France is chock-full of fairytale moments — though it’s an easy jaunt from Paris, its medieval cobblestone streets, dramatic castles, pink granite coast, lighthouses and pirate history feel worlds away from the capital’s bright lights and chic vibe. Brittany pairs well with neighboring Normandy to the east, which has its own distinct towns, the famous tidal island abbey Mont Saint-Michel and extensive WWII historical sites. Highlights of a trip to Brittany include the walled towns of Saint-Malo, quaint Dinan, charming Rochefort-en-Terre and picture-postcard Locronan. Oyster lovers will wax poetic about Cancale; budding archeologists will be wowed by the world’s largest collection of pre-historic upright stones (called Menhirs) in Carnac; and adventure lovers will be bowled over by exceptional surfing and kayaking. Want to experience the region in a wholly captivating, unexpected way? CB can arrange a private crêpe- and galette-making class, a private cider tasting, a private guided day hike on the stretch known as the Emerald Coast or a private sail on a traditional four-sided gaff rig.

An aerial view shows a lakeside town nestled between a large blue lake and a dramatic jagged mountain range in the background, with dramatic clouds overhead. In the foreground, a gondola cable car system descends a forested hillside toward the densely built town center along the waterfront. The landscape features a mix of urban development, green spaces, forested areas, and brown hills across the lake, creating a scenic alpine setting. — Queenstown is the jumping-off point for a long list of adventures on New Zealand’s South Island. Photo by Sung Jin Cho on Unsplash

New Zealand’s South Island

Does your family like to bond over heart-pounding adventures such as canyon swings and bungee jumping, along with stunning rugged coastlines, epic birdwatching, scenic flights over glacial lakes a vibrant local arts scene, and (for the parents) wine tasting? A visit to the South Island of New Zealand might tick the boxes on your 2026 bingo card. Adventure-heavy Queenstown is an essential part of any South Island itinerary, with jet boat rides, whitewater rafting, the ethereal Te Anau Glowworm Caves, cruises along the Marlborough Sound and interacting with the local Māori people. More and more families are keen to visit in the U.S. summer months — New Zealand’s winter weather is still mild and the pricing tends to be lower. (Plus, the current favorable exchange rate only adds to the allure.)

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A canal lined with small boats runs through the center of a European coastal town, flanked by multi-story classical buildings in pastel colors. In the background, a neoclassical church or temple with columned portico and dome is centered at the end of the waterway, with hillside buildings visible beyond. Dramatic white cumulus clouds dominate a blue sky above the scene, while pedestrians occupy the waterfront plaza areas on both sides of the canal. — The Canal Grande at the heart of Trieste. Photo by Daniel Sessler on Unsplash

Trieste, Italy

If Italy is calling but you’d rather not jostle for position amid the tour groups in big-ticket cities like Rome and Florence, lock in on underrated Trieste. It is supremely easy to get up close and personal with this tempting historical city, nestled on Italy’s far northeast coast along the picturesque Adriatic. Known for its Roman amphitheater, the Canal Grande in the center of town, historic cafes, and stunning piazzas and castles, Trieste is growing in popularity but still feels charming. What’s more, its location pairs extremely well with Venice, Croatia and Slovenia, and it’s easy to combine into a northern Italian or Balkan itinerary.

A symmetrical conical volcano with a snow-capped peak and brown slopes rises above an arid high-altitude plain, with white clouds forming near its summit. The foreground consists of sparse desert vegetation including golden tufted grasses and low green shrubs scattered across sandy, rocky terrain. The scene is set against a bright blue sky with wispy white clouds. — The otherworldly Atacama Desert in Chile. Photo by Thiago Sanchez on Unsplash

Chile

Families with older children and teens will be wowed by the geological diversity of this lengthy sliver of South America, from the Atacama, the driest desert in the world, in the north to the glaciers, fjords and lakes of remotest Patagonia in the south. Chile truly offers something for every type of nature lover, along with beautiful wine country near bustling Santiago in the middle of the country, and CB Advisors can help you effortlessly navigate the possibilities with trusted on-the-ground partners. No trip to Chile would be complete without a visit to Torres del Paine, the premier national park with its eponymous granite Towers of Paine perched high above Patagonia. If you find penguins irresistible, work in a stop on Tierra del Fuego island at the very tip of southern Chile, the only place to see king penguins outside the sub-Antarctic. Depending on your intended activities, Chile lines up well with U.S. vacation schedules— their summer is from December to February, ideal for Patagonia; spring break aligns with the Chilean autumn for hiking and wine tasting; and summer in the Northern Hemisphere offers Andean skiing galore below the equator.

