Looking to escape the crowds but not the buzz? Tripadvisor’s 2026 awards reveal the destinations that will pop this year, from remote Atlantic islands to cities you already know and love.

The birth of a new year always brings with it a raft of awards and top tens covering every conceivable aspect of travel. Many are arbitrary, backed by limited surveys or easy-to-interpret-however-you-like data.

We can treat the results of Tripadvisor’s annual Travelers’ Choice Awards with far more credulity because they’re backed by an entire year of customer reviews and determined by the quantity and quality of ratings of real people. The awards cover several categories, from fantastic food and culture destinations to the best places for solo travel or to spend your honeymoon.

Then, of course, there’s the top rated destinations overall for 2025 (where Bali came out on top). But far more interesting are the top trending destinations for 2026—the places generating a buzz but that haven’t yet buckled under the weight of overtourism or that have something special happening this year that sets them apart.

1. Madeira, Portugal

While undoubtedly Portuguese, Madeira’s total geographic isolation has given this wild island in the Atlantic an identity all its own. Miraculously still under the radar of many travelers, it’s best known for its wild landscapes, incredible hikes, jaw-dropping, and often hard to reach beaches, and unique microclimate that sees year-round temperatures stable around the mid to high 70s°F.

Often referred to as the Hawai‘i of Europe, it is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise with its precipitous volcanic trails, whale watching expeditions and giant surf. That of course all comes after the biggest adventure of all—landing on the island’s infamously challenging runway built on pillars over the ocean and reserved only for experienced pilots with special training.

Watching planes come into land from the terminal’s viewing gallery is one of the most popular pastimes on the island. Perhaps best not to watch just before you take off though.

2. Tbilisi, Georgia

It feels like 2026 is the year that Tbilisi finally makes its mark on the global tourist map. Georgia’s capital (the European one) is a city alive with possibility in 2026, reflected in the new openings that are transforming its cultural and visitor landscape.

Book a room at the city’s best new hotel, The Telegraph, which marries post-Soviet Brutalist architecture with enough style and comfort to sate the most demanding tastes. Take to the streets and you’ll be overwhelmed by landmarks worthy of your time.

On the elegant tree-lined Rustaveli Avenue you’ll find the Tbilise Opera House, Rustaveli Theater and several museums. Nearby, the expanded Shalva Amiranashvili Museum of Fine Arts reaches back into the history of Georgian, Russian, Oriental and European art. More recently opened, the Art Foundation Anagi celebrates the best of contemporary Georgian art.

3. Chicago, Illinois

The Windy City needs no introduction. In 2026, there’s even more than usual on the calendar of things to do. The heart of Chicago’s South Side will see the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center, a multi-faceted community hub and “beacon for democracy” with a calendar of events, exhibitions and experiences covering the gamut from sports to science.

In late May, Pokémon comes to the Field Museum and with it no doubt fans from around the world. On homegrown soil, The U.S. may be turning 250 this year, but there’s another icon of Americana celebrating its own big birthday. Route 66 turns 100 in November but the centenary celebrations at its start (or end) point on Michigan Avenue and Adams Street will begin much earlier in the year.

4. Quy Nhon, Vietnam

In a country beset by an incredibly picturesque coastline teeming with postcard perfect beaches, Quy Nhon still sounds out for its own combinations of sand and sea. Set equidistantly between the better-known tourist spots of Da Nang and Nha Trang, it’s easy to get to by plane and (very scenic) train, and remains mercifully crowd free—for now.

The city itself is modern and well-catered for tourists, most of whom are domestic at the moment. Its gorgeous new three-mile-long beachfront promenade is bound to draw more visitors, ready to laze on honeyed sands and gorge on fresh seafood plucked from the waters directly out front. If the beach gets boring, up your culture game with a visit to the Cham-era temples and towers that dot not only the city but the surrounding countryside.

5. Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Mexico’s port town on the southern Pacific tip of Oaxaca has long been renowned in the surfing world for its incredible—and terrifying—waves. None more so than Zicatela, known as the Mexican Pipeline after Hawai‘i’s infamous break for the power and speed of its waves.

This year, Zicatela and its neighboring breaks are getting the recognition they deserve, finally being designated as a World Surfing Reserve. Long a mainstay of traveling surfers (and with a nightlife that speaks to that fact), expect crowds to increase thanks to American Airlines’ new route launched in December 2025, connecting Puerto Escondido directly to Fort Worth.

6. Milan, Italy

Italy’s design and fashion capital will allow itself to be distracted in 2026 as the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics takes over the city. Running for most of February, the city will host events from ice skating to ice hockey while the boutiques and galleries will still be open for some between-sport browsing. A few hours north—on a stunning drive past Lake Garda and up into the mountains where the Alps and the Dolomites clash, Cortina will host the best of the snow sports.

7. Glasgow, Scotland

Often overlooked for more glamorous Edinburgh, Glasgow is Scotland’s biggest city and its industrial heart. Yet its misguided grubby reputation is being peeled away to reveal the wealth of cultural and culinary treats. From spring onwards, book a room and the newly opened Arthouse Glasgow hotel and hit the nearby Mackintosh Trail to delve into the artistic legacy of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, one of Scotland’s most loved artists, designers and architects.

8. Abu Dhabi, UAE

Slowly stealing some of the limelight away from its flashier sibling, Dubai, the UAE’s capital city is transforming itself into one of the world’s most vital cultural gathering points. Saadiyat Island’s cultural district is the focus, already home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and, since December 2025, the Zayed National Museum. In 2026, both will be joined by the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, creating a triumvirate of world-class historic and artistic collections.

9. Recife, Brazil

Brazil’s coastal megacities are all wild and wonderful, but the buzz around Recife is only growing in 2026. Maybe it’s the dizzying mix of Afro-Brazilian culture, music and food, and the legendary Carnaval that takes over the city mid-February. Or perhaps it’s the calm amid the mayhem and the opportunity to float in crystal waters above the reefs (recifes) that gave the city its name. More likely, it’s a combination of the two that you’ll need to try for yourself to understand.

10. San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina

While cities have played a major role in the top ten trending destinations, we finish in the wilds on the northern fringes of Argentine Patagonia. A slice of Switzerland in South America, it’s renowned for its Swiss chalet style architecture and artisanal chocolate. On its doorstep, the glacial waters of Nahuel Hapi Lake. Beyond, the boundless adventures of Patagonia—ski, hike, climb and boat your way through its wonders.

The United States has more airports than any other country in the world, far ahead of every nation and even entire continents. Its vast aviation network reflects how deeply air travel is woven into everyday life. Here is a closer look at the countries that lead the world in number of airports.

Air travel has its icons, the crowded terminals, the red-eye flights, the runway lights blinking at dawn. But the bigger story often sits quietly in the map: which country has the most airports, and why that matters for mobility, emergency access, defence, business and even daily life.

The country with the most airports: United States

By a wide margin, the United States has the highest number of airports/airfields in the world, 16,116 (2025 estimate), according to the CIA’s World Factbook country comparison on airports.

The CIA’s definition is important here: it counts the total number of “airports or airfields recognisable from the air,” including paved and unpaved runways, and even closed or abandoned installations if they are still recognisable.

That means the list isn’t limited to big commercial hubs. It includes local airstrips, regional airfields, general aviation facilities, and remote landing grounds that support everything from medical evacuation to firefighting.

The scale is striking: the US total is more than three times the number in second-placed Brazil.

Visual summaries of the same dataset show how the US runway network is shaped by geography and a long general-aviation culture, thousands of small communities have aviation access even without major airline airports.

TOP 5 COUNTRIES WITH THE MOST AIRPORTS

Below are the top five based on the CIA World Factbook’s latest country comparison (2025 estimates).

1) United States – 16,116 airports

The US leads because its aviation system isn’t only built around a few mega airports. It’s an ecosystem: small-town airfields, training strips, private and public general aviation airports, and remote landing sites.

That density matters in a vast country where air access can also mean emergency connectivity, rapid logistics and regional movement.

