The 20 Best Places to Travel Today

Key Takeaways

• Focus on off-peak gems like Jaffna, Sri Lanka, for authentic culture without crowds.
• Book via Agoda, Booking.com, or Expedia for the best deals.
• Prioritize sustainable spots like Botswana safaris for ethical wildlife viewing.
• Suits beach escapes in Barbados or hikes in Peru.

Why These Are the Best Places to Travel Today

I’ve crisscrossed the globe for over a decade, chasing sunrises in hidden valleys and feasts in bustling markets. Right now, the smartest travelers head to spots balancing fresh buzz with enduring magic.

Think fewer crowds, optimal weather, and experiences that stick—like hiking Maine’s carriage roads at dawn, where the sea mist kisses your face. These 20 stand out for their mix of nature, history, and local flavor, drawn from expert lists like Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel and my own boots-on-the-ground stories.

1. Maine, USA: Dreamy New England Coastal Summers

Picture this: I arrived in Portland as the first U.S. sunrise hit, grabbing lobster rolls from a James Beard-winning spot before driving to Acadia National Park. Maine’s carriage roads, less crowded than the main trails, wind through emerald forests to cliffside views.

Portland’s food scene explodes with farm-to-table gems, and inland ponds echo with loon calls. February edges into spring hikes with fewer tourists; expect daytime highs around 5°C.

“Maine feels renewed, with chefs fleeing big cities for seaside spots,” I noted in my journal after a day at Marginal Way in Ogunquit.

2. Jaffna, Sri Lanka: Cultural Revival and Island Hopping

Jaffna pulled me in with its post-war renaissance—restored libraries and ferries to Delft Island, where coral fences guard sleepy homestays.

I cycled past Hindu temples on Nainativu, savoring crab curry feasts. February’s dry warmth (28°C) perfects beach explorations minus monsoon rains. Homestays like Malabar Home Stay offer home-cooked meals for $30/night.

3. Réunion Island: Multicultural Volcano Adventures

Réunion’s 400 microclimates hooked me—from markets blending Creole, Indian, and Chinese flavors to hiking Cirque de Mafate’s untouched valleys, accessible only by foot.

de la Fournaise, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, rumbled during my visit. February’s 25°C suits cirque treks; stay in Hell-Bourg for $40/night in Creole houses.

4. Peru: Inca Trails and Nikkei Gastronomy

Cusco’s new airport eased my Machu Picchu trek, but I detoured to Choquequirao’s quieter ruins via Qhapaq Ñan paths.

Lima’s Nikkei fusion—ceviche with Japanese twists—rivaled anywhere. February avoids peak rains; Huaraz adventures start from $100/day.

5. Finland: Northern Lights and Sámi Culture

Helsinki’s fortresses led to Lapland’s reindeer joiks and aurora domes. I mushed huskies under stars in Inari. February’s cold (-10°C) amplifies lights; Tampere’s lakeside vibe adds warmth.

6. Tipperary, Ireland: Epic Hikes and Historic Pubs

Glen of Aherlow’s valleys framed my Galtee Mountains hike, fueled by Cashel Blue cheese. The Rock of Cashel’s 12th-century drama lingers.

Mild February (8°C) is ideal; pubs like Thatch pub crawl free-spirited tunes.

7. Cádiz, Spain: Carnaval and Sherry Trails

Cádiz’s February Carnaval exploded with murgas and costumes—I joined parades before sherry tastings in El Puerto.

Beaches and Roman ruins round it out. Hotels are ~$120/night.

8. Botswana: Low-Impact Safaris

The Okavango Delta’s private concessions showed elephant herds sans crowds. Guides shared basket-weaving lore.

February’s green season (25°C) boosts sightings; camps cost $500+/night.

9. Cartagena, Colombia: Colonial Charms and Salsa Nights

Getsemaní’s murals and Oistins-like fish fries pulsed with life. I snorkeled Islas de Rosario’s wrecks. Affordable ($80/night stays).

10. Quetzaltenango, Guatemala: Maya Festivals and Coffee

Xela’s parks buzzed with traje-clad vendors; day trips to San Andrés Xecul’s yellow church amazed. February’s dry (20°C), perfect for hikes.

11. Liberdade, São Paulo: Asian-Brazilian Fusion

Red lanterns guided my ramen hunts at Feira da Liberdade. Museu Histórico da Imigração Japonesa deepened the story.

12. Mexico City: Murals and Markets

Mercado Medellín’s chilies and chicharrón captured Mexico’s soul. Frida’s legacy inspires endless art walks.

13. Utrecht, Netherlands: Canalside Bookshops

Two-level canals hid vaulted cafes; Domtoren’s views wowed. Weekend escapes from Amsterdam shine in February.

14. Barbados: Rum Shops and Turtle Snorkels

Carlisle Bay’s turtles and Oistins Fish Fry defined my days. Harrison’s Cave’s stalactites enchanted.

15. British Columbia, Canada: Mountains and Wineries

North Shore trails and Vancouver’s multiculturalism fueled adventures. Whistler’s legacy lingers.

16. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, USA: Badlands Stars

Bison roams and the new 2026 library is immersed in history. Dark skies for auroras.

17. Sardinia, Italy: Nuraghi and Beaches

Nuraghe Su Nuraxi’s mysteries and Asinara’s wildlife thrilled. Offseason serenity rules.

18. Jeju-do, South Korea: Volcanic Hikes and Haenyeo Dives

Hallasan’s summit and haenyeo seafood shacks were highlights. Ole Trail loops endlessly.

19. Quy Nhon, Vietnam: Cham Towers and Secluded Coves

Thap Doi towers and Ky Co Beach offered peace. Fresh banh xeo for breakfast.

20. Siem Reap, Cambodia: Angkor Beyond the Temples

Angkor Wat’s scale humbled me; Phare Circus and quad bikes added thrill. Pub Street’s energy caps nights.

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