Where to go in 2026: The 17 best places to travel
Make 2026 the year you stop hoarding points for "someday" and book that trip. In a time of uncertainty at home and abroad, travel is one of the most potent ways we can continue to connect with other people, cultures and communities across the globe. Whether you want to maximize your miles for a can't-miss event, explore a destination that wasn't on your radar or rediscover a place you thought you knew, you've come to the right place.
Each year, The Points Guy's team of expert travelers and our global network of contributors curate a list of the most compelling destinations to visit over the next 12 months. Our 2026 list is shaped by a convergence of major global (and cosmic!) events, milestone anniversaries and just cool happenings, making this an especially exciting year to travel.
At the beginning of the year, Italy will take center stage as the host of the Winter Olympic Games in Milan and the Dolomites, while a total solar eclipse will sweep across Europe in August. Closer to home, cities across North America will host the FIFA World Cup this summer while the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 100th anniversary of Route 66.
Our list also highlights places that are entering a new chapter, whether rebuilding after environmental disasters or redefining themselves for the future.
In the U.S., Asheville, North Carolina, and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains are ready to welcome travelers again following Hurricane Helene, while Seattle's waterfront renaissance signals a broader trend toward revitalizing urban spaces. Abroad, cities like Prague are evolving into more refined, luxury-forward destinations as they respond to overtourism and invest in higher-end travel experiences.
We are also very excited about the new points hotels, flight routes and cruise ships that are unlocking destinations that were once harder to reach (both physically and by using miles).
Smaller cities are having a moment, too, including Halifax, Nova Scotia, where new hotels, restaurants and a reimagined waterfront district are drawing increased attention. Destinations farther afield are becoming more accessible thanks to improved infrastructure and the expansion of major hotel brands. Uzbekistan now has the JW Marriott Hotel Tashkent and expanded high-speed rail connections, while the Peruvian Amazon will see several new cruise ships plying its waters this year. Meanwhile, the Malaysian hotel scene continues to reach new heights (literally, in the case of Kuala Lumpur), with stunning new points hotels ranging from solid budget options to gorgeous luxury digs.
Read on to discover all 17 destinations we're most excited about in 2026, along with tips for getting these trips off your vision board and onto your calendar using points and miles.
Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains
Best for outdoor enthusiasts who want to make an impact
After the devastation of 2024's Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina mountain city of Asheville is back and better than ever. Not only have 90% of shuttered businesses reopened, but the glorious Blue Ridge Parkway — 469 miles of scenic drive through the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains — has also fully reopened.
The hard-hit River Arts District is mostly recovered, and local artists are eager to welcome tourists to freshly opened galleries and studios where you can watch them at work, hear their personal stories from the hurricane and even try your hand at an art class.
Beyond its artistic spirit, Asheville is also known for its vibrant food and craft beer scene, with a strong emphasis on locally farmed and foraged ingredients. You'll find everything from Southern comfort cuisine to fully vegan fare, from Indian street food to a James Beard Award finalist Filipinx restaurant.
When you're ready to hit the trails, the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains are an adventurers paradise. You can hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville's southern side or find hiking trails for all skill levels within an hour's drive of the city. For a little more adrenaline, try tubing, kayaking or zip-lining in the nearby Green River Gorge.
And if you focus your attention on local small businesses — the best way to experience Asheville anyway — you can feel good knowing your tourist dollars are helping to continue the rebuilding process.
TPG tip: Asheville has no shortage of points hotels. Standout options include the hip, artsy The Radical in the heart of the River Arts District. For a more outdoorsy getaway, consider one of AutoCamp's luxury cabins or refurbished Airstream trailers at AutoCamp Asheville, slated to open in early 2026.
Mallorca, Spain
Best for viewing Europe's total solar eclipse
It's always a good idea to take a holiday to Mallorca, but the largest of Spain's Balearic Islands will be of particular interest next August as it falls directly in the path of a total solar eclipse. And in addition to being a wonderful spot to plant yourself for viewing celestial wonders, the island has a well-deserved reputation for fresh and delicious seafood, dreamy beaches, and a chic hotel scene that's getting even better with the addition of two new luxury hotels.
In July, Mallorca will welcome Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra, with its clifftop perch overlooking the scenic Costa d'en Blanes peninsula. The brand's first Balearic location is sure to be one of the most popular hideaways for those viewing the eclipse, so book now while there is still availability.
The Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor fully reopened in March 2025 after a yearslong refurbishment that involved restoring and renovating the iconic property to a new level of luxury. The resort has 100 private acres of seaside forests, meandering gardens, sea-facing terraces and island-inspired design. And the best part: It's bookable via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts as well as Chase's The Edit.
The total solar eclipse is predicted to be visible from Mallorca on the evening of Aug. 12, lasting under two minutes and nearly coinciding with the island's best nightly show: sunset. You can imagine that seeing the eclipsed sun, visible just a few degrees above the horizon, would be an incredible experience from any beach or cliffside — but we think it would be best enjoyed from one of the island's two hottest new properties.
TPG tip: Have some spare IHG One Rewards points? Consider an overnight trip to Menorca for a stay at the forthcoming Hotel Indigo (opening this summer).
Miches, Dominican Republic
Best for an elevated all-inclusive experience away from the crowds
At TPG, we've been shouting from the proverbial rooftops that all-inclusive resorts have finally figured out how to do it right. And major hotel brands with loyalty programs (like Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott) are in on the action. At many newer resorts, the days of bland food, watered-down drinks and forced entertainment are gone, along with the other stereotypes typically associated with the "know what you pay up front" vacation model.
If this is the golden age of all-inclusives, though, Miches — located on the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic — is a spot to keep an eye on. Famous for its dozens of all-inclusive resorts, the Dominican Republic has long been one of the go-to spots for this type of vacation, especially on the popular beaches around Punta Cana. However, those beaches and resorts can become crowded, and now people are making the 1 1/2-hour drive from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) to new resorts in Miches.
Hilton loyalists can turn Hilton Honors points into an all-inclusive stay at Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort, Hilton's first Curio Collection all-inclusive resort in the country. Our review hit on exactly why Miches is the place to go: "The resort truly feels like a secluded island paradise from the moment you arrive." What else can you ask for?
Hyatt has also planted its all-inclusive flag in Miches with two openings: Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa and Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa. At Dreams, the entire family is welcome to enjoy Miches' beautiful beaches, dancing palm trees, and many restaurants and bars. Meanwhile, Secrets, an adults-only resort, would make for a dream honeymoon under the inviting Dominican sun.
TPG tip: No matter where you stay, let the hotel arrange your transportation from PUJ for ease and affordability. The transportation area at this airport can be overwhelming, and after a long flight, who doesn't want everything made easy?
Peruvian Amazon
Best for adventurers seeking bucket list-worthy wildlife
Nature lovers will be spoiled for choice in the Peruvian Amazon, a swath of rainforest and cloud forest that covers roughly 60% of the country and teems with biodiversity.
River cruises offer a particularly convenient way to explore this far-flung wilderness, as you can stay in the same (floating) room rather than hopping from one lodge to another. Abercrombie & Kent's first Amazon riverboat, Pure Amazon, launched in 2025, and andBeyond's Amazon Explorer yacht will debut in September. Additionally, Lindblad Expeditions is expanding its offerings with the recently chartered Delfin III, which will more than double the line's occupancy in the region starting in February.
You can expect adventurous shore excursions like fishing for piranhas, swimming with pink Amazon river dolphins and visiting a local shaman. If you're lucky, you'll spot animals found nowhere else in the world, like jaguars, black caimans and Amazonian manatees.
You'll find fascinating jungle towns, too, with a far different atmosphere and culture from the rest of Peru. Take the island city of Iquitos, accessible only by boat or plane, where locals dwell in stilt houses and dine on crispy skewered suri grubs and other Amazonian delicacies. Or visit the remote riverbank communities of the Indigenous riberenos people, who still practice ancient traditions like hunting, gathering and traveling by dugout canoe to this day. You can also learn about the region's history at Iquitos' museums and lesser-known archaeological sites, like the pre-Inca Kuelap Fortress ruins.
TPG tip: Although you can't easily book a river cruise with points, there are ways to save money on your journey here. Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) is at the tail end of a major expansion, and Delta Air Lines launched nonstop flights from Salt Lake City in December 2025. IHG also opened three new hotels in 2025 — InterContinental Real Lima Miraflores; Hotel Indigo Lima Miraflores; and Souma Lima, Vignette Collection — making layovers in the capital easier than ever on points.
Botswana
Best for experiencing the human side of safaris
A safari often means long, dusty days in an open-top vehicle, stalking always-moving prides of lions or herds of elephants, perhaps stopping along the way to spot a colorful bird with borrowed binoculars or learn about the comings and goings of a plodding leopard tortoise or a shy bat-eared fox.
