While there are dozens of countries around the world that are great for visits, these are countries that have a special reason or urgency to visit this year. They may be countries with new visa regulations, places that are predicted to be overcrowed soon but are still all hidden gems for now, or must-visits for some other reason!

1. Kyrgyzstan, 2. Kazakhstan

Photo by Kaj Robers

Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan are two beautiful and rugged countries in Central Asia that are on the rise. I’ve grouped them together because they are next to each other and coming from the west, you often need to stopover in Kazakhstan to get to Kyrgyzstan.

The adventurous travelers have already begun to discover the multi-day horse treks through the breathtaking mountains, the friendly people, and the blend of cultures from Russian and Asian influence. Not to mention, it is extremely cheap (like $9 for a hostel cheap).

Both countries are still a bit underdeveloped and not everywhere will be prepared for tourists, but there are enough people charting the territory that you’re likely to find guides and advice for wherever you want to go. I suggest visiting this year before there are too many of those territory charters though.

The Balkans

The next four destinations are all in the Balkans, which is a conglomerate of southeastern European countries that emerged from the former Yugoslavia. I did an entire summer tour around them, and it was my favorite backpacking trip of all. I obviously recommend visiting (almost) all of them, but below are a few that would be at the top of my list because of their superior beauty and to see before they get too popular.

Most countries in the Balkans are cheap, beautiful, and underexplored, but some of them have already been eaten up by the tourist crowds. Croatia is a prime example which has a stunning coastline but is now so popular that hostels are 70+ euros a night! So, if you’re going to the Balkans, start with these countries! (ordered from North to South)

3. Slovenia

Lake Bled

Slovenia’s biggest attraction is the unbelievably blue Lake Bled. Still Slovenia features several other nature sites including Triglav National Park, Savica Waterfall, and Lake Bohinj. It is one of the few countries whose capital city (Ljubljana) I am in love with.

The food is great, too. In fact, I have been searching for years for a dessert I had there, and I have not been able to find it anywhere. Can any Eastern Europeans help me out? I think it is called Štruklji, which is served in many different variations. If anyone can confirm this or knows a bakery even remotely near the Netherlands where I can find these, please contact me! Anyhow, I digress on the desserts.

Slovenia is moderately popular already, but its growth seems steady instead of enduring a sudden spike, so this is the perfect place to start. It’s like dipping your toe in the Balkans. Plus, it’s easiest to get to by train from northern and western Europe, so it’s the best place to start. 

4. Montenegro

Tara River Canyon, next to Europe’s 2nd longest zipline

Montenegro has a special place in my heart and in one of the most overlooked countries. It is known for Kotor, a cruise port abundant with cats, bars, and olds ruins.

However, Montenegro also has a lesser-known mountain side, where I went on some of the prettiest bus rides of my life. It also houses the second longest zipline in Europe. The best part, you can still get to these mountains without a car (use traveling.com, formerly GetByBus).

This was behind the gas station during a pee break on a bus journey through Montenegro. You stumble along this kind of beauty by accident everywhere in this country

My only recommendation – stay away from the capital, Podgorica. It was voted the most boring city in Europe and I can attest that it lives up to it’s title…

5. Northern Albania

Valbona, Albania

Albania is the country with the biggest viral moment in the past few years. You might know it from the social media photos and videos of its clear blue waters along the southern coast. When I went in 2023, it was just starting to be recognized. I heard from other travelers that the southern towns weren’t prepared for this new fame, and as a result the streets were loaded with trash and remnants of too many visitors. I imagine they have better control of it now, but it is definitely no longer “untouched” and cheap like the TikToks make it out.

Hiking the Valbona Pass

The north of the country, the mountain-side, is where I recommend. The Valbona-Theth hike was so surreal that it sent me into my hiker era. It can be done by beginners with little to no equipment. The north also holds one of my all-time favorite budget restaurants AND all-time favorite ferry ride.

Ferry from Shkoder to Valbona

You can find that dazzling turquoise colored water in the North too, so you aren’t missing out by skipping the south.

Most flights to the country are to the capital, Tirana, which again is not that exciting of a city. It’s centrally located and takes only a few hours to get to the north from here. However, if you visited Montenegro, the north of Albania is an easy bus ride away and the ideal next stop on your Balkan tour! 

