TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – National Geographic has once again released the Best of the World Destinations 2026 list, showcasing 25 global travel destinations that inspire. The list offers diverse choices, interests, and accessibility for all travelers.
National Geographic Editor-in-Chief Nathan Lump said the list also includes accompanying guides for travelers who wish to visit those destinations. “I want to make sure that we’re not just inspiring people, we’re also helping them to get a head start, basically, if they’re inspired to go places,” he said as quoted from USA Today.
From the list, here are the top five outstanding destinations that offer unique experiences, from nature adventures to deep cultural trips, in line with the regenerative tourism and sustainability trends:
1. Akagera National Park, Rwanda
The Akagera National Park in Rwanda, East Africa offers an intimate safari experience with far fewer visitors compared to Serengeti or Masai Mara. With only 50,000 visitors per year, the park becomes a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, where you can see lions, elephants, rhinos, and over 500 bird species.
After recovering from the damage caused by the civil war in the 1990s, Akagera has become a symbol of conservation success, with the relocation of 70 white rhinos in May 2025. Accommodations like the Wilderness Magashi Peninsula offer luxury in the midst of the savannah, ideal for quiet adventures.
2. Maui, Hawaii
Maui in Hawaii, United States has risen from the 2023 forest fire tragedy that destroyed Lhain, and invites tourists to support local economic recovery through responsible tourism. The now quieter beaches offer their own charm, while local businesses like Old Lhain L’au and Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate are back in operation.
As quoted from National Geographic, luxury hotels like the Grand Wailea with the largest spa in Hawaii and the voluntourism program of Mlama Hawai’i allow visitors to contribute to nature conservation, such as beach clean-ups and native plant restoration.
3. Beijing, China
The capital of China combines ancient history with modern conveniences in 2026. The Beijing Central Axis, newly designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, connects landmarks such as the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, now easier to explore with new tour buses.
A visa-free policy for up to 30 days for 47 countries, including the United States, makes it easier for tourists to access. At night, the Great Wall at Mutianyu and Juyongguan offers night tours with spectacular illumination, adding to Beijing’s charm as a must-visit cultural destination.
4. Route 66, Oklahoma
Route 66 in Oklahoma, United States has received significant investment to rejuvenate the iconic road spanning over 643 kilometers. Tulsa as the center of the road’s history offers various unique attractions, such as creative sculptures and Western-style clothing stores. In Arcadia, the Pops gas station serves hundreds of soda flavors, while in Clinton, the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum showcases 1950s nostalgia and exhibitions about the history of this legendary road. Route 66 is now a colorful and revived destination.
5. Black Sea Coast, Turkey
The Black Sea coast in Turkey offers a unique experience where visitors can surf and ski on the same day. Located between the Pontic Mountains and the Black Sea, cities like Samsun, Bartin, and Trabzon enchant with sandy beaches, Greco-Turkish cultural heritage, and views of tea plantations in Rize. Local cuisine relies on fresh seafood and dishes like kuymak and Akaabat kftesi.
Visitors can also explore mountain valleys with medieval castles and the famous Byzantine architecture of the Smela monastery. For ski enthusiasts, Camba offers a variety of slopes and entertainment after activities. The village of Ayder is the center of adventure activities such as zip-lining, 4×4 safaris, and trekking to the picturesque Kakar Dalar National Park.
Putri Az Zahra Suherman contributed to the writing of this article.
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