There is something to be said about the indescribable joy of traveling the world, about the spark that ignites the moment you fasten your seatbelt. That all-consuming feeling of finding your happy place—where you feel vibrant, electric and incredibly alive, regardless of the GPS coordinates. With this in mind, why not let 2026 be the year we swap chasing so-called travel trends for chasing raw emotion, authenticity and connection?
Don’t settle for pinning inspirations or sending itineraries to your favorite travel partner on Instagram. Go smell the spices. Feel the contours of ancient stones worn smooth by time. Dive headfirst into the ocean. Roll a new language off your tongue.
Whether you are drawn to the silence of Icelandic glaciers, the human warmth of Senegal, or the frenzied rhythms of Brazil… Where will you go to write your next chapter? Turn your dreams into plans with Air Transat’s array of new direct flights connecting you to the very best of every destination—on the world’s leading leisure airline, seven times counting, no less.
Make 2026 your year to travel!
Guadalajara, Mexico
Forget the usual resort clichés; Guadalajara is the real deal. It’s the beating heart of Mexican identity, a region where mariachi isn’t just a show for tourists—it’s a historical soundtrack, in the artistic explosion in the Tlaquepaque neighborhood or on the cobblestone streets of the colonial center.
The second largest city in Mexico also serves as the perfect launchpad for the Tequila Valley area, where you’ll find endless fields of blue agave in a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting the historic haciendas is a spirited immersion into history that is sure to captivate visitors—not just inebriate them.
In essence, Guadalajara balances tradition and modern cool with effortless ease, securing its spot as one of the top North America destinations of the year for visitors craving great food and genuine heritage. Plus, in 2026, catch the dazzling GDLuz light festival in February, or go in May as Canada headlines the prestigious Festival Cultural de Mayo with a spectacular showcase of art and music.
Where to travel in February 2026? Rio de Janeiro, Brazil!
The Cidade Maravilhosa takes the crown for destination of the year, and really, timing couldn’t be better: Air Transat direct flights to Rio de Janeiro from both Toronto and Montreal will begin just in time to let you vibrate to the rhythm of the legendary Carnival!
But the samba beats are just the start. This is a spectacular metropolis where the jungle crashes into the concrete, offering some of the best places to view the Atlantic Ocean. Beyond the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, stand in the Tijuca Forest area—a massive national park right in the city center—and look down at a chaotic, colorful harmony of skyscrapers and favelas. Beyond the iconic sands of Copacabana, the region hides the lush Costa Verde for marine explorers, while active visitors can tackle incredible hiking trails to breathtaking summits.
Best destination in Europe in 2026: Valencia, Spain
This coastal gem balances the relaxed sophistication of the Mediterranean with a futuristic edge, rightfully earning its spot as a top destination for 2026. As the birthplace of paella, it is a pilgrimage site for epicureans who want to taste great food in its most authentic form—ideally served with a view of the sea.
Beyond the plate, Valencia is a strategic launchpad; its location serves as the privileged gateway to the nearby mountain area, renowned wine country or Balearic Islands, letting you effortlessly combine urban exploration with a nature getaway. Visitors will find a city that honors its heritage while embracing innovation, where you can spend the afternoon exploring historic wine cellars and the evening marveling at architectural works that look like they belong in the next century.
Our favourite thing to do here? Bike the Turia Gardens! Cycle through this lush, sunken park that winds from the old town to the sea, built in a diverted riverbed, along the stunning architectural works of Calatrava.
In March, visitors won’t want to miss Las Fallas festival, the city’s largest. Especially the fireworks March 15–19!
Must-see destination for the summer 2026 solar eclipse? Iceland!
Seeing an eclipse anywhere is cool, but seeing it in Iceland? That’s on another level. On August 12, 2026, you could be standing on a jagged cliff edge in the Westfjords or chilling in a natural hot spring as the moon slides in front of the sun, bathing the neon-green moss and black volcanic rocks in a surreal, silvery twilight. For two minutes, you’d get to witness the most dramatic light show on Earth in a place that kind of looks like Mars. Simply said, it’s the best place to see the 2026 solar eclipse. Where do we sign up?
