MSN has a nice list out of trending travel destinations for this year, including some of my fave places. Here’s a look at what they had to say in their report, as well as some thoughts from yours truly, who’s managed to visit all five (and lives in one of them).
JAPAN
MSN’s report said Japan “continues to draw travellers who value structure, safety and cultural depth. In 2026, the country’s focus on regional tourism — beyond the usual big-city circuit — makes it even more compelling.”
Kyoto, Japan. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Their story highlighted several great options for exploring the country, including scenic regional rail journeys through countryside and coastal routes, and extended cherry blossom season travel from March to May. I’ve been to Japan twice and find it an extraordinary place. The food is magnificent, and the attention to detail exquisite. It can be a wildly busy, bustling place, but the Japanese somehow make it all work. Tokyo is a truly spectacular city, and I loved the couple days I spent in Kyoto 10 or 12 years ago. The highlight of my Kyoto experience was a stay at the relaxed, spectacular Hoshinoya ryokan outside of town, near the village of Arashiyama. I took part in an exquisite tea ceremony, which I was reminded of while watching the TV show Shogun last night. I loved visiting Nijo Castle, built in the 17th century as the official Kyoto residence of the first Tokugawa Shogun, as well as the massive Sanjusangendo Temple and Rokuon-Ji (also known as Kinkaku-Ji) Temple.
PORTUGAL
Portugal remains one of Europe’s most well-balanced destinations — offering coastal drama, historic cities and excellent value within a compact geography, MSN said.
Burgau, Portugal. Nathalie Ehrnleitner – Unsplash Photo
The network highlighted the UNESCO-listed old town of Porto, vineyard cruises along the Douro Valley and the walking trails and gardens Madeira.
They also mentioned walks in the historic Alfama district in Lisbon and great hikes in the Algarve district of southern Portugal. My wife and I stayed in the village of Burgau in the Algarve eight or ten years ago and enjoyed some fine cliffside hikes to both east and west, as well as fabulous seafood. The Alfama is my favourite area of Lisbon, with fun, funky neighborhoods between the main part of the city and Castelo de Sao Jorge, a hilltop castle that offers fine views of the city and the Tagus River, which is more like a wide bay as it reaches Lisbon.
I haven’t been to Madeira, but I adore the Azores, a set of Atlantic islands that belong to Portugal and offer outstanding hikes, as well as sensational, fresh seafood and surprisingly great steaks from local cows that graze on some of the greenest grass you’ll ever set eyes on.
CANADA
MSN said travellers “want access to extraordinary landscapes without sacrificing comfort — and Canada delivers exactly that.”
Aboard the Rocky Mountaineer in British Columbia. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Their Canada highlights include luxury rail journeys such as Rocky Mountaineer through the Canadian Rockies ( a fabulous trip I’ve taken twice), whale-watching tours, fall foliage trips in Eastern Canada and great urban experiences in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. I’d also add Calgary and Halifax to that list.
I have argued for years that Atlantic Canada deserves far more attention than it deserve, and I note sadly that the MSN story didn’t mention the area. Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick offer up picture-postcard villages, amazing seafood and lovely locals. I’ve said many times that Newfoundlanders might be the nicest people on the planet, and the rugged scenery of Newfoundland and Labrador is almost as remarkable.
SLOVENIA
“For travellers looking to avoid heavy crowds while still experiencing natural beauty and heritage charm, it offers an appealing alternative,” MSN said of this country, which used to be part of Yugoslavia.
Piran, Slovenia. Jim Byers Photo
The MSN story highlighted the island church on stunning Lake Bled, the car-free centre of the capital (Ljubljana) and the dramatic Škocjan Caves.
Slovenia offers a truly amazing array of scenery and topography in a small package, which is I sometimes call it Europe’s “tiny, perfect country.” The afore-mentioned Alps are ruggedly spectacular, while Ljubljana reminds me of Salzburg.
One area the MSN story didn’t mention is the small sliver of Slovenia that rests on the Adriatic Sea, a miniscule but beautiful region that includes the handsome town of Piran. Slovenia also makes very good, affordable wines and has sensational kayaking and canoeing spots on wild, raging rivers.
AUSTRALIA
“Rather than whirlwind tours, visitors are planning extended stays that allow them to immerse themselves fully,” MSN stated. “Australia rewards this approach. Its vast landscapes and regional diversity make it ideal for travellers willing to spend several weeks in one area rather than racing across the continent.”
Kalbarri National Park, Western Australia. JIM BYERS PHOTO
I agree. You need time to visit Australia, so give yourself at least two weeks, and preferable three. MSN said trending experiences for this year include explorations of the Great Barrier Reef, drives along the stupendously beautiful Great Ocean Road in Victoria state, wine tourism in the Barossa Valley of South Australia, encounters with unique wildlife and cultural stays in Melbourne and Sydney.
MSN didn’t mention Western Australia or Tasmania, two distinct and remarkable Australian states. My wife and I had a terrific visit to Tasmania a couple years ago, enjoying the capital city of Hobart as well as the lovely Freycinet region a couple hours outside of town.
I think Western Australia encapsulates almost everything that makes Australia great; city life (Perth is a very much underrated destination with fine museums, great restaurants and wonderful neighborhoods to explore), outback experiences in places like Kalbarri National Park (which has both amazing inland and oceanfront trails), amazing beaches, wildlife (check out the quokkas on Rottnest Island) and world-class wine in the Margaret River region.
