Where to Go in 2026: The Most Underrated Destinations for the Year Ahead

In 2026, it's time to travel differently. This year's Where to Go list from Afar isn't about the usual suspects—it's about lessening the burden on over-touristed destinations while discovering places that are equally extraordinary. Today, we released our list of 24 emerging regions and overlooked locales that deliver all the magic with none of the crowds. From Bucharest's Belle Époque architecture and lively bar scene to Sado Island's pristine beaches and relaxing onsens, these destinations prove you don't have to sacrifice incredible experiences to travel more responsibly. And on December 5—and over the next two months—we'll explore 15 of these places here on Unpacked, through conversations with the writers who discovered them firsthand. Resources Where to Go in 2026: Places That Are on the Rise and Off the Beaten Path Find inspiration, or start planning your next trip, on afar.com Stay Connected Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. Explore our other podcasts, View From Afar, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. Unpacked by Afar is part of ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠[e-mail]⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices