Best Places to Visit in 2026: A Smart Travel Shortlist

Intermediate | January 15, 2026

✨ 혼자서 기사를 소리 내어 읽거나 튜터를 따라 각 단락을 반복해서 읽으세요. 레벨...

What CNN Means by the “Best Places to Visit in 2026”

If you’ve ever opened ten travel lists and thought, “Okay… but why this place, and why now?” you’re not alone. CNN Travel’s new roundup of the best places to visit in 2026 tries to answer that exact question by choosing destinations that have something new happening in 2026—like a rare event, a major opening, or easier ways to get there. (CNN Travel list via LocalNews8)

Four Standout Picks (And Why They’re Hot in 2026)

1) Adelaide, Australia: New Direct Flight = Easier Logistics

CNN points out that Adelaide is getting more accessible for Americans thanks to a new United Airlines direct route from San Francisco—a big deal if you want less layover drama and more vacation time. Adelaide is also positioned as a strong “all-in-one” city: beaches, vineyards, wildlife, and a serious food scene—plus it’s a gateway to Barossa Valley wine country and Kangaroo Island. (Adelaide section)

2) Aragon, Spain: A Real “Once-in-a-While” Moment

If you love unique experiences, here’s a big one: a total solar eclipse is expected to pass over northern Spain on August 12, 2026, and CNN highlights Aragon as a great viewing region. So this isn’t just “Spain is nice” — it’s time-sensitive travel. Think of it like booking a limited-time event, not just a destination. (Aragon eclipse detail)

3) Brussels, Belgium: A Major Culture Opening

Brussels is already known for classic European charm, but CNN says it’s leveling up culturally in 2026 with the opening of Kanal Centre Pompidou (November 2026) in a former car factory—an art and museum project linked to Paris’ Centre Pompidou. If you like cities where you can mix business-like efficiency with creative energy, Brussels is basically pitching itself as a stronger “culture capital.” (Brussels + Kanal Centre Pompidou)

4) Penang, Malaysia: Food Recognition That Changes the Game

Penang is the kind of place where your schedule becomes: eat → walk → repeat. CNN notes that Penang’s food scene got a boost because it was recognized by the Michelin Guide for the first time in 2025—and that kind of recognition tends to pull more international attention the following year. CNN also highlights George Town (a UNESCO heritage site) and the local Peranakan cultural mix that shapes the island’s architecture and food. (Penang + Michelin detail)

How to Use This List Like a Practical Planner

Here’s a simple approach: pick one “event trip” (like the eclipse in Spain), one “easy access” trip (like Adelaide with the direct flight), and one “experience-first” trip (like Penang for food and culture). CNN’s list is basically a menu—your job is to choose what fits your budget, your schedule, and your energy level.

And if you’re feeling overwhelmed by choices, you’re not broken—your brain is just doing project management. Start with your constraints (time, money, weather) and let those narrow the options.

Vocabulary

Roundup (noun) – a collected list of items chosen for a purpose.
Example: “The article is a roundup of destinations worth considering this year.”
Accessible (adjective) – easy to reach or enter.
Example: “A direct flight makes Adelaide more accessible for travelers.”
Itinerary (noun) – a plan or schedule for a trip.
Example: “I built a simple itinerary with one city and two day trips.”
Gateway (noun) – a place that provides entry to another region.
Example: “Adelaide is a gateway to wine country and nearby islands.”
Time-sensitive (adjective) – only relevant or possible during a specific period.
Example: “Eclipse travel is time-sensitive because the date won’t change.”
Recognition (noun) – public notice or approval for achievement.
Example: “Michelin recognition can quickly raise a city’s food reputation.”
Heritage (noun) – cultural history passed down through generations.
Example: “George Town is known for its heritage architecture and culture.”
Level up (phrasal verb) – improve or move to a higher level.
Example: “Brussels is leveling up with major arts openings.”
Constraints (noun) – limits that shape what you can do.
Example: “My budget constraints helped me choose a shorter trip.”
Narrow down (phrasal verb) – reduce options to a smaller set.
Example: “I narrowed down the list to three realistic destinations.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

Which destination in the article feels most realistic for your life right now, and why?
Do you prefer travel with a special event (like an eclipse) or travel that’s flexible? Explain.
How does a new flight route change a destination’s “value” to travelers?
Why do you think Michelin recognition can change tourism quickly?
If you had to pick one place from this shortlist, what would be your deciding factor?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

What makes a travel destination “worth it” for you: cost, food, culture, nature, or convenience?
Do you plan trips far in advance, or are you more spontaneous? Why?
How do you handle decision fatigue when there are too many options?
What’s one travel mistake you made before—and what did you learn from it?
If you could travel for learning (language, history, business), where would you go?

Related Idiom / Phrase

“Put it on your radar” – to start paying attention to something because it may matter soon.

Example: “If you love food travel, put Penang on your radar for 2026.”

📢 Want more learner-friendly news like this? 👉 Sign up for the All About English Mastery Newsletter! Click here

Want to finally master English but don’t have the time? Mastering English for Busy Professionals is built for you.

Follow our YouTube Channel @All_About_English for more tips.

Sources (so you can “check the receipts”)

CNN Travel Team list (republished via LocalNews8): Where to travel in 2026: The best places to visit
CNN-style overview (republished via KTVZ): Where you should — and shouldn’t — travel in 2026

This article was inspired by: CNN Travel (via LocalNews8 republish)