2) Brazil – 5,297 airports

Brazil ranks second, and the number reflects its geography as much as its economy. Large distances, difficult terrain in parts of the country, and communities that rely on air links make smaller airfields a necessity, not a luxury.

The CIA data places Brazil firmly behind the US, but far ahead of the rest of the world.

3) Australia – 2,257 airports

Australia’s high count is driven by a familiar story: huge landmass, widely dispersed population, and a long reliance on air transport to connect remote settlements and regional centres.

That’s how a country with a relatively small population still ends up with one of the world’s largest airport networks.

4) Mexico – 1,580 airports

Mexico’s airport footprint reflects a mix of commercial aviation, regional connectivity, and airfields that support industry and internal travel across varied terrain. It sits fourth globally, ahead of Canada and well ahead of many European powers that have fewer but busier airports.

5) Canada – 1,459 airports

Canada rounds out the top five. The reasons are intuitive: long distances, harsh winters in many regions, and remote communities where air travel can be the most reliable connection for passengers, supplies and emergency services.

It’s tempting to read “most airports” as “most advanced aviation”. But the ranking is really about coverage, not glamour.

A country can have fewer airports and still handle more passengers, because a handful of giant hubs can move enormous volumes.

A country can have many airports because it needs remote access, not because it has more international flights.

And because the CIA count includes airfields “recognisable from the air,” the list captures aviation as infrastructure – the quiet landing strips that rarely feature in travel Instagram posts, but matter for national logistics and everyday connectivity.

WHY THIS MATTERS BEYOND TRIVIA

Airport density shapes how a country functions:

Disaster response: quicker access for relief and evacuation.

Healthcare: air ambulances and emergency transfers.

Economic reach: faster movement for high-value goods and personnel.

Regional equality: connectivity for places far from rail or highways.

In that sense, the US figure isn’t just a record, it shows how deeply aviation is woven into daily life, commerce and governance. India, as a developing nation, is also increasing the number of airports to meet rising domestic demand.

The country currently has around 487 airports and airstrips, including international, domestic, private and civil enclaves, as it builds infrastructure to support its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. However, the road to that level of connectivity is long and requires sustained vision and a booming economy.

Airplane seat window alignment: From structural integrity to standardised layouts, several factors contribute to this quirky detail. Let’s uncover why your seat and the window rarely match up.

Airplane Seating Arrangement: Have you ever boarded a flight, settled into your seat and realised the window is either too far ahead or behind you? It’s a common frustration for travellers who love gazing at the clouds or snapping that perfect aerial shot. While it might seem like a design flaw, there’s actually a logical reason behind this misalignment. Aircraft manufacturers and airlines prioritise safety, efficiency and cost over perfect window-seat harmony. From structural integrity to standardised layouts, several factors contribute to this quirky detail. Let’s uncover why your seat and the window rarely match up.

6 Reasons Why Airplane Seats Don’t Align With Windows

1. Aircraft Structural Design

Windows are positioned based on the aircraft’s structural requirements, not passenger seating. The fuselage needs evenly spaced windows to maintain strength and withstand pressure changes at high altitudes. This engineering necessity often overrides the alignment with seat rows.

2. Fixed Seat Pitch

Seats are installed according to a standard pitch – the distance between rows – which is designed for comfort and safety. Window spacing doesn’t follow this pitch, so the two rarely match. Airlines stick to these measurements to optimise space and maintain uniformity across their fleet.

3. Maximising Passenger Capacity

Airlines aim to fit as many seats as possible without compromising safety. Adjusting seats to align with windows would reduce capacity and revenue. For carriers, efficiency and profitability take precedence over aesthetic alignment.

4. Modular Seat Layouts

Seats come in modular blocks that can be installed across different aircraft models. This standardisation saves time and money during manufacturing and maintenance. Since window positions vary by aircraft type, perfect alignment becomes impractical.

5. Variations In Aircraft Models

Different aircraft have unique fuselage designs and window placements. Airlines, however, prefer uniform seating layouts for operational consistency. This means the same seat configuration is used across multiple planes, regardless of window positions.

