Top 10 Travel Experiences to Get You Out in The World and Off Your "For You Page" in 2026
From wellness hikes in Japan to sunset sails in Barcelona, these are the world’s best cultural, sustainable, culinary, and adventure experiences worth hopping on a plane for in 2026.
If you’ve ever thought, “I want to travel more, but where do I even start?”—first of all, relatable. Second of all, you’ve just found your new mood board.
We rounded up ten of the best travel experiences around the world—think futuristic art, food you’ll dream about months later, sustainability wins, wellness moments, and the kind of immersive experiences that make you forget what day it is. Whether you're chasing mountains, museums, or mimosas, here’s the inspiration you didn’t know you needed.
1. Step into the future (and past) of Tokyo’s art scene
Tokyo is where ancient history and futuristic imagination sit down for matcha together. One minute you're sinking into the immersive dreamscape of teamLab Planets, where the art literally moves with you. The next, you're strolling through Toyosu Senkyaku Banari, a recreated Edo-style street lined with shops, snacks, and nostalgia. Add lunch at the world-famous Toyosu Market and a stop at Odaiba’s life-sized Gundam statue, and boom—you’ve unlocked the ultimate Japan experience.
This one’s for travelers who want art, culture, innovation, and an Instagram story that looks like a sci-fi movie.
2. Touch the clouds in the Swiss Alps
If “fresh air” was an Olympic sport, Switzerland would win gold every year. Glide up the mountains by gondola or train (because sustainability is a thing here), then step out into views so pristine they feel fake. Think blue lakes, jagged peaks, and snow that sticks around even when you’re in shorts.
Whether you’re snow-tubing in July or just staring dramatically into the distance, this is the kind of nature moment that resets your entire personality.
3. Eat, sip, and stroll Athens at night with a local
There’s exploring Athens…and then there’s exploring Athens at night. With a local host leading the way, you’ll wander through lively streets, taste three different drinks (Greek wine, cocktails, and traditional spirits), and learn the city’s secrets between sips. It’s the perfect mix of nightlife, culture, and “wait, this is my life right now?”
Spoiler: Greek wine hits different when you're drinking it in Greece.
4. Chase a Barcelona sunset from the water
Picture this: live jazz, a sunset that looks photoshopped, and a stunning Turkish gullet sailing along the Barcelona coastline. You’re lounging on the rooftop deck, sipping something delicious, and feeling the sea breeze like you're in a music video. Oh—and part of your ticket helps fund coral planting in the Mediterranean. So yes, you’re literally saving the planet while vibing.
Travel that’s pretty and good for the world? Sign us up.
5. Discover the timeless magic of the Aran Islands
Hop on a ferry to Ireland’s wild west, where the Aran Islands feel like stepping into another century. The highlight? Dún Aengus, a 2,000-year-old stone fort perched on a cliff that looks straight out of a fantasy film. Add windswept views, rugged trails, and local culture, and it’s basically Ireland in its purest form.
Peace, history, adventure, and “OMG this view” all in one.
6. Go off-road in the Azores
São Miguel Island in the Azores is here to show you what “untouched beauty” really means. You’ll bounce through volcanic craters, stop at secret viewpoints, hear stories of geothermal lore, and soak in hot springs that feel like nature’s hot tubs. This isn’t a cute scenic drive—it’s a full-day adventure.
Mother Nature understood the assignment here.
7. Cook a meal with a local family in Chiang Mai
No restaurant can compete with this. Spend an evening inside the home of a local Thai family in Chiang Mai. Learn recipes, hear stories, and taste flavors that have been passed down for generations. It’s warm, authentic, intimate, and completely unforgettable.
The best way to understand a culture? Taste it.
8. Spot penguins, surf dunes, and chase thrills in Peru
Start your day with sea lions and Humboldt penguins on the Ballestas Islands, aka the “Galápagos of Peru.” Then swap ocean breezes for desert heat as you head to Huacachina, a surreal oasis surrounded by massive sand dunes.
Dune buggy ride? Obviously. This is adrenaline plus unbelievable scenery—a combo we highly recommend. If you’ve never screamed-laughed in a dune buggy, Peru is ready to change that.
9. Recharge your soul on a forest hike near Kyoto
Just an hour from Kyoto, the trail from Kurama to Kibune feels like stepping into a Studio Ghibli movie. Soft moss, ancient temples, and towering cedar trees turn your morning hike into a full-on wellness moment. You’ll practice Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing—aka letting nature de-stress your brain.
Come for the views, stay for the emotional stability.
10. Boat through Venice's dreamiest islands
Venice is iconic, but the surrounding islands? Elite. Cruise from Murano’s glass-blowing workshops to Torcello’s ancient cathedral to Burano’s rainbow-colored streets. Enjoy free time for lace shopping, gelato eating, or simply living your Italian main-character fantasy. Then finish with a scenic glide down the Grand Canal.
It’s history, color, charm, and pure Italian joy wrapped into one perfect day.
Key takeaways
- Travel isn’t just about going places—it’s about feeling something new. Whether it’s forest bathing, island hopping, or sipping wine under ancient Athenian lights, the world has no shortage of “wait, this is insane” moments.
- You don’t need to plan any of this alone—we already did the hard part. You just pick what destination, trip, or experience speaks to you the most and show up.
Know before you go
From the ins and outs of our trips to finding the one that fits you best—here’s what you need to know.
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