These are the 20 unmissable destinations of 2026 (the fourth is the only Italian one and you don't expect it)

2026 promises to be an extraordinary year for those who love to travel and the Telegraph Travel editorial team has selected twenty destinations that promise truly unforgettable experiences. They range from American celebrations to European natural phenomena, passing through still little-known cultural gems.

Philadelphia

The United States is preparing to celebrate two important events. The centennial of the legendary Route 66 will attract road trip enthusiasts, although the main event will be the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The celebrations will span the entire country for twelve months, reaching remote locations such as Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and Medora, North Dakota.

Philadelphia will take on a central role, being the “Cradle of Liberty” where the historic document was signed in 1776. The city offers much more than the famous Liberty Bell: it boasts one of America’s best art museums and a lively food scene. Football fans will also be able to attend FIFA World Cup matches, hosted by the city from 11 June to 19 July.

South Korea

The phenomenon of hallyu, the Korean cultural wave, continues to grow. Following the success of Netflix series such as “KPop Demon Hunters” in 2025, South Korea remains the world’s fastest growing tourist destination. In 2024 it welcomed over 16 million visitors, recording an increase of 48.4% compared to the previous year.

Seoul, the cosmopolitan capital where historic buildings, traditional markets and neon-lit nightclubs coexist, remains the main destination. Busan, the second coastal city reachable in two hours by high-speed train, offers a fascinating alternative. The country is constantly improving services for foreign tourists: English proficiency is increasing, while T-money and WOWPASS cards facilitate payments in shops and the subway. New rail routes and hiking trails, such as the Dongseo Trail, allow you to explore off-the-beaten-path areas.

The path of totality

August 12, 2026 will offer a natural spectacle of exceptional scale: a total solar eclipse visible from several European locations. During the phenomenon, the moon will come between Earth and the sun, obscuring the “path of totality” for a minute or two.

The last eclipse visible in Europe dates back to August 1999. The peculiarity of the 2026 event is the possibility of observing it from important tourist destinations, such as Reykjavík, La Coruña, Bilbao, Mallorca, Minorca and Ibiza, which will experience total darkness. Cities such as Barcelona, Madrid and Santiago de Compostela, located on the edge of the route, will enjoy spectacular partial eclipses. The event falls during the British summer school holidays, providing a unique opportunity for families.

Mantua

In fourth place in the ranking we find Mantua, the only Italian destination present in the ranking, a city still little visited despite its various artistic and natural wonders. Crossed by canals and surrounded by lakes, it preserves splendid Renaissance monuments such as Palazzo Te, a mannerist masterpiece, and the Palazzo Ducale with a thousand rooms frescoed by Mantegna.

The medieval centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a jewel made of arcades, cobbled alleys and gardens. The city represents an ideal alternative to Rome and Venice, as well as a strategic base for reaching Verona, Vicenza, Parma and Modena. Cultural life comes alive particularly at the beginning of summer with concerts and gastronomic events.