In our final installment of our series on the best destinations for 2026, Pauline Frommer, Frommers.com's Editor in Chief Jason Cochran, and Managing Editor Zac Thompson discussed Palawan in the Philippines, Portugal's Algarve region, Chicago, Adelaide in Australia and Vienna, Austria.

To see our Best Places to Go in 2026 photo-rich article, go to Frommers.com/BestPlaces2026.

Takeaways:

• In 2026, Chicago will be a prominent travel destination due to the opening of the Obama Presidential Center, which is expected to significantly reshape the community.
• Vienna is poised to attract visitors with a plethora of cultural events, including the 250th anniversary of the Burgtheater and the reopening of the Museum of Folk Life and Folk Art.
• Palawan in the Philippines is becoming increasingly popular, particularly due to its stunning natural beauty and the upcoming film set to draw attention to the region.
• The Algarve region of Portugal will feature direct transatlantic flights in 2026, making its beautiful beaches and rich history more accessible to American tourists.
• Adelaide, Australia, is experiencing a renaissance with new direct flights, making it easier for travelers to explore its vibrant arts scene and natural beauty.
• The year 2026 promises to be exceptional for travel as various destinations celebrate significant anniversaries and cultural events that will enhance the visitor experience.

Check out the Smart Travel Podcast

This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:

Smart Travel Podcast