Why These Destinations Made Our 2026 Travel List
The new year is almost here, and with it comes with awe-inspiring travel inspiration buzzing through our team’s Slack. From volcanic landscapes outside Reykjavik to temple-filled streets in Tokyo, our team is already planning their 2026 bucket list adventures. These aren’t just beautiful destinations – they’re the places where we reconnect with old friends over dinner, create slow moments with family, and remind ourselves why we travel in the first place. Whether you’re dreaming of multi-generational trips, solo adventures, or romantic escapes, here are the destinations that the Flytographer team is dreaming of for 2026 (and why these are the best places to travel this coming year). ✈️
Flytographer easily connects people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and has captured over four million memories worldwide. The magic of Flytographer is both the experience and the photos. Explore your dream destination with a fun, talented photographer and get wall-worthy photos to relive your trip, forever. Today, we asked our team what their top destination is for 2026, and it’s no surprise that the list spans all corners of the globe! 🌍
TLDR
1. Iceland
“Iceland has topped my bucket list for years, and 2026 is finally the year it happens. I’m planning to take my two adult sons to Reykjavik for an adventure across some of the country’s most iconic landscapes: the Golden Circle, otherworldly glaciers, thundering waterfalls, and hidden ice caves. ❄️ We’ll drive the Ring Road at a leisurely pace, soak in steaming geothermal pools, and immerse ourselves in Icelandic culture through local cuisine. But what I’m most excited about is reconnecting with my Icelandic friends who used to live in Canada. For me, travel is really about those dinners with locals and the genuine connections you make along the way.” – Nicole, Founder + CEO
Why is Iceland popular in 2026?
Iceland continues to captivate travellers with its otherworldly landscapes and the mesmerizing Northern Lights, which are best viewed during the winter months. Beyond the celestial light show, Iceland offers year-round adventures through its dramatic national parks, endless hiking trails, and natural hot springs that provide the perfect respite after a day of exploration.
Photo: Luis in Reykjavik for Flytographer. Photos of the scenery at Skógafoss and Hestavaðsfoss outside Reykjavik.
2. Italy
“I would love to cycle around Lake Garda and do a bikepacking trip with my partner. We love outdoor adventures and exploring the world this way – it was definitely a lot easier before kids, though! 😅 Lake Garda sounds like a dream because it combines beautiful scenery, but also delicious food along the way! Next year, we’d like to slow down and simply enjoy moments of doing nothing at all! Those are the memories that I want to create and capture. We always feel like we are running a marathon, and we want more “pause” moments this year!” – Melodie, Head of Experience Operations
Why is Italy popular in 2026?
Northern Italy is having a major moment in 2026, thanks to the Winter Olympics being held in Milan and the Dolomites this February. The region has also seen a surge in world-class wellness retreats in recent years, drawing visitors to its stunning mountain landscapes and hiking trails. Meanwhile, Venice is capturing hearts all over again as Season 5 of Emily in Paris was partially filmed in the city’s romantic canals and hidden gems. Emily is living her best Italian life, and honestly, we’re here for it!
Photo: Sergiy in Lake Garda for Flytographer. Scenic shot of Peschiera marina.
3. Colombia
“If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would travel to Cartagena, Colombia! As an avid coffee drinker but amateur connoisseur, I would love to take a coffee-focused trip with tastings, tours and of course, coffee bean shopping! ☕ I also haven’t been to South America yet, so it would be my last continent to touch other than Antarctica!” – Natalie, Social Media Manager
Why is Colombia popular in 2026?
Colombian ecotourism is on the rise, with a strong focus on sustainability in both the agricultural and tourism industries. The country truly shines from coffee plantations in the mountains to vibrant street murals in cities like Cartagena and Bogotá. Their commitment to preserving its natural beauty while welcoming visitors makes it an ideal destination for conscious travellers looking for authentic cultural experiences and hidden gems off the beaten path.
Photo: Juan A. in Cartagena for Flytographer. A couple walking in front of a yellow building in Cartagena.
