Where to go for sustainable wildlife, history, and special events.
December 5, 2025
As another year draws to a close, now is the season to think ahead to where your travels in 2026 may take you. This week, let’s take a look at trending travel destinations, and in next week’s article, we will explore bucket list vacations for the New Year. If you enjoy planning trips around special events and innovative hospitality concepts, these are 5 destinations for your consideration.
February sees the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics play out in the dramatic ranges of Northern Italy. For the first time, the Games will be jointly hosted by two cities with an Olympic torch ablaze in each location, and venues dotted across the Lombardy, Trentino, and Veneto regions. Fashionable Milan will host the Opening Ceremony as well as figure skating, speed skating, and ice hockey. Cortina d’Ampezzo, the “Queen of the Dolomites”, will stage such sports as alpine skiing, bobsleigh, and curling. Tickets are now on sale, and all locations have cultural, outdoor, and gastronomic experiences to complement a winter getaway to Milan, Verona, or the Dolomites.
Astrotourism has been a steadily emerging trend over recent years, owing to the volume of astronomical events and a boom in luxury lodging pitched at amateur stargazers. On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will occur in northern Spain, with the path of totality crossing such cities as A Coruña, Zaragoza, Bilbao, Valencia, and Oviedo. As the first total solar eclipse visible in mainland Europe since 1999, this is a unique opportunity to witness a spectacular event. Besides watching the eclipse, you can explore the wine region of La Rioja, dine on Michelin cuisine in San Sebastián, and unwind at a luxury resort in the Balearic Islands of Spain.
This small country in Africa has been garnering acclaim for its efforts in sustainable tourism. Visitor numbers have been on the rise in the wake of the pandemic as travelers seek experiential travel and unique experiences such as gorilla trekking. Rwanda is considered one of the higher-end destinations in Africa due to the country’s “high-value, low-volume” tourism model, which is focused on giving back to local communities and educating visitors about conservation. As one of the fastest-growing safari destinations in Africa, early planning is essential for Rwanda.
In anticipation of Christopher Nolan’s movie, The Odyssey, all eyes are on Greece in 2026. The nation’s islands and mountains are almost as mythological as the figures featured in Homer’s poem, with a typical itinerary taking you to the iconic Acropolis of Athens to the volcanic landscapes of Santorini. Skip the crowds by visiting Chios or the lesser-known Cycladic Islands. Seeing as the movie was also filmed in Scotland, Italy, Morocco, and Iceland, you might want to plan an odyssey to rival that of Odysseus.
Known for its biodiversity, Costa Rica is slated to be one of the most popular travel destinations in 2026 as flight searches have skyrocketed. The province of Limón is on the radar of travelers seeking a fusion of nature immersion and cultural experiences, with activities relating to sea turtle conservation and jaguar rescue on offer. Besides the sustainable initiatives, Costa Rica offers exceptional beaches, fresh cuisine, and eco-luxe lodging that support local communities.
Contact Darby’s Destinations to design the trip of your dreams.
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