Wondering where to travel in 2026? If you’re reading this in 2024, we know it’s a little way off – but we’re already getting excited. From the FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico to the Winter Olympics in Italy, 2026 will offer many once-in-a-lifetime experiences and nothing beats the fun atmosphere of world-class events.
Why book travel now for 2026?
But… isn’t it a little early to start thinking about booking travel now? Actually, no. Demand for these destinations will likely skyrocket, driving up prices for flights and accommodation closer to the date. By planning early, you can secure the best dates, flights, locations and deals, deals, deals – and usually at lower prices.
Plus, if you’re thinking of touring with Trafalgar then you can book now with just a $200 deposit, giving you plenty of time to save, the peace of mind knowing you have a guaranteed trip, and something incredible to look forward to!
So, whether you dream of catching the final match of the World Cup, carving up the slopes of the Italian Alps, or seeing a total solar eclipse in Spain, the perfect time to start planning your 2026 adventure is now. Here’s where to go in 2026.
Where to travel in 2026: the biggest events
FIFA World Cup – United States, Canada, Mexico
It’s the first time this monumental football tournament will expand to 48 teams and will be hosted across three countries: the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The games will take place in 16 cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Vancouver, and Mexico City.
Why go: Fans from all over the world will come together for world-class football, creating an electric atmosphere beyond the stadiums. This is your chance to watch incredible football and experience various cultures, cuisines, and landscapes of North America.
Planning tips: With millions of spectators expected, flights and accommodations will sell out fast. You want to plan early to get the best deals and locations. You’ll have to decide which cities and matches you’d prefer to see ahead of time.
Winter Olympics – Milan-Cortina, Italy
The dual-host cities of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo will be buzzing with energy when the Winter Olympics arrives in February 2026, and the winter Paralympics in March 2026. Cosmopolitan Milan, Italy’s fashion and cultural hub, will host key sporting events alongside beautiful Cortina, which is a famous ski resort in the Italian Alps. Between them we’ll see figure skating, ice hockey, jump skiing, bobsleigh and more!
Why go: Combine Italian culture and cuisine with winter beauty for one magical trip.
Planning tips: While Milan is a big city, Cortina d’Ampezzo is a small ski resort with less than 6,000 residents. With such high demand, early bookings are crucial to securing prime accommodations and event tickets.
TAKE A TRIP: Northern Italy Including Cinque Terre
Eurovision Song Contest 2026
Eurovision is one of the most popular international music competitions, with countries from across Europe (and beyond) showing off their top music stars. You can always expect spectacular staging, bold and flamboyant costumes, and a unique blend of musical styles. Each May the famous Eurovision Song Contest takes place in the country that won the previous competition.
Why go: It’s a bucket list event for many spectators, and the whole city will transform into a party! Eurovision is a must-see for music and pop culture lovers.
Planning tips: We won’t know the host city until the 2025 contest announces its winner. Tickets and accommodations will sell out fast once the next host city is announced. Plan early!
Solar Eclipse – Europe, North Africa
Yes, A total solar eclipse is considered one of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena. This is a moment where the moon completely covers the sun. It’s a rare celestial event and it’s coming on August 12 in 2026! But you can’t see it everywhere – the eclipse will carve a specific path, so you’ll see it in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Portugal, and parts of North Africa.
Why go: It’s a great excuse for a vacation! Use the solar eclipse as a reason to visit Spain and Portugal, or combine it with volcanic sights in Iceland.
Planning tips: It will be easier to plan this trip as you have many destinations to choose from. The challenge will be that is peak season in Europe for summer holidays, so you’ll still want to book ahead to get the best rates. It would be a great time to lock in a tour with Trafalgar, which only takes a $200 deposit to secure your 2026 trip.
Venice Biennale 2026 – Italy
The Venice Biennale is one of the world’s most prestigious contemporary art exhibitions, and (as the name suggests) it takes place every two years. The Biennale attracts artists, curators, and art lovers from around the world and falls between April and November.
Why go: If you’re an art fan with plans to visit in Italy in 2026, you must include time in Venice!
Planning tips: The Venice Biennale is on from April until November, so there is plenty of time to see the diverse array of installations, sculptures, and multimedia works. Make sure you can secure event passes, and consider avoiding Venice’s usual summer peak season (July and August). You could put a deposit on our Great Italian Cities trip, which ends in Venice. Spend an extra few nights in the city to see the Biennale.
TAKE A TRIP: Great Italian Cities
XXIII Commonwealth Games – Scotland
The Commonwealth Games gathers more than 70 countries to compete in a series of 10 sporting events, including swimming and athletics. The games occur every four years. The next edition is in 2026 and will be hosted in Glasgow, Scotland – March 17 – 29, 2026
Why go: Use it as a chance to explore the beauty of Scotland during a quieter time of year, while also catching a world-class athletic competition when you travel for the games in 2026.
Planning tips: To save on costs, Glasgow will not build an athlete’s villages. Book accommodation early as space will be limited!
READ NEXT: Sports obsessed? Here are the best Trafalgar sports tours for you
2026 UCI Road World Championships (Cycling) – Canada
In September 2026 one of the most prestigious events in professional road cycling in land in Montreal, Canada. This event attracts top cyclists from around the globe.
Why go: If you’re a fan of cycling, go to see world-class athletes compete in a major contest in a cool international city. Beyond the racing, explore Montreal and the eastern side of Canada.
Planning tips: While not as big as the Olympics or FIFA World Cup, this race will bring an influx of people into Montreal at the end of summer. Plan ahead to secure accommodation.
Carnival – Brazil
Carnival in Brazil is a bucket-list worthy event. This vibrant festival and celebration draws millions of people Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, São Paulo and other cities in Brazil each year. The heart of the celebration is Rio’s famous Sambadrome. Here samba schools showcase elaborate floats and costumes in a dazzling competition.
Why go: For the kaleidoscope of color, music, and energy. Expect parades, samba dancing, and street parties (known as blocos) creating an electric atmosphere.
Planning tips: The dates change each year, but it always falls around February and in summer. It’s a good time to explore Brazil and its beaches and landscapes. Flights and accommodations fill up fast, so book your travel in 2026 early. The dates for 2026 are 13-18-February.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival – Scotland
Another annual event on the bucket list is the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which is the world’s largest arts festival. Every August it turns the Scottish capital into a heaving hub of creativity. Expect non-stop shows from artists, comedians, actors, musicians, and performers.
Why go: To see top-tier comedians at big theatres, and give no-name performers a go in small or makeshift venues like a basement or attic. There are thousands of shows on at once!
Planning tips: All those performers need a place to stay and accommodation books out well ahead of time. Trafalgar secures rooms for all our tours, so lock in a spot with a deposit today. Better yet, every Scotland tour in August includes tickets to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo too!
READ NEXT: 15 best places to visit in the UK – a first-timer’s guide
Where will 2026 take you? Let us know in the comments where you want to travel to in 2026 and if you’ll go for any special events!…