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Where to Splurge (and Save) in 2026: A Traveler’s Guide to the 17 Hottest Destinations

UUnknown

2026-02-16

13 min read

Where to splurge and where to save in the 17 top destinations of 2026—practical tips for accommodation, transport and local experiences.

Where to Splurge (and Save) in 2026: A Traveler’s Guide to the 17 Hottest Destinations

Hook: Planning travel in 2026 feels like balancing a wish list with a wallet: you want unforgettable, locally authentic experiences but you also need clear, practical ways to avoid hidden fees, surge pricing and tourist traps. This guide cuts straight to what to splurge on and where to save across the 17 hottest destinations for 2026—so you get the best memories for your money.

Quick overview — what matters for travel in 2026

Short version: in late 2025 and into 2026, global travel recovered unevenly but decisively. Airlines expanded direct routes to long-haul leisure spots, remote-work visas matured, and dynamic pricing and sustainability surcharges became standard. That means two things for planners:

Book experiences you can't replicate later—sunrise volcano treks, exclusive cooking evenings, small-boat island cruises—and splurge on those (see culinary microcations playbooks for short-stay experience design: culinary microcations).
Use local knowledge and tech to shave costs on accommodation, transport and meals—shared transfers, guesthouses, night trains and weekday restaurant menus unlock big savings. Recent local-retail analysis is helpful for understanding where neighborhoods are unlocking value (local retail flow).

Tip: Aim to spend about 60% of your splurge budget on unique experiences and 40% on comfort (sleep and transport) so you actually enjoy those experiences.

How to use this guide

This piece is laid out by destination. For each place you'll find:

Why it’s hot: (new routes, festivals, remote-work momentum)
Where to splurge for unique, can't-miss moments
Where to save on accommodation, transport and food with local tips
Actionable planning notes (best time to book, apps, and negotiation cues)

1. Kyoto, Japan

Why it’s hot: Post-2024 investment in soft tourism and experiential packages—tea farm stays, restored machiya (townhouse) experiences—keeps Kyoto in high demand for 2026.

Where to splurge

Private early-morning shrine access or a private kaiseki dinner with a local chef.
Two nights in a restored machiya for the full historical immersion.

Where to save

Accommodation: Stay in a well-located business hotel or ryokan a short walk from a metro line—book 2–3 months early for sakura/foliage seasons.
Transport: Use a prepaid IC card (Suica/Pasmo) rather than taxis; intercity shinkansen tickets are best bought with a JR Pass if you have multiple long legs.
Food: Lunch set menus (teishoku) at neighborhood restaurants are excellent and budget-friendly—splurge only on one kaiseki night.

2. Lisbon, Portugal

Why it’s hot: Continued direct-service expansion from North America and a thriving creative scene make Lisbon a top European pick for 2026.

Where to splurge

Private fado performance in an intimate Alfama venue or a full-day private wine tour in the nearby Douro Valley.

Where to save

Accommodation: Book an apartment in Graça or Alfama rather than a central hotel—you’ll get more space and local flavor.
Transport: Trams are iconic, but day passes and Lisbon Card-like options beat single tourist tram rides for cost; use trains to Cascais for beach days.
Food: Eat where locals eat—tascas and mercado counters for fresh bifana sandwiches and petiscos.

3. Mexico City, Mexico

Why it’s hot: Mexico City’s culinary and cultural renaissance keeps accelerating; late-2025 cultural events and art openings have boosted bookings for 2026.

Where to splurge

Chef’s-table tasting menu at a top CDMX restaurant or a private guided tour of Museo Frida Kahlo with skip-the-line access.

Where to save

Accommodation: Choose Polanco or Roma Norte for location—opt for boutique B&Bs or short-term apartments outside peak festival dates.
Transport: Use Uber/DiDi for safe, cheap rides after dark; during the day, Metro is the best budget move.
Food: Street food is world-class—try tacos al pastor and market stalls for big savings and authenticity.

