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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Planning a trip for 2026? A luxury travel magazine, CN Traveller, has released its definitive list of the best places to visit next year. The list blends familiar destinations with a touch of new cultural excitement and includes hidden gems that are starting to attract the attention of global travelers.

The Global Creative Director from CN Traveller, Arati Menon, stated that this annual list is intended for both travelers and dreamers. "Use it—along with the companion lists for six continents—to jump-start your travel plans or simply indulge your sense of wonder," she said.

From tranquil beach paradises and contemporary design cities to new ways of exploring remote regions, 2026 promises a wide range of adventures.

Here Are the Best Places to Visit in 2026

1. Arusha, Tanzania

2. East Coast, Barbados

3. Brussels, Belgium

4. Chiriqu Province, Panama

5. Deer Valley, Utah, USA

6. Fes, Morocco

7. Gabon

8. Potos, Bolivia

9. Prince Edward County, Canada

10. Route 66, USA

Spotlight Destinations: The New and Noteworthy

From the world's top 10 destinations, several are gaining significant attention for major developments in 2026:

Arusha, Tanzania

Located on the edge of vast forest expanses, Arusha is becoming a center of attention following the confirmed development of a major museum. Dr. Jane's Dream: The Goodall Centre for Hope is scheduled to open at the end of October 2026, right next to the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre in the city center.

Arusha is also bustling with other local developments. For sports fans, the Samia Suluhu Hassan Football Stadium is ready to host the final of the 2027 Africa Cup. Additionally, several new safari-themed resorts and camps, complete with classic wildlife viewing attractions, are being opened.

East Coast, Barbados

The East Coast of Barbados is now offering easier access for travelers. The island is developing the Speightstown port at the northern tip, which will offer new moorings for smaller luxury vessels, such as the Emerald Sakara from Emerald Cruises in 2026.

Beyond the ports, the island offers excellent surfing destinations in Bathsheba. For nature lovers, explore the national park and nature reserve along a beautiful nine-kilometer route that follows the island's old coastal railway from Bath Beach to Bathsheba.

Brussels, Belgium

For those seeking creative and cultural inspiration, Brussels is the ideal choice. A major highlight is the opening of the Kanal-Centre Pompidou, which transforms an old, abandoned factory into a dedicated center for contemporary art in 2026. This art center is highly anticipated as it will feature a large exhibition space curated in collaboration with the Centre Pompidou in Paris.

Brussels' cultural resurgence is evident everywhere, from the refreshed façade of Place de la Bourse to the Projet Dôme, the restoration of the first department store in Belgium with a modern touch. Nearby, Gare Maritime, a former goods station, combines sustainable architecture with design exhibitions and food kiosks. Furthermore, must-visit events in 2026 include Art Brussels, the biennial Zinneke Parade, which transforms city streets into stages of theater and imagination, and the Grand Prix of Belgium.

Princess Az Zahra Suherman contributed to the report