If there’s one thing travel has taught us, it’s that the best trips aren’t always the ones booked at the last minute—they’re the ones you’ve been daydreaming about long before you ever click “confirm purchase.” With 2026 on the horizon, now is the perfect time to start building a travel wish list filled with destinations that offer more than just a quick photo op. We’re talking places with personality, stories to tell, and experiences that linger long after you’ve unpacked your suitcase.
Whether you’re the type who plans trips around food, history, scenic views, or simply a change of pace, the upcoming year is shaping up to be ideal for exploring cities and regions that are evolving, thriving, and welcoming travelers with open arms. Some are long-time favorites getting a fresh glow-up, while others are quietly becoming must-visit destinations for travelers who like to stay one step ahead of the crowd.
This list of five places to visit in 2026 blends iconic American cities with outdoor escapes and culture-rich destinations—perfect for weekend getaways, extended vacations, or even that “I-need-a-break-from-everything” trip. From the historic streets of Philadelphia to wide-open skies and mountain views, these destinations prove that you don’t have to travel far to experience something truly memorable.
So grab your travel notebook, open a new tab on your browser, and let’s take a look at five places that deserve a top spot on your 2026 travel calendar.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
History, food, and neighborhoods with serious personality
Philadelphia is having a moment—and 2026 is the perfect time to experience it. Beyond the iconic Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, Philly shines with walkable neighborhoods, a booming food scene, and cultural attractions that rival much larger cities.
Spend your mornings exploring Old City, your afternoons wandering through the Philadelphia Museum of Art or Eastern State Penitentiary, and your evenings hopping between rooftop bars, breweries, and cozy BYOB restaurants. Food lovers will be in heaven at Reading Terminal Market, while sports fans can catch a game almost any time of year.
Why 2026?
New hotel openings, continued waterfront development along the Delaware River, and Philly’s ever-evolving dining scene make this a great year to visit—without the sky-high prices of other major cities.
Plus, don’t forget that 2026 will mark the 250th birthday of America. Also, from June 14th to July 4th, there will be six matches of the FIFA World Cup played in Philly(more on that down below). So there is no better way to celebrate it than a visit to the City of Brotherly Love.
Don’t leave without:
A cheesesteak debate, a stroll through Rittenhouse Square, and at least one “Wow, I didn’t expect Philly to be this cool” moment.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Art, culture, and soul-soothing desert vibes
Santa Fe feels like stepping into another world—in the best way possible. Known for its adobe architecture, vibrant art scene, and deep Native American and Spanish influences, this city offers a slower pace with a lot of depth.
Explore Canyon Road’s galleries, soak in the healing waters of nearby hot springs, and indulge in New Mexican cuisine (yes, you do have to choose red or green chile). The surrounding landscapes are perfect for hiking, photography, and quiet reflection.
Why 2026?
Santa Fe continues to grow as a wellness and cultural destination, making it ideal for travelers looking to unplug and recharge.
Asheville, North Carolina
Mountains, breweries, and creative energy
Asheville is where outdoor adventure meets artistic expression—and craft beer. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s a dream destination for hikers, road-trippers, and anyone who loves a good scenic overlook.
Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, tour the Biltmore Estate, and spend your evenings brewery-hopping or listening to live music downtown. Asheville has a laid-back charm that makes it hard to leave—and easy to fall in love with. If you plan it right, a visit during Fall when the leaves are changing will leave you breathless.
Why 2026?
Asheville continues to expand its food, arts, and outdoor offerings while maintaining its small-city feel.
San Diego, California
Sunshine, beaches, and easygoing coastal living
San Diego is one of those places that just feels good. With near-perfect weather year-round, it’s ideal for beach lovers, families, foodies, and solo travelers alike.
Explore neighborhoods like La Jolla, Gaslamp Quarter, and Little Italy, spend a day at Balboa Park, or just relax by the ocean with fish tacos in hand. It’s a city that doesn’t try too hard—and doesn’t need to.