A tropical beach scene shows white sand lined with thatched palm-frond umbrellas and wooden lounge chairs, with palm trees interspersed throughout the beach area. The shallow turquoise waters contain numerous traditional wooden boats, some with canopies, anchored near the shore, while a few modern white vessels are visible farther out in the deeper blue water. The view is captured from an elevated vantage point under a cloudy sky, with a distant landmass visible on the horizon. — Zanzibar’s gorgeous shores are the perfect spot to unwind after a Tanzania safari. Photo by Olga Budko on Unsplash

Zanzibar

Although a Tanzania safari is well worth a spot on your family travel bucket list, it can be intense, and a little downtime afterward hits the spot. Enter Zanzibar, just a 20-minute flight or so from Dar es Salaam. With distinct architecture that blends Arab, Persian, Indian and European influences, and the UNESCO world heritage site and Swahili coastal trading Stone Town, you’re in for spectacular sightseeing as well as relaxation. Zanzibar also offers experiences tailor-made for lifetime memories, like learning about plants for healing at a spice farm, visiting Prison Island and seeing the rare giant tortoises, and taking a ride on a traditional dhow boat (a wooden hulled sailing vessel originally used for maritime trade). As if that’s not tempting enough, a stay in Zanzibar is hardly complete without lounging on its legendary beaches and sampling its watersports … lots and lots of watersports, from unbeatable snorkeling to swimming with sea turtles.

A person stands alone on a sandy beach facing the ocean, with their hands raised to their head, casting a long shadow on the sand. The scene is bathed in warm golden light from the sun positioned low on the horizon, with gentle waves rolling onto the shore and a distant landmass visible across the water. The lighting and color palette suggest either sunrise or sunset, creating a peaceful coastal atmosphere. — A blissfully uncrowded beach at sunset in Comporta. Photo by Ben Hickingbotham

Comporta, Portugal

A mere hour and change southeast of Lisbon lies coastal Comporta — chic, yet still a bit sleepy and somehow under the radar (read: fab news for families). Much less crowded than the beaches of the Algarve, Comporta is actually a group of seven villages known as the “Herdade da Comporta” in the timeless Alentejo region. With roots harkening back to its fishing and farming past, this eco-conscious and artsy locale covets its protected lands that are tucked in between rice paddies and the Atlantic Ocean. Comporta prides itself on a slower pace of life with days dictated by the tides and a commitment to design, fresh food, and quiet luxe. While away the days lingering on broad, sandy beaches, horseback riding (either on the beach or in nearby cork forests), surfing, or even cycling. Comporta is not a place for hustle and bustle. It is a place with a slow burn and families who revel in that vibe will be rewarded.

A panoramic mountain landscape shows multiple overlapping ridges covered in dense green forest, receding into the distance with layers of blue atmospheric haze. The foreground features bright green deciduous trees, while successive mountain ranges fade to progressively lighter shades of blue-gray toward the horizon. White cumulus clouds drift across a bright blue sky above the mountainous terrain. — The Blue Ridge Mountains are named for their distinctive bluish haze, a quirk of the atmosphere. Photo by Matt Benson on Unsplash

North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains

Western North Carolina is a natural magnet for families, thanks to its stunning scenery, outdoor adventure, welcoming hospitality and easy access from urban centers like Atlanta, Charlotte and Nashville. Freshly revitalized and ready to roll out the Southern charm in the wake of 2024’s Hurricane Helene, the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains lay claim to engaging activities throughout the year. From the natural splendor of springtime hiking to peak leaf-peeping in the fall and family-friendly winter skiing, the area is a ready-built family delight. Feel transported to a European-style castle with a visit to the Biltmore Estate; enjoy the artsy vibe of Asheville (with a vibrant beer and wine scene for mom and dad); or absorb the scenic, rugged natural beauty by bike. Some of the best luxury hotels in the Southeast are tucked amid these mountains, such as The Swag, a Relais & Chateaux property where the accommodations and food are as enticing as the views. As a bonus, western North Carolina is also conducive to multigenerational travel, with speeds that can easily swing from slow and leisurely to fast-paced.

A row of multi-story colonial-style buildings features bright yellow and cream-colored facades with decorative balconies, ornate wrought iron railings, and red-trimmed windows and doors. The architecture includes terracotta roof tiles, carved corbels, and wall-mounted lanterns, with potted palm plants in white containers lining the street level. Additional historic buildings with turquoise accents are visible in the background, and vehicles are parked along the cobblestone or paved street. — Brilliantly hued buildings in Panama City’s San Felipe neighborhood. Photo by Sam Szuchan on Unsplash

Panama

Travelers in the know are seeking out Panama as a rising alternative to its popular cousins like Costa Rica — it’s easy to explore and offers similar activities and landscapes, yet feels more remote and secluded. Located at the nexus of Central and South America, Panama holds a surprising array of attractions. There’s vibrant Panama City, with its sherbet-colored colonial old quarter known as both Casco Viejo and San Felipe; a compelling mash-up of Spanish, Afro-Caribbean and indigenous cultures; eco-adventure; inviting beaches; mountain scenery; and legendary coffee, rum and chocolate. CB Advisors can coordinate private rainforest boat tours, private snorkeling excursions and private tours of the Panama Canal to get you into the heart of the action.

Whichever of these 15 destinations calls out most strongly to your family, CB’s expert team is at the ready to bring your 2026 vacation dreams to life. With a laser focus on your family’s unique needs and the peace of mind that comes with a pro handling all the details, your 2026 vacation calendar is bound to keep you on a high the whole year through.

Relevant Links:

Browse all ideas for family vacations worldwide on Ciao Bambino

The best travel destinations for every age and stage

10 family vacations that will change kids forever

Pick your passion: Family vacation ideas for every interest

Our top travel tips for all age groups

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.

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Wanderlust Alert! Our Top Travel Destinations for 2026