The new year is shaping create milestones around discovering new destinations and soothe curiosity. Travellers are looking beyond the obvious, drawn to places which feel fresh, rich in experiences and away from the crowds.
This shift is a continuation of last year’s travel habits; still aiming at staying connected to the changing world, enhancing exposure to new cultures and experiencing a taste of something new.
From European locations to long-haul destinations, these places reward those who are adventurous to step over the boundaries of Malta. The eight destinations we highlighted below are gaining attention for all the right reasons. Think accessible, memorable and ideal to bring home a set of stories unlike those of others, through both photos and memories. Keep these places on your radar for 2026.
LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA
Slovenia has been on a trajectory of growth in tourism for years. With its diverse beauty featuring forests, mountains and city life, it’s a definite plus to add to one’s places-to-go.
Ljubljana is Slovenia’s capital, easily accessible through flights to Italy and Croatia plus a short drive through a rental car or a group van booking. The city holds ample surprises to those who wander its streets; from charming café terraces, picturesque brigdes overlooking the Ljubljanica and green corners. Not to mention the majestic Ljubljana Castle standing proudly on Castle Hill, easily accessible through a funicular.
Let yourself get lost to discover colourful façades and quaint shops, easily explored on foot or by bike.
Indulge in a glass of vino and make sure to as for local wines from Brda or Vipava which are rarely exported and best savoured when you’re standing on Slovenian ground.
OSAKA, JAPAN
Whilst Tokyo and Kyoto overshadow other regions for those wanting to experience Japanese culture, Osaka is still considered an appealing secret to those willing to venture away from the norm.
The city is known as Japan’s kitchen, known for its street food delicacies, casual dining and friendly atmosphere. Traditional neighbourhoods blend with neon-lit streets, with Buddhist temples lining areas, creating a unique energy.
Use Osaka as your starting point to discover more of Japan’s Kansai region including Kyoto, Nara and Kobe.
Before heading there, do your research about ICOCA cards which work for trains, buses and vending machines. Alternatively, download the Suica card on your phone wallet for ease of transportation and quick top-ups.
BILBAO, SPAIN
Head far away from the busy cities of Barcelona and Madrid, but still enjoy the Spanish flare. Bilbao transformed from an industrial port to a hub of culture.
Known for the Guggenheim Museum, the city offers a possibility of discovery through its narrow streets and lively bars. Make sure to as for pintxos, delicious savoury treats originating from the Basque Country.
Use Bilbao to explore more corners within the northern part of the country, including dramatic coastlines and green hills. It’s a destination ideal for travellers looking for variety whilst wanting to balance urban exploration with peaceful nature adventures.
Remember that the Spanish are a population known for their late dinners. Forget 7pm dining, but expect local eateries to start filling up with locals by 9pm.
MEDELLÍN, COLOMBIA
South America holds numerous gems undiscovered by many Europeans, ready to offer a good time and one-in-a-lifetime experiences. Medellín is one of them; with a misunderstood past but presently an innovative city.
Surrounded by green mountains, its mild climate enjoyed all year long is a promise of good times and the undeniable sense of community that flowers amongst its locals.
Enjoy rides through cable cars that connect neighbourhoods and stunning views, just waiting for your phone to snap. Public spaces reflect the city’s improvement through social change.
List Medellín as a place to visit if you’re after culture, nature and meaningful stories that grow from walking along the locals.
Trust in the knowledge of those who have walked its streets for decades, with local guides offering tours in Comuna 13 full of valuable, historic anecdotes.
ALBANIAN RIVIERA, ALBANIA
Home to a series of regions along the south-west coastline of Albania and the Ionian Sea, it’s an emerging coastal destination not worth missing. Its natural beauty has been associated with the Mediterranean for decades, but this one has less mass tourism.
Known for clear waters only seen on movies, dramatic mountain backdrops along the coast, and quaint seaside villages, the villages of Dhërmi, Himarë and Ksamil are a promise of a good time.
