Tested for you: 5 places our travel reporters say will shine in 2026

• USA TODAY travel reporters recommend five destinations for 2026 based on firsthand experiences.
• Destinations include San Diego's North County, Japan's Gifu Prefecture, and Charleston, South Carolina.

If there’s one thing the USA TODAY Travel team never gets tired of, it’s chasing moments that remind us why travel matters.  

Over the past year, our team crossed the globe by plane, ship and the occasional winding back road, uncovering places that surprised, inspired and stayed with us long after we unpacked. 

From laid-back coastal hideaways to buzzing cities, these trips shaped how we’re thinking about travel in 2026. They’re the kinds of destinations that deliver more than a great photo: They offer standout food, rich culture and experiences that feel meaningful – whether you’re traveling for rest, adventure or a reset.

This isn’t a list built on hype or algorithms. It’s drawn from firsthand reporting, conversations with locals, and places that genuinely moved our team. 

So, if you’re starting to plan where to go next year, here are five destinations we believe are poised to shine in 2026, and well worth adding to your travel wish list.

Spend laid-back beach days in these coastal towns

San Diego is a tried-and-true tourist destination, but consider heading north next time you visit. Earlier in 2025, I explored the North County Coastal region – where I have family – which offers a quiet, quaint counterpart to the more metropolitan parts of the city. 

The area is home to many beachside communities with their own scenery, activities and personalities. Travelers can peruse boutiques and art galleries on Solana Beach’s Cedros Avenue, camp at San Elijo State Beach in Encinitas, and hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve between Del Mar and La Jolla. 

There are plenty of local coffee shops and eateries to visit along the way (don’t skip breakfast at Atelier Manna). Visitors can enjoy a relaxed pace while still having easy access to renowned attractions such as Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo. During my stay, I got the best of both surfer town and city living. 

Want to learn more? Here's the story I wrote after my visit: Laid-back beach days: Discover San Diego’s underrated coastal gems 

– Nathan Diller 

Skip Tokyo crowds and slow travel through Japan’s hidden gem 

I know I’m not the only one who feels as if everyone they know is going to Japan. The island nation has recently skyrocketed in popularity among travelers eager to indulge in its delicious food (fresher than fresh sushi, anyone?), seemingly endless shopping and rich cultural heritage, along with taking advantage of the beneficial exchange rate.  

I jumped at the chance to visit this past November and ended up surprised at where in Japan truly enchanted me. It wasn’t Tokyo or Osaka, but rather the countryside. 

I explored Gifu Prefecture, located in the heart of Japan, on a road trip-style exploration akin to how the Japanese like to travel. Traveling at a slow pace through Gifu, where I immersed myself in regional cuisine and cultural traditions, was a breath of fresh air – literally, as the mountainous region is known for its stunning fall foliage.  

I got to know Japan on a completely different level than when I was in its cities. Add on the fact that Japan’s hot spots like Kyoto and Mount Fuji are struggling with the impacts of overtourism, and there’s no reason to not get off the beaten path.   

Want to learn more? Here's the story I wrote after my visit: Avoid crowds in Japan: Visit this hidden gem for a more authentic trip

– Kathleen Wong

This city knows its place

Charleston, South Carolina, is the portrait of coastal Southern charm, with pretty pastel buildings and cobblestone streets dating back centuries, lively restaurants overflowing with chatter and delicious Lowcountry cuisine, and nearby sand-dune-dotted beaches where sea turtles nest seasonally. 

But there’s also an ugly side to Charleston’s history, tied to the slavery that enriched the port city. It doesn’t shy away from that either. Charleston remembers its past in places like the International African American Museum, Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park, and the various former plantations, which offer tours to tourists. 

I love how the city embraces its whole identity and readily shares it with visitors, like my family. My eldest daughter would have liked more time shopping along King Street, and my youngest daughter could’ve spent a whole day by the beach, but no one complained about the educational opportunities at every turn, especially not my history-loving husband and son. We’re all ready to go back. 

Want to learn more? Here's the story I wrote after my visit: Charleston is the family trip even your teens will love 

— Eve Chen

This country is easy to visit, difficult to forget

I had it in my mind that even though I had never visited Portugal, it would be similar enough to other European destinations. At a glance, that could be true. After all, their history is inextricably tied to its neighbors. But Portugal had its own charm to contend with. 

It’s a European trip that feels exciting without being exhausting. Cities like Lisbon and Porto are walkable, the city train system is easy and affordable, and even smaller towns feel welcoming and approachable. You can bounce between history, beaches, wine country and cozy cafés without ever feeling rushed or overwhelmed, which is exactly why so many American travelers are falling for it right now. 

Portugal also delivers big on value. Coffee costs pocket change, and meals are delicious without being splurge-y. What really makes Portugal shine is how balanced it feels. With scenic coastlines, postcard-worthy viewpoints like Cabo da Roca and Nazaré, and easy day trips to places like Sintra, Cascais or the Douro Valley, it’s clear why travelers say you can see and do a lot in a short amount of time. 

And while all that is important to consider, this was the trip that taught me traveling with strangers could be life-changing. For that, I will always be grateful to Portugal. 

Want to learn more? Here's the story I wrote after my visit: Why Portugal is the 'safer bet' for Americans traveling to Europe 

— Josh Rivera 

Why West Virginia really is ‘almost heaven’

Over the course of 2025, I went to the New River Gorge region of West Virginia twice: first for a work trip that helped me get familiar with all the area had to offer, and then, just months later, I returned for a personal visit to take part in an LGBTQ rock climbing retreat. 

I’m an outdoorsy person, and I loved being able to experience nature in such a beautiful part of the country. West Virginia may not be top of mind for every traveler, but it should be. The state offers everything from whitewater rafting in the summer to ski slopes in the winter, and hiking and biking trails year-round. 

If you’re looking to get outside and try your hand at a new activity, or revisit one you already know you love, West Virginia should be high on your list.  

The state doesn’t just offer beautiful scenery, either. Its capital, Charleston (not to be confused with the one in South Carolina, which my colleague Eve wrote about above), has a growing foodie scene and is an excellent gateway to the New River Gorge. 

I’m already starting to think about my next trip back to go climbing again in 2026. 

Want to learn more? Here's the story I wrote after my visit: From rock climbing to skiing, this hidden gem is perfect for outdoor-loving families

— Zach Wichter