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December 17, 2025

The Best Places to Travel in 2026

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2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years for travel. With major world events taking place across the globe, travelers have more reasons than ever to explore. Whether you’re drawn to food, music, sports, or the great outdoors, the destinations in this blog offer something remarkable for every kind of traveler.

1. Takayama, Japan

Nestled in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, Takayama offers travelers a glimpse into Japan’s traditional past. Its Edo-period streets, morning markets, and nearby Shirakawa-go village make it a top choice for immersing yourself in the local culture. Visit during the Takayama Spring Festival for ornate floats and timeless celebrations. In 2026, visitors can expect new boutique inns and sustainable travel options enhancing the town’s charm. Local sake breweries and traditional ryokans provide an authentic way to unwind after a day of exploring—and enjoying a seasonal kaiseki dinner at Ryokan Asunaro, where regional ingredients are served on hand-crafted ceramics, is a perfect finish to the day. Takayama captures the beauty of Japan’s countryside while staying well-connected to modern travel routes.

2. Tomar, Portugal

Home to the UNESCO-listed Convent of Christ, Tomar is perfect for travelers seeking a quieter escape. The city’s medieval streets, riverside cafés, and annual Festa dos Tabuleiros make it one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. In 2026, Portugal’s tourism board is spotlighting Tomar as a hub for history and creativity, with new walking tours and restored monasteries. Its location between Lisbon and Porto makes it an ideal stop for those exploring the country by train, and an evening meal at O Tabuleiro—where locals gather over bacalhau and regional wine—captures the town’s warm, old-world spirit. Visitors can enjoy a balance of heritage and hospitality, which makes Portugal so inviting year-round.

3. Milan, Italy

When Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo host the 2026 Winter Olympics, the world will converge on northern Italy. You can expect upgrades across transportation and hospitality, from Milan’s sleek city center to the alpine slopes nearby. The games will showcase Italy’s innovation and artistry on a global stage. Travelers can experience the city’s new Olympic Village, designed with sustainability in mind, or explore Milan’s renowned food and fashion scene—starting with dinner at Ristorante Stendhal Brera, a local favorite known for classic Milanese dishes like saffron risotto and osso buco in the heart of the Brera district. The Olympics will make 2026 a memorable time to visit this modern, yet historic city.

4. Philadelphia, USA

In 2026, Philadelphia will be at the heart of two major celebrations—the 250th anniversary of the United States, known as the Semiquincentennial, and one of the largest international soccer tournaments in the world. On July 4, 2026, Philadelphia will host a massive celebration, including the Wawa Welcome America festival and other public events spotlighting the nation’s origins. The city will also host six international soccer matches at Lincoln Financial Field (temporarily renamed “Philadelphia Stadium”), including five group-stage games and a Round-of-16 contest on July 4. Between soccer matches and historical celebrations, visitors can enjoy the city’s famed food scene—grabbing a cheesesteak from John’s Roast Pork or exploring the local craft breweries like Philadelphia Brewing Company in Fishtown that reflect Philadelphia’s creative energy. For international travelers visiting the U.S. during this global event, it’s helpful to know that you can enroll in CLEAR+ using your passport and speed through airport security at any of the 60 CLEAR+ airports nationwide. Whether you’re flying into New York, Atlanta, or Miami, CLEAR+ helps make each airport experience easier and more predictable.

5. Vienna, Austria

Classical grandeur meets pop culture in Vienna, the host city for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, where you can expect a lively blend of concerts and public viewing parties. Beyond the music, Vienna’s art museums and coffeehouses invite visitors to slow down and savor all the city has to offer. 2026 will see new venues and riverfront spaces designed to host fans and performers alike, and nothing captures Vienna’s café culture better than a slice of chocolate torte at Café Central, once frequented by Freud and Trotsky. Visitors can stroll through Schönbrunn Palace, take in live opera, or enjoy a sunset along the Danube—Vienna perfectly captures Europe’s balance of old-world beauty and modern creativity.

6. Banff, Alberta, Canada

Already famous for its turquoise lakes and towering peaks, Banff continues to be one of the top mountain destinations for 2026. New ski resort upgrades and sustainable travel initiatives will make it even more appealing to adventure seekers. Travelers can look forward to expanded lift access, eco-lodges, and guided wildlife experiences. The area’s natural beauty—from Moraine Lake to the Icefields Parkway—remains unmatched, and few experiences rival taking in panoramic alpine views from the Banff Gondola Summit, where a boardwalk connects mountaintop viewpoints overlooking six mountain ranges. In 2026, Banff is expected to welcome a record number of visitors drawn to its pristine air and upgraded amenities.

7. Mendoza, Argentina

Mendoza is experiencing a spike in tourism thanks to its award-winning wineries and new eco-retreats in the Andes. Enjoy vineyard tours, thermal spas, and stargazing in one of South America’s most scenic regions. The 2026 season will bring new wellness resorts and boutique lodges blending luxury with sustainability. Local vineyards are introducing biodynamic practices, offering travelers an immersive, environmentally responsible experience. Travelers can enjoy a tasting at Bodega Catena Zapata at a striking pyramid-shaped winery that produces some of Argentina’s best Malbec. Whether sipping wine at sunset or exploring the foothills of the Andes, Mendoza offers a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.

8. León, Spain

On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will pass over parts of Spain, with León and nearby Castellón de la Plana offering some of the best viewing conditions in the world. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment worth traveling for. León’s medieval architecture, tapas culture, and vibrant plazas will provide the perfect setting before and after the eclipse, especially in Barrio Húmedo, where locals wander from bar to bar sampling cured meats and Rioja wine. Astronomy tours and local festivals are already being planned around the event, making León a must-visit for 2026.

Enjoy Frictionless Travel with CLEAR

Speed through airport security nationwide with our all-new eGates—just one step and you’re in. For families and anyone else who can use an extra hand, CLEAR Concierge is your dedicated Ambassador to guide you through the airport. Wherever your 2026 travels take you, join CLEAR+ to turn travel days into great days.

AMEX Platinum CardAMEX Business Platinum CardAMEX Gold Card
The Platinum Card® from American Express

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.

AMEX Platinum Card
American Express® Business Platinum Card

Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.

AMEX Business Platinum Card
American Express®
Gold Card

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.

AMEX Gold Card

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