Happy New Year, y’all! 2025 has come and gone and it has been both the most challenging and rewarding year that I’ve had as a full-time travel blogger. As always, every challenge could also bring about unexpected and unforgettable moments. From hitchhiking my way across the mountainous terrains of Kyrgyzstan to evacuating the Himalayas in Nepal, it’s been one heck of a year.

But now, it’s time to look forward to new adventures. I’ve included a good mix of countries from every continent in this list, so you’re bound to find a destination that suits your fancy. Most of these destinations, I have already visited personally and fallen in love with. The remaining ones sit at the top of my 2026 travel bucket list, so hey, maybe we’ll run into each other there! Without further ado, here are the top 26 travel destinations for 2026.

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan, so hot right now. I, too, fell victim to the sudden explosion of Kyrgyzstan on every social media platform. Dare I say it is the first country that’s truly come out of nowhere and been put on the map by the Tik Tok era? All I can say is, Kyrgyzstan deserves it. The rugged natural landscapes, the liberating feeling of riding horses through remote wilderness, the Central Asian and Silk Road heritage of its cities and its traditions, Kyrgyzstan feels like visiting another world. It is one of the top places to keep an eye on in 2026, especially if you hope to visit before it becomes even more popular.

Kazakhstan

While Kyrgyzstan may be getting the brunt of the limelight on Central Asia’s increased popularity as a travel destination, Kazakhstan is not to be ignored. I planned to brush over Kazakhstan en route to Kyrgyzstan, but Almaty absolutely sucked me in. I stayed for nearly a month in Kazakhstan, exploring out-of-this-world landscapes like those of Altyn Emmel, Charyn Canyon, and Big Almaty Lake. The people of Kazakhstan are what really drew me to the country, though. They were the friendliest, most welcoming, and most fun of the Central Asian countries, and building a cozy community in Almaty made it so hard to leave. I’ve got nothing but love for Kazakhstan, and if you plan on backpacking through Central Asia, make sure to give this country the time of day.

Uzbekistan

Let’s keep the Central Asia love going. Uzbekistan is the premier destination in Central Asia if you are seeking culture, history, and Silk Road vibes. The cities of Uzbekistan will blow you away. It often felt like I was wandering through a bygone era as I strolled through its bazaars. Samarkand is a timeless travel destination, but be sure to visit Bukhara and Khiva, as well.

Tajikistan

My passport was sadly running out of pages and Tajikistan was not in the cards for my 2025 Central Asian backpacking adventure. It remains on my radar for 2026, especially the Pamir Highway. I have heard nothing but great things from the travelers who have visited, emphasizing the rugged terrains and kindness of its locals. Where it lacks in tourist infrastructure, it makes up for in its stunning natural landscapes, hospitable people, and abundance of authentic travel experiences.

Pakistan

Of all the trips I’ve ever taken, Pakistan ranks as the most unforgettable. There’s no other place like it. From the madness of its big cities, to the raw, untamed beauty of its mountains, Pakistan will leave you breathless in every sense of the word. It’s not quite as easy to get to as the other countries on the list, but if you make the effort, you won’t be disappointed.

And hey, shameless self-plug, but if you want to come along on an expedition on Pakistan in 2026, look no further than this blog. I have been hosting group trips to Pakistan since 2021, and this June 21st to July 4th, 2026, I’ll be leading one more trip. For all the details and the sign-up form, register your interest on this page, and we can explore the untouched natural beauty of Northern Pakistan together.

Nepal

I visited Nepal for the first time in 2025, and one of the wildest revelations to me was just how little tourism it gets. For a country that boasts some of the most recognizable destinations in the world, like literally the tallest mountains in the world, very few people actually visit Nepal. Despite its massive global cultural impact, Nepal still flies under the radar, making it an excellent travel destination for adventurous spirits. Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit are the biggest draws to Nepal, but be sure to look into the Manaslu Circuit and the Langtang Valley Trek, as well. Nepal is home to much more than mountains, too. One of the biggest highlights of my trip to Nepal was seeing wild tigers, rhinos, gharials, and leopards when I visited Bardiya National Park.

Mexico

This list wouldn’t be complete without an all-time favorite country of mine. Mexico has become a haven for travelers across every travel style and interest imaginable. Most people flock to the beaches of Mexico, but there is so much more to this country. I have traveled across 20 Mexican states, and do hope to complete this list someday. Could 2026 be the year?

From the colorful calles of Guanajuato and Oaxaca, to the mountains of Monterrey and the jungles of La Huasteca Potosina, do not restrict yourselves to the coastline. Mexico is a country that I truly believe has it all, from snow-capped peaks to vast deserts and everything in between. All of this makes it a top travel destination for 2026, and every year, if we’re being honest.

My Complete Mexico Travel Itinerary

Colombia

Colombia was the first country I ever solo backpacked to. For that, it will always hold a special place in my heart. Lately, the nostalgia has been real as travelers have been flocking by the hundreds to Colombia’s Caribbean coastline. It’s a great escape for these cold winter months. Like Mexico, Colombia has much, much more to offer than just sun and cervezas. Medellin is one of my favorite cities in the world, and the neighboring town of Guatape can’t be missed. The Valle de Cocora is a one-of-a-kind travel destination, as is the trek to Colombia’s Lost City.

