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National Geographic Unveils 25 'Best of the World' Destinations for 2026 With First-Ever Planning Guide

Editors frame the picks around regenerative travel with time‑sensitive openings set to shape where and when people go next year.

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It's a long way to Tipperary, but it's worth it. The Rock of Cashel is one of the Irish county's highlights.
Beijing, China: The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China is northeast of Beijing, one of the 25 destinations named by National Geographic in its 2026 "Best of the World" list.
The Air Guitar World Championship is one of Oulu's cultural innovations.

Overview

  • The 25-destination list draws on National Geographic’s global network of contributors and prioritizes regenerative tourism, less-crowded alternatives, and 2026 events.
  • Dominica’s planned sperm whale reserve, overnight stays at Australia’s Uluru‑Kata Tjuta starting in April 2026, and Oklahoma’s $82 million Route 66 centennial upgrades anchor the timing-focused highlights.
  • Selections span continents and trip styles, featuring Akagera National Park in Rwanda, Beijing, Maui, Pittsburgh, and Japan’s Yamagata Prefecture among others.
  • Editor-in-chief Nathan Lump said the new companion guide is intended to help travelers turn inspiration from the list into actionable itineraries and bookings.
  • Practical factors noted for 2026 include Beijing’s expanded visa-free entry for 47 countries and the Basque Country’s vantage point for the August 12 total solar eclipse.