Travel lists come and go, but ours starts with one simple question: Where will it actually be cheaper and easier to fly in 2026?
We built this list around the real deals, not wishful thinking. Every destination earned its spot because something shifted in the skies: new routes, expanded long-haul service, low-cost competition, airport upgrades, or visa changes that unlock better prices and smoother connections.
Will your big trip in 2026 be a break from the Mediterranean crowds to catch an art show in a Maltese medieval fortress, or feast on chewy focaccia at a family-run shop in Puglia? A cross-country tour to celebrate the Mother Road's centennial? A night of lantern-lit snacking in a Taiwanese night market? A long weekend wandering Cartagena's pastel balconies? A sunrise stroll through Marrakesh's spice-scented souks?
If these destinations are on your list, good news: It's getting easier and cheaper to get there. And if they're not on your list...maybe they should be.
Here's where to go in 2026 if you love cheap flights.
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Ideal for: Italophiles ready to dig deeper, food-lovers, sun-seekers, and Italian-Americans exploring their roots
Why it made our list: The new Newark-Bari nonstop (debuting May 2026) unlocks a quieter slice of Italy without the usual Rome/Milan connection. And for 60+ other US airports, that means one-stop routing right into Italy's sun-drenched southern region.
Going deeper: Puglia has long been Italy's own summer escape-US travelers are just tuning into its charm. You've seen Instagram photos of the Polignano a Mare coastline, but the real draw is how effortlessly the region blends postcard beaches, whitewashed towns, and a pace of life that feels like exhaling.
Go beyond the coast, and spend a day inland. In nearby Basilicata, head for Gravina-in-Puglia, which offers a rock-cut landscape similar to famous Matera but with a fraction of the crowds (its dramatic bridge also appeared in No Time To Die). Nearby Altamura rewards hungry travelers with thick-crusted Pane di Altamura and chewy focaccia (for the best, go to di Gesù) and some of the region's best mozzarella and burrata at family-run Caseificio Dicecca-a tasting there is basically a masterclass in why Puglia is worth the trip.
When all is said and done, if you don't find yourself dancing in a Salento piazza on a summer night, you're doing it wrong.
-Willis Orlando, Going Senior Manager, Member Performance
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Ideal for: Nightlife chasers, food-lovers, culture-obsessed city travelers, and K-pop/K-beauty fans
Why it made our list: New long-haul access from United and Delta makes Seoul easier to reach than ever-and with South Korea's cultural momentum at an all-time high, 2026 is the perfect year to dive in.
Going deeper: Seoul is a rare megacity that feels both electric and deeply human. One of the coolest things about Korea is how food brings people together. Sizzling BBQ and bubbling stews cooked at the table, plus complimentary, refillable banchan (small side dishes) that give you a preview of the flavors before your main dish even arrives.
Here, nights stretch into mornings, where soju games turn into bar- and club-hopping through Itaewon or Hongdae, which turns into eating late-night street food, like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and odeng guk (fish cake soup). Then, you can slow the pace in Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, lined with traditional houses, or book a noraebang (private karaoke) room and sing your heart out. In Seoul, life feels turned all the way up.
-Debbie Díaz, Going Senior Product Designer
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Ideal for: FIFA fans, foodies, and festival hoppers
Why it made our list: New US routes into downtown's Billy Bishop City Airport in spring 2026 make it easier to land in the heart of the city. Add in Toronto's role as one of the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosts, and it's shaping up to be a stellar year for Canada's largest city.
Going deeper: Toronto has been leveling up for years, but in 2026 it'll all converge, with easier access, a FIFA spotlight, and a cultural calendar that doesn't let up. The dining scene has exploded in recent years, thanks to new Michelin stars and Bib Gourmands. Foodies: Pay attention to Ossington Avenue, Little Portugal, and East Chinatown neighborhoods.
Time your visit right, and you can fold in one of Toronto's festivals. Electric Island (May) is a techno series that draws international DJs over several weekends. Toronto Pride (June) is one of the largest Pride celebrations on the continent. Toronto Fringe (June-July) stages hundreds of indie performances. And the Toronto International Film Festival (September) turns the city into film central. Beyond the big names, the city shines through its hyper-local events, including street festivals in Queen West and Danforth, as well as Pedestrian Sundays in Kensington Market.
World Cup energy will further supercharge the city in 2026. Its already lively neighborhoods will thrill whether you snag a ticket to one of the six matches or spectate from one of the fan zones. But even outside match days, there's no shortage of reasons to visit.
-Alex Ausch, Going Software Engineer
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Ideal for: Beach-goers, nature and culture enthusiasts, and sea-foodies
Why it made our list: More competition on Caribbean routes is pushing fares down, and Colombia's northern coastline delivers the beaches, culture, and food travelers want, minus the crowds of more familiar Caribbean hotspots.
Going deeper: Coastal Colombia is hot, humid, and absolutely worth it. In Cartagena, wander colorful streets, pop into shops filled with handmade goods from local artists, drink world-renowned coffee, and eat all the ceviche. Need a break from the heat? Book a day trip to a spot like Blue Apple Beach, a Mediterranean-inspired beach club off the coast. You'll take a boat out, spend the day eating fresh seafood, lounging poolside, and getting a massage. It's the perfect reset, and the perfect way to cool off.
There's also Santa Marta, which somehow hasn't been overrun by tourists yet. Start your mornings with arepas stuffed with eggs and cheese and the best fresh-squeezed fruit juice you'll ever have. Up for an adventure? Hike through Tayrona National Park, where jungle trails lead to gorgeous beaches and little beachside shacks serve fresh-caught grilled fish and coconut rice. The hikes are long-bring ample water and a bathing suit-but so, so worth it.
-Pratika Appaiah, Going Senior Product Designer
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