⭐ Where to Travel in 2026: Trending Picks and Travelglaze Gems
Most people planning their 2026 travels look at the same lists: the trending cities, the “hot” destinations and the places every travel website suddenly agrees on. Beautiful, yes. But trending does not always mean comfortable — and comfort is what makes a trip truly enjoyable.
So in this guide, you’ll find two kinds of emerging destinations.
First, the places the internet is talking about for 2026 — rising stars with more flights, more attention and more buzz. And second, the places that rarely appear on lists, yet feel perfect for travellers who prefer quiet streets, soft scenery and a calmer, more thoughtful way of exploring.
Together, they create 10 ideas for 2026 that are easy to travel to, simple to enjoy and full of small moments that stay with you.
If you want to check what you need before travelling in 2026, my guide Travel Entry Requirements for 2026 explains visas, ETAs and easy-to-enter countries.
Let’s start with where the world is looking — and then go one step further.
⭐ Trending Destinations for 2026
2026 is shaping up to be a year of easy, comfortable city breaks and warm, culture-focused trips. Airlines are adding new routes, smaller capitals are becoming more visible, and travellers are slowly moving away from overcrowded hotspots. These destinations appear again and again on travel lists — and for good reason. They are safe, accessible, and offer a calm pace if you know where to look.
Here are five places the internet calls trending for 2026 — and why they still work beautifully for travellers who prefer soft landings, gentle days, and simple logistics.
🇸🇮 Ljubljana, Slovenia
A small capital that keeps appearing in 2026 travel predictions — not because it is loud or flashy, but because it’s walkable, green, and easy to enjoy at a slow pace. The old town feels more like a riverside neighbourhood than a capital city, with pastel houses, outdoor terraces and traffic-free streets.
Why it’s trending:
Ljubljana’s focus on sustainability and easy city design makes it a popular choice for 2026 lists.
Why it works for slow travellers:
The centre is compact and stress-free. You can walk everywhere without navigating crowds or complicated transport.
Comfort highlight:
Take a slow break at Petkovšek Street 21, at the riverside café Cacao Ljubljana — one of the best viewpoints for people-watching without noise or rush.
🇲🇹 Valletta, Malta
Valletta keeps showing up in 2026 destination lists because it offers something rare: a warm, historic capital that feels small enough to explore in a single day. Its golden limestone streets, harbour views and gentle winter sun make it an easy alternative to crowded Mediterranean cities.
Why it’s trending:
More direct flights, mild weather year-round and renewed interest in compact capitals have put Valletta back in the spotlight.
Why it works for slow travellers:
The city is tiny, walkable, and full of quiet corners — perfect for exploring without effort or rush.
Comfort highlight:
Step inside the Manoel Theatre (Old Theatre Street), one of Europe’s oldest working theatres. It’s cool, quiet, beautifully preserved — and often half-empty during daytime tours. A perfect slow pause before heading to the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
🇵🇹 Madeira, Portugal
Madeira is popping up on 2026 lists as a nature destination that still feels manageable. The island offers dramatic scenery without the chaos often seen on mainland hotspots — and even first-time visitors find it surprisingly easy to navigate.
Why it’s trending:
Winter-sun seekers and slow hikers are discovering Madeira as a greener, calmer alternative to the Canary Islands.
Why it works for slow travellers:
Public transport is reliable, walking routes are well-marked, and the island’s smaller scale makes the days feel simple and stress-free.
Comfort highlight:
Take the Monte cable car from Funchal to the hilltop gardens. The ride is smooth, quiet and gives you one of the best soft panoramas of the island — no hiking required.
Cable Car Station: Caminho das Babosas 8, Funchal.
🇵🇹 Porto, Portugal
Porto keeps gaining attention as a softer, friendlier alternative to Lisbon. The city feels authentic without being overwhelming, and its riverfront, tiled buildings and pastel neighbourhoods make it an easy 2026 favourite.
Why it’s trending:
Affordable flights, great food, and rising interest in Portugal’s smaller cities have pushed Porto into the spotlight.
Why it works for slow travellers:
The centre is walkable, full of small local cafés, and packed with views that don’t require steep climbs if you choose the right spots.