But in Botswana, a new era is dawning, with outfitters taking travelers beyond the usual hourslong game drives and immersing them in the more human side of a safari.
Long-standing outfitters like Desert & Delta Safaris, which operates 10 camps throughout the country, are incorporating more wildlife-adjacent activities into itineraries; spend a few days chasing after wily African dogs, then learn about the humans who have lived in this region for millennia.
Botswana is particularly suited to this direction thanks to its varied landscapes and waterscapes, including the ecologically astounding (and UNESCO-listed) Okavango Delta; the sere, otherworldly terrain of the remote Makgadikgadi Salt Pans; and the riverine channels of the Linyanti region.
During a weeklong trip, you might spend some time at Nxamaseri Island Lodge in the Okavango panhandle, which never goes completely dry, and learn how local fishermen scan for eddies in the current to catch tiger fish and bream (or spot a rare clawless African river otter on the same mission as you). You might spend another night at Nxamaseri's new (opened in September 2024) campout site operated in conjunction with the Indigenous Ju/'hoansi people, who will share their traditional dances with you before a sunset cookout. After slumbering in traditionally inspired (but luxuriously appointed) huts, you'll awaken at dawn to hike through the UNESCO-listed Tsodilo Hills looking for centuries-old petroglyphs, including some depicting wild game.
When you are done watching endless dazzles of zebras whinny and cavort along the seasonal Boteti River at Leroo La Tau, you might take the four-hour drive east to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, watching the wildlife and vegetation become sparser and sparser until it seems like you are driving along the surface of the moon. Dinner by firelight precedes a star-spotting session or perhaps a night of storytelling under an incandescent full moon.
The overall effect is to provide visitors with a more well-rounded experience of Botswana, one that encompasses not just its unmatched wildlife but also the people who call it home. Your time in the country — exploring both its wildlife riches, indelible landscapes and uniquely vibrant Indigenous cultures — will leave you in awe at all the wonderful, remote corners still to explore on this planet. And if that's not the point of travel, what is?
TPG tip: Many safari itineraries depart from the regional hub of Maun International Airport (MUB) in the north of the country. You can save money on otherwise expensive flights by redeeming either United MileagePlus miles or Qatar Airways Avios for flights on South African airline Airlink, which flies from Maun to both Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB).
Kvarner Gulf, Croatia
Best for foodies looking for an up-and-coming points destination
Far from Croatia's tourist hot spots of Dubrovnik and Split, the quiet Kvarner Gulf on the northern Adriatic is gaining attention as one of the 2026 European Regions of Gastronomy. The designation, awarded annually by the Barcelona-based International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism, celebrates the area's culinary heritage, including its 36 indigenous grape varieties, large community of olive growers and honey producers, and the local Kvarner scampi, a sweet langoustine thought to be one of the best in the world.
Taste some of these delicacies at annual events in the region, like the Chocolate Festival in Opatija, the Scampi Festival on the Crikvenica-Vinodol Riviera, and the Taste the Mediterranean festival, which Mali Losinj hosted last year. (Event dates for 2026 have yet to be confirmed.)
Kvarner is also having a major hotel boom, centered in the coastal town of Opatija, which had its heyday during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Now, this historic seaside resort town is in the midst of a points hotel renaissance, sparked by the 2024 opening of the Keight Hotel Opatija, Curio Collection by Hilton, and continuing with the 2026 debuts of the Opatija Marriott Resort & Spa and the Sealeven Hotel & Residences, an apartment-style Destination by Hyatt property.
If you'd rather escape to one of the islands scattered across the bay, Marriott opened its first Autograph Collection property in Croatia, The Isolano, on the island of Cres in 2025. The adults-friendly property for guests 12 and up offers direct beach access and a 5,000-square-foot wellness area.
TPG tip: The closest international airport with direct flights from the U.S. is Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), about a three-hour drive away. However, in April, United Airlines will launch a direct flight from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Split Airport (SPU) for travelers who also want to explore southern Croatia.
Philadelphia
Best for ringing in America's 250th birthday
In 2026, cities across the country will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, but nowhere will celebrations be more spirited than in Philadelphia, the birthplace of the nation and American democracy itself.
