2026 represents a unique moment in travel. As the world adjusts to post-pandemic realities, new flight routes open, emerging destinations gain infrastructure, and some places remain refreshingly underrated. This isn't about following Instagram trends – it's about discovering destinations that offer incredible experiences without the crowds, markups, and over-tourism that have plagued popular spots.
This guide focuses on places that are cheaper, quieter, and still underrated in 2026. These destinations offer authentic experiences, good value, and the sense of discovery that makes travel meaningful. Whether you're seeking beaches, mountains, culture, or adventure, these places deliver without the Instagram crowds.
What Makes a Destination "Best" in 2026
Our criteria for the best places to travel in 2026 go beyond popularity:
- Crowd levels: Places where you can still experience destinations without overwhelming tourist numbers
- Value for money: Destinations where your budget stretches further without sacrificing quality
- Accessibility: Places that are easier to reach thanks to new routes and improved infrastructure
- Sustainability: Destinations managing tourism responsibly
- Experience quality: Authentic encounters, not manufactured tourist experiences
These aren't necessarily the cheapest destinations (though many offer excellent value), but places where you get more for your money, time, and effort in 2026.
The Best Places to Travel in 2026
🇻🇺 Vanuatu
Why it's perfect for Australians: Just 3 hours from Brisbane, Vanuatu offers a South Pacific escape that's closer and often cheaper than Fiji. The archipelago's 83 islands provide volcanic adventures, pristine beaches, and genuine cultural encounters without the resort-heavy atmosphere of more developed destinations.
Crowd-free islands: While Port Vila sees some tourism, most islands remain refreshingly quiet. Espiritu Santo's Champagne Beach and Blue Holes offer world-class beauty without the crowds. Tanna Island's Mount Yasur volcano provides one of the world's most accessible active volcano experiences.
Cost vs Fiji: Vanuatu offers similar natural beauty to Fiji at 30–40% lower costs. Accommodation ranges from $40–$80 for comfortable options, meals cost $10–$20, and activities like volcano visits and blue hole swimming are reasonably priced.
Best experiences:
- Witnessing Mount Yasur's nightly eruptions on Tanna Island
- Swimming in the crystal-clear Blue Holes of Espiritu Santo
- Exploring traditional villages on Malekula
- Relaxing on remote beaches on Aneityum
🇯🇵 Japan (Regional Cities)
Yen advantage: The Japanese Yen's weakness in 2026 makes Japan more affordable than it's been in years. While Tokyo and Kyoto remain popular (and expensive), regional cities offer incredible value and authentic experiences.
Cities beyond Tokyo/Kyoto:
- Osaka: Japan's food capital with a more relaxed atmosphere and lower prices than Tokyo
- Fukuoka: Kyushu's vibrant city with excellent food, friendly locals, and great value
- Kanazawa: Traditional culture, beautiful gardens, and fewer tourists
- Takayama: Mountain town with preserved Edo-period streets and affordable ryokans
- Matsuyama: Shikoku's largest city with historic castle and onsen culture
Rail pass value: The Japan Rail Pass, while more expensive in 2024, still offers excellent value for exploring regional cities. Regional passes for specific areas provide even better value for focused travel.
Why regional cities are better in 2026: These cities offer authentic Japanese experiences without the crowds and markups of tourist-heavy destinations. Accommodation costs 30–50% less, local restaurants are more affordable, and you'll experience Japan as locals do.
🇵🇹 Portugal (Interior & North)
Cheaper alternatives to Lisbon: While Lisbon and Porto have become popular (and more expensive), Portugal's interior and northern regions offer incredible value. The Douro Valley, Coimbra, Braga, and smaller towns provide authentic Portuguese experiences at a fraction of coastal prices.
Food & wine value: Portugal offers some of Europe's best food and wine value. Excellent meals cost $15–$25, local wine is $3–$8 per bottle, and pastéis de nata cost less than a euro. The interior regions are even more affordable than coastal areas.
Shoulder season sweet spots: May, June, September, and October offer perfect weather without summer crowds and prices. The interior is beautiful year-round, with mild winters that are perfect for exploring.
