2026 is poised to be another banner year for travel, especially in the United States, which will host the FIFA World Cup for the first time in more than three decades.
From sprawling metropolises to off-the-beaten-path small towns, there are a handful of domestic destinations to watch for in the year ahead.
New York, New York
The Big Apple always stays one step ahead of the latest trends, so expect NYC to be a huge draw once again in 2026.
From the New Year’s Eve ball drop to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting and every event in between, NYC boasts an unmistakable energy that travelers won’t want to miss.
Specifically, the Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown will be a worthwhile stop. Situated where Tribeca meets the Wall Street Financial District, just one block from the World Trade Center and a few minutes from Soho, the Meatpacking District, West Village and Seaport, this exceptional 185-room property features an award-winning spa and newly-renovated accommodations boasting elegant design and cutting-edge technology.
US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York. (Photo via NYC & Company)
What’s more, MetLife Stadium in nearby East Rutherford, New Jersey, will host eight World Cup matches this summer, including the final on July 19. And that’s just an appetizer ahead of August’s U.S. Open Tennis Championships.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Only the Great Smoky Mountains National Park routinely draws more annual visitors than Arizona’s breathtaking Grand Canyon, which remains a bucket list attraction for travelers across the globe.
According to U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Vacations Rankings, the Grand Canyon is the number one place to visit in the U.S. in the year ahead.
Hiking the Grand Canyon. (Photo Credit: maislam/Adobe)
If you’re planning to visit this spectacular natural wonder in 2026, consider a spring trip to avoid the heat and crowds that arrive in summer or delay your visit to the shoulder season and start of fall to enjoy all the park has to offer without a sea of tourists and scorching temperatures or winter-related closures.
Hawaii
Hawaii tourism officials have been adamant in encouraging travelers to visit and help spur the local economy in the aftermath of the devastating 2023 Maui wildfires and those interested in experiencing these magnificent islands won’t find a better time to do so than in 2026.
After all, U.S. News & World Report ranks Maui as the best honeymoon destination in the U.S. for 2026, while Kauai is considered the best romantic getaway domestically in the year to come.
Wailea, Maui (Photo Credit: Janeen Christoff)
Bar Harbor, Maine
If it’s a small town you covet in 2026, consider heading to Bar Harbor, Maine.
Recognized as the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Vacation Rankings, this dreamy New England coastal town is oozing with charm and offers visitors access to boutique shopping, world-class seafood and unique adventures and experiences from whale watching to scenic hiking in nearby Acadia National Park.
Bar Harbor, Maine with Cadillac Mountain and Acadia National Park in the background. (Photo Credit: Wangkun Jia/Adobe)
Miami, Florida
The Magic City will be buzzing all year long as it offers travelers an ideal blend of beautiful weather and vibrant culture. Whether visiting for the first time, stopping in ahead of a cruise vacation or heading to Hard Rock Stadium for one of seven World Cup matches this summer, Miami is sure to live up to the hype.
Sports fans can also take in soccer legend Lionel Messi at any Inter Miami home game or make plans for the first weekend in May to attend the annual Formula 1 Grand Prix. Beyond sports, the city is a huge draw for foodies and art enthusiasts who can each make the most of their trip by touring Miami’s many diverse neighborhoods, from Wynwood to Coconut Grove.
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