4. Reykjavik & Iceland’s Ring Road

Why it’s hot: More seasonal flights in late 2025 and booming experiential tourism (ice caving, glacier kayaking) keep Iceland a splurge-worthy nature playground for 2026.

Where to splurge

Private super-jeep glacier excursions, heli-hiking, or an overnight in a remote glass-roofed cabin under the aurora.

Where to save

Accommodation: Swap one-night luxury glacier lodges for well-reviewed guesthouses and concentrate splurges on guided excursions.
Transport: Rent a fuel-efficient compact car if traveling in a group; otherwise use coach tours for single travelers to cut costs.
Food: Supermarkets (Bonus, Krónan) and ready-to-heat local meals save a lot—dine out for one special seafood meal.

5. Cape Town, South Africa

Why it’s hot: Post-2025 investments in sustainable tourism and new boutique wineries have Cape Town climbing wish lists in 2026.

Where to splurge

Private vineyard tastings in Constantia or Stellenbosch and guided safaris that include exclusive lodges.

Where to save

Accommodation: Book centrally in Green Point or Sea Point and day-trip to the winelands—this avoids the high lodges near vineyards.
Transport: Grab and metered taxis are convenient; hire a car for a day to explore the peninsula rather than full-time car rental.
Food: Local markets and Cape Malay eateries offer flavorful, inexpensive meals.

6. Cartagena, Colombia

Why it’s hot: Cartagena’s colonial charm and Caribbean access make it a top pick for 2026—especially for boutique hotels and small-boat island trips.

Where to splurge

Private boat to the Rosario Islands, or a boutique hotel rooftop suite in the walled city for sunset cocktails.

Where to save

Accommodation: Choose a well-rated guesthouse or small serviced apartment inside the Old City rather than an international chain.
Transport: Walk the Old City; use shared boats and colectivos for island transfers when schedules allow.
Food: Try street arepas and ceviche at local stalls—save your splurge for one luxury seafood dinner.

7. Bali (Uluwatu & Canggu), Indonesia

Why it’s hot: Bali’s mix of surf culture, spiritual retreats and remote-working infrastructure kept evolving through 2025—expect curated wellness stays and surf coaching packages to be big in 2026.

Where to splurge

Private surf lessons with a pro, cliffside dinners in Uluwatu, or an exclusive wellness villa retreat with daily spa treatments.

Where to save

Accommodation: Choose a boutique guesthouse or co-living villa in Canggu for longer stays—daily rates drop considerably week-to-week.
Transport: Use scooters or arrange driver-for-the-day rather than hourly taxis; always check helmet condition and insurance.
Food: Warungs serve excellent, inexpensive local food—reserve hotel meals for special nights.

8. Amalfi Coast / Positano, Italy

Why it’s hot: The Amalfi continues to captivate, and late-2025 infrastructure upgrades made side trips to hidden coves and nearby islands easier for 2026.

Where to splurge

Private boat charter for a day to Capri and the Blue Grotto, or a luxury cliffside dinner with local lemon-curated menu.

Where to save

Accommodation: Base yourself in Sorrento or Praiano and take day trips to Positano—hotels there are dramatically cheaper.
Transport: Use public ferries between towns instead of private transfers; reserve morning ferries to avoid crowds.
Food: Pizzeria lunches and seaside trattorias away from main piazzas are budget-friendly and authentic.

9. Queenstown & Fiordland, New Zealand

Why it’s hot: Adventure tourism—and premium eco-lodges—grew in 2025. Expect continued interest from travelers prioritizing nature and sustainable luxury in 2026.

Where to splurge

Milford Sound overnight cruise or a heli-hike with glacier landing.

Where to save

Accommodation: Opt for a quality B&B or self-catered chalet outside Queenstown for extended stays.
Transport: Combine official shuttle services and local buses rather than private transfers for day trips.
Food: Supermarket-prepared meals for lunches; reserve one or two high-end dinners as your splurges.

10. Vancouver, Canada

Why it’s hot: A hub for outdoor activities and culinary diversity, Vancouver benefits from late-2025 investments in active-transport and green tourism.

