Bali, Marrakech and Sicily: The must-visit destinations for 2026, according to Rough Guides

With Christmas behind us, 2026 is mere days away. That means you only have a few more waking hours to figure out your goals for next year so that come January 1, you’re ready to start putting them into action.

If you ask us, travelling more is always a good idea — you won’t regret seeing more of the world, after all. Luckily, Rough Guides has just published its list of the 26 best places to visit in 2026.

However, before we get into the recommendations, you should know that this isn’t just any old list. It’s based on 30,000 individual enquiries made to Rough Guides’ local experts from travellers across the world, combined with that first-person knowledge from the experts themselves, ‘who see every shift on the ground and understand which regions are evolving, which routes are opening up, and which experiences are gaining momentum’.

Basically, a perfectly balanced mix of ‘real traveller interest and trusted local knowledge’ make this ranking super trustworthy.

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So where should your next trip take you? Marrakech, the capital of Morocco, according to Rough Guides. You ‘don’t just visit’ Marrakech; ‘you taste, you haggle, you sweat, you learn’. There’s so much to do in this north African city, perhaps best known for its colourful architecture and abundance of ‘souks’ (open-air markets selling food, crafts, and goods). It’s also a good option if you’re on a budget, as you can immerse yourself in the local culture without breaking the bank.

Rough Guides recommends visiting a traditional hammam bath, exploring an urban oasis at the ‘Jardin Secret’, and booking onto a cooking class to learn a new recipe or two. Alternatively, the travel agent notes that ‘it’s easy to go beyond the city’ and discover the Atlas Mountains or the country’s Atlantic Coast.

In second place was Crete, which Rough Guides describes as ‘a consistent classic and for good reason’. If you’ve never been to the Greek island before, this could be the perfect time to start as it’s just been named one of three European Regions of Gastronomy for 2026. Plus, it’s got all the things you need for a smashing summer holiday: sun, sea, and all around good vibes.

Bali came third. The Indonesian island has become a firm favourite for its sandy beaches and clear waters, but according to Rough Guides this could be a reset year: ‘There’s a shift in who’s coming and why. People are showing up with more care. The island is asking more of its guests’. If you’re ready to come and enjoy the island respectfully, perhaps even getting to know a bit about the local culture and customs, you’re the sort of tourist Bali is looking for in 2026.

The top 26 travel destinations in the world for 2026, according to Rough Guides

1. Marrakech, Morocco
2. Crete, Greece
3. Bali, Indonesia
4. Tokyo, Japan
5. Rome, Italy
6. Istanbul, Turkey
7. Sicily, Italy
8. Lisbon, Portugal
9. Hanoi, Vietnam
10. Bangkok, Thailand
11. Paris, France
12. Tenerife, Spain
13. Amalfi Coast, Italy
14. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
15. Budapest, Hungary
16. Kerala, India
17. Dalmatian Coast and Dubrovnik, Croatia
18. Kruger National Park, South Africa
19. Yucatán, Mexico
20. Seville, Spain
21. Namibia
22. The Highlands, Scotland
23. Provence, France
24. Pantanal, Brazil
25. Chiang Mai, Thailand
26. Palawan, Philippines

You can see the full list here.

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