Why 2026?
Continued development around the waterfront and dining districts keeps San Diego fresh while preserving its relaxed vibe.
Bozeman, Montana
Big skies, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm
If wide-open spaces and jaw-dropping scenery are calling your name, Bozeman should be on your 2026 travel list. This Montana gem is a gateway to Yellowstone National Park and a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts.
From hiking and fly fishing to winter sports and wildlife spotting, Bozeman delivers year-round adventure. Add in a growing food scene and friendly locals, and you’ve got a destination that feels both exciting and grounding.
Why 2026?
Bozeman continues to grow in popularity while still offering that authentic Montana feel—especially for travelers seeking nature over crowds.
Glacier National Park
Every year, I have listed Glacier National Park as a place to visit. Originally, it was said that all the glaciers would disappear by 2020. Of course, that date has passed, and the glaciers are still there but they are shrinking, sometimes at an alarming rate.
Some people now claim that all the glaciers will be gone by 2030. In reality, no one really knows when they will be gone (if ever). One thing that is for sure, the glaciers are shrinking.
Now there are placards that read “ When they will completely disappear, however, depends on how and when we act” and another that says “Some glaciers melt faster than others, but one thing is consistent: the glaciers in the park are shrinking”.
Experience the 2026 FIFA World Cup — A Once-in-a-Lifetime Event
If you’re planning trips for 2026, there’s one mega-event that deserves a spotlight of its own: the FIFA World Cup 2026. This edition of the world’s biggest sporting event will be historic—not just because soccer fever will grip the globe, but because the tournament is being hosted right here in North America, with the United States playing a starring role.
From June 11 to July 19, 2026, fans from around the world will descend on 16 host cities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to witness 48 national teams compete in 104 matches, the most in World Cup history.
Why this matters for travelers:
This isn’t just about soccer—it’s a cultural celebration. Cities hosting matches are already planning fan zones, special events, live music, street parties, festivals, and themed attractions that will run alongside the games. Even if you don’t snag a match ticket, you can still be part of the excitement just by being in a host city.
Match hubs you might visit in the U.S.:
- Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium)
- Dallas/Arlington (AT&T Stadium)
- Miami (Hard Rock Stadium)
- Boston (Gillette Stadium)
- Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field)
- Seattle (Lumen Field)
- Houston (NRG Stadium)
- Kansas City (Arrowhead Stadium)
- New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium) — World Cup Final site
Whether you’re planning to catch games live, explore official fan festivals, or simply soak up the high-energy atmosphere in host cities, the 2026 World Cup offers a travel experience like no other. From stadium tours and themed food pop-ups to global crowds celebrating together, it’s an event that turns travel into memory-making.
Pro traveler tip:
Accommodations will be in high demand during the tournament dates, so if you’re thinking about going, book flights and stays early and use local transit or train connections (especially in the Northeast) to make city-hopping easier.
From historic streets and iconic food scenes to mountain air, coastal sunshine, and global celebrations, 2026 is shaping up to be a standout year for travel in the United States. Whether you’re wandering through the neighborhoods of Philadelphia, chasing scenic views in the mountains, or soaking in laid-back coastal vibes, these destinations offer experiences that go far beyond the typical vacation checklist. They’re places that invite you to slow down, explore deeper, and create stories worth telling long after the trip is over.
And then there’s the 2026 FIFA World Cup—a once-in-a-generation event that will bring the world together across American cities. Even if you’re not a die-hard soccer fan, the energy, culture, and celebration surrounding the tournament will make host cities unforgettable places to be. Combine a World Cup match (or fan fest) with local sightseeing, food, and festivals, and you’ve got a travel experience that’s equal parts bucket list and unforgettable fun.
So whether you’re planning one big trip or a few smaller getaways, now’s the time to start dreaming, planning, and booking ahead. 2026 isn’t just another year—it’s an invitation to explore, celebrate, and see familiar places in exciting new ways.
Kozmo Photos 