The country's origin story will be on display at the Museum of the American Revolution, where "The Declaration's Journey" exhibition highlights the creation and legacy of the Declaration of Independence. At the National Constitution Center, which is undergoing its first major renovation since opening in 2003, visitors can explore two new galleries and view one of only 14 surviving original copies of the U.S. Constitution, on display through 2026.
The year's calendar is packed with marquee events, too. March Madness tips off in Philly with the NCAA men's basketball tournament, the PGA Championship returns in May, and the FIFA World Cup brings two matches to Lincoln Financial Field, the second taking place July 4. The festivities continue with the MLB All-Star Game later that month.
On the cultural front, "A Nation of Artists" at both the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts will showcase the most extensive American art survey to come to Philly. Mural Arts Philadelphia is set to unveil new large-scale projects, underscoring why the city is the mural capital of the world. And the free, multiweek festival Wawa Welcome America builds from Juneteenth to Independence Day, culminating with the country's largest Fourth of July parade, a headline concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and fireworks above the art museum steps. (Also on the parkway: the new Calder Gardens, a cutting-edge sculpture garden highlighting the work of artist Alexander Calder.)
The city's restaurant scene got a brighter spotlight as Michelin released its "Northeast Cities" edition in 2025, the first to include Philly. Three restaurants nabbed a star — Rittenhouse Square darling Friday Saturday Sunday among them — and more than two dozen others were recommended. Add in new hotels slated to open in 2026, which include The Bourse (a Hilton Tapestry Collection property in Old City) and The Waylen (a Hyatt Unbound Collection opening at the Navy Yard) — and Philadelphia is on track for a milestone year.
TPG tip: Skip pricey ride-hailing services and grab a $13 SEPTA day pass. Philadelphia's subway and bus system makes it easy to navigate from historic sites or sports events to neighborhoods like Fishtown and Rittenhouse Square.
Uzbekistan
Best for witnessing a new era of Silk Road travel
When the 14th-century Moroccan explorer Ibn Battuta described Samarkand as one of the greatest cities of the world, "and most perfect of them in beauty," he captured the timeless allure of the Silk Road, a 2,200-year-old route where merchants traded textiles, jewels, spices and perfume across continents.
No wonder Uzbekistan is experiencing a tourism boom, with 50% more international visitors arriving in 2025 compared to 2024. And those numbers will undoubtedly rise now that Americans can visit the Central Asian nation for up to a month without a visa, a change introduced at the start of the year.
Samarkand completed its ambitious 640-acre Silk Road complex in 2024, with restaurants and cafes, gardens, waterways, and plenty of shopping where you can do as the ancient traders did and pick up rugs, pottery and intricately embroidered textiles. And of the complex's eight hotels, three are Hilton properties.
In Uzbekistan's capital, Tashkent, the multimillion-dollar Center for Islamic Civilization is scheduled to open this spring, with a mix of museum exhibits and academic research facilities. Making its splashy debut in December 2025, the JW Marriott Hotel Tashkent radiates Silk Road opulence, with shimmering beaded light installations, a hammam-like tiled spa, and both an indoor pool and rooftop infinity pool. Marriott will continue to expand its footprint across the city with a new Fairfield by Marriott later in 2026, followed by an Aloft in 2027 and a Ritz-Carlton in 2028.
With all the new developments, Uzbekistan continues to celebrate its ancient cultural and natural wonders. The country currently has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has proposed nearly a dozen more for addition to UNESCO's tentative list of prospects over the last two years.
TPG tip: Travel both to and around Uzbekistan is easier than ever. U.S. passengers can fly directly from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Tashkent International Airport (TAS) on Uzbekistan Airways five times a week. This spring, Etihad Airways is introducing a new connection to TAS via Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport (AUH), while the Uzbek airline Centrum Air is launching new routes via major European hubs like Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and Copenhagen Airport (CPH).
A bullet train now connects three of Uzbekistan's top tourist destinations: Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. By mid-2026, high-speed service is planned to extend to Khiva and its spectacularly preserved walled city of Itchan Kala, reducing travel time from 14 hours to 7 1/2 hours.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Best for seaside charm with a distinctly Canadian feel
Nestled along Nova Scotia's rugged coastline, Halifax combines coastal charm and cosmopolitan buzz, and 2026 will offer even more ways to explore this North Atlantic destination.
The city debuted its first professional women's soccer club in April of 2025, welcomed an upscale new points hotel this year and continues to be an outdoor lovers paradise, with fresh-air attractions like Point Pleasant Park, with its 180-plus acres of forested trails and paths, and Carter's Beach, which received Provincial Park designation and protection in late 2023.
