From the sunny shores of the Mediterranean to the lush heart of the Pacific, seek out these six incredible places to visit in 2026 for a taste of culture, renewal and authenticity.
1. Malta
Malta is where ancient history meets Mediterranean cool. This island sits between Sicily and North Africa, featuring crystal-clear diving spots, cliffside walks and gorgeous weather year-round. From the medieval streets of Mdina to the ongoing restoration projects of Valletta’s fortress walls, Malta’s old charm makes it an attractive destination. However, Malta also has an incoming contemporary era. Local artists and chefs are on a mission to create a new wave of culture that blends Maltese, Arabic and Sicilian influences.
Discover Malta on a Globus Small Group Discovery tour or an off-season Escapes tour.
2. Lima, Peru
Lima is more than just the gateway to Machu Picchu. It’s also a culinary powerhouse and cultural hub in South America. Lima is home to several of the ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’, neighbourhoods filled with the scents of street eats and coffee roasters, and plenty of creative spaces showcasing Indigenous-, Spanish- and Asian-influenced works. We adore its unique colonial heritage, seamlessly woven into its architecture like the San Francisco Monastery with its 17th century cloister murals. Finally, Lima has made significant investments into sustainable tourism and conservation which is an excellent step in the right direction.
Discover Lima on an Avalon Waterways river cruise, a Globus tour or Cosmos tour.
3. Saint-Émilion, France
Slow down, sip and savour your time in Saint-Émilion, France. Far from the glitz and glam of Paris, Saint-Émilion is the definition of rustic French charm. This city charms with its medieval streets, laidback atmosphere, Roman ruins and UNESCO World Heritage status. Located near the Bordeaux region, there are châteaux and vineyards a-plenty to explore. In particular, 2026 sees some châteaux with special milestone events and harvest celebrations.
Discover Saint-Émilion on a Bordeaux river cruise with Avalon Waterways.
4. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Put Siem Reap on your bucket list for 2026! While it is still recovering from the pandemic, the capital city of Cambodia is putting all its efforts into spotlighting itself. It opened a new airport in 2023; Khmer communities are opening boutique stores and art collections to showcase their amazing craftsmanship and stories; and local chefs are busy putting Khmer food on the menu at a global scale. As the gateway to the ancient Angkor complex, you’ll also soak in the scale of this ancient empire and connect with your spirituality at the same time.
Discover Siem Reap on an Avalon Waterways river cruise, a Globus tour or Cosmos tour.
5. Maui, Hawaii
If you’re looking for another holiday where you can support a community, look no further than Maui. Maui is in the process of rebuilding after the devastating wildfires in Lahaina with a big focus on sustainability and respect for the land. From dining at family-run restaurants to sunrise hikes on Haleakalā, Maui offers a wonderful opportunity to travel with purpose in 2026.
Discover Maui on a Globus or Cosmos tour.
6. Ljubljana, Slovenia
As one of Europe’s greenest capitals, Ljubljana offers an excellent alternative to Croatia for a quieter retreat. Slovenia’s capital is compact, creative and eco-friendly; ticking many boxes for those after a ‘greener’ holiday. You’ll find electric public transport, urban gardens, a car-free city centre, art installations along the river, bustling cafes and a spotlight on local ingredients at the heart of this beautiful city.
Discover Ljubljana on a Globus or Cosmos tour.
Skip the predictable and embrace these incredible places in 2026 on Globus or Cosmos tour, or an Avalon Waterways river cruise.
