Best Places to Travel in 2026: Our Pop Culture Predictions

The new year, a fresh start, always gets us thinking about the same question: where to next? We don't believe in bucket lists, why wait when you can go now? Our personal 2026 lineup includes Portugal, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Colombia, the South of France, Ireland, and Slovenia. We choose destinations based on exceptional wine, the experiences we want to have, and honestly, who's coming with us. Some trips are just the two of us, others we host for groups who want to explore alongside us, and each brings its own kind of magic to the experience.

Here's what we've learned from planning our own adventures and helping others plan theirs: certain destinations become irresistible not just because they're beautiful, but because of what's happening there. A World Cup final. A celebrity wedding that breaks the internet. The filming location of the next White Lotus season. These cultural moments transform good destinations into must-visit ones, and they're often the difference between arriving before the crowds or fighting them for a reservation.

We feel grateful to help others plan trips, and part of that means paying attention to what's bubbling up in pop culture. Based on the trends we're tracking for 2026, here are our five predictions, and the destinations worth booking now.

Our Top 5 Pop Culture Predictions and Places for 2026

1. A Latin American Country Wins the World Cup: Argentina Could Repeat

The prediction: We think Messi plays and Argentina defends their title. Maybe that's wishful thinking because Argentina is already on our recommendation list, but a championship win would catapult this destination into the spotlight.

The destination: Argentina

World Cup victory or not, Argentina in 2026 means celebrating football culture, world-class Malbec in Mendoza, and the energy of Buenos Aires at its peak. If Argentina does win? The entire country becomes one extended celebration, and you'll want to be there for it. Even if we're wrong about the winner, any Latin American victory puts the region in the global spotlight, making it the year to explore South America.

2. Three Celebrity Weddings: Zendaya & Tom Holland, Katy Perry & Justin Trudeau, and Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce

The prediction: We're confident there will be three because we also have the backup of Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner. We are betting that at least one of these weddings takes place in Italy.

The destination: Italy

Celebrity weddings drive destination trends for years, remember the Lake Como effect? If even one of these couples chooses Italy (and we think they will), the country will dominate wedding inspiration boards and travel wish lists worldwide. But here's the advantage: booking before or just after the wedding news breaks, means experiencing Italy's moment without the post-viral crowds. Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, and romantic Italian villas will all benefit from this attention, book now while you can still get reservations.

Italy in 2026: weddings, Olympics, and world-class wine

3. Season Four Filming of The White Lotus Begins: Maya Rudolph Joins the Cast in France

The prediction: We're betting (or hoping big time) that Maya Rudolph joins the cast in France. Even if she doesn't, the show's track record speaks for itself.

The destination: France

Every White Lotus destination sees tourism surge by 20-30% after episodes air. The smart move is booking France before the season releases, that means visiting in 2026 during or shortly after filming. Whether it's Provence, the French Riviera, or the countryside, experiencing these locations before they become The Next White Lotus Destination lets you discover them on your own terms, skip the crowds, and enjoy France at its most authentic.

South of France before it becomes the next White Lotus destination

4. The Resurgence of Indie Rock: A 2026 Version of Lilith Fair

The prediction: The Hulu documentary on Lilith Fair has primed us for a revival. The playlist has been on repeat during our travel journeys. We're hoping for a summer show in Vancouver that could be the starting point for an Alaska cruise.

The destinations: Vancouver & Alaska

Vancouver is already underrated: incredible food scene, proximity to nature, and a cultural vibe that blends urban sophistication with Pacific Northwest chill. It's the perfect combination, catch live music in Vancouver, then cruise north for glaciers, wildlife, and dramatic landscapes. This pairing turns a concert trip into an unforgettable adventure.

Alaska: feels better with Indie Rock music on the play list

5. World Cup and Winter Olympics: Italy Wins the Most Medals

The prediction: 2026 is a massive year in sports. We're pumped for NHL players to join the US Hockey team in Milan for the first time since 2014. We think Italy wins the most medals, adding to the long list of reasons why Italy should be high on your places to visit in 2026.

The destination: Italy (again)

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan bring infrastructure improvements, global attention, and sporting excellence to Italy. If Italy dominates the medal count as we predict, national pride will be at an all-time high. Visiting just after the games finish when the facilities are world-class but the crowds have dispersed. The Italian Alps, Milan's cultural scene, and the celebration of athletic achievement make Italy a double threat for 2026 (weddings and Olympics).

Why These Predictions Matter for Travel Planning

World Cup and Olympics dates are locked in. Celebrity weddings and TV filming locations are educated guesses. But here's what we know: when pop culture spotlights a destination, interest spikes, prices increase, and availability shrinks. Planning ahead means experiencing these best places to travel in 2026 during their cultural moment without the downsides.

Whether these predictions hold or we laugh about them next January, the destinations remain worth visiting. Argentina's wine country doesn't need a World Cup to be spectacular. Italy excels with or without celebrities and medals. France is France. Vancouver and Alaska offer natural beauty and culture regardless of music festivals. But the cultural moments? They add energy, excitement, and perfect timing to your trip.

Bonus Hope: The Year of Travel Blogs

We're hoping 2026 brings back long-form travel content, more depth, more story, more substance. We're invested in delivering that here and on Substack. Maybe one of those newly married couples joins the platform and shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of their favorite travel destinations. We can dream, right?

Will you go to one one of the listed best places to travel in 2026?

Whether these predictions come true or not, we hope it's a wonderful year for you and your loved ones, filled with lots of travel and adventure.

What destinations are on your 2026 list? Share your predictions with us.