The globally respected travel authority, Lonely Planet, has officially unveiled its highly anticipated selection of the world's top destinations for 2026. The newly released Best in Travel 2026 guide features 25 must-visit locations, with two standout spots in the United States earning a coveted place on the list.
American Gems on the Global Stage
For British travellers crafting their 2026 itineraries, the guide highlights the state of Maine and North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park as essential stops. Maine is celebrated as the ideal location for 'dreamy and delicious New England summers'. According to the travel experts, Maine possesses a renewed energy, with its largest city, Portland, becoming a magnet for chefs from major urban centres.
These culinary artists, seeking a more accessible entry than the competitive scenes of Boston and New York, have transformed the city into a gastronomic hotspot. The guide enthusiastically notes that the outcome is a remarkable culinary landscape where a James Beard award or nomination seems to be on every downtown corner.
Beyond the food, Lonely Planet encourages visitors to discover Maine's iconic coastline, from charming seaside towns perched on stilts to the offshore emerald islands. The guide specifically singles out Acadia National Park as the state's crown jewel, concluding that Maine truly offers everything from a vibrant arts scene to a stunning natural environment.
Badlands, Bison and Dark Skies
On the other side of the country, the Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota offers a dramatically different but equally compelling experience. The park is described as a world of 'bizarre rock formations and dark-sky gazing'.
Visitors can expect to encounter roaming bison and vast prairie dog colonies that resemble bustling metropolises. These very landscapes, featuring painted canyons and unique geological structures, captivated the 26th US President, Theodore Roosevelt. The park's profound impact on him led to his purchase of a cattle ranch there in 1883, a place he later retreated to following personal tragedy.
Today, the park serves as a tribute to the president, protecting 70,000 acres of pristine prairie land for future generations to enjoy.
A World of Adventure Awaits
The 2026 list showcases a diverse range of global destinations, proving that adventure can be found on every continent. Other notable inclusions are Mexico City, praised for its world-class museums and vibrant nightlife, and British Columbia in Canada, a land of mossy forests and wildlife-rich ecosystems.
Further afield, the list spotlights cultural and natural wonders in Botswana, Africa; the beautiful island of Sardinia, Italy; the Irish charm of Tipperary; and the tropical shores of Phuket, Thailand.
The full list of 25 destinations provides ample inspiration for any traveller, ensuring that 2026 will be a year of unforgettable journeys and discoveries.
