Travel Guide for 2026
Our curated Picks for a Year of New Horizons
A new year opens up more than just calendars — it opens possibilities. 2026 is about travel with intention: choosing places that inspire curiosity, invite movement, and offer space to see the world differently.
Our personal picks for 2026 reflect how we like to travel today: design-forward cities, cultural crossroads, quiet escapes, and destinations where nature, creativity, and daily life intersect. This is our curated travel guide for the year ahead.
Oulu, Finland
Design, Culture, and Northern Light
As European Capital of Culture 2026, Oulu is stepping quietly into focus. Located near the Arctic Circle, the city blends Nordic design, technology, and nature with a strong cultural programme. Winter light, frozen coastlines, forests, and a calm urban rhythm make Oulu a destination for travellers drawn to clarity, space, and thoughtful design — an ideal place to begin the year.
Athens, Greece
Ancient Layers, Modern Life
Athens continues to reinvent itself. Beyond its historic landmarks, the city has become a hub for contemporary culture, architecture, and modern Greek cuisine. Creative neighbourhoods, independent galleries, and a thriving café scene sit alongside ancient ruins — not in contrast, but in conversation. Athens rewards travellers who appreciate depth, history, and the energy of a city always in motion.
Sofia, Bulgaria
An Emerging European Capital
Sofia remains one of Europe’s most underrated capitals. Roman ruins, Orthodox churches, Soviet-era architecture, and contemporary creative spaces coexist within a compact city framed by mountains. For travellers looking beyond familiar routes, Sofia offers authenticity, affordability, and a genuine sense of discovery — a place shaped by layers rather than trends.
São Paulo, Brazil
Art, Architecture, and Relentless Creativity
São Paulo is one of the world’s most influential cities for contemporary art and design. Home to landmark modernist architecture and a globally significant biennial, its creative energy spans fashion, graphic design, food, and architecture. It’s not polished or predictable — it’s layered, intense, and constantly evolving. For travellers drawn to cities that shape culture rather than follow it, São Paulo offers depth, scale, and creative momentum.
Accra, Ghana
A Cultural Capital on the Rise
Accra is one of Africa’s most exciting cultural cities. Fashion, music, art, and food are driving a creative renaissance, positioning the city as a destination for culturally curious travellers. Markets, galleries, coastal neighbourhoods, and design-led hospitality create a city that feels vibrant, rooted, and forward-looking — a place where tradition and modernity meet with confidence.
Islay, Scotland
Slow Travel at the Edge
Islay is defined by pace. Remote, elemental, and shaped by wind and water, the Scottish island is known for its whisky distilleries — but its true appeal lies in its landscapes and sense of stillness. Quiet roads, dramatic coastlines, and an unhurried rhythm make Islay ideal for travellers seeking off-road experiences and space away from constant movement.
Ahangama, Sri Lanka
Surf, Nature, and Modern Craft
On Sri Lanka’s south coast, Ahangama has become a focal point for the country’s contemporary surf culture. Clean breaks, warm water, and palm-lined roads meet thoughtfully designed stays, cafés, and creative spaces. Defined by movement and rhythm — early mornings in the water, slow afternoons on land — it’s a destination that closes the journey on energy, renewal, and optimism.
A Year of Intentional Travel
Our 2026 travel guide isn’t about chasing trends or ticking boxes. It’s about contrast — fresh air and warm water, cities and coastlines, intensity and pause. These destinations reflect our personal approach to travel: thoughtful, curious, and shaped by what inspires us.
Here’s to new horizons — and the journeys that lead us there.