Overview
By Jack Ezon, EmbarkBeyond
We are calling it The Year of Sport, and So Much More. After the Winter Olympics in Italy comes the FIFA World Cup across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Across the globe, cities are using the stadium spotlight to reinvent themselves, reinvesting in design, culture, and food.
Jack Ezon, founder of Virtuoso luxury travel agency EmbarkBeyond, has curated nine destinations that define the travel moment of 2026. Sport and marquee events are woven through this list, but so are places like Botswana, already life-changing and soon home to a remarkable new safari lodge. As Ezon puts it, passion, not place, will define the next decade of travel.
For private aviation travelers already planning their European itineraries through our guide to the most anticipated luxury hotel reopenings and renovations of 2026 or exploring luxury private villas in France, these nine destinations are the places to prioritize this year.
1. Milan, Italy
Milan has never felt more international, or more inspired. “It’s impossible to find a good apartment,” we keep hearing from friends relocating from London, New York, and everywhere in between. If only you could live full-time in a hotel, because the choices have never been better. The debut of Rocco Forte’s Carlton Milan, opening in one of the city’s coolest neighborhoods, adds another luxury option to the scene, along with JK, Six Senses, and Rosewood – and even a Twiga outpost. Meanwhile, spring’s design fair, Salone del Mobile, continues to draw a global creative crowd, and preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympics have infused the city with fresh optimism and investment.
See the Top Suites of Milan.
2. The Dolomites, Italy
The Italian Alps are the new Amalfi. Or something like that. After being showcased during the 2026 Winter Olympics, the Dolomites are being heralded as Europe’s chicest alpine escape. The Rosa Alpina, fresh off its reopening under the Aman banner, has always set the tone for sleek design and soulful familial heritage. If you’re lucky, you might find yourself hiking with owner Hugo Pizzini, who grew up here. We call him a mountain goat. Other hotels we love include Hotel de Len from the Borgo Egnazia team, Lefay Resort & Spa, and, towards the end of the year, Mandarin brings back the Cristallo to Cortina.
3. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Ten years after hosting the 2016 Olympics, Rio is rewriting its narrative once again. The Belmond Copacabana Palace has just had a major renovation–our favorite rooms still overlook the squiggly tiled boardwalk of Copacabana Beach.
See the Top Suites of Rio de Janeiro.
4. Baden-Baden, Germany
Why is this tiny spa town a place where you will find other global travelers? Easy! It’s home to the extraordinary as Brenners Park. The 19th-century spa capital is where medical wellness meets old-world indulgence at Brenners Park, home to one of the top doctor-led medical teams in the world. And the aesthetic doctor (who treats many celebrities) is exceptional. It’s part of Oetker Hotels, the same group behind many of our most-booked properties like Le Bristol, Eden Rock St Barths, and Hotel du Cap.
5. Philadelphia, USA
As the 250th anniversary of American independence approaches, Philadelphia will be the center of the celebration–and it’s also a key FIFA World Cup host city. Take it all in from the new Sky Lounge at the fabulous Four Seasons.
See the Top Suites of Philadelphia.
6. Los Angeles
After the fires that decimated entire communities last year, L.A. is rebuilding–and doubling down on its countdown to the 2028 Olympics with massive regeneration: green spaces, event venues, and hospitality investment. As a host city of the FIFA World Cup, L.A. will draw even more visitors from around the world this year.
See the Top Suites of Los Angeles.
7. Botswana
Embark Safaris cofounder Justin Huff says, “Botswana isn’t just a safari–it’s a system, a pulse. Once you’re tuned to it, you’re never the same. Botswana doesn’t give you what you expect. It gives you what you didn’t know you needed.” If you haven’t been yet, the new Singita Elela will be one of the most exciting openings this year.
8. Vienna, Austria
2026 marks 250 years since Mozart’s death, and Vienna is hosting a season of concerts and new museum shows. The new Mandarin Oriental Vienna is the perfect place to stay for any of these, or Eurovision in May, as its host city.
See the Top Suites of Vienna.
9. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm continues to be one of our favorite European city destinations, driven by stylish shopping and how walkable it is, built across 14 islands of parks and bridges. It’s a capital where design and ease are every day, it’s seen in everything from its shopping (one of our best male editor friends flies here to shop) to Rosendals Trädgård’s garden café to the Grand Hotel’s enduring appeal. Even the classics like the Vasa Museum and Skansen feel fresh and are great for families. There is no oppressive heat in the summer, and always a great cardamom bun to be found.
