Planning travel for 2026? Don’t miss these events and destinations worth adding to your itinerary.
© Courtesy of Almanac Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain
On June 10, 2026, Barcelona’s Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família will be crowned the world’s tallest church when the Tower of Jesus Christ is completed. This moment coincides with the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s death and kicks off a year of celebrations across the city, including concerts, exhibitions and special guided tours. Visitors can join exclusive experiences such as The Private Invitation to Catalan Modernism offered by Almanac Barcelona, which features guided access to Gaudí’s Secret Park at Colònia Güell. Improved access via new non-stop routes to Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport makes the city easier to reach in 2026.
© Courtesy of White Elephant Resorts
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket offers rich literary and maritime history. Stay in the historic Jared Coffin House, once a captain’s mansion where Herman Melville stayed during his first visit to the island. In 2026, commemorations for the 175th anniversary of Moby-Dick will include special programming and exhibits at the Nantucket Whaling Museum, where more than 30,000 artifacts document the island’s whaling heritage. Highlights include a 46-foot sperm whale skeleton and immersive displays that bring the era and its seafaring stories to life.
© Courtesy of The Doyle Collection
Cork, Ireland
Cork is evolving with refreshed cultural offerings and hotel upgrades. The River Lee Hotel, part of The Doyle Collection, is completing a redesign that expands its suite offerings and modernizes guest accommodations while keeping a prime riverside location within walking distance of the city center. Cork’s cultural scene is also growing: a new multisensory gallery at the Cork Public Museum and a thriving independent restaurant scene with dozens of locally owned dining venues make the city a rewarding food-and-culture destination.
© Courtesy of Visit Napa Valley
Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley marks the 50th anniversary of the Judgement of Paris in 2026, the landmark blind tasting that elevated American wines on the global stage. Chateau Montelena—whose 1973 Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon were standout winners—remains a pilgrimage site for wine enthusiasts. For a classic valley experience, board the Napa Valley Wine Train’s Legacy Experience to combine scenic vineyard views with tastings and historical context. In the fall, a new culinary festival, The Napa Valley Standard, will spotlight the chefs, vintners and producers who define the region’s food and wine culture.
© Courtesy of Aqua Expeditions
Seychelles
The Seychelles will host the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in May 2026, adding sport and celebration to its famed beaches. New local initiatives, such as authentication under the Seychelles Made Act, make it easier to shop for genuine locally produced crafts and goods. Early in the year, Aqua Expeditions will introduce Aqua Lares, a luxury 15-suite expedition yacht offering five- to 14-night itineraries through the Inner Islands, the remote Outer Islands and Aldabra Atoll, with extended routes to Zanzibar and Tanzania—an elegant way to explore the region’s marine and island landscapes.