Some places are beautiful. Others are memorable. And then there are destinations that quietly stay with you. The kind you find yourself thinking about long after you’ve unpacked your suitcase.
After travelling through Europe, Southeast Asia, Australia and beyond, walking trails, wandering historic cities, swimming in clear seas and getting lost in street food markets. These are thirteen places I’ve visited that I genuinely believe belong on your 2026 travel list. Each offers something different: nature, culture, food, history, wildlife or simply a feeling that’s hard to explain unless you’ve been there yourself.
1. Corsica, France – Where Mountains Meet the Mediterranean
Corsica surprised me more than almost anywhere else. Back in 1998 when I lived on the island, I would find one morning I’d be driving through rugged mountain passes near Corte, surrounded by pine forests and dramatic peaks, and by afternoon I’d be floating in crystal-clear water off a beach that felt completely untouched. The contrast is what makes Corsica so special.
Bonifacio’s clifftop citadel is unforgettable. Medieval stone buildings perched above sheer white cliffs, with views stretching endlessly across the sea. Inland villages feel timeless, with local markets selling chestnut flour, honey, cheeses and cured meats that tell the story of the island’s identity. Corsica isn’t polished or overdeveloped, it’s wild, authentic and deeply beautiful.
2. Skopelos, Greece – An Island That Moves at the Right Pace
Skopelos instantly slowed me down. It’s greener than most Greek islands, with pine forests running all the way to the shoreline and beaches hidden at the end of winding roads or walking trails. The famous Mamma Mia! filming locations are fun to see, but what stayed with me were the quieter moments, swimming in glass-clear coves, wandering through Skopelos Town’s narrow streets, and eating long, unhurried, delicious dinners by the harbour.
There’s history everywhere too: tiny Byzantine chapels scattered across the hills, old stone houses, and a sense that island life hasn’t changed all that much. Skopelos isn’t flashy, it’s calm, authentic and deeply relaxing.
3. Vietnam – A Country That Engages Every Sense
Vietnam is a place I still think about often. It’s noisy, colourful, chaotic and incredibly beautiful all at once. Hanoi’s Old Quarter felt alive at every hour, with scooters weaving through streets filled with food stalls, temples and colonial buildings. Ha Long Bay was otherworldly — limestone towers rising from still water in complete silence. Further south, Nha Trang brought a slower coastal pace, long stretches of beach, early swims in warm water and evenings watching the sun.
Hoi An, with its lantern-lit evenings and riverside cafés, offered a softer, more romantic side of the country, while the countryside revealed rice paddies, rivers and national parks rich in wildlife. And then there’s the food, pho, bun cha, banh mi, some of the best I’ve eaten anywhere in the world. It’s no wonder Vietnam is among the most popular backpacking destinations – you get to see the best of the country and sample local treats as you go.
4. Slovenia – Europe’s Quiet Overachiever
Slovenia felt like a country that does everything well, without shouting about it. Lake Bled really is as fairytale-like as the photos suggest, but it was Lake Bohinj and the Julian Alps including Kranjska Gora that completely won me over as they are quieter, wilder and surrounded by hiking trails.
Ljubljana is one of Europe’s most underrated capitals: small, walkable, full of cafés along the river and crowned by a castle overlooking the city. Add dramatic cave systems, alpine rivers, vineyards and dense forests, and Slovenia becomes an ideal destination for travellers who want nature and culture without crowds.
5. Opatija, Croatia – Old-World Elegance by the Sea
Opatija feels different from much of Croatia. There’s a refined, nostalgic elegance here, shaped by its Austro-Hungarian past. Walking the Lungomare coastal promenade was one of my favourite experiences as I enjoyed miles of sea views, historic villas and hidden swimming spots along the Adriatic.
The town itself is calm and cultured, with beautiful architecture, manicured gardens and excellent food. It’s also a great base for exploring Istria, with its hilltop villages, vineyards and truffle-rich cuisine. Opatija is understated, graceful and quietly charming.
6. San Sebastián, Spain – A City Built Around Food and the Sea
San Sebastián instantly felt like a place that knows how to enjoy life. The beach sits right in the heart of the city, with locals swimming, surfing and strolling along La Concha at all hours. The old town is dense with history and pintxos bars where eating becomes an experience rather than a necessity.