Of course, a trip to Nova Scotia wouldn't be complete without trying out the local catch. Halifax's Cunard district, a lively new addition to the waterfront, offers an abundance of seafood-centric restaurants, like Water Polo, Tribute, Matadora, Creme and Asia — all of which are conveniently located near some of the city's best shopping.
Plus, it's easier to get to using miles. United Airlines is launching a seasonal direct flight from Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington, D.C., to Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) in May, joining an American Airlines flight from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) that debuted in 2025, and both American and Delta routes from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) that launched in 2024.
Once you land, there are plenty of choices for where to stay, many of which offer ocean-facing accommodations — including a few new points hotels. This past spring, the city welcomed Muir, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Halifax to the city's waterfront Queen's Marque neighborhood, and in 2024, Canada's first Moxy hotel (Moxy Halifax Downtown) opened. The Hotel Halifax — a downtown mainstay directly connected to the conveniences of the Scotia Square development — just reopened its doors this past summer as it wrapped up an ongoing transformation.
Halifax also marked its longest-ever cruise season in 2025 (lasting through November), as Virgin Voyages made its debut on Canada's Atlantic coast with Brilliant Lady, the brand's newest ship, which will return in 2026.
TPG tip: If you plan a summertime trip, pack your headlamp and sign up for a bioluminescent sea kayak night tour, which takes attendees out to calm seas during the new and first-quarter moons in late summer for a bioluminescence light show below the water.
Guatemala
Best for a mix of natural attractions and cultural experiences
Guatemala is a breathtaking, relatively under-the-radar alternative to Central America's more touristed (and higher-priced) countries.
Travelers fascinated by ancient ruins can visit Tikal, a spectacular Mayan archaeological site designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Those seeking wellness experiences alongside volcano views can head to Lake Atitlan to enjoy yoga retreats and stay in waterfront ecolodges like Laguna Lodge and La Fortuna. Meanwhile, nature lovers can explore the limestone pools and caves of Semuc Champey, or venture into the rainforests of Lake Peten Itza.
In Antigua, a city about 25 miles from the country's international airport, you'll find colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and plenty of trendy restaurants and rooftop bars from which to enjoy views of the surrounding volcanoes. If you want to get a new perspective, head about an hour away from the city for a guided hike up the vertiginous slopes of Acatenango.
A country deeply rooted in its Mayan heritage, Guatemala hosts rich cultural celebrations throughout the year. Tens of thousands of travelers flock to its annual Semana Santa celebrations, which have earned a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage designation.
Guatemalan and Mexican government officials recently confirmed that the Maya Train — a Mexican railway system promoting sustainable tourism in the region — will eventually expand into Guatemala, making it easier for travelers to visit Tikal, Flores and other northern Guatemalan destinations.
What's more, points-savvy travelers can check out popular Mr & Mrs Smith properties — like Casa Palopo on Lake Atitlan and Villa Bokeh in Antigua — that are bookable with World of Hyatt points.
TPG tip: Flying to Guatemala is getting more convenient. In 2025, JetBlue launched service from Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City, while Avianca launched new daily service from Miami International Airport (MIA). Plus, carriers like United Airlines and Alaska Airlines operate nonstop service to GUA from cities like Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City.
Milan and the Dolomites, Italy
Best for sports fans seeking a dose of Italian culture and cuisine
Northern Italy's Dolomites mountain range and its neighboring metropolis, Milan, will take center stage as the hosts of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in February and Paralympic Winter Games in March.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dolomites are a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts seeking activities such as skiing, hiking, exploring glacial lakes and more. And while the Winter Games will draw crowds to towns like Cortina d'Ampezzo, Bormio and Livigno, sports fans can look forward to also experiencing the region's convergence of Austrian and Italian culture, food and architecture, which took place after Italy annexed several provinces after World War I.
New hotels in the Dolomites include the fully renovated and rebranded Aman Rosa Alpina, a luxury family-friendly mountain lodge in San Cassiano, and Casa Cook Madonna, a more modern adults-only property in Madonna di Campiglio. Although there is no official reopening date for 2026, a massive renovation is underway following Mandarin Oriental's acquisition of the legendary Hotel Cristallo, now known as Mandarin Oriental Cristallo.
Approximately a three-hour train or car ride from the region will bring you to stylish Milan, which is hosting the Olympic opening ceremony as well as skating and ice hockey events. Beyond the Games, visitors should carve out time to see the striking Gothic Duomo; Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, "The Last Supper;" and the city's many galleries, such as the Pinacoteca di Brera.
