From a desert metropolis loved by families, to a European favourite dubbed the ‘Island of Eternal Spring’, these are TripAdvisor’s trending destinations for 2026.
The review website has announced the winners of its annual Travellers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Destinations.
The awards span seven categories, from foodie to honeymoon hotspots, but it’s the ‘trending destinations’ shortlist that gives us a glimpse into the underrated gems surging in popularity.
There’s America’s ‘second-city’, often overlooked in favour of New York or LA, and a vibrant Mexican port town which holidaymakers are calling the ‘next Tulum’.
So if you’re looking for inspiration for your 2026 getaway, look no further.
Travel beyond the headlines
Hi! I’m Kristina Beanland, Metro’s lifestyle editor.
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1. Madeira, Portugal
Adrift in the Atlantic, Madeira, a Portuguese archipelago north of the Canaries, is rightfully nicknamed the ‘Hawaii of Europe’.
Fanal Forest is just one of its many beauty spots, a misty laurel woodland that looks straight out of a fairytale. There’s also Seixal beach – a stretch of black sand hugged by vibrant, jungle-like cliffs.
The capital Funchal is replete with traditional mercearias, old grocery stores that once served as places to shop and socialise. They still sell everything from local beer and wine to baby powder, sweeping brushes and chewing gum.
Madeira is also known for its world-class seafood. You’ll find mouthwatering prawn dishes, octopus and limpets, usually served with garlic and butter. And don’t leave without trying a banana passion fruit, a local favourite unlike anything you’ll find in the UK.
Read our expert guide to Madeira here.
2. Tbilisi, Georgia
Metro’s Travel Editor, Alice Murphy, recently went to Tbilisi and described it as ‘Europe’s last hidden gem’. Here’s what she had to say about her trip:
‘Founded over 1,500 years ago, Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, is the perfect antidote to Europe’s crowded cities, with world-leading wine, a spunky underground scene and a dark but fascinating history.
‘It is many things at once. Inside derelict warehouses with crumbling balconies are trendy restaurants and hipster wine bars. Under wide tiled domes are historic (and reputedly healing) sulfur baths.
‘In the Old Town, visit the leaning clock tower and tiny puppet theatre, and rummage through antiques at the Drybridge market. I marvelled at the Holy Trinity Church that towers over the city, and scrubbed my skin soft at the mosque-like Orbeliani Baths.
‘If you’re looking for a locals’ only haunt, head to Abastumani Street for the Dezerter Bazaar. The market, named after the Czar’s military deserters who sold their belongings there, is a time-warp to years gone by. Raw and teeming with life.’
Read Alice’s full travel guide to Georgia’s capital here.
3. Chicago, US
The Midwest’s largest city is so much more than deep-dish pizza, and it’s ‘windy’ nickname (nothing to do with the weather, FYI).
While you can while away an afternoon shopping among the skyscrapers of Michigan Avenue, or visiting The Bean in Millennium Park, the city is made up of diverse neighbourhoods.
There’s the leafy Gold Coast where you can see the original Playboy Mansion, or head to Wrigleyville – home of the Chicago Cubs and the USA’s second oldest baseball stadium.
Wicker Park is an effortlessly cool neighbourhood full of record stores and vintage shops – and it’s where visitors will find a mural paying homage to Chicago native, Robin Williams.
There’s lakeside views to be had along the beautiful 321 mile Lakefront Trail on the shores of Lake Michigan, and plenty of museums too. The Art Institute of Chicago is home to an impressive collection of famous artworks, from Van Gough’s Bedroom in Arles, to Hopper’s Nighthawks.
And finally, no visit to the city is complete without sampling its four main food groups – pizza, dogs, beer and brownies (the sweet treat was invented in Chicago),
Check out my review of my 2023 trip to Chicago, and how I became obsessed with a humble hot dog.
4. Quy Nhon, Vietnam
If you want to escape the wonderful chaos of Vietnam’s more popular cities, head to Quy Nhon. Just last year, Lonely Planet called it ‘refreshingly authentic’, offering ‘the comforts of a modern city without the crowds.’
Located in south central Vietnam, it’s a good spot for those travelling along the country’s coastline. Perhaps the most popular beach is Ky Co – not exactly a hidden gem, it’s popular for good reason, thanks to it’s dramatic cliffs and cove.
Quy Nhon’s promenade is the hub of the city, a hive of activity where locals gather for evening walks and food stalls sell street food and local delicacies.
Be sure also to check out the Cham Towers on the outskirts of the city, ancient Hindu temple structures which date back to the 12th century, and are some of the best preserved in the country.
Want more Vietnam inspiration? Check out our latest review here.
5. Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Visitors to Mexico are spoilt for choice. There’s party-capital Cancun, the white-sand beaches of the impossibly beautiful Riviera Maya, and hippie paradise, Tulum.
And now, according to TripAdvisor, there’s a new destination getting some love: Puerto Escondido.
Located on Mexico’s Oaxaca coast, the spot has long been loved by the surfing community. Zicatela Beach is where seasoned surfers catch their waves – and it’s also the hub of the town, where you’ll find bars and restaurants, full of bikini glad beach-goers.
There’s once-in-a-lifetime experiences to be had at other beaches too. Head to Bacocho Beach from October to April, and take part in a baby sea turtle release.