Whilst other countries have their fair share of sea and sun, what makes the Albanian Riviera iconic is the feeling of everything being unspoilt and authentic. Spend days swimming in turqoiuse coves only accessible through kayaks rented cheaply from the beach, lounging in the sun for lunch and exploring small villages where time seems to have stood still.
Locals tend to speak Italian and Greek too, which makes communication better for multilingual travellers. Make sure to rent a car, as it makes a big difference in your journey of exploration.
CHIANG MAI, THAILAND
Looking to go on a slower pace than Bangkok? Chiang Mai is the place to be. Culture and comfort merge with mountains surrounding the city, full of temples and markets. Mornings are quiet and evenings come alive with food and bazaars.
Many state that Chiang Mai feels welcoming, affordable, well-connected and rich in its sightseeing options. Known as Thailand’s ancient Lanna capital, the city has a ban on high-rises to keep its historic character and a reputation for distinct northern Thai cuisine such as Khao Soi (coconut curry noodle soup).
If you want a feel of pure magic, visit during the Yi Peng Lantern Festival, where thousands of lanterns are released in the sky.
NEW YORK CITY, USA
It’s no wonder Frank Sinatra boasted about the city’s uniqueness, as it continues to reinvent itself and give explorers a touch of surrealism with all its unique charm. Think iconic skylines, charming neighbourhoods and a rhythm that allows the city to thrive.
The beauty of New York is captured through its layers, exploring different areas; from Manhattan to Brooklyn, Tribeca to Chinatown. The city might be one, but the true character of its corners shine differently depending on where you explore.
Spend time walking through neighbourhoods, discovering art galleries, stumbling across a live performance and taking in the fresh air within green spaces in Central Park.
Check out My CityPass which includes a grouped tickets to various museums and attractions and make sure not to forget to drop by 5th Avenue for some window shopping.
SÃO MIGUEL, PORTUGAL
Known as the largest island in the Azores, this place in Portugal feels like it elevated the dramatic feel of its nature. If you’re tired of seeing the same mountainside and forests, São Miguel has much more.
Outdoor lovers will have an amazing time exploring volcanic landscapes, crater lakes, hot springs and rugged coastlines. You might be in Portugal, but many travellers say it doesn’t feel like being in the same country.
It’s a place ideal for those interested in scenic drives, fresh air and authentic local food. The clock seems to go on pause when you’re here, with absolutely no rushing and focusing more on immersing oneself in its beauty.
Being prepared in key to any adventure. When heading to São Miguel, pack layers of clothing and be flexible on your outfits. The weather is very unpredictable, so make the most when it’s clear.
Embrace a journey of discovery by choosing destinations that spark your curiosity and offer memories that linger way beyond the flight back to Malta. Exploring the world, wherever that may be, is more rewarding when done with peace of mind.
While many credit cards offer basic travel insurance, they might not always provide adapt coverage for medical expenses, cancellations, luggage issues or flight disruptions. Take time to compare policies and speak to our insurance experts to highlight the differences.
If 2026 is your year of travel, an annual travel insurance is a convenient option, covering numerous trips without the need to notify your insurer every time you head to the airport.
Plan ahead to enjoy every step of your journey.
𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘎𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘔𝘢𝘮𝘰 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘓𝘵𝘥., 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘴 𝘚𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘈𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘺 𝘓𝘵𝘥., 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘉 𝘎𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘱 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘴.
𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘴 𝘚𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘈𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘺 𝘓𝘵𝘥. 𝘐𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘈𝘤𝘵, 𝘊𝘢𝘱 487, 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘌𝘯𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘈𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘎𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘔𝘢𝘮𝘰 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘓𝘵𝘥. (𝘎𝘔𝘐). 𝘎𝘔𝘐 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘢 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘈𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺 (𝘔𝘍𝘚𝘈) 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘉𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘈𝘤𝘵, 𝘊𝘢𝘱 403 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘸𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘢. 𝘉𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘍𝘚𝘈.