And of course, if you’re looking for a good time, there is no better place to party than Colombia. From Cali to Cartagena, you’ll have no shortage of options for a good fiesta.

Peru

There are no shortage of amazing destinations in Latin America that are currently opening up to be explored. For those of you that have followed me for a while, you know that Peru is one of my favorites. How many countries can boast having the Amazon Rainforest, Pacific Ocean, the Andes Mountains, and countless ruins of millennia-old ancient civilizations? Peru is a tried-and-true destination in South America. You can never go wrong with a trip to Peru.

Ecuador

Sandwiched between Colombia and Peru is Ecuador. What this smaller country lacks in size, it makes up for in immense natural beauty. Ecuador is famed for being home to the Galapagos Islands, but there’s much more to the country. You’ve got beautiful cities like colonial Cuenca and lush Baños, surf towns like Montanita, and mountain getaways like Chugchilan and Vilcabamba. Feel like hiking? There’s Cotopaxi and Chimborazo, two of South America’s most challenging summits. The Amazon Rainforest also extends into Ecuador, and one can have an authentic Amazon experience in the jungles of Ecuador.

I planned on visiting for two weeks and ended up staying for nearly two months. And I still have to come back for the Galapagos. Don’t underestimate Ecuador as a travel destination.

One Month Ecuador Travel Itinerary

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a bit of an enigma. Although it’s located in Latin America, it is lightyears ahead of its neighbors when it comes to sustainability, infrastructure, political stability, and other environmental issues. That makes it an excellent introductory destination for travelers wanting to dip their toes into Latin America. Costa Rica has stunning cloud forests, monstrous volcanoes, and an abundance of surf towns to choose from. It’s also one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, which is wild considering how small the country is. Despite its size, Costa Rica packs a punch. Be sure to put it on your 2026 travel bucket list.

Guatemala

Perhaps my favorite country in Central America, Guatemala is starting to get noticed after being in the shadow of neighboring Mexico. Antigua is fast-becoming a digital nomad hotspot, almost as quickly as Lake Atitlan has become a hub for hippies. Elsewhere in the country, you have Semuc Champey, Flores, and the ruins of Tikal made famous as the Rebel base of Yavin IV in the Star Wars trilogy.

Guatemala is a paradise for adventurers, with the grueling hike up to Acatenango being one of my top bucket list experiences I’ve ever done.

Albania

The small country of Albania is one of Europe’s top hidden gems. I hopped over on a ferry after peak season prices in Greece started to drain my wallet. I had no idea what to expect, and admittedly, had a rough first few days in Sarande. However, it didn’t take long for Albania to start winning me over. What it lacked in tourism infrastructure, it made up for in authenticity. The charm of Albania lies in the kindness of their people and the rawness of its beauty and nature. It was a shock adjusting from Greece, where everything was super photogenic and easy to figure out. Once you learn to go with the flow in Albania, it will definitely win you over.

The Backpacker’s Crash Course Guide to Albania

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Another Balkan country that won me over was Bosnia and Herzegovina. The capital, Sarajevo, is my favorite city in all the Balkans. Sarajevo is one of the most fascinating cities I’ve ever visited, with enough history to keep you both entertained and heartbroken for weeks. The city’s got a lot of character to it, and the kindness and hospitality of Bosnians despite everything they’ve been through stood out to me.

The rest of Bosnia is filled with stunning natural beauty and adrenaline-inducing adventures. Make sure to visit the small town of Mostar and its iconic bridge.

Croatia

Croatia is one of Europe’s fastest-growing tourist destinations. For my fellow travelers looking for a good time, look no further. With sparkling Mediterranean waters, historic cities, and no shortage of party islands to choose from, Croatia is a young backpacker’s paradise. It is more expensive than the other Balkan countries, but still a good, budget-friendly alternative to Italy or Greece. The quintessential Bacchanalian sailing trip can’t be missed, of course, but don’t ignore inland Croatia entirely. With beautiful national parks, quaint villages, and the unique capital city of Zagreb, there’s much more to explore in Croatia.

Italy

As timeless of a travel destination there is, it’s hard to leave Italy off of any travel bucket list. Italy is pure magic, and it’s still very possible to go off-the-beaten-path and avoid tourists. It’d be criminal to skip the tourist hotspots of Venice, Florence, and Rome, but there is so much beyond those cities that Italy has to offer. You can also visit Tuscany where you can experience its beautiful scenery. historical towns, wineries, and good weather to name a few. You can easily look for luxury Tuscany villas where you can enjoy the panoramic sceneries and learn the rich culture of this city. Italy is also one of the easiest countries to travel around in, with a fast and reliable train system to take you all over the country.