4. Spain
“We’re heading to the Costa del Sol for a family wedding this summer, with plans to hop over to Palma de Mallorca afterward. ☀️I’ve always planned my travels around exceptional hotels, and La Residencia, a Belmond Hotel, has been on my list for years – the perfect blend of elegance, natural beauty, and family-friendly calm for travelling with a toddler. For 2026, I’m craving a balance of adventure and slow, grounding moments with my family: sunshine, good food, and memories made together in new places.” – Terrene, Marketing & Partnerships
Why is Spain popular in 2026?
Spain has always been a travel favourite, but 2026 brings fresh energy to this sun-soaked destination. From the old town streets of Barcelona to the art galleries of Madrid, Spain delivers culture, cuisine, and unforgettable getaways all year round. Plus, with its family-friendly resorts and romantic hideaways, there’s truly something for every type of traveller.
Photo: Myriam in Palma de Mallorca for Flytographer. A photo of a couple admiring the view in Palma de Mallorca.
5. Japan
“Japan! 🇯🇵 It’s always been on my wishlist for the sights, the culture, the food and the shopping! I also have a friend from high school who lives there who I would love to reconnect with. Second-hand designer handbags, sushi, shrines and takoyaki here I come! In a world where it’s easy to feel chronically online and spend evenings scrolling, I want to create more memories of being in the moment with people I love, experiencing life unplugged – whether that’s through a game night at home in front of the fireplace, or walking through the city streets of Tokyo. I also love having these memories captured in photographs. Whether I’m on a solo adventure or with a loved one, I always get so much joy from looking back on photos of happy moments away. Framing them around the house is a great mood booster too!” – Caitlin, Head of Product
“If I could go anywhere in the world this year, it would be Japan. It has been on my travel list for years, and ideally, my vacation would be filled with lots of nature and delicious food. A perfect travel day for me is spending time in nature or walking around exploring city streets in Tokyo, and then finishing the day with a delicious meal. 🍣 Japan would be the perfect blend of nature and city life, and Japanese food is one of my favourite kinds of cuisine.” – Emma, Photographer Success Manager
Why is Japan popular in 2026?
It’s not even a close competition—Japan has the most Michelin-starred restaurants out of all the countries on this list, with Tokyo alone claiming the top spot globally. You don’t even have to participate in fine dining either to experience the bredth of the food scene in Japan. And food is just the beginning. Japan seamlessly blends ancient temples with futuristic skyscrapers, creating a vibe unlike anywhere else on earth. Whether you’re exploring hiking trails around Mount Fuji, soaking in traditional hot springs, or getting lost in the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, Japan offers a perfect mix of nature and urban adventure.
Photo: Coo & Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer. A photo at the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest outside of Kyoto.
6. Mexico
“I am excited about travelling to the heart of the Land of Sun, to Mexico City. 🇲🇽 There is something about this city that draws me in, from the vibrant cultural heritage to the authentic street food scene and the rich history of the Aztecs. Many tourists flock to the resorts on the coast, but what excites me most about this country is not the beach, but rather the opportunity to immerse myself in the local culture and catch a glimpse of the local life. Seeing the Teotihuacan pyramids is on my bucket list, and if I have time at the end, I think a stopover in Guadalajara would be super interesting as well!” – Meg, Marketing Manager
Why is Mexico popular in 2026?
Mexico is having its moment on the world stage in 2026, as the country co-hosts the FIFA World Cup alongside the USA and Canada. The capital’s world-class museums, colourful murals, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Teotihuacan make it a cultural hotspot that rivals any major European city.
Photo: Alejandra in Mexico City for Flytographer. A photo of a couple standing outside of a shop at night in Mexico City.
7. United Kingdom
“I would love to go to the UK to visit my partners and my homeland, and learn about some ancestry, and to practice with amazing dance teachers! A mix of personal ancestry, dance, and the arts. 💃 I am excited for London and Northern Scotland!” – Vanessa, Customer Experience Specialist
Why is the UK popular in 2026?
The United Kingdom offers an incredible blend of royal history, world-class art galleries, and diverse cultural experiences that span from London’s iconic skyscrapers to the rugged highlands of Northern Scotland. Whether you’re exploring the old town streets of Edinburgh, discovering hidden gems in the English countryside, or immersing yourself in London’s legendary nightlife and theatre scene, the UK delivers year-round appeal.