Best areas:
- Douro Valley: Wine region with affordable tastings and stunning scenery
- Coimbra: Historic university town with great value
- Braga: Northern city with baroque architecture and fewer tourists
- Évora: Alentejo's historic city with excellent food and wine
🇹🇿 Tanzania (Beyond Safari)
Zanzibar value: While Tanzania's safari circuit is well-known (and expensive), Zanzibar offers incredible beach value. The island's Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the beaches rival any in the Indian Ocean at lower prices.
Crowd dispersion: While some areas of Zanzibar are popular, the island is large enough that you can find quiet beaches and authentic experiences. The north and east coasts offer different atmospheres, and prices vary significantly.
Costs outside peak season: Zanzibar's shoulder seasons (May–June, September–October) offer perfect weather with 30–40% lower prices. Accommodation ranges from $40–$100 for beachfront properties, and local food is excellent and affordable.
Beyond the beach: Zanzibar offers spice tours, historic Stone Town exploration, and diving at reasonable prices. Combine it with a mainland safari for a complete Tanzania experience, or enjoy it as a standalone beach destination.
🇨🇱 Chile (Patagonia Shoulder Season)
Fewer crowds: Chilean Patagonia is stunning year-round, but visiting during shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October) means fewer crowds, better availability, and lower prices. The weather is still good, and you'll have trails and viewpoints more to yourself.
Shoulder season value: Accommodation in Patagonia is expensive year-round, but shoulder seasons offer 20–30% savings. The Torres del Paine circuit is less crowded, and you'll have better chances of securing permits and accommodations.
Nature-focused travelers: Patagonia appeals to those seeking wilderness and adventure. The region offers world-class hiking, wildlife viewing, and landscapes that rival anywhere on Earth. Shoulder seasons provide these experiences with better value and fewer people.
Best areas:
- Torres del Paine: Iconic national park with better shoulder-season access
- Carretera Austral: Scenic route through remote Patagonia
- Atacama Desert: World's driest desert with incredible stargazing
- Lake District: Volcanic landscapes and outdoor activities
🇬🇪 Georgia (Beyond Tbilisi)
While Tbilisi is gaining popularity, Georgia's regions offer incredible value and authentic experiences. The Caucasus Mountains, wine regions, and Black Sea coast provide diverse experiences at European-adjacent prices.
Best areas: Svaneti for mountain culture, Kakheti for wine, and the Black Sea coast for beaches – all at a fraction of European prices.
🇦🇱 Albania (Coastal & Mountain)
Albania's Riviera offers Mediterranean beaches without the crowds and prices of neighboring Greece and Croatia. The country's mountains provide hiking and adventure at incredible value.
Why 2026: Infrastructure is improving, making travel easier, but prices remain low. The country offers authentic experiences before mass tourism arrives.
🇲🇽 Mexico (Colonial Heartland)
Mexico's colonial cities – Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato – offer European-style charm at a fraction of European prices. These cities provide rich culture, excellent food, and beautiful architecture without resort-area markups.
🇮🇩 Indonesia (Beyond Bali)
While Bali has become crowded and expensive, Indonesia's other islands offer authentic experiences at great value. Lombok, Flores, Sulawesi, and Sumatra provide diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and incredible value.
🇳🇵 Nepal (Beyond Everest)
Nepal offers incredible trekking beyond the Everest region. The Annapurna Circuit, Langtang Valley, and lesser-known routes provide world-class hiking at rock-bottom prices. The country's culture, food, and hospitality add to the experience.
🇵🇭 Philippines (Lesser-Known Islands)
While Palawan and Boracay are popular, the Philippines' 7,000+ islands offer countless alternatives. Bohol, Siargao, and the Batanes provide incredible experiences with fewer crowds and better value.
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka (Recovery & Value)
Sri Lanka has recovered from recent challenges and offers incredible value. The country's diverse experiences – beaches, mountains, wildlife, culture – are accessible and affordable, with tourism infrastructure that provides good value.
Best Places to Travel in 2026 by Interest
Best for Beaches
Vanuatu, Zanzibar, Albania's Riviera, and the Philippines offer world-class beaches without the crowds and prices of more famous destinations. These places provide pristine sand, clear water, and authentic experiences.