And if you can’t make it for the eclipse, well, regular Iceland isn’t exactly a disappointment either. Here, forget everything you know about “calling it a night”; summer in Iceland is a total game-changer thanks to the midnight sun. With near-constant daylight, you can explore entirely at your own pace, which comes in especially handy if it’s your first time here! Tackle the legendary Ring Road or navigate the rugged Eastfjords area without ever racing against the sunset. It’s also the peak time for wildlife—head to the coastal cliffs to spot millions of nesting puffins or jump on a boat in Húsavík for the world’s best whale watching. You can hit iconic waterfalls in the Þingvellir National Park in the late evening to beat the tour bus crowds, then cap it all off with a soak in a geothermal pool with a local beer. Not bad, eh?
Istanbul
Istanbul is a sensory whirlwind where Europe crashes into Asia, creating a city of unmatched energy. This transcontinental metropolis doesn’t just display history; it lives it, mingling Byzantine and Ottoman grandeur with a gritty, creative modern scene. Neighborhoods like Karaköy and Moda are exploding with artistic innovation, while the call to prayer echoing over the Bosphorus reminds you of the city’s ancient soul.
Oh, and did we mention the great food—think street-side baklavas, for starters.
Our favourite things to do here for a fist time visit? Firstly, cruise the Bosphorus. Hop on a public ferry for a tea and a priceless view of the skyline between two continents. Then, scrub down in a hammam, a centuries-old ritual with a traditional Turkish bath and massage. Finally, haggle in the Grand Bazaar and navigate the labyrinth of over 4,000 shops to find carpets, leather, and jewelry.
Agadir, Morocco
This modern resort city is the ultimate summer playground for 2026, combining sun, surf, and culture. It’s the perfect base camp for adrenaline junkies looking to tame world-class Atlantic waves, stroll in the lush valleys or hike the Anti-Atlas mountains. Visitors should head to the world-famous Taghazout fishing village just north of the city to catch the best waves in the region!
Agadir offers an experience different from the rest of the country, yet it remains deeply Moroccan, offering legendary hospitality and culinary traditions that taste even better after a day in the saltwater.
Medellin, Colombia
Medellin’s comeback story is legendary, and the “City of Eternal Spring” is now South America’s capital of cool. Once avoided, the second largest city in Colombia has transformed over the past decade into a hub of innovation that you have to see to believe. From the festive salsa bars to the graffiti-covered streets of Comuna 13 and the modern art museums, the atmosphere is contagiously happy, notably with locals proud to show off their city’s transformation to visitors. With a perfect climate and a cable car system that offers sweeping views of the Andes, Medellin is the place to be in 2026.
Not to miss in 2026 is the Medellín Street Art Festival, in February, and the Feria de las Flores, in August.
The centerpiece of your itinerary? The hiking trails to the Rock of Guatapé! Take a day trip to climb the 740 steps of El Peñol for one of the most stunning lake views on the planet.
Where should I travel in June 2026 for FIFA World Cup? Toronto, Canada!
In 2026, the world isn’t just watching Toronto; it’s descending upon it. As one of the proud North America host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the energy in Canada’s largest metropolis will be nothing short of electric, making it one of the go-to destinations of the year.
Mark your calendars now: the action kicks off on June 12, with subsequent group stage matches on June 17, 20, 23, and 26, followed by a massive Round of 32 showdown on July 2. Visitors and fans from every corner of the globe will flood the streets, transforming entire neighborhoods into massive watch parties.
But when the final whistle blows, Toronto transforms into the ultimate coolcationing paradise. Forget the stifling heatwaves; this is the best place to enjoy summer with a refreshing breeze. You are on the doorstep of one of the world’s great wildernesses! Head just a short drive north to the pristine waters of Ontario’s legendary cottage country—perfect area for casting a line for trophy bass in deep, diving head-first into clear lakes, kayaking through silent morning mists, or venturing onto the rugged hiking trails of the Canadian Shield.
Senegal
Still overlooked by many visitors from North America, Senegal is a destination that immensely rewards discovery. Anchored by teranga—a local spirit of hospitality so warm it feels like family—this country offers a travel connection that hits deep. From the chaotic, colorful energy of Dakar’s markets to the silent beauty of the mangroves, it’s a land of dazzling contrasts. Whether you’re surfing Atlantic swells or exploring lush southern trails, Senegal delivers an adventure that feels raw, real, and totally unscripted.
Take a poignant ferry ride to car-free, UNESCO site Gorée Island to honor the history of the House of Slaves. Go on a safari in Bandia Reserve area to spot giraffes, rhinos, and antelopes roaming freely just a short drive from the capital. Or dive in Lake Retba, aptly-dubbed the “Pink Lake”, to see its surreal strawberry-milk waters and float effortlessly due to the high salt content.
