I love these year-end look-ahead pieces that talk about great places to visit the following year. Earlier I referenced some top picks by National Geographic. Today I’ll look at top choices from Conde Nast Traveler and BBC Travel.
CONDE NAST TRAVELER
Among their top picks were several of my fave places in the world, and at least one I hope to visit soon.
ROUTE 66
I had hoped to do this trip by car next spring. Alas, health concerns got in the way and I won’t make it. Perhaps I can visit some of it later in 2026. I’d really love to see parts of the Route in Arizona and also in Illinois.
MARGARET RIVER, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
The Margaret River region of Western Australia is famous for its beautiful beaches and amazing wineries. JIM BYERS PHOTO
I first visited five or six years ago and fell in love. It’s like taking world-class beaches from the Greek Islands and putting them up against Napa Valley wineries, but with a rich layer of indigenous history.
Here’s what CN Traveler had to say: “Margaret River is a name that conjures visions of rugged coastal landscapes, big swells, and rolling vineyards. Here in Wadandi country, home to the “saltwater people” for over 40,000 years, you choose your own adventure: Hike the 84-mile Cape to Cape Track between Cape Naturaliste in the north and Cape Leeuwin in the south, dive into immersive cultural experiences, or engage with a food and wine scene that has deep roots.”
PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY, ONTARIO, CANADA
Prince Edward County—or PEC—is already a favorite long-weekend destination for many Canadians, especially those from Toronto and Montreal. The region has been coming into its own for the past decade as a hot spot for boutique hotels, small family-run wineries, and world-class restaurants, but there’s plenty more to come. The region is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new hotel, The Claramount Club, which will have two new restaurants as well. Meanwhile, the stylish lakeside escape Wander the Resort expanded its experiences focused on local food and outdoor recreation and opened a lakefront Nordic spa.
ULURU, AUSTRALIA
Uluru, Australia. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Here’s what Conde Nast had to say about this mysterious, wondrous place I visited in 2010. To me, if you don’t see Uluru, you haven’t really seen Australia.
“Launching in April 2026, the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk will link the red domes of Kata Tjuṯa with the crimson monolith of Uluṟu and offer a deeper, slower way to connect with the culture embedded in these twin sacred sites. The luxury four-night guided trek spans 33.5 miles and includes stays at purpose-built glamping camps and a new ecolodge, with Aṉangu storytellers walking alongside guests to share their deep knowledge of Country.”
Conde Nast also touted Brussels (one of the prettiest main squares in the world, plus very good food and excellent museums) and the East Coast of Barbados, a quiet, rural spot that I’ve been suggesting for years as a great day trip from the fancy resorts on the south and west sides of the island.
CN Traveler also compiled a list of great places to check out in North America and the Caribbean for 2026. That list includes Buffalo, a lovely city with amazing museums and parks, as well as super-friendly locals) and Catalina Island, California, a totally chill and beautiful community I fell in love with on a visit in May of last year.
The town of Avalon on Catalina Island. JIM BYERS PHOTO
BBC TRAVEL
COOK ISLANDS
I’ve never been to these South Pacific islands, but it’s not for lack of desire. Here’s what the BBC had to say: “It’s never been easier to reach the Pacific’s most perfect little paradise. Hawaiian Airlines upgraded its Honolulu-Rarotonga route in June 2025 with more convenient daytime departures and new US connections via Alaska Airlines. Jetstar will launch the first direct Brisbane-Rarotonga flights in May 2026.”
SLOCAN VALLEY, BRITISH COLUMBIA
“Set within a valley of clear lakes and deep forests and framed by the Purcell and Selkirk mountains, the Slocan region has long drawn travellers seeking raw, rugged beauty. In 2026, the Japanese Canadian Legacy Trail – a self-guided route honouring those forcibly uprooted and confined here during World War Two – will add deeper meaning to that landscape.”
BBC Travel also singled out Uluru, Australia.
PORTER AIRLINES ADDING FLIGHTS FROM CANADA TO CAYMAN ISLANDS
The Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa on Grand Cayman. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Porter Airlines is inaugurating nonstop service today (Dec. 16) between Toronto Pearson International Airport and Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, with up to three times weekly frequency. This route is complemented by twice weekly non-stop flights operating from Ottawa beginning Dec. 19.
I had a fabulous visit to the islands six or seven years ago, including a fine stay at the Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa on Grand Cayman and a short but wonderful visit to super-chill Little Cayman.
