Discover the best travel destinations of 2026: sustainability and adventure!

Discover the best travel destinations of 2026: sustainability and adventure!

Marco Polo's 2026 Trend Guide highlights 40 fascinating travel destinations that impress with their authenticity, sustainability and special experiences. Loud Focus The focus is on lesser-known places that are reinventing themselves or coming into the public eye for the first time. The aim of this initiative is to promote unique experiences and support sustainable tourism concepts, which corresponds to current trends in conscious travel.

The chosen destinations have remarkable characteristics and offer unforgettable experiences in a sustainable environment. This is in line with the ideals of sustainable tourism, based on the principles of environmental protection and cultural diversity, such as Sound flair reported.

Diverse and authentic travel destinations

Among the top travel destinations in 2026, Montevideo in Uruguay stands out. This city on the Atlantic coast with 1.3 million inhabitants offers a fascinating mix of colonial old town, modern architecture and a creative scene. Particularly famous is the longest carnival in the world, which is celebrated between January and March.

Another pearl is the Zittau Mountains in Germany, a lesser-known low mountain region in the border triangle with ideal hiking opportunities. The region is increasingly establishing itself as a destination for nature-based tourism, supported by small hotels and environmentally friendly accommodation.

Pantelleria, a volcanic island between Sicily and North Africa, offers rustic natural stone buildings and hot springs. It remains largely undeveloped and is developing towards individual tourism.

The university town of Tours in France, with 137,000 inhabitants and a relaxed atmosphere, also attracts tourists. Culture, regional markets and historical architecture come together here.

Sustainability in focus

Although Northern Cyprus is politically controversial, tourism is on the rise. It offers a mix of ancient ruins, pristine coastlines and oriental culture. The expansion of the infrastructure with boutique hotels and beach resorts promises sustainable tourism development.

In Malaysia, which is positioning itself as the “Visit Malaysia Year” in 2026, special attention is being paid to sustainable tourism. Eco-lodges and marine reserves are being created here to protect natural resources and attract visitors.

Hamburg impresses with new cultural impulses and exciting projects such as the Green Bunker St. Pauli and the UBS Digital Art Museum, while Ulm and the Swabian Alb offer numerous outdoor activities and historical sights.

Bosnia and Herzegovina's impressive landscape, off the beaten tourist routes, also offers rafting tours and cultural experiences that promote sustainable tourism. The Cottbus Baltic Sea in Brandenburg, which was created from a former brown coal open-cast mine, is also used for tourism and offers bathing bays and cycle paths.

Basel, the Swiss city, experiences a quiet period for exploration after major events. Here art and design meet charming open-air bars on the Rhine, which contributes to cultural diversity.

With the increasing demand for sustainable offerings, organizations and institutions are demanding that tourism activities be designed consciously. Recommendations for sustainable travel include using environmentally friendly means of transport, supporting local providers and actively shaping the trip by participating in environmental and cultural projects. It is time to make conscious decisions to protect the nature and culture of the destinations you visit.