6.  Bulgaria

Seven Rila Lakes Hike

From Albania, you can skip through North Macedonia and enter into Bulgaria. This country is another that’s growing in popularity, with cheap flights to the capital, Sofia, popping up all the time. Sofia is a cool city with unique architecture, and a wide range of cuisine.

My absolute favorite part is the Seven Rila Lakes hike though. It is a trail located a few hours from Sofia which takes you around 7 dark and majestic alpine lakes and by the Rila Monastery. Completely accessible for beginners with some tennis shoes.

Ski lift to start the Seven Rila Lakes Hike

Bulgaria also has a lot of cool small towns to check out, the type where cash is king and English is unlikely to be found. Bulgaria is also a great lead up to a trip to turkey, as Sofia is just an overnight bus or train ride away from Istanbul!

7.  Norway, 8. Finland, 9. Sweden

These Scandinavian countries are top of the list for more than just their fairytale landscapes and winter wonderlands. These northern countries are in the spotlight because 2026 is the best time to see the northern lights for the next 10 years. This year, the aurora borealis will be at it’s peak due to the sun’s 11 year cycle, and won’t be this strong again until 2037.

Each country boasts unique attributes, but if it’s the northern lights you’re after then there are so many suitable towns within them that I’ve them grouped together. So, if the northern lights are high on your bucket list like they are mine, 2026 is the year to go!

10.  China

China has always had a steady stream of tourism, so this is not a unique destination. However, it earns a spot on the 2026 list because relaxed regulations are allowing people from many countries to travel here Visa-free and saving them hundreds.

Unfortunately, the U.S. is not one of those countries, but most EU countries are. A few South American countries have recently been added, as well as Australia, New Zealand, and some middle eastern nations. As of now, this policy is only valid until the end of 2026!

China’s attractions range from progressive cities to natural wonders to delicious cuisine. Not to mention that once you’re in the country, it’s cheaper than most of its East Asia neighbors like Japan and Hong Kong  

11.  Faroe islands

The Faroe Islands have been on my bucket list for years, and I am DYING to go. They are the epitome of magical, mystical landscapes. They are islands owned by Denmark but lie close to Iceland. In fact, they are often described as an even more majestic Iceland combined with Ireland. They have ginormous seaside cliffs with rolling green hills atop them, small fishing villages, puffins, and a lot of whale activity.

The islands have remained quite difficult to access, until recently when flights from a number of UK airports have increased. I expect this will bring in a lot more tourism, which is why you should go there sooner rather than later. The more sustainable option, however, is to take the ferry from Hirtshals in Denmark or Seyðisfjörður in Iceland.

In the name of eco-conscious tourism, I should note that some controversial whaling practices occur here. While killing whales is deeply engrained in the Faroe culture and used to be necessary for survival, there are debates that the practice may be continued today mostly for the sake of tradition. I first learned of this in the Netflix documentary Seaspiricy, and it’s hard to forget about. This is something to be conscious of when deciding whether to visit.

12. Oman

I have yet to go to Oman, but it comes highly recommended. While the Middle East can bring some safety concerns, Oman is regarded as the safest, especially for women. It could be a great starter country to begin your adventures in the Middle East!

Oman actually didn’t have any hotels until 1970, which is part of the reason it remains underexplored. Oman boasts a large variety of landscapes from turquoise water to dessert dunes. The people are known to be quite hospitable, and the food to be good too! The landscapes and architecture I saw just while researching Oman were enough to make me look at tickets…

Update: Since writing this post, conflict has arised in the middle east. Currently, as of April 2026, there are travel restrictions and safety concerns for visiting Oman. Definitely keep it on your list, but 2026 might not be the year to go anymore. We will have to see how things develop.

Final thoughts

Many places on my bucket list, especially countries in South America and South East Asia are left off and that’s not to say they aren’t amazing. It’s just that 2026 provides no uniqueness to them!

Some countries are also so much of a hidden gem, that it they require an experienced and patient traveler. Again, that is not to say they aren’t great, but they aren’t making this particular list.

Still, this list contains some of my favorite countries I have ever visited and some of the ones I can’t wait to see. All in all, I just hope these 12 countries give you some ideas for your 2026 travel list!