Asia, Latin America and Italy: three ideal destinations for 2026

2026 has just begun, and while many people are starting new diets, budgeting plans and workout routines, others, myself included, are already thinking about which cultures, countries and cuisines to explore and enjoy this year.
If you are also feeling the urge to throw a couple of outfits into a backpack and leave as soon as possible, stay with me. This is the guide you did not know you wanted to read.

Torn between the vibrant energy of Santiago, a seaside yoga retreat and a street food tour through the narrow streets of a traditional Japanese town, I explored several travel guides to uncover the three best destinations that journalists, food lovers and art experts are recommending for 2026. Shall we begin?

 
1. Cebu, Philippines

As some of you may have noticed, I truly love good food. That is why my articles are never complete without suggestions on where and how to eat well while travelling. For this reason, I turned to the Michelin Guide in search of a destination that could surprise our taste buds and enrich the overall culinary experience.

Amid the aromas of bay leaves and coriander, and the sound of countless kawali sizzling over open flames, the Philippines rank ninth in the guide, with a special focus on Cebu and Manila. In October 2025, Michelin officially debuted in the country, awarding eight restaurants with stars, including one multi-starred venue.

That said, there is no need to worry about your budget. Beyond fine dining, Cebu is also famous for its lively street food scene, offering everything from traditional Filipino dishes to more broadly Asian flavours. Between swims in the crystal clear waters surrounding the island, visits to the Taoist Temple and hikes through the southern mountains, you can explore night markets that stay open late or join food crawls across the island.

Cebu is the perfect destination for food lovers in search of new flavours, best enjoyed on postcard-worthy beaches or in the illuminated streets of evening markets like Sugbo Market.

 
2. La Fortuna, Costa Rica

After all that eating, it feels right to slow down, sit back and perhaps even meditate a little. Surrounded by some of the greenest landscapes imaginable, our next destination is often mentioned in holistic travel guides as the ideal place for a yoga retreat immersed in nature.

La Fortuna’s true highlight is the Arenal Volcano. Its striking mountainous landscape dominates the area, visible from almost every viewpoint and crossed by numerous trails, giving the surroundings an almost jungle-like feel. Hot springs, waterfalls and intensely blue rivers can be found everywhere.

La Fortuna truly seems like the perfect setting for that much-needed social detox, far from responsibilities, Instagram notifications and work emails. This does not mean there is no fun to be had. On the contrary, after days spent exploring natural wonders, whether you are in the mood for adrenaline-filled experiences like bungee jumping and zip lining, dancing all night long or simply enjoying a drink in good company, La Fortuna will not disappoint.

It is the most recommended destination for those who want to unplug without completely disconnecting, striking a perfect balance between mountain walks, meditation, pub crawls and social hostels.

 
3. Florence, Italy

Last, but certainly not least, Florence. Ranked second by Forbes among the Best European Destinations for culture in 2026, Florence needs little introduction.
Its historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982, is one of the most beautiful in the world and a dream destination for art lovers. From Brunelleschi’s Dome to the Uffizi Gallery and Michelangelo’s David, the city is infused with a timeless charm that transports visitors to another era.

Once you have chosen the perfect schiacciata to take away and reached the Ponte Vecchio, you can sit down and admire the Arno as the sunset slowly fades. Moving from one square to the next, it is easy to end up sharing a table with students, artists or travellers passing through. Florence is a human-scale city that, despite its centuries of history, continues to reinvent itself every single evening.

My advice here is simple: put your phone away. Get lost in the historic alleys, let yourself be drawn in by a jazz concert or be tempted by the scent of a sauce that has been simmering for hours.

Florence is the perfect choice for lovers of both classical and contemporary art who are looking for a city break paired with a cuisine that needs no introduction and a social scene that feels fresh and authentic.

Final thoughts and pro tips

All things considered, these are some of the best destinations to keep an eye on in 2026. While very different from one another, they all share spaces designed for connection and shared experiences, the hostels.

If you have made it this far and decide to follow my advice by visiting one of these continents, I have a small gift for you. With the code #b3long, you will receive 20 percent off stays at all YellowSquare, Mad Monkey and Viajero hostels across Italy, Asia and Latin America. Simply enter the discount code on the hostel’s website, regardless of the city you choose, including Florence, Manila and La Fortuna.

P.S. If you need more recommendations on restaurants, experiences or must-see destinations for 2026, you will find me at the Yellow Bar.

See you soon,
Carolina