Having already written my places to avoid visiting in 2026, I have decided to flip it on its head and do 25 hidden gems you really should visit in 2026.
Why in 2026 I hear the masses scream? Well for a number of reasons, such as potential future independence, places slowly coming into their own, or merely that they will not be hidden gems for all that much longer. And while some may well last longer than others, the salient point is that these are the ones to put on your places-to-visit list for the coming year.
Table of Contents
25 Places to Visit in 2026
OK, so these are my personal choices rather than a YPT statement, options are very much my own. As always we go from 25 down to number 1, with the best places to visit saved until last.
And of course many of these we have tours to (hence why we know about them) – which will be linked to. We are though not adding them because we have tours, but rather tours were added because these are great places to visit.
25) Samoa
Samoa only just makes the list because it is not fully “off the beaten track”. It is though much less known than bigger players like Tonga and Fiji, despite being infinitely more beautiful and indeed friendly. Won’t remain a hidden secret for long.
24) Libya
A place that perennially makes this list because despite being fairly safe to visit, few people still go. If you make the effort you will likely be some of the only tourists at what are exceptional Roman ruins.
23) Pitcairn Islands
A few years ago Pitcairn was almost dejure, but now few companies go. It really does not get much more remote than here and despite being hard to get to is extremely worthwhile. Thankfully “country collectors” miss it as to them it is merely like visiting Coventry. For shame!
22) Timor-Leste
Despite great people, fabulous beaches and a very interesting recent history it remains the least visited country in Asia. This though will change with ASEAN membership, meaning now really is the time to visit. Visit in 2026.
21) Mongolia (in winter)
Being sandwiched between Russia and China has meant that tourism has taken a huge nose dive in Mongolia, with the exception of the Nadam Festival. There is though more to the country and indeed more festivals in the winter months.
20) Banda Aceh
Not only stunningly beautiful and historically significant, but Banda Aceh has a truly fascinating history. It is also controversially the most Sharia place in the world. This though is unlikely to last forever and there will be changes.
19) Papua New Guinea
A long-standing favorite of mine, but also one in a state of change. Nowadays the festivals are a bit overrun, but you can still get that other-world feeling by visiting in the off-season. Still the most rural country with the most languages. Visit now before too many changes take hold.
18) Mauritania and the Iron Ore Train
Taking the Iron Ore train in Mauritania is one of the most amazing things you can do, but it is getting much harder and not all trips can guarantee it. Therefore you should try to take this iconic journey before it is purely outlawed.
17) South Sudan
The youngest country in the world is still one of the least visited and part of that reason is insecurity in the country. Yet despite the news seeming to state it is always on the brink of war, it largely remains calm. And the fact that things are getting better only means that it is unlikely to stay untouched for long.
16) Cambodia
Extremely far from off the beaten track, but a country that has suffered war and a decline in tourism over the last year. This means the place is an absolute bargain to visit, is not overrun, and you get everything Thailand has to offer without the attitude. Oh and great Dark Tourism.
15) Falkland Islands
This one really excites me as it is no longer the sole prize of cruise shippers. Direct flights mean that you can now travel to the Falkland Islands alone to sample its rich history as well as remoteness. And to think country collectors still consider it the UK!
14) West Papua
A bit of a Jose Mourinho (special one) to me as it offers much of the charm of PNG, but without the tourist numbers. Also a very tragic story and an ever suffering people. Visiting here truly does make a difference and help spread awareness. Check out the Ballum Festival in late July.
13) Ethiopia
Ethiopia is endlessly fascinating, with incredible history, stunning landscapes and a culture completely unlike anywhere else in Africa. The churches of Lalibela, the Simien Mountains and Lake Tana all make it a must-visit for anyone willing to travel a bit off the beaten track.
12) Algeria
A true gem in the rough, and one that hardly gets any visitors compared to Morocco. Rich history and sites to rival Italy and Libya with a truly friendly people. Yes the visa is expensive, but few come without declaring it, and it is well worth it.
11) Svalbard
Antarctica is now well overrun with tourism, probably quite damaging to the environment. If though you need cold jollies, then Svalbard is the perfect alternative. And were that not enough, they also have the northernmost statue of Lenin. You are welcome.
10) Bougainville
Another truly amazing place and one filled with warmth and friendliness. As things stand, the safest part of PNG, but things may change in 2027. Officially this is when they will declare independence and this could wreak havoc and potentially war here. With this in mind now is the time to get in.
9) Greenland
Maybe this would have made the top 25, but The Donald has cemented it. A great place that is now popular as a “mainland” destination. In short, visit before there is a Hooters and a McDonalds on every corner, as well as rotund people waving a Star Spangled Banner.
8) Abkhazia
One of the almost forgotten unrecognized countries, Abkhazia has really come into its own over the last few years. Currently safe and reasonably easy to get to, it is also a place where things can and indeed potentially will change.
7) China
Prior to Covid-19 AKA Coronavirus, China was set to be the most visited country on earth. This though has very much changed with payment issues, as well as those of language putting people off. They are trying to woo people back, but as things stand you are likely to be one of the few foreign faces actually traveling within the Middle Kingdom.
6) Myanmar
While Myanmar is very much not without its troubles and indeed in the midst of civil war, it is still an amazing place to visit, largely because no one else is. Tourist numbers have dropped from a 12 million high to the hundreds of thousands. Now is the time to visit.
5) Nauru
While Nauru is still light years away, the least visited country in the world, things are slowly but surely changing as the country collectors come and do their thing. This means that to a degree Nauru is opening up and becoming dejure. Still special as things stand if you get in quick.
4) Ukraine
Although this has been said for many years now, things have to come to a crunch at some point in Ukraine, and that will likely be in 2026. Of course what happens next is anyone’s guess, but at worst it becomes part of Russia, and at best will have a huge peacekeeping force as it rebuilds. This is why we rate it one of the top places to visit in 2026.
3) Somaliland
After Israel recognized Somaliland, our website went crazy with site hits. This is because while we have known about the place for ages, most had not. Now traveling here seems to be a bit of a fad, which will no doubt start to change things a bit. And this whole great-for-Somaliland thing means that you should visit sooner rather than later.
2) Tuvalu
This is without doubt my favorite country in the world and is pretty much as close as you can humanly get to paradise, at least in my mind. In fact I am constantly blown away by the fact that it has not been discovered and overrun. And this is something I feel is inevitable. Don’t just come here for a few days to tick it off, take at least 5 and truly enjoy Tuvalu.
1) Russia
Russia is suffering from many of the same issues as China in that a former tourist Mecca now scares people to visit. And while the visas are indeed a pain in the dick, the lack of visitors means that to a degree you almost have the run of the place. The coolest thing is that this is equally the case in Moscow, or Siberia. Combine this with the hidden gems of places like Tuva, Sakhalin, or Birobidzhan and you have the top of our places to visit in 2026!
I am sure y’all might not agree with everything I have to say, but instead of just being a keyboard warrior, why not message your suggestions. After all we can always expand upon things.
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