Among the greatest pleasures in life is international travel. Philosopher St. Augustine explained, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” Similarly, Irish author Oscar Wilde (perhaps paraphrased) encouraged people to “Travel far, travel often, and travel without regret.” These quotes remind us of the value of seeing the world to gain fulfillment. Here’s why you should travel far and wide!
Say “Yes!” to international travel
While domestic travel is undeniably delightful, going to foreign countries offers opportunities to broaden our horizons and experience diverse cultures. “Boy, those French,” shares actor and comedian Steve Martin, “They have a different word for everything.” The wisdom of others, even with a dash of humor intertwined, encourages us to bravely move beyond our doorsteps to learn new things and explore the world. Here are four highly visitable international travel destinations bound to wow you in 2026.
- Vancouver, Canada: This major coastal city in British Columbia, Canada, should top international travelers’ bucket lists, and here’s why. Located on the southwestern corner of the mainland and nestled between the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the beloved city is known for its stunning outdoor scenery and activities. Surrounded on three sides by water, Vancouver proudly serves as a vibrant major port city. It is also the largest city in BC, bountiful in high-tech industries and continually ranking high amongst the most livable cities of the world. Vancouver boasts a friendly atmosphere that’s rich in arts and science, with the Vancouver Art Gallery standing as a focal point containing an impressive collection of indigenous and contemporary art. The region also boasts a mild oceanic climate and a linguistically diverse legacy, with 52 percent of the population speaking a first language other than English. Travelers to this port city will enjoy spectacular views atop Vancouver Lookout, where visitors ride a glass elevator 553 feet up to gain new perspective of the surroundings. Let 360-degree views give you appreciation of the region and increase the spirit of exploration. Other top sights to see include Granville Island, a peninsula featuring a shopping, gallery, and dining district in the Fairview neighborhood of Vancouver. Also Explore Stanley Park, a large and serene natural space located in the heart of the downtown that features walking and biking trails. Adventurers will enjoy walking the Capilano Suspension Bridge, a roughly 450-ft. long bridge suspended 230-ft. in the air, taking a seaplane tour over Vancouver, or going Whale watching to spot minke, orca, gray and humpback whales. The Sea to Sky Gondola Squamish is just a short trip from Vancouver and transports visitors to amazing heights surrounded by majestic mountains and dramatic coastline. Tip, the best time to visit is from March to May and September to November when weather is mild and prices are more affordable.
- Prague, Czech Republic: If Prague isn’t on your international travel bucket list, it should be! This spectacular city is in the heart of Central Europe on the Vltava River. Prague is both the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Though it’s considered a modern-day city, it is also steeped in rich architecture and history. In fact, when people think of Prague, fairy-tale castles and cathedrals dripping with Old-World charm often come to mind. Prague Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site and serving as the official residence of the President and the historic seat of Czech power since the 9th century, is a sprawling collection of buildings, complete with courtyards, gardens, royal residences and several churches. This includes the notable St. Vitus Cathedral, a cherished Gothic masterpiece that houses royal tombs and treasures. Also important is St. George’s Basilica, a Romanesque church and the oldest preserved religious structure within the walls, dating to the 10th century. Prague’s famed astronomical clock is located on the southern wall of the Old Town Hall Tower in Prague’s beloved Old Town Square. Installed in 1410 and featuring animated figures, tourists and residents alike delight in watching the hourly show of the Apostles and exploring the Old Town Hall with lovely views from the tower. Though Prague is delightful year-round, the best time to visit is in the spring (April up to June) and autumn (September and October) when the weather is favorable and there are fewer tourists as compared to the peak of summer.
- Bergen, Norway: This picturesque city, located on the west coast of Norway, is bound to delight visitors from near and far. Surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and fjords, the Nordic city is a must-see destination in 2026. Bergen is Norway’s second-largest city and a major cruise port for exploring dramatic fjords of the region. The historic wharf area of Bryggen is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved medieval wooden buildings, narrow alleyways, and historical significance as a major trading port. The old wharf reflects the importance of the area as part of the Hanseatic League’s trading empire from the 14th to the mid-16th century. Though damaged by several fires and rebuilt, the devastating 1702 fire “shaped the city’s urban fabric permanently.” Per UNESCO, “Today, some 62 buildings remain of this former townscape and these contain sufficient elements to demonstrate how this colony of bachelor German merchants lived and worked, and illustrate the use of space in the district.” Visitors to the region can enjoy the lively area featuring cafes, shops, pubs and restaurants, and museums featuring merchant history, uniquely uniting the past and the present. A visit to Bergen is particularly enjoyable between May and September when the weather is mild, daylight hours are longer, and flowers bloom.
- Porto, Portugal: Porto, located in Portugal’s northwest on the Douro River as it nears the Atlantic Ocean, is the country’s second-largest city. If the name Porto sounds familiar, there’s a good reason why. The city is world renowned for its port wine production, with cellars located across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia. Though there are some hills, Porto is also beloved for its walkable historic riverside Ribeira district that features narrow, cobblestone streets, medieval merchant houses, and a fascinating mix of architecture to include baroque churches like São Francisco Church with its lavish and gilded interior. Other notable attractions include the historic Roman Catholic Porto Cathedral, the deck-arched Dom Luís I Bridge, the ornate Art nouveau Café Majestic, the historic Neo-Gothic historic bookstore Livraria Lello, and the delightful gardens of Palacio de Cristal, a 19th-century glass and iron conservatory that was built as a greenhouse for the Philippine Exhibition in 1887. Today, it is frequently used by the Reina Sofía Museum showcasing temporary art. Travelers who enjoy warm and sunny weather will delight in a visit to Porto anytime from May to September.
Top international travel destinations 2026
Domestic travel is wonderful no doubt. But international travel offers the added exhilaration of experiencing new languages, foods, and cultures. These four spectacular cities topped our international travel destination recommendations for 2026 for many reasons. Commonly, they each possess unique history, charm, and beauty. Adding to their appeal are their warm and welcoming atmospheres, unique architecture and visitable sites, favorable activities, art and culture, modern amenities and more. Plus, travelers have access to iconic landmarks and natural wonders that are unparalleled in the world.
Disclosure: This article is purely informational and is not intended as a substitute for professional travel advice.
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Visited Porto last year and can’t say enough good things about it. Beautiful, great weather, affordable, friendly people who all speak English, fresh seafood, and a little smaller and more walkable than Lisbon. Only downside is it’s very hilly, even more so than San Francisco for those familiar. But a great workout!
I would easily put Porto in my top 5-6 places to live as an ex-pat if I were so inclined.