6 Best Places to Travel in 2026: The Ultimate Guide for Every Type of Getaway
It’s that time of year when people reflect on what was and look forward to what’s next. The possibilities are endless. Maybe you’re fantasizing about traveling. What gets you going – thoughts of a wellness retreat, a romantic or adventurous escape? Perhaps it’s a girlfriends’ or family getaway, or something more budget-friendly?
Whatever you’re dreaming of, put these destinations on your to-go list.
In This Article
For Wellness and Serenity: Mendocino, California
The magic of the Mendocino Coast of California is still a bit of a mystery to many people. Miles of rugged coastal trails and serene forests await you. Take your pick of hikes, uncrowded beaches and tide pooling. Foodies will appreciate the surprising, vibrant culinary scene showcasing local seafood, mushrooms and other homegrown goodies. Keep the well-being vibes going and check into the Stanford Inn by the Sea, a historic farm and eco-resort. You can’t go wrong with the redwoods and the Pacific Ocean. The Stanford Inn is one of the only 100% plant-based resorts in the U.S. The resort’s Ravens restaurant features many ingredients from their organic farm and gardens. The resort’s Aquatic Center, in a solarium, features a heated saltwater swimming pool, a dry sauna, a hot tub and more. Settle your soul with breathwork, meditation, Tai Chi, organic gardening and more. The Massage in the Forest spa offers botanical aromatherapy and Ayurvedic treatments, among others. Take advantage of the resort’s complimentary bikes, outriggers, kayaks and canoes for easing down the peaceful Big River.
For Adrenaline-Filled Adventures: Grand Junction, Colorado
With more than one million acres of public lands that provide access to rivers, canyons, mountains and mesas, there’s much fun to be had in Grand Junction, CO, about four hours’ drive from Denver. Satisfy your thrill lust with hiking, canyoneering or rock climbing in the Colorado National Monument. Just outside Grand Junction is Rattlesnake Canyon. Take a jeep or RZR tour to see the 35 natural arches there. If you’re a daredevil that likes water, go tubing, kayak or take a guided standup paddleboarding tour down the Gunnison River. Word is that Grand Junction is the “it” spot for mountain bikers, with its singletrack, lift-serviced downhill, pump tracks and more. The area is also ideal for horseback riding.
When you’re ready to catch your breath, wet your whistle at Two Rivers Winery & Chateau or WestCo Brewing and then grab a bite from a spot like Bin 707 Foodbar and the Devil’s Kitchen. As for where to stay, The Hotel Melrose is an elegant, boutique hotel housed in a 1908 building, or glamp along the Colorado River at Camp Eddy.
For a Romantic Retreat: Marco Island, Florida
On Marco Island, you get luxury and nature. It’s set on the edge of Florida’s Everglades. Enjoy the beaches, sunshine, kayaking in coastal waters, fishing, oceanfront yoga and spectacular sunsets while dining at one of the many waterfront restaurants. Back on dry land, if you are in the mood for retail therapy, hop from gallery to gallery and browse boutiques. For that memorable romantic stay, there’s Paradise by Sirene, the adults-only experience at JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort. It’s all about the two of you, starting with a private champagne check-in. The lovebird atmosphere extends to your Gulf Front suite, and a relaxing soak in the outdoor mineral tub and couples’ treatments at the SPA by JW. Wind down memorable days with cocktails at sunset at the waterfront restaurant and bar, Tesoro.
For Family-Friendly Fun: Tucson, Arizona
For the family that likes action, Tucson is a top choice. As the city lies on both sides of Saguaro National Park, outdoor fun is plentiful, with family-friendly trails through desert and mountain landscapes. You’ll also want to make your way to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which has a zoo, aquarium, art gallery, botanical garden and natural history museum. You’ll cheat yourselves if you don’t check out the Children’s Museum Tucson or Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium. For an experience you all will remember, go for an authentic adventure at the White Stallion Ranch, a family-owned and operated dude ranch, or Tanque Verde Ranch, one of America’s old-time cattle and guest ranches. If your family is looking for something a little less rugged, there are many options, like the Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa, which boasts the longest hotel water slide in town.
For Having a Ball on a Budget: Tri-Valley, California
When you think of Northern California, San Francisco or the Napa Valley likely come to mind. But just 35 miles from San Francisco is the Tri-Valley – the cities of Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin and Danville. You can feast at restaurants that rival those in “The City,” and as for vino, the Tri-Valley wineries continue to rise in prominence. You’ll wine and dine in style at a price much kinder to your wallet than in San Francisco.
The Tri-Valley has unique places, such as the Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site in Danville, where he wrote his masterpieces. It’s also big on the outdoors, with many parks and trails for walking, biking and hiking. Del Valle Regional Park has a 5-mile lake for swimming, boating and kayaking. Golf is a favorite pastime in the Tri-Valley, and you can shop, shop, shop, be it a premium outlet mall or some of the cutest boutiques anywhere.
Make Pleasanton your home base and explore the other nearby cities. Downtown Pleasanton has restaurants offering diverse options, such as Oyo, known for blending South American and Caribbean flavors, and the. Meadowlark Dairy. The ice cream is so good that there is always a line of people and cars patiently waiting. The summer brings concerts in the park on Friday nights. The Rose Hotel in the heart of town is an elegant, European-style boutique hotel, where the rooms are awash in antique chairs, lamps, an executive desk and details like a fresh rose in the wall sconce. The scented candles, comfy robe, slippers and oversized jet tub make for a relaxed stay.
For a Gal Pal Getaway: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Girls just want to have fun – and there’s plenty to do and see in Santa Fe. One favorite is the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. You’ll also want to hit the New Mexico Museum of Art to see paintings by traditional and contemporary Southwestern artists. Soak up history at sites like the Loretto Chapel, with its legendary “miraculous” staircase and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.
Santa Fe is a perfect playground for foodies, too. The city is loved for its cuisine almost as much as its galleries and art scene. Want more than memories about the good food? Learn how to cook Northern New Mexico cuisine at the Santa Fe School of Cooking. If you and your girl pals are looking for adventure, take on the rapids rafting on the Rio Grande, hike, bike, or go horseback riding. Stay in historic downtown at the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi, with amenities like in-room massages and bikes.