Comfort highlight:
Escape the crowds at Livraria Poetria (Rua das Oliveiras 70) — a quiet indie bookshop far from the tourist flow. From there, walk five minutes to Miradouro da Vitória, a peaceful viewpoint with open space, river views and room to breathe.
🇬🇪 Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi appears on more 2026 lists every month. The mix of warm hospitality, characterful neighbourhoods, natural hot springs and good prices makes it an accessible entry into the Caucasus — even for travellers who don’t like complicated planning.
Why it’s trending:
New flight routes, growing food culture, and global interest in wine regions have put Tbilisi firmly on the map.
Why it works for slow travellers:
The city has a soft rhythm. Narrow streets, small local cafés, friendly people, and walkable districts make exploring feel simple and human.
Comfort highlight:
Book a private room at Gulo’s Bathhouse (Abano Street 2) in the historic sulfur bath district. Warm water, tiled domes and quiet rooms create an easy, grounding pause — ideal before wandering through the Old Town.
⭐ Travelglaze-Worthy Destinations for 2026
Not every great place makes it onto trending lists — and that’s often a good thing. Some destinations stay under the radar simply because they are smaller, quieter, or harder for big travel sites to summarise quickly.
But these are the places where slow travellers feel most at home.
This second list is made for people who enjoy space, gentle days, and culture without crowds. These destinations are not appearing on every “Top 10” article online, but they offer exactly what many travellers secretly want: comfort, atmosphere and room to breathe.
Here are five Travelglaze-worthy choices that may not be trending — but are absolutely worth discovering in 2026.
🇵🇱 Gdańsk, Poland
A Baltic port city that feels colourful, friendly and surprisingly calm. Gdańsk is easy to navigate, full of history, and offers a slower atmosphere than most summer destinations. 
Why it works for slow travellers:
The old town is flat, walkable and never as busy as major Western European cities.
Practical tip:
Visit the European Solidarity Centre (Plac Solidarności 1) — spacious, bright and one of the most relaxing museum experiences in Europe.
🇦🇹 Graz, Austria
Austria’s second city feels more like a pastel-coloured town than an urban hub. With courtyards, cafés and calm streets, it’s ideal for travellers who enjoy slow wandering.
Why it works for slow travellers:
The historic centre is compact and full of shade, making it easy to explore without effort.
Practical tip:
Take the lift up to the Schlossberg instead of the stairs — a soft, scenic start with views over the terracotta rooftops.
🇪🇸 Asturias, Spain
Green hills, quiet fishing villages and cool summer weather make Asturias a gentle alternative to Spain’s busy southern coast.
Why it works for slow travellers:
The region is peaceful year-round, with short travel times between beaches, towns and viewpoints.
Practical tip:
Stop in Lastres, one of the calmest coastal villages — perfect for an easy stroll and fresh seafood without crowds.
🇰🇷 Jeonju, South Korea
Known for its traditional hanok village, excellent food and relaxed atmosphere, Jeonju offers a slower rhythm than Seoul but with just as much charm.
Why it works for slow travellers:
The central districts are small and walkable, ideal for gentle days with culture and cafés.
Practical tip:
Take a slow break at Jeonmang Foot Bath Cafe (61 Eunhaeng-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk-do), where you can sit with a drink and use the built-in foot-massage machines. It’s a calm, fun pause during a day of exploring the hanok streets.
Want to know more about South Korea? Read my other blogs
🇴🇲 Oman (Muscat + Jebel Shams)
Warm, welcoming and safe, Oman is one of the most comfortable winter-sun choices for 2026. Soft landscapes, quiet roads and clear skies define the experience.
Why it works for slow travellers:
Excellent roads and friendly local culture make travel smooth and stress-free.
Practical tip:
Spend a slow morning at the Royal Opera House Muscat — peaceful architecture, shaded courtyards and easy moments before exploring the city.
⭐ Final Thoughts
Choosing where to travel in 2026 doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Trending destinations can be exciting, but they are not always the most comfortable. And quieter places may not appear on big lists, but they often offer the softest and most enjoyable days — especially for travellers who like to move at a slow, steady pace.
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No matter where you go in 2026, comfort comes from small choices: shorter transfers, walkable centres, lighter days, and destinations that let you breathe. Start with one place from this list, save it for later, and let your next trip feel as good as it looks. Which place feels right for you this year?
