Every year right before the holidays, Travel + Leisure’s editors narrow down more than 100 global nominations to create their annual Best Places to Go list—a roundup of 50 destinations they think will define travel in the year ahead.
And the selection process is rigorous: editors look at big cultural moments, new air routes, major renovations and new hotel openings. The list can also swing based on everything from Olympics-level sporting events to culinary nods, like new Michelin-starred restaurants.
Last year, for example, Rome made the cut for its Jubilee celebrations; Bukhara, Uzbekistan earned a spotlight for its rising global art scene and biennial; and Lisbon earned a spot thanks to its crowning as Europe’s best culinary city and wave of new high-end hotel openings.
This year’s picks follow a similar pattern—restaurants worth traveling for, cruise ships having a bona fide prestige moment and cities that are buzzing with new energy or easier than ever to reach. Below, a few of the highlights (and some reasons why they earned a spot.)
Related: The 6 Biggest Travel Trends Defining 2026, According to Experts
Best for Food Lovers
Carlsbad, California
Carlsbad—long thought of as the laid-back cousin to San Diego—has officially hit its culinary stride. T+L cites chef Emily Brubaker, winner of NBC’s Yes! Chef and now executive chef at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, where she oversees eight restaurants defined by local sourcing and a fresh California coastal point of view. Add in restaurateurs like John Resnick (Campfire, Jeune et Jolie) and Michelin-starred chef Eric Bost at Jeune et Jolie, and the region is suddenly home to some of the most exciting fine dining in Southern California.
Related: 6 Hidden Gem Wine Regions to Visit Before Everyone Else Does
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philly’s food renaissance isn’t slowing. Newcomers like Mawn (from 2025 Food & Wine Best New Chef Phila Lorn) are redefining Southeast Asian comfort food, while La Jefa is drawing lines for its all-day Mexican menu. The city’s inclusion in the new Michelin Guide Northeast Cities further solidifies its moment. And yes, you can still book the pasta tasting menu at cool, old-school townhouse Vetri Cucina, cited by chefs. Six 2026 FIFA World Cup matches will be hosted here, and combined with America250 programming, all eyes will be on Philly in the year ahead.
Related: The Cape Cod Town Known For Its Oyster Fest is the Ideal Fall Escape
Big City Thrills
Mexico City, Mexico
It’s hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Formula 1 remains a major tourism magnet and airlines have responded with new routes from Denver, Chicago and Philadelphia. Luxury hotels are descending as well: Park Hyatt Mexico City opens with suites in Polanco, and Rosewood Mexico City follows in 2027.
Washington, D.C.
America’s capital is gearing up for a once-in-a-generation cultural moment, says T+L, with National Air and Space Museum completing its multi-year renovation (20 new galleries), the National Geographic Museum of Exploration debuting with interactive tech-forward exhibits and the National Archives Museum wrapping its $40M renovation—including an updated display of George Washington’s original Constitution. The city’s makeover continues with Tidal Basin enhancements + hundreds of new cherry trees land just in time for spring travelers. It’ll all be timed perfectly for America250 festivities, making it Washington D.C.’s 2026 main character moment.
Best Moments on the Water
Uniworld’s Emelie
River cruise lines like AmaWaterways, Emerald, Tauck and Viking are continually expanding, but Uniworld’s new ship, Emilie, is the showstopper for 2026. Launching in March with 77 staterooms and suites, the design is inspired by Gustav Klimt and his partner Emilie Louise Flöge. Ellen Bettridge, Uniworld’s CEO, notes that Emilie marks “the beginning of several new builds,” tapping the major growth moment luxury river cruising is having right now.
Four Seasons I
Will Season Four of White Lotus be at sea? The legendary hotel chain known for its quiet luxury backdrops in the popular show makes a great case with Four Seasons I launching this spring, part of its new series of Four Seasons Yachts—complete with 95 oversized suites, starting at 473 square feet and all the marble-and-linen serenity fans expect.
Best for Cultural Immersion
Bentonville, Arkansas
Still one of the most surprising entries on the list, Bentonville continues its evolution from “Walmart HQ town” into a genuine arts destination. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art unveils a 114,000-square-foot expansion in June, with new galleries, education spaces and an approach that Olivia Walton says will “touch and elevate everything we do.”
Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
A centerpiece of the America250 celebrations, the Historic Area and Art Museums will offer free admission on July 4, complete with readings of the Declaration of Independence, concerts and fireworks on Palace Green. Plus, Sail250 America will dock in nearby Yorktown, bringing tall ships and naval vessels from around the world. With so much to do and celebrate, Williamsburg might be the most patriotic pick of the year.
For the full list of winners, visit TravelandLeisure.com.
Related: 6 Luxe 2026 Destinations Women Over 50 Will Love
This story was originally published by Parade on Nov 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.