Where to splurge

Guided whale-watching or a private culinary tour through Granville Island and local Indigenous food experiences.

Where to save

Accommodation: Book outside downtown—Kitsilano or Commercial Drive offer better value and local vibes.
Transport: Take SkyTrain and SeaBus; buy a day pass if you plan multiple legs.
Food: Food trucks and neighborhood cafés are excellent and budget-friendly.

11. Athens & the Greek Islands

Why it’s hot: Renewed interest in experiential island hops and cultural festivals raised demand in late 2025—2026 is prime for combining archaeology with sea-days.

Where to splurge

Private sunset sail around an island group or an archaeological after-hours tour in Athens.

Where to save

Accommodation: Stay on less-touristed islands (Naxos, Paros) and ferry over for a day in Mykonos or Santorini.
Transport: Use regional ferries and inter-island fast ferries; book early for summer weekends.
Food: Taverna lunchtime menus and family-run mezedes are generous and inexpensive.

12. Marrakech & the Atlas foothills, Morocco

Why it’s hot: Luxury riads and curated desert experiences continue to draw travelers seeking culture plus comfort in 2026.

Where to splurge

Private riad with rooftop dinner and a guided day trip into the Atlas Mountains with a Berber host.

Where to save

Accommodation: Consider guesthouses in the medina rather than high-end hotels; negotiate multi-night rates.
Transport: Use petit taxis for short legs and book shared day tours rather than private drivers for single-day excursions.
Food: Street stalls and family-run cafes give excellent tagines at low cost—save riad dinners for special nights.

13. Seoul, South Korea

Why it’s hot: Seoul’s food and K-culture tourism are stronger than ever in 2026, with new cultural precincts and late-2025 international events driving interest.

Where to splurge

Private hanjeongsik (multi-course) at a top chef’s table or a guided market-and-street-food crawl in Gangnam and Gwangjang.

Where to save

Accommodation: Gangbuk neighborhoods (Hongdae, Itaewon) offer better value than luxury Gangnam hotels.
Transport: T-money card for subways; taxis are reasonable late-night options compared to renting cars.
Food: Cheap eats abound—no need to splurge on every meal when street food and pojangmacha (food stalls) are available.

14. Tbilisi & Georgia

Why it’s hot: Georgia’s visa relaxations and rising reputation for wine tourism and affordable luxury made it one of 2026’s breakout favorites.

Where to splurge

Private vineyard tours in Kakheti with cellar tastings and a supra (traditional feast) with a host family.

Where to save

Accommodation: Tbilisi’s boutique guesthouses are much cheaper than direct competitors—book locally for savings.
Transport: Use marshrutka minibuses and rideshares for short hops; rent a car only if exploring the mountains extensively.
Food: Local bakeries and khachapuri spots are both filling and economical.

15. Oaxaca, Mexico

Why it’s hot: Culinary tourism and textile craft revivals made Oaxaca a cultural must in 2026—late-2025 festivals drew new attention.

Where to splurge

Private mezcal tastings at artisanal palenques and a guided cooking class focused on mole traditions.

Where to save

Accommodation: Book family-run hotels or boutique guesthouses in the Centro—great value for location.
Transport: Walk the center and use colectivos for valley trips; avoid expensive private transfers.
Food: Markets and comedor stalls offer the best flavors for minimal spend—sample multiple moles for a fraction of restaurant prices.

16. Costa Rica (Arenal & Tamarindo)

Why it’s hot: Sustainable eco-lodging and adventure activities (zip-line canopy tours, guided rainforest treks) are standard offerings for 2026 travelers.

Where to splurge

Private guided wildlife night walks, canopy zip-line courses, and an eco-lodge stay with conservation programming.

Where to save

Accommodation: Choose well-rated family-run cabinas near main attractions instead of all-inclusive resorts.
Transport: Shared shuttles and intercity buses are affordable—avoid last-minute private transfers (portable payment toolkits help local operators take cards: portable billing toolkit).
Food: Beachfront sodas (local eateries) serve fresh, cheap seafood—reserve one splurge seafood meal.

