Where to travel in 2026?

Only half of 2025 is behind us, and we are already thinking about the next one. Where will tourists flock? Which cities and countries will be most in demand? Where can you have a great rest and see something new? We have compiled a list of 10 countries, regions, and places that seem promising to us in 2026.

Tanzania

Let's start with maximum exoticism. And a country with a spirit of adventure and wild beauty is perfect for this. Growing attention to ecotourism contributes to the popularity of Tanzania, where tourists can experience nature without harming it. For this, you should head to national parks: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire offer the chance to see the “African Big Five” (elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, and buffalo) and many other animals in the wild. Another great idea is climbing Kilimanjaro, if the Caucasus mountains are already conquered. The country also has beaches, pristine white and fabulous, like something out of an advertisement. You just need to find convenient flights Moscow – Zanzibar.

Kenya

Africa will gradually start trending, slightly displacing Asian resorts. Both destinations require connecting flights, so why not visit a new place if Thailand, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka no longer surprise you? Kenya, however, certainly can. Here, as in Tanzania, the first thing you should do is go on a safari. This is the most interesting part of the trip, as zebras, antelopes, and gazelles roam in their natural habitat. It's definitely worth visiting Lake Nakuru to see the pink flamingos (“child of the sunset”), coffee plantations, and local cuisine restaurants. Kenya is also suitable for those who prefer a lazy beach holiday, as it has Mombasa – a resort on the Indian Ocean coast. Moreover, you can get there with just one (!) layover in Dubai.

Cape Verde

Since 2020, Russian citizens do not need a visa to visit the Cape Verde islands. So if you want to surprise yourself and your friends with photos from a truly unusual location, Cape Verde is an interesting choice. This archipelago, located in the Atlantic Ocean, offers a unique blend of African, Portuguese, and Brazilian cultures, as well as diverse landscapes including sand dunes, volcanic mountains, and turquoise waters. Sal is for windsurfing, Boa Vista offers ideal conditions for turtle watching, and Fogo attracts with its active volcano and wine production. The best time to visit Cape Verde is from November to June, so flights Moscow – Sal will be useful for a trip, for example, for New Year.

Vietnam

A much more familiar destination compared to the previous ones. This is due to improved transport accessibility after the appearance of new flights to Nha Trang. In a couple of weeks, you can swim in the sea and fully explore the charm of this Asian country. One of Vietnam's significant advantages is the low prices for food, excursions, and clothing. So, after spending a substantial part of your vacation budget on flights Moscow – Ho Chi Minh City, you can simply enjoy cheap fruits, rent a bike, and ride from beach to beach.

Egypt

A classic that never gets old. Egypt remains a popular destination for tourists from Russia, and this trend will continue next year. The secret is simple and known to everyone who has visited this country at least once: comfortable conditions. This applies to everything – weather, hotels, excursions, and entry rules. The “all-inclusive” system is especially suitable for tourists with children, as you don't have to worry about where, how, and what to feed the child throughout the day. Therefore, when Europe became difficult to access and Asia was too far to fly, families go to Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh.

Sochi

The most popular city among domestic resorts will, of course, retain this status. And that's because Sochi is attractive to a wide variety of travelers. In winter, skiers go to Krasnaya Polyana; in summer, families with children come to the sea. Here you can visit the arboretum and water parks, go to the mountains, or spend the whole day on the beach, occasionally getting up from your sun lounger for a swim. The city's development has long progressed, restaurants have matched the quality of metropolitan ones, so Sochi’s popularity as a destination is unlikely to decrease.

Altai

The popularity of Altai as a tourist destination is rapidly growing, and there are several reasons for this. Firstly, the region amazes with its diversity of natural zones: here you'll find snow-capped mountain peaks, endless steppes, dense forests, crystal-clear lakes, and turbulent rivers. Secondly, it's a place where you can truly escape the city bustle and enjoy peace and tranquility. Thirdly, Altai offers a wide range of activities, including mountain hikes, rafting, yoga tours, and horseback riding.

Kislovodsk

Not by the sea alone, mountains are also trending. Especially mountains with mineral waters. Kislovodsk is known for its unique Narzan springs, which possess healing properties and are used to treat various ailments, primarily those of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. And sanatorium-resort holidays are now a positive vibe, if you didn't know. Because it's calm, chill, and eco-friendly. Good for nature and your mental health. So, along with flights Moscow – Mineralnye Vody, you will get a mild climate with clean mountain air, no sharp temperature changes, and self-care.

Lake Baikal

A trip to Baikal is a kind of magnum opus for many Russians. Because the famous lake is not in the Central Federal District, with its short flights and intertwined railway network, but in Eastern Siberia. And flying to Irkutsk takes a long time. But it's definitely worth it. It is expected that by 2036, tourist flow to the lake will double, so you should go there now. The region has enormous potential, and a new ecological route through protected areas was recently opened near the lake. If you decide to go, find flights to Irkutsk on Kupi.com.

Golden Ring

Here it's not just one city, but an entire route. There are ready-made tours, and there's the option to plan your own itinerary. This area concentrates outstanding monuments of ancient Russian architecture, including white-stone churches, monasteries, kremlins, and merchant houses, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Prices for accommodation, food, and excursions in the Golden Ring are generally more affordable than in some foreign countries, which significantly impacts its popularity. So, if you've caught the wave of popularity of Nadezhda Kadysheva and the “Zolotoye Koltso” ensemble, then a trip along the eponymous route is a logical next step.