Turkey

Istanbul catapulted its way to possibly my favorite city in the world. What a shame, because there was so much more of Turkey I wished to explore and I ended up spending two months in Istanbul. My small glimpses at the rest of Turkey confirmed to me that this would be a country that I would return to time and time again. The magical region of Cappadocia was breathtaking, and proved to be so much more than just hot air balloons and influencers. The Mediterranean coast of Turkey is absolutely stunning.

A Turk once told me that Turkey does everything better than Greece, except marketing. And hey, he had a point. Turkey is a huge country with history dating back tens of thousands of years. It is a crossroads of civilizations. The mix of European, Asian, and Middle-Eastern cultures, cuisines, and traditions makes Turkey a uniquely exciting travel destination.

Georgia

On the border of Eastern Turkey, you’ll find the small, mountainous country of Georgia, or Sakartvelo in its native tongue. I have nothing but incredible things to say about this country. From its people, to its food, to its untouched mountain landscapes, Georgia is elite in almost every aspect. It’s not super established as a tourist destination, so if you’re looking for raw and real travel experiences, look no further than Georgia.

Cyprus

The island of Cyprus is one of the largest in the Mediterranean. It’s also one of the most beautiful. With Turkish and Greek influence, Cyprus has the best of both worlds. It’s a pretty overlooked travel destination, but one of the most rewarding for those who do make it here.

Jordan

Looking to get a taste of the Middle East? Jordan is a wonderful place to start. I mean, the World Wonder of Petra alone makes Jordan worth visiting, but there’s much more to this country than meets the eye. The cuisine is amazing, the people are friendly, and the natural wonders will make you feel like you’re on another planet entirely. You’ll probably recognize some of Jordan’s most iconic attractions because you’ve seen them in some movie that takes place on a far off world.

Tanzania

From towering Kilimanjaro to the vast Serengeti and all the way to the sparkling waters of Zanzibar, Tanzania is calling your name. It’s got everything I desire in a travel destination. World-class hiking, stunning natural beauty, wildlife, culture, and of course, a laid-back beach town to vibe and relax in following some hectic adventures.

Uganda

While Kenya and Tanzania are most travelers’ go-to destinations of East Africa, Uganda is not to be overlooked. I initially ended up in Uganda out of pure curiosity alone. It was not on my radar when I first arrived in Kenya, but after weeks of meeting smiley, fun-loving Ugandans in Kenya, I decided to check it out. Uganda is less touristy, more budget-friendly, and has some stunning travel destinations that few people have heard of. Gorilla trekking is perhaps Uganda’s biggest claim to fame, but the mighty Rwenzori Mountains and the wildlife-filled national parks are also worth visiting for.

Morocco

Morocco is filled with breathtaking natural beauty, historic sites, and some of the most beautiful cities you’ll ever lay your eyes on. I spent six weeks traveling to every corner of Morocco and the range of its destinations shocked me. Whether you want relaxing beach or surf time along its stunning coastline, or want to immerse yourself in its historic medieval cities, Morocco is guaranteed to have something for you. The Sahara Desert, the Atlas Mountains, pristine stretches of Atlantic and Mediterranean Coastline, and so much more, can all be found in this North African gem.

Thailand

It doesn’t matter what kind of traveler you are, you can’t go wrong with Thailand. I’ve found myself in Thailand half a dozen times, yet I get giddy with excitement every time I board the plane regardless. The islands and beaches of the south are rightfully world-renowned. The lush mountains and mouthwatering cuisine are a huge draw to the north of the country. And I don’t care what anyone says, Bangkok is an amazing city. It’s one of the liveliest big cities I have ever been to. There’s just so much character and chaos in Bangkok that you can get an adrenaline rush just from walking down the street.

Thailand is truly a timeless travel destination, but is especially great for backpackers and young solo travelers. The hostels in Thailand are world class and the country as a whole is very budget-friendly. If you’re looking to dip your toes into the world of solo travel and backpacking, Thailand is an excellent choice.

Indonesia

Bali is far and away Indonesia’s most famous island, but limiting your trip solely to Bali can be a huge mistake. With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia has treasures beyond your wildest dreams. Neighboring Lombok can go band for band with Bali in every way, and has a fraction of the tourists. Komodo Island is a once-in-a-lifetime destination. The island of Flores offers a glimpse into humankind’s wild past. And of course, the island of Java is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking natural beauty, from Mount Bromo to the Ijen Volcano. I could keep rattling them off, but this article would be thousands of pages long if I wanted to talk about how rich and varied of a travel destination Indonesia is.

One Month Bali Itinerary for Backpackers

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is the pearl of South Asia. This island off the coast of India is one of the most spectacular countries I have ever visited. Few countries this small can claim to have such a variety of activities. Whether you’re a history geek, wildlife enthusiast, surfer bro, or nature-lover, Sri Lanka has much to offer. You can be hiking up a mountain for sunrise, seeing elephants on safari by noon, and then make it to the coast in time for sunset. What more could you ask for?

Buy Me A Beer!

If this post helped you out, show some love and support for the blog and help keep my adventures going by buying me a beer! My adventures are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated, and allows me to keep writing helpful travel guides and creating travel content to help you all travel the world on a budget.