2026 is a year when, despite all adversities, you should continue to travel to gather experiences that will stay with you for a long time. The publication InsureAndGo has named 7 places that you must visit to "nourish your soul."
Kanazawa, Japan
In Tokyo, there is noise, in Kyoto, there are temples. But Kanazawa is a place where you go to feel time slow down. The perfectly preserved samurai district, world-class gardens, and vibrant craft culture create a sense that old Japan quietly pulses in the background.
In Kanazawa, you can stroll through the samurai quarters, visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, and try ice cream with gold leaf.
You should also visit Naoshima in Japan – the "art island" with Yayoi Kusama's giant pumpkins by the sea and museums that seem to grow into the ground.
Additionally, the Kiso Valley deserves attention, where you can take a journey back in time along the Nakasendo trail and walk from Magome to Tsumago. These are two beautifully preserved post towns from the Edo period.
San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
San Pedro de Atacama is a settlement of extremes. Here you find the driest desert in the world and the glacial peaks of Patagonia. In the Atacama Desert, you can stargaze and swim in salt lagoons.
Moreover, you should visit Valparaíso in Chile. This bohemian port city is covered in graffiti from head to toe. Chiloé Island is famous for its myths, wooden churches, and fishing villages.
In Torres del Paine – the jewel of Patagonia – you can hike the W Trek, kayak past glaciers, or simply sit and admire the landscapes.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Slovenia is small, but it has more wonders than it seems. Here you find alpine lakes, wine valleys, and bridges guarded by dragons. It is a country where life is bustling while also feeling serene.
At Lake Bled, you can row to a tiny island chapel, ring the wish bell, and hike to the Ojstrica viewpoint to take in a panorama that will stay with you for a long time.
Ljubljana is the ecological capital. Here, you can enjoy coffee by the river, bike past street art, and experience a vibrant gastronomic scene.
You can also visit Triglav National Park, see the Julian Alps, the emerald Soča River, mountain passes, and waterfalls in green gorges.
South Africa
South Africa does not let go easily. Here, landscapes change from mountains to vineyards and savannahs in a single day.
You can visit Kruger National Park, see grazing giraffes and elephants, stay at a nature conservation-themed hotel, and listen to lions at night.
Cape Town is a city surrounded by mountains and the ocean. It is worth hiking up Table Mountain, strolling through the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap, and enjoying the sunset at Camps Bay.
Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are wine valleys that are conveniently explored by bike or tram, with tastings and long lunches under the oaks.
Tofino, Canada
Tofino feels like the end of the world – in the best sense. Here, rainforests intertwine with the wild Pacific coastline.
You should visit Chesterman Beach, where you can enjoy a walk along the shores and watch the waves roll in with a hot drink in hand.
In Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, you can walk along a tropical forest trail or kayak through quiet bays to admire the ocean and see eagles.
Ucluelet is a quiet harbor town with a local atmosphere and fantastic fish and chips.
Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
Tongariro is a truly epic place: you will be accompanied by volcanoes, emerald lakes, and a sense of the earth's history.
Among the places to visit is one of the best day hikes in the world – the Tongariro Alpine Crossing with its craters and surreal Emerald Lakes. From the trail, you can admire the sacred mountain Ngāuruhoe for the Māori people.
The village of Whakapapa is an ideal base for exploring the national park. To understand the cultural significance of this area, it is worth visiting the Tongariro Visitor Centre.
Taupo is a lakeside town with thermal springs and waterfalls.
Matera, Italy
Carved into a limestone gorge in southern Italy, Matera looks timeless but has never been so modern.
You should also visit the Sassi di Matera in Italy – these are ancient cave dwellings and rock churches, many of which have been restored and turned into boutique hotels, wine bars, and art galleries.
Piazza San Pietro Caveoso is the perfect place to watch the sunset with a glass of Aglianico, while the Murgia National Park, a wild landscape with trails, caves, and panoramic views, offers an unforgettable nature retreat.