Milan has seen an impressive hotel expansion within the last year, with the opening of the elegant Casa Brera, a Luxury Collection Hotel in late 2024, which officially joined Marriott's portfolio in early 2025. Two more highly anticipated luxury hotels are set to open in 2026: Six Senses Milan and Rosewood Milan.
Alongside the city's growing hotel footprint, airlines have also expanded their route network to Milan. In 2025, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines added nonstop routes to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). In March, American will launch daily service from Miami International Airport (MIA) to MXP. In May, JetBlue will begin service from BOS to MXP.
TPG tip: Milan is the ideal jumping-off point to visit a neighboring destination like Lake Como, which welcomes the new Lake Como Edition in March. For those who want to venture to a nearby country, sans flights, new Trenitalia high-speed train service will launch in 2026 between Milan and Munich.
Seattle
Best for exploring a revitalized downtown within walking distance of FIFA World Cup games
Seattle is ready for the world to arrive. Ahead of hosting six FIFA World Cup 2026 matches at Lumen Field — including the highly anticipated match between the USA and Australia on June 19 — the city reimagined its waterfront, invested in sleek and sustainable new hotels, and established exciting art hubs.
In Pioneer Square, within walking distance of the stadium, find new additions like a trio of restaurants from James Beard Award-winning chef Renee Erickson, an outpost of New York City's Death and Co. cocktail bar (opening in spring), and the second location of the Populus Hotel brand. In the South Lake Union neighborhood, the 1 Hotel Seattle transformed the Pan Pacific Hotel into a lush oasis with views of the Space Needle.
In 2025, after nearly two decades, Seattle's Waterfront Park replaced the former Alaskan Way Viaduct with a 20-acre park stretching from Pioneer Square up to Belltown with new pedestrian and bike paths, playgrounds, beaches, and piers hosting concerts and other community events. The Seattle Aquarium also opened an adjacent expansion in 2024. The Ocean Pavilion features 500,000 gallons of tropical saltwater for animals from the Pacific Ocean's Coral Triangle, including leopard sharks and bowmouth guitarfish. Its roof doubles as the Overlook Walk pedestrian promenade, which connects the waterfront to Pike Place Market and the rest of downtown.
Art lovers can also explore several new culture hubs downtown, including the Cannonball Arts Center, with two stories of contemporary art inside the former Bed Bath & Beyond in Belltown, and Tidelands, an Indigenous art gallery near Pike Place Market.
TPG tip: Those flying to Seattle can enjoy the new Delta One Lounge at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), which spans nearly 11,000 square feet and features an open-air terrace with views of Mount Rainier.
Taking the train? The Amtrak Cascades line, which runs from Eugene, Oregon, to Vancouver, British Columbia, will debut brand-new train cars in 2026. In addition to new interiors with panoramic windows and a redesigned cafe car serving local food and drinks, the new train cars will be more fuel-efficient, producing less air pollution.
Malaysia
Best for exciting new points stays in Southeast Asia
Hotel aficionados are going to have plenty of new places to redeem points in Malaysia this year, thanks to several exciting debuts.
The Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur opened in August 2025 atop Asia-Pacific's tallest skyscraper, Merdeka 118 (an observation deck will open in 2026). It is a Category 5 Hyatt property, which means you can redeem as few as 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night for those fantastic views. Hyatt points will also come in handy at the new Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown, which opened in August 2025, and is a Category 2 hotel available for as few as 6,500 points per night.
If you prefer Marriott Bonvoy, the Moxy Kuala Lumpur Chinatown opened in April 2025 with award nights starting at 5,000 points. Meanwhile, Malaysia's first Kimpton, the Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur, also opened in late 2025, while the Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur and Conrad Kuala Lumpur are both scheduled to open in 2026.
But there's so much more to Malaysia's hotel boom than Kuala Lumpur. Penang — a Malaysian state renowned for its picturesque landscape and George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is also experiencing a surge in hotel openings.
The Millen Penang, Autograph Collection opened in February 2025 with award nights starting at 33,000 points, and the Westin Residences & Hotel, Penang is slated to open in 2026. George Town's iconic India House also recently underwent a landmark restoration project that included the new Peninsula House restaurant opening in the building in 2024.
Malaysia also received its sixth UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in July 2025 with the Forest Research Institute Malaysia Forest Park near Kuala Lumpur in Selangor.