What I loved most was the balance: a proper city with culture and architecture, combined with a relaxed coastal rhythm. Whether watching surfers at Zurriola or taking the funicular for views across the bay, San Sebastián felt vibrant without ever being overwhelming.
7. La Gomera, Canary Islands – Stepping Into Another World
La Gomera felt like travelling back in time. The heart of the island is Garajonay National Park, a misty laurel forest that feels almost prehistoric. Walking its trails, surrounded by silence and moss-covered trees, was unlike anywhere else I’ve been.
The coastline is dramatic and raw, with volcanic beaches and cliffs plunging into the sea. Dolphins are regularly spotted offshore, and villages still preserve traditions like Silbo Gomero, a whistled language used to communicate across valleys. La Gomera isn’t about ticking sights off a list — it’s about slowing down and reconnecting with nature.
8. Sozopol, Bulgaria – History Without the Crowds
Sozopol was a refreshing surprise. One of the oldest towns on the Black Sea, it combines atmospheric history with relaxed beach life. The old town sits on a small peninsula, filled with wooden houses, ancient churches and archaeological remains, while sandy beaches stretch just beyond.
Evenings were spent wandering cobbled streets, eating fresh seafood by the harbour and watching the light change over the water. It’s affordable, unpretentious and full of local character, the kind of place that still feels like a discovery.
9. Andros, Greece – A Different Side of the Cyclades
Andros doesn’t fit the typical Cycladic mould and that’s exactly why I loved it. The island is greener, more rugged, and shaped by ancient footpaths that wind through valleys, waterfalls and villages. Hiking here felt purposeful, connecting monasteries, beaches and local communities.
The beaches were quiet and varied, from sandy bays to wild, pebbled coves. Add museums, bakeries and family-run tavernas, and Andros became one of the most authentic Greek islands I’ve visited.
10. New Zealand – Landscapes That Feel Almost Unreal
New Zealand delivers scale in a way few places do. Fjords carved deep into mountains, glaciers, vast lakes, rolling vineyards and untouched coastlines — it constantly felt like the scenery was turned up to maximum.
Cruising through Milford Sound, spotting wildlife, road-tripping through the South Island and experiencing the energy of cities like Auckland made it clear why New Zealand leaves such a lasting impression. It’s a country built for exploration, where nature is never far away.
11. Melbourne, Australia – A City With Personality
Melbourne is one of those cities that reveals itself slowly. Laneways filled with street art, hidden cafés, independent shops and live music venues create a sense of constant discovery. The food and coffee culture is outstanding, but so is the city’s creative energy.
What really sets Melbourne apart is how easily you can escape it. Beaches, wildlife encounters, wineries and the Great Ocean Road are all close enough for day trips. It’s urban, cultural and outdoorsy all at once.
12. Bangkok, Thailand – Chaotic, Captivating and Unforgettable
Bangkok doesn’t try to be calm and that’s part of its magic. Golden temples, buzzing street markets, river boats and skyscrapers all exist side by side. Exploring the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and the canals gave me insight into the city’s history, while night markets and street food stalls showed its modern pulse.
Bangkok is intense, yes — but it’s also deeply rewarding. Every visit feels different, and there’s always more to uncover.
13. Borneo – Rainforests, Rivers and Remarkable Wildlife
Borneo was one of those places that reminded me why I travel in the first place. Stepping into its ancient rainforest felt humbling — towering trees, thick humidity, and a soundtrack of insects, birds and unseen animals echoing through the canopy. This is one of the oldest rainforests on Earth, and you feel that age and power immediately.
Cruising slowly along jungle rivers, scanning the treetops for movement, I saw orangutans in the wild — something I’ll never forget. Proboscis monkeys leapt between branches, hornbills flew overhead, and at night the forest came alive in a completely different way. Beyond wildlife, Borneo’s cultural depth stood out too: longhouses, river communities and markets where daily life is still shaped by the land and water.
Final Thoughts: Why These Places Belong on Your 2026 Travel List
These are destinations I didn’t just visit — they stayed with me. Whether through landscapes, food, history, wildlife or everyday moments, each one offers something meaningful and memorable.
If you’re planning travel in 2026 and want places that go beyond the obvious, this list is where I’d start.
