Every year, the hot travel trends take over my social media feeds-really letting me know where everybody else is going next. For 2026, those conversations all seem to begin and end with Japan-from bustling city streets to serene countryside escapes. I enjoy the insight into where the crowd will be, but my ambitions fall on a different cadence.

I already have one big family trip locked in for Thailand, using points and miles, but a single vacation isn't going to cut it when it comes to satiating this appetite for exploration. With an entire year ahead of me, my wish list was spanning continents, cultures, and experiences-wildlife encounters and beauty-focused city breaks, slow beach days, unforgettable meals. These are the destinations I hope to bring to life in 2026, plus smart ways to make each journey happen.

Kenya: City Life Meets Untamed Nature

Kenya has been one of my top destinations to visit for many years now, mostly because Nairobi is among a handful of cities in the world that succeed in harmoniously combining urban life with raw wilderness. How many capital cities in the world can boast possibly spotting roaming giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and lions free just minutes from downtown? The Nairobi National Park offers exactly that, creating this surreal contrast that simply feels impossible until you see it.

Aside from the park, I am also looking forward to a visit to the Giraffe Centre-a conservation-driven alternative to the ultra-luxury Giraffe Manor-offering meaningful interaction without a jaw-dropping price tag. After that is the plan to go further into the Masai Mara, where I hope to see one of nature's most dramatic spectacles: the Great Migration, with millions of wildebeest and zebras moving across the plains.

Of course, it would not be complete with some unwinding along the Indian Ocean: the white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and yoga-inspired stays promise to make for leisurely and restorative travel that shall balance out the more adventurous parts.

The United States, particularly, has surprisingly easy access to Kenya. There are nonstop flights between New York - JFK and Nairobi - NBO, and those using airline miles can find great value through SkyTeam partners or Qatar Airways connections via Doha.

Seoul: a city built for reinvention

It is not a destination, really; it is transformation. Some years ago, I came to work in the city and left with much respect for its energy, efficiency, and creativity. Today, Seoul is about self-care, skin care innovation, and aesthetic refinement; I am prepared to experience that side firsthand in this city.

Beauty culture in Korea is so much more than products alone. From facials to personalized color analyses, head spas to jjimjilbang saunas, immersive wellness experiences dot the city that feel indulgent yet surprisingly affordable. For all social media may have amplified the trend, the craftsmanship of K-beauty runs deep.

Of course, the modern edge of Seoul is tempered by its history: walking Bukchon Hanok Village, visiting ancient temples, seeing traditional architecture juxtaposed against glass skyscrapers-all add to the appeal. The stay in such an iconic hotel as The Shilla Seoul would be the perfect base; it offers luxury without sacrificing cultural connection.

With nonstop flights from more than a dozen U.S. cities, Seoul is still among the easiest places in all of Asia to reach. And for travelers using points, premium cabin redemptions on long-haul routes to the city make flying in all the more tempting.

Galicia, Spain: Food tells a story

But while Spain usually means sun-kissed south, travellers who head north are in for a real treat: rugged coastline, misty hills, and some of the country's freshest seafood on offer. Lying at the heart of the oft-overlooked Galicia region is the name known the world over: Santiago de Compostela, the final stop on the Camino de Santiago route.

The atmosphere in the city is not comparable to any other. Day after day, pilgrims that may have walked for weeks or months to get here celebrate the end of their journeys. The experience is anchored by the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, overlooking Obradoiro Square-a deeply emotional place where stories are told.

But what really draws me to the region is the food. Galicia's seafood culture is both extraordinary and down-to-earth all at once. At the Mercado de Abastos, for instance, the visitor can have an authentically local experience: buying fresh fish and shellfish and having it cooked for them on the spot at eateries nearby. Paired with crisp albariño wine, meals here feel honest and relaxed, deeply satisfying.

With new non-stop trans-Atlantic routes launching in 2026, Santiago has never been easier to reach. That finally means no more complicated connections, which makes Galicia one of the up-and-coming destinations in Europe.

Mazatlán: Coastal comeback in Mexico

Of course, Mexico remains one of my personal favorite countries to visit for cultural travel, but a number of these places are really feeling the pressure of overtourism. While Cancun and Cabo remain magnets for huge crowds, Mazatlán is still a refreshing option that feels relatively authentic.

On the Pacific coast, Mazatlán combines golden beaches with a vibrant historic center full of art galleries, colorful architecture, and local restaurants. The Malecón, one of the longest seaside promenades in the world, invites long walks, sunset views, and impromptu street performances.

But what really makes Mazatlán attractive is how increasingly accessible it is. New direct flights from major U.S. cities make the destination more accessible than it has ever been. To families, all-inclusive resorts like the Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán are a great value, packaging ocean-view rooms with kid-friendly amenities and spacious pools.

Making 2026 Travel Happen With Points and Miles

Dream vacations do not have to remain dreams. Strategic use of airline miles and credit card rewards greatly reduces travel costs, mainly for intercontinental flying. Flexible point programs offer the ability for travelers to transfer rewards into airline partners, unlock business-class seats and capitalize on transfer bonuses throughout the year.

For travelers who have ambitious itineraries planned, knowing about new routes, seasonal schedules and redemption sweet spots can make a big difference. With careful planning, even the most far-flung destinations can be possible.

Final Thoughts

My 2026 travel wish list is somewhat eclectic: things to offer excitement and rest with cultural depth, along with indulgence, from watching wildlife roam within range of the bright lights of a major city to investing in personal wellness abroad-from meals one would never forget to relaxation time on more obscure beaches. And of course, each of these offers something different. I won't check all of these off my list, but that is part of the adventure.

And with some good planning and intelligent use of points and miles, at least I hope to make some of those aspirations a reality. Whether you're looking for inspiration for travel beyond the hotspots, put one of these destinations in your own travel plans in 2026.