17. Kerala, India (Backwaters & Alleppey)

Why it’s hot: Wellness tourism (Ayurveda packages) and sustainable houseboat experiences both gained traction in late 2025, making Kerala a top 2026 pick for slow, restorative travel.

Where to splurge

Overnight private houseboat with chef and crew, or a multi-day Ayurvedic retreat that includes personalized consultations.

Where to save

Accommodation: Use homestays or small heritage hotels in towns—save your houseboat night for a single memorable evening.
Transport: Local ferries and buses are cheap—reserve private taxis only when necessary.
Food: South Indian thali meals are both economical and filling; try local fish curries at small coastal cafés.

Planning playbook: cross-destination saving strategies for 2026

Across these 17 destinations, some practical, repeatable strategies will give you the best ROI:

Prioritize time-limited experiences: Book sunrise/sunset or limited-capacity activities early—these gain value quickly and sell out in 2026. For inspiration on designing short-stay culinary trails and small-experience playbooks see culinary microcations.
Mix base cities with day trips: Save on accommodation by staying a short transit ride away from expensive hotspots.
Use local transport passes: City cards, regional rail passes, and island-ferry bundles cut costs dramatically—prepare by downloading relevant apps and understanding payment acceptance in local markets (portable POS and payment toolkits are increasingly common: portable POS, portable billing tools).
Embrace local meals: Eat big at markets and local cafés; splurge on one or two standout restaurants. Micro-events and pop-up markets are reliable places to find local flavors and good prices (micro-events playbook).
Book with flexible providers: With ongoing price volatility, choose flexible cancellation windows when booking tours or hotels.
Leverage points and bundled savings: Use miles for long-haul flights and apply hotel loyalty for a free night when funding a splurge experience.

2026 trends to keep on your radar

Dynamic surge pricing: Expect variable fees tied to events and weather-driven demand—book early for fixed rates.
Sustainable fees: Many operators add conservation or carbon surcharges—ask how funds are used before paying extra.
Remote-work visas: More countries now offer long-stay visas—consider month-long stays to amortize travel costs. Keep an eye on evolving regulation and marketplace rules (new remote-work rules).
Personalized tech: AI-driven itinerary builders can find savings windows and off-peak alternatives—use them as a cross-check, not gospel; creators and platforms are rapidly iterating on discovery flows (creator-platform trends).

Final actionable checklist before you go

Decide your one true splurge per trip (experience or stay) and protect the budget for it.
Book nonrefundable low-cost legs only if your plans are locked—otherwise choose flexible fares.
Download local transport apps and set up a local payment method (prepaid cards or local apps) to avoid foreign transaction fees; if you need a backup device or cheap phone for local apps, a refurbished handset can be a smart, low-cost option (refurbished phones guide).
Scan recent traveler reviews (past 3 months) for reliable intel on service levels and safety changes; local reporting and neighborhood event coverage are useful context (local news on micro-events).
Confirm entrance limits and permit needs for protected areas (Iceland glacial routes, Nepal treks, etc.).

Parting thoughts

Travel in 2026 rewards smart prioritization: splurge where a local, exclusive, or time-limited experience elevates the trip; save on repeatable costs like daily meals, transport and secondary nights. With new routes, tech tools and sustainable travel options maturing in late 2025, you can craft a trip that feels once-in-a-lifetime without breaking the bank—if you book deliberately and use local insights.

Takeaway: Pick one big splurge, optimize the rest with local knowledge and tech, and always leave room for spontaneous local discoveries.

Ready to plan your 2026 trip?

Sign up for updated destination alerts, curated splurge-worthy experiences and exclusive saving strategies tailored to your travel style—compare dates, check current flight routes and lock your experience now before 2026’s busiest windows fill up. If you’re organizing small local experiences or micro-events while you travel, consult playbooks on pop-ups and payment flows to run smooth, low-friction visits (micro-events playbook, portable billing toolkit).

Call to action: Want a tailored plan for one of these 17 destinations? Use our trip builder to get a personalized budget breakdown and bookable itinerary in minutes.

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