TPG tip: Although there are no direct flights between the U.S. and Kuala Lumpur, you can reach the city with just one stop from most major U.S. hubs. Alternatively, consider flying nonstop to Singapore from a major U.S. hub, visit Singapore for a few days and then take a short flight to Kuala Lumpur (or your preferred Malaysian destination).
Australia's Red Centre, Northern Territory
Best for connecting with ancient landscapes and culture
To disconnect from the hectic world, head to Australia's Red Centre in the rugged Northern Territory, the heart of the Outback and home to Aboriginal peoples who have lived continuously on the sacred land for at least 30,000 years.
Starting in Alice Springs, a journey with Alice Springs Expeditions will have you hiking the West MacDonnell Ranges, where travelers are invited to swim in glorious swimming holes like Ellery Creek Big Hole or in the shadows of Ormiston Gorge. After checking in to the Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters (of "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" fame and bookable with IHG One Rewards points), head to Earth Sanctuary to see stars so bright you want to reach out and touch them.
Toward the south, the majestic formations of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park await visitors eager to learn about the spiritual connection between the natural wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Anangu people, the traditional owners of the sacred area.
In 2026, Inside Australia Travel will offer a new five-day, four-night, roughly 34-mile walk, inclusive of luxury lodge stays (including the option to sleep under the stars in one of the most remote spots in the world) and meals. Over the multiday journey, hear the ancient stories of the Anangu people while exploring on foot.
Besides walking, guests can experience the national park in luxury tents at Longitude 131° or at variously priced accommodations at Ayers Rock Resort. Just be sure to wake up early for the majestic Desert Awakenings experience for a sunrise you'll never forget, and watch the sunset during the Wintjiri Wiru dining experience, where a drone and laser show over Uluru tells a traditional Anangu story.
TPG tip: Visiting Australia's Red Centre is a journey, as is getting to Australia as a whole. Thankfully, a series of new routes makes it easier, including Los Angeles to Brisbane on American, Los Angeles to Melbourne on Delta, San Francisco to Adelaide on United and Dallas-Fort Worth to Sydney on Qantas.
And for a unique way to reach the Red Centre, The Ghan, one of Australia's luxury trains, will introduce two new suites, the "Australis" and "Aurora," on select journeys between Darwin and Adelaide with stops in Alice Springs and the nearby mountains and upgradeable experiences to visit Uluru.
Prague
Best for luxury travel in a city redefining itself
Prague is shedding its reputation as a playground for backpackers and bachelor parties to court a more discerning kind of traveler. Recently, the Czech capital banned organized pub crawls and electric scooter rentals, while transforming historic Old Town landmarks into luxury hotels. The Andaz Prague opened in the neoclassical Sugar Palace in 2022, followed by the W Prague inside a legendary art nouveau hotel in 2024, and the Fairmont Golden Prague in a brutalist building on the Vltava River in 2025.
The Michelin Guide expanded nationwide for the first time in 2025, but don't expect traditional roast pork and bread dumplings at places like Stangl, which just earned its first Michelin star and instead serves hyperlocal ingredients like pikeperch with pickled elderflower and hazelnut oil. Vietnamese food is also having a moment as the children of immigrants who came in the 1970s open fine-dining restaurants like Taro, which offers a five-course Vietnamese tasting menu that harks back to family favorites like bo la lot (grilled beef in betel leaves) and ha cao (steamed mushroom dumplings) topped with white truffles.
As Prague moves into the future, it's also taking great care to preserve its past. In 2025, the first museum sanctioned by the descendants of the Czech art nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha opened in the baroque Savarin Palace, and the Museum of Prague reopened after a five-year project with new digital exhibits. While the reconstruction of Wenceslas Square into a pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined space won't be fully complete until 2027, the lower part of the square has already reopened to the public. In 2026, the Petrin Funicular will also reopen with sleek new cars, and St. Vitus Cathedral will welcome a new organ to its reconstructed choir loft, accompanied by a series of summer concerts.
TPG tip: On May 21, American Airlines will revive its direct route from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG), making it easier to reach Prague with points.
Route 66
Best for road trippers in search of nostalgic Americana
Route 66 is revving up for a milestone anniversary in 2026, so there's never been a better time to hit the open road. Stretching nearly 2,500 miles across eight states, America's most storied highway is honoring its 100th birthday with new attractions, inspired exhibitions and a slate of celebrations.