Often compared to Tulum, there’s an arty, boho vibe at Puerto Escondido. You’ll find yoga retreats, boutiques selling work from local artists and a thriving cafe culture.
6. Milan, Italy
Home to Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Super, and the Duomo, perhaps one of Italy’s most iconic cathedrals (and let’s face it, there are plenty), Milan is in the spotlight thanks to it co-hosting the Winter Olympic Games.
The northern city is considered one of the world’s fashion and design capitals, and any self-respecting fashionista should visit the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, arguably the world’s most beautiful shopping centre, a four-storey arcade built in 1865.
Kate McCulley, better known by her ‘gram handle @AdventurousKate, has visited 96 countries, from Antarctica to Australia, Croatia to the Caribbean. Speaking recently to Metro, one of her top recommendations for 2026 was a trip to Italy, and specifically, Milan.
While the Games (which take place throughout February) will dominate, she expects things to calm down after the event.
Read more of Kate’s tips here.
7. Glasgow, UK
Metro’s Acting Opinion Editor, Ross McCafferty shares why he’s not surprised that largest city in his native Scotland is finally getting some love. Take it away, Ross.
‘The late, great chef Anthony Bourdain called Glasgow ‘the antidote to the rest of the world’ and praised Glaswegians’ merciless sense of humour.
‘You can see that on display nightly at the Stand comedy club, where big names test out new material in front of unforgiving crowds that are often funnier than the acts themselves.
The UK’s third-largest city, home to just over 600,000 people, might seem outwardly hard and bleak, but the people are as friendly as anywhere, and it has an unrivalled pub culture where boozers swing upon their welcoming doors to tourists and offer tasting notes on whisky and even tips on where to eat.
‘There is a long-standing cultural scene, with the highbrow displays of the Gallery of Modern Art matched only by the charm of the statue outside with a traffic cone on his head, a famous inside joke in the city.
‘For those aiming for a more raucous time, try the ‘Sub Crawl’, an infamous pub crawl involving a pint at each of the Glasgow Subway’s 15 stops. Like the city itself, it is a great time but not for the faint-hearted.’
Read our expert guide to Glasgow here.
8. Abu Dhabi, UAE
With its skyline of towers, theme parks and shopping districts, Abu Dhabi is rapidly rivalling Dubai as the UAE destination of choice for British tourists.
Dubbed by some as the ‘Orlando of the Middle East’, families have been flocking to Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World and Abu Dhabi’s answer to the Louvre, with Disney set to launch a brand new resort.
But it’s more than just a family favourite. It’s home to the Louvre, an art-museum with links to the Paris OG – the French version loans the UAE some of its artworks. And, Abu Dhabi is a good spot for nature lovers too, with mangrove tours a tourist favourite.
This emirate is also where you’ll find the largest — and arguably most beautiful — mosque in the UAE. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, built between 1994 and 2007, is big enough to accommodate over 40,100 worshippers and is one of the few open to non-Muslim visitors.
The pristine white marble walls (it was made using 90,000 tonnes of the stuff) are decorated with floral designs, inlaid with semi-precious stones. Inside, you won’t miss the chandeliers, the largest of which weighs around 11 tonnes and is made with Swarovski crystals and 40kg of 24-karat gold.
9. Recife, Brazil
TripAdvisor describes Recife, in northern Brazil, as a ‘free spirit’, a blend of old and new, with brightly painted colonial houses, and skyscraper lined beaches.
Perhaps it’s most famous for having some of the largest carnival celebrations in Brazil, outside of Rio, with over 1.5 million revellers joining the six day party every year.
But away from carnival season, Old Recife (or Recife Antigo) is also a favourite among visitors, with it’s colourful streets and vibrant night-life.
And while the city has many beautiful beaches, Porto de Galinhas is a top pick, loved for its turquoise natural pools, perfect for snorkelling. A buggy ride along the coast here is considered a ‘must-do’ — and a great photo opportunity.
And, no visit to Recife is complete without a day trip to Olinda, a charming village where Brazil’s artists and creatives like to hang out. Think cafes in flower-filled courtyards and dinners on the terrace.
10. San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
When you think of Argentina, you no doubt imagine sun-soaked squares, flamenco dancers and delicious steak.
But San Carlos de Bariloche is in Patagonia, a popular region firmly placed on any intrepid travellers bucket list.
San Carlos de Bariloche itself is an Alpine city surrounded by thousand-year-old forests, snow-capped mountains and glass-like lakes. There’s even Swiss-style chocolate shops.
Located within the Nahuel Huapi National Park, next to the Andes, it’s dubbed ‘the adventure capital’ of Argentina, perfect for skiing, hiking, mountain biking and rafting.
7 intriguing places to visit in 2026, from Metro editors
It’s the perfect time to plot out your travel plans, and this year, Metro’s experts have compiled their list of fascinating destinations to visit — that you’ve probably never heard of.
We’re shining a spotlight on unusual destinations that offer incredible experiences and are enthusiastically welcoming visitors, while others are pushing back.
From Australia’s lesser-known reef, to a scenic region in the heart of Ireland’s ancient east, We hope it will be a handy guide for choosing where you travel over the next 12 months.
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