Best for Adventure
Nepal, Chile (Patagonia), Georgia (mountains), and Indonesia offer incredible adventure opportunities. From trekking to diving to volcano climbing, these destinations provide world-class experiences at reasonable prices.
Best for Culture
Japan (regional cities), Portugal (interior), Mexico (colonial cities), and Georgia offer rich cultural experiences. These destinations provide authentic encounters, historic sites, and local traditions without tourist-heavy atmospheres.
Best for Skiing
Japan (regional resorts), Georgia (Gudauri), and Chile (shoulder season) offer excellent skiing at better value than European or North American resorts. The yen's weakness makes Japan particularly attractive in 2026.
Best for Food
Japan (regional cities), Portugal, Mexico (colonial cities), and Vietnam offer incredible food scenes. These destinations provide world-class cuisine at reasonable prices, with authentic experiences that go beyond tourist restaurants.
Cheapest vs Best — How to Choose
There's an important distinction between the cheapest destinations and the best value destinations:
- Cheapest: Absolute lowest costs, but may sacrifice quality, infrastructure, or experiences
- Best value: Balance of cost, quality, and experiences – what you get for your money
The destinations in this guide focus on value – places where you get excellent experiences, good infrastructure, and authentic encounters without breaking the bank. They may not be the absolute cheapest, but they offer the best overall experience for your budget.
Time vs money tradeoffs: Some destinations require longer travel times but offer better value once you arrive. Consider whether saving money is worth extra travel time, or if spending slightly more for convenience makes sense for your situation.
When to Visit These Places in 2026
Timing significantly impacts your experience in these destinations:
Month-by-Month Guidance
- January–March: Southern hemisphere summer (Chile, Vanuatu), but avoid peak prices. Northern destinations (Japan, Portugal) are in winter/early spring with lower prices.
- April–May: Shoulder season sweet spot for many destinations. Good weather, fewer crowds, better prices in Europe, Japan, and South America.
- June–August: Peak season for many places, but regional alternatives (Japan's regional cities, Portugal's interior) offer better value.
- September–October: Another shoulder season sweet spot. Excellent weather, fewer crowds, and better prices across many destinations.
- November–December: Early summer in southern hemisphere, shoulder season in many northern destinations. Good value before peak holiday periods.
Shoulder season callouts: April–May and September–October offer the best balance of weather, crowds, and prices for most destinations in this guide. These periods provide excellent conditions without peak-season markups.
👉 Use our Best Time to Visit Calculator to find the perfect timing for your chosen destination, balancing weather, crowds, and prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I travel in 2026?
The best places to travel in 2026 are those that offer good value, fewer crowds, and authentic experiences. Consider Vanuatu for South Pacific value, Japan's regional cities for culture and affordability, Portugal's interior for European charm at lower prices, and destinations like Georgia and Albania for European-adjacent experiences.
Is 2026 a good year to travel internationally?
Yes, 2026 offers unique opportunities. New flight routes make some destinations more accessible, currency situations favor certain regions (like Japan), and many places have improved infrastructure while maintaining authentic character. Shoulder seasons provide excellent value, and emerging destinations offer discovery without over-tourism.
What destinations will be overcrowded in 2026?
Popular destinations like Bali, Santorini, Dubrovnik, and major European capitals will likely remain crowded. However, alternatives exist – Lombok instead of Bali, other Greek islands instead of Santorini, Albania instead of Croatia, and regional cities instead of capitals. This guide focuses on these alternatives.
How do I choose between cheapest and best value?
Consider your priorities: if absolute lowest cost is most important, focus on Southeast Asia and South Asia. If you want the best overall experience for your budget, prioritize destinations that offer good infrastructure, authentic experiences, and reasonable prices – the "best value" destinations in this guide.
Should I avoid popular destinations entirely?
Not necessarily – but consider alternatives. Instead of avoiding Japan, visit regional cities. Instead of skipping Portugal, explore the interior. Popular countries often have underrated regions that offer similar experiences at better value with fewer crowds.
Remember: the best destination for you depends on your interests, budget, travel style, and priorities. Use this guide as a starting point, then research specific destinations that align with what you're seeking from your 2026 travels.