In Chicago, the Obama Presidential Center is due to open in spring, anchoring the city's historic South Side with a cultural campus dedicated to the power of change. Farther south, Springfield, Missouri — officially recognized as the birthplace of Route 66 — will host the official centennial kickoff event: a star-studded concert on April 30 at Great Southern Bank Arena.
Oklahomans are also preparing for the centennial. In Tulsa, community organizers aim to revitalize the city's stretch of Route 66 for the commemoration, attracting businesses to once-empty storefronts on a quintessential American main street. Down the road in Oklahoma City, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum will host the exhibition "Route 66: From Trails to Truck Stops," examining the Mother Road's role in shaping the American West.
Across New Mexico, it's all about the arts ... and artsy hotels. In Tucumcari, the new Art City sculpture park and glamping destination welcomes guests to kick back and relax. While in town, you can visit the Blue Swallow Motel, which served as inspiration for the animated film "Cars." In Santa Rosa, plans are in place for a new musical rumble strip that plays the song "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" for those driving eastbound on the road. And in Albuquerque, the "Route 66 Remixed" public art series will see large-scale installations and digital activations by local artists, including the Meow Wolf collective, pop up across town. Stay at the new Arrive Albuquerque, which has renovated the former Downtowner Motor Inn while maintaining its retro charm.
No matter which part of Route 66 you traverse, you're sure to find a community eager to celebrate this iconic American road and the travelers making their way along it.
TPG tip: Break up a road trip into smaller segments that you can complete at various times throughout the year. You can even coordinate them with local events celebrating the centennial, such as the Texas Route 66 Festival (June 4-13) that runs through various communities in the state's panhandle, or the Route 66 UltraRun, a long-distance race spanning 140 miles of Route 66 in Arizona (Nov. 13-16). If you're not an ultramarathoner, consider the Route 66 Fun Run instead (May 1-3); it's a car parade that travels the same stretch.
Tanzania
Best for thoughtfully designed safari lodges and diverse landscapes
From snowcapped Mount Kilimanjaro to tropical Indian Ocean islands plus some of the best safari experiences in Africa, there's never been more enticing options for earning or redeeming points in Tanzania.
Marriott plans to more than double its portfolio in the country by the end of 2027, but the 37-suite Turaco Ngorongoro Valley, a Tribute Portfolio Lodge opened last March, just 30 miles from Ngorongoro Crater National Park, a volcanic caldera that naturally provides a fertile and protected environment for rare black rhinos, elephants and lions. A traditional Maasai village inspired the lodge's circular buildings, pitched roofs and meandering watering hole-like pool. The sleek Lemala Osonjoi Lodge also opened on the Ngorongoro Crater's quieter eastern rim in July with 20 suites with panoramic views of the crater.
Mapito Safari Camp, located next to Serengeti National Park, opened in September as part of the Autograph Collection. With 15 tented suites featuring outdoor decks, fire pits and retractable roofs for stargazing, guests can watch wildebeests, zebras and gazelles journey along the Great Migration route.
On the banks of the Great Ruaha River in south-central Tanzania, Banyan Group's all-villa Ubuyu, A Banyan Tree Escape will open in May with an open-air spa and private plunge pools. The largest protected area in the country, Ruaha National Park, is home to many species of big cats in healthy numbers, but receives only a fraction of the visitors Tanzania's other parks see.
On the island of Zanzibar, higher tourist fees and a new digital payment system will triple funds for marine conservation efforts. It's a small price to pay for exploring the winding streets of historic Stone Town and staying at Marriott's Le Meridien Zanzibar, which will open in 2026 with 75 rooms overlooking the Indian Ocean.
TPG tip: In 2026, travelers will have plenty of options for reaching destinations throughout Tanzania from Europe. Air France's new Paris- Zanzibar-Kilimanjaro route will resume next summer, as will KLM's daily flight from Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro and on to Dar es Salaam.
Travelers should be aware that the U.S. Department of State has issued a "Level 3: Reconsider Travel" advisory for Tanzania because of unrest, crime, increased terrorism threats and targeting of people who are LGBTQ+. Following an election in October 2025, there was political violence in many of the country's cities, including Dar es Salaam. We've spoken to tour operators, hoteliers and travel planners who are still promoting travel to Tanzania and say the safari experience hasn't been affected. We recommend traveling directly to your destination, not lingering in urban centers, and booking with reputable hotel brands and tour operators.