Photo: Jimmy in London for Flytographer. A photo of the Tower Bridge in London.
8. Australia
“I’d honestly love to travel anywhere and everywhere! I think the top of my list would be Australia – the beautiful sandy beaches, sunny weather, flat whites! I’d also love to see all of the animals! 🦘 My favourite type of travel is beach destination mixed with adventure travel – perhaps renting a van and getting the best of both worlds, exploring the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. I just want to continue creating and capturing lifelong memories with the people I love, while meeting new people along the way!” – Jaime, Customer Experience Specialist
Why is Australia popular in 2026?
Australia has always been the ultimate adventure getaway, and its appeal continues to grow with travellers seeking both relaxation and excitement. From the world-class beaches of Byron Bay to the Great Barrier Reef’s snorkeling hotspots, Australia offers year-round outdoor adventures. The country’s unique wildlife, national parks with incredible hiking trails, and that laid-back Aussie vibe make it perfect for road trip adventures and van life experiences. And not to mention the Australian coffee scene – hello flat whites! Plus, New Zealand is a short direct flight away.
Photo: Rachel in Byron Bay for Flytographer. A family walking on the beach in Byron Bay.
9. Thailand
“I’d like to take the family to Thailand 🇹🇭 because it’s both of my parents’ bucket list destination, and as a family, all of our travel has been very North America-based, so experiencing a whole different part of the world and a different culture would be a delight. I’d go to Chiang Mai for the history and Ko Samui for the beaches. I’m most excited about experiencing new places and adventures with family and getting that documented, since none of us are getting any younger, and I want to make sure the parents see everything they want to while it’s still easy for them to get up and go places. Also doing some solo travelling / doing things that are challenging and scary to prove that I can do them, like potentially working remotely from somewhere new for a couple of months.” – Courtney, Senior Software Developer
Why is Thailand popular in 2026?
From the ancient temples and art galleries of Chiang Mai to the beach paradise vibes of Ko Samui, Thailand offers something for everyone. The country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, bustling night markets, and world-class street food scene provide endless exploration opportunities, while its reputation for warm hospitality makes first-time visitors feel instantly welcome.
Photo: Terry in Chiang Mai for Flytographer. A mom and daughter walking throught the streets of Chiang Mai.
10. Indonesia
“I already have travel plans for next year, and I’m going to Bali! 🌴 I think it’s the more adventurous side of me, but I can’t wait to go to all the beautiful places they have, see the waterfalls and enjoy some chill time by the beach. I am going to be working there for a couple of weeks, and my friend and I just wanted somewhere that would be good to explore during the day, like going to the beach, taking some surfing lessons, and then also be able to visit some of their temples. But I’m excited to see the rice terraces, waterfalls (I hear they have some good hiking spots with volcanoes), and do some island hopping!” – Juliana, Data Analyst
Why is Indonesia popular in 2026?
Bali and the broader Indonesian archipelago continue to offer an unbeatable combination of stunning rice terraces, hidden waterfalls, volcanic hiking trails, and world-class surf breaks, all wrapped in a spiritual and welcoming vibe. Indonesia’s ancient temples like Borobudur, provide cultural depth beyond the beach getaway experience. With excellent snorkeling and diving, year-round tropical weather, and an emerging wellness retreat scene, Indonesia remains one of Southeast Asia’s most diverse and accessible adventure destinations.
Photo: Arief in Bali for Flytographer. A shot of the view from Batu Jaran Hill in Bali.
Capturing memories in 2026
From sipping flat whites on a pier in Sydney to exploring ancient pyramids in Mexico City, the destinations our team is dreaming about for 2026 prove that the best trips are the ones that let you slow down, be present, and create those moments of “pause” worth remembering. ❤️
Whether you’re drawn to cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, or simply reconnecting with tradition, these bucket list experiences deserve to be captured beautifully. Our local photographers around the world are ready to meet you in these dream destinations (and so many more). They’ll show you their favourite corners in their home city, help you feel comfortable in front of the camera, and make sure you come home with wall-worthy photos that bring you right back to these moments, forever. Where will 2026 take you? 🗺️
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