As 2026 approaches, the wide wonders of the world again entice adventurous travelers. At GeoEx, we thrive on uncovering the unexpected, stepping off the beaten path, and immersing in places that blend cultural depth, stunning natural landscapes, and transformative encounters. We’ve handpicked seven remarkable 2026 travel destinations that promise profound experiences in the coming year: Antarctica, Costa Rica, Greece, India, Mongolia, Morocco, and Zimbabwe.

Here’s where to travel in 2026 and why: 

ANTARCTICA

We love Antarctica! Its pure, otherworldly landscapes, surreal silences, and raw, untouched wilderness inspire awe and reflection. And we love its abundant wildlife: Chinstrap, Gentoo, Adelie penguins, and more, plus whales, seals, and seabirds galore! Remote yet reachable, the Great White Continent offers once-in-a-lifetime adventures: Zodiac landings at the edge of the world, polar dives, sleeping in the snow under the stars (in a cozy sleeping bag, inside a waterproof bivy sack). Especially appealing for us next year is an innovative offering from Antarctica21: a fly-cruise itinerary that allows travelers to soar over the notorious Drake Passage—thus avoiding its skyscraper-high waves and 3-5 days of sailing to and from the mainland—and then explores the Antarctic Peninsula using the Magellan Explorer, a custom-designed expedition ship that carries only 76 guests. Whether your dream is chasing whales, photographing king penguins, or simply communing with the wild, Antarctica is irresistible!

COSTA RICA

With its “pura vida” spirit, vibrant biodiversity, and deep-seated commitment to conservation—fully 57 percent of the country is forest cover and 25 percent of its land is under protection—Costa Rica long ago captured our hearts. In 2026, with ever-expanding options for cultural immersions (farm stays, cooking classes, indigenous community tours), adventurous activities (night safaris, volcano hikes, canyoning), and yoga and wellness retreats, the country is exceptionally well poised to attract travelers who are seeking more authentic, immersive, and sustainable experiences. Especially exciting for us are the innovative sustainability programs being implemented by lodges such as Playa Cativo Lodge, Senda Monteverde, and Lapa Rios Lodge, with efforts ranging from utilizing 100 percent clean electric energy to funding local schools and environmental programs. With unmatched biodiversity, world-class green credentials, expanding luxury and wellness offerings, and enhanced access—even remote Costa Rican escapes are more reachable now—2026 is Costa Rica’s year to shine. Pura Vida!

GREECE

Greece is one of the planet’s most popular destinations, but as we have learned with our new Unexplored Greece trip, even in such a well-visited country, there are numerous off-the-beaten-path pockets where travelers can experience ancient and abiding attractions completely removed from other visitors. Our explorations venture to isolated mountain villages in the Peloponnesus where we sit at local cafés and share stories with komboloi-spinning elders, isolated artisan workshops near the iconic Oracle of Delphi where we touch the soul of centuries-old crafts, the sacred ruins of uninhabited Delos, and the heartening hinterlands of Crete. Emphasizing participatory over passive tourism, Greece is offering cooking classes and craft workshops in homes, and olive oil harvesting and cheese-making experiences on small family farms. We believe 2026 is a prime year to celebrate the old and the new in Greece: to re-appreciate the roots of Western civilization and ancient arts and traditions, and to embrace the enduring exuberance and crusty country kindness of modern Greece.

INDIA

Massive, diverse, and complex, India presents an extraordinarily enlivening, cacophonic collage of cultures, colors, and cuisines. Especially alluring for 2026 are a trio of just-opened hotels: the spectacular Oberoi Rajgarh Palace, a meticulously restored 350-year-old palace perched atop the scenic Maniyagarh Hills in Khajuraho; the Oberoi Vindyavilas luxury tented camp at Bandhavgarh National Park; and Evolve Back Jhabri Fort Mandu, a sumptuously revived 14th-century palace in Madhya Pradesh. We’re enchanted by the elegant new Sarvato restaurant, created by the young Maharaja of Jaipur to showcase the savory range of Rajasthani cuisine. And we’re inspired by more women taking leadership roles in India’s tourism industry and a rise in women-only trips to India. With increased international and domestic air access, new bicycling tours and community engagement opportunities, ancient spiritual sites and innovative wellness retreats, and an unsurpassed variety of experiences—travelers can combine museum explorations, temple introspections, and tiger safaris in one journey—India is a robustly rewarding destination for 2026.

MONGOLIA

Mongolia touches something deep inside travelers: its vast, untouched mountains, steppes, and deserts; its exuberant eagle hunters, nomadic herders, and itinerant musicians; its ancient festivals celebrating wrestling, horse racing, archery, eagle hunting, yak and camel herding. Mongolia immerses visitors in a timeless way of life where nature and spirit roam free. Especially exciting for 2026 are expanded adventure and cultural options, ranging from bow and arrow workshops in Ulaanbaatar to “noctourism” stargazing outings in the Gobi Desert and Altai Mountains, staying with a nomadic family in a traditional tented ger, and riding hardy Mongol horses across the open plains. And Mongolia is more easily accessible than ever before, with United Airlines beginning direct flights to Ulaanbaatar from several US cities via Tokyo. Mongolia in 2026 promises extraordinary cultural depth, spectacular natural landscapes, improved access, and unique festival experiences—making it one of the most transformative travel destinations of the year.

MOROCCO

Morocco weaves a subtle spell on visitors. For some, it’s the people: the smiling Amazigh woman who patiently demonstrates the traditional way of baking bread in a High Atlas village; the elderly clerk in the fossil museum store who passionately storytells the past to life; the vivacious young woman in Marrakech who transforms her closet-sized shop into a classroom to explain the intricacies of caftan-making. For others, it’s the ancient medinas, mesmerizing deserts, and vibrant souks. And for others, it’s the exquisite artistry everywhere—in floor and wall, pillar and door. Adding to Morocco’s abiding appeal in 2026 are three exceptional recently opened hotels – the Royal Mansour properties in Casablanca and Tamuda Bay, and the Eden Boutique Hotel in the Dades Valley—and recently launched nonstop flight service into Marrakech from Newark and Atlanta. For travelers yearning for a compelling combination of ancient traditions, exquisite arts, transporting landscapes, and warm, hospitable people, Morocco offers a rich, rewarding journey for the senses and the soul in 2026.

ZIMBABWE

Overshadowed by its flashier neighbors, Zimbabwe offers off-the-radar, authentic safari experiences at a fraction of the price of neighboring countries, with exceptionally high-quality guides. Iconic Victoria Falls offers exhilarating views and adrenaline-pumping adventures like bungee jumping and white-water rafting. Safari lovers are drawn to Hwange National Park’s vast elephant herds and Mana Pools National Park’s pristine riverbanks. Cultural treasures include the ancient Great Zimbabwe ruins and the mystical Matobo Hills, where history and spirituality intertwine. For 2026, exciting new properties include the Mpala Jena Private Villas at marvelous Mpala Jena; Mana Sands, a family-owned, barefoot luxury option in Mana Pools; and Muddy Teak, an exclusive-use authentic tented camp from Wild Expeditions in Hwange National Park. We’re also passionate about Tembo Plains, where award-winning filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert are converting a former hunting concession into a private reserve for conservation. With all these riches, Zimbabwe is ready to step into the spotlight in 2026.