6. Cost and Maintenance Efficiency

Customising seat positions for every window would significantly increase costs and complicate maintenance. Standard layouts keep operations simple, reduce expenses, and ensure quick turnaround times for flights.

More Facts About Airplane Design 

Why Are Airplane Windows Round, Not Square?

Airplane windows are round to distribute pressure evenly and prevent cracks. Square windows have sharp corners that can weaken the structure under high cabin pressure.

Why Are Airplanes Always White?

White interiors make the cabin look brighter and more spacious. They also reflect light better, hide scratches, and give a clean, fresh appearance, which enhances passenger comfort.

Why Do Airplanes Leave White Trails In The Sky?

Those white trails are called contrails, formed when hot engine exhaust mixes with cold air at high altitudes, causing water vapour to condense and freeze into ice crystals.

Next time you find yourself craning your neck for a view, remember, it’s not poor planning but smart engineering and economics at work.

Planning a solo trip in 2026? From London and New York to Bali and Hanoi, discover the world’s 10 best destinations for solo travellers, ranked for safety, culture, food and unforgettable experiences.

Travelling with friends or family is wonderful—until you spend half your holiday debating dinner plans, museum tickets, or whether today is a beach day or a hiking day. That’s where solo travel truly shines. When you travel alone, every decision is yours. You wake up when you want, wander where curiosity leads you, and change plans without consulting anyone but yourself.

While you can technically travel anywhere solo, some destinations are far more welcoming, safe, and rewarding for independent explorers. To identify these standout spots, the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2026 analysed millions of global reviews, ranking destinations based on the quality and quantity of traveller feedback. Factors like public transport, food, walkability, attractions, and overall experience played a key role.

Thinking of setting off on your own this year? These are the 10 best places in the world for solo travellers in 2026, perfect for exploring at your own pace.

1. Dublin, Ireland

Dublin’s friendly charm makes solo travellers feel welcome almost instantly. Yes, the Guinness really does taste better fresh from the source, but there’s much more to this lively city than pubs. Wander through Phoenix Park, one of Europe’s largest urban green spaces, stroll around St Stephen’s Green, or dive into Ireland’s literary legacy by following in the footsteps of Yeats, Joyce, and Wilde. Compact, walkable, and buzzing with culture, Dublin is ideal for first-time solo travellers.

2. Berlin, Germany

Berlin is a city where history and modern creativity collide. Explore powerful landmarks like the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Brandenburg Gate, then switch gears with contemporary art galleries, flea markets, and underground clubs. Solo travellers love Berlin for its efficient public transport, affordable food scene, and open-minded vibe. Whether you’re into history, nightlife, or design, the city encourages you to explore independently and deeply.

3. London, England

Few cities offer as much variety as London. One moment you’re wandering royal palaces and historic streets, the next you’re browsing vintage shops in Shoreditch or enjoying live music in Camden. Solo travellers can blend in effortlessly here—exploring museums, dining alone in cosy pubs, or getting lost in colourful neighbourhoods like Notting Hill. With endless attractions and excellent transport, London lets you craft a different adventure every single day.

4. Santiago, Chile

Santiago rewards curious solo travellers who enjoy peeling back layers. Set against the Andes, the city blends colonial architecture with modern skyscrapers. Spend your days exploring art museums in Forest Park, sipping coffee in Bellavista, or shopping alongside locals at bustling markets. Santiago’s food scene is another highlight, offering hearty Chilean dishes that make dining alone feel like a pleasure, not a compromise.

5. Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh feels like a city built for wandering. Its cobbled streets, medieval Old Town, and elegant Georgian New Town are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Solo travellers can easily spend hours exploring castles, museums, and hidden closes before settling into a cosy restaurant serving fresh Scottish produce. Visit during summer for world-famous festivals or winter for magical light shows and cultural celebrations—the city never feels lonely.

6. New York City, USA

New York is one of the best cities in the world to explore alone. On your first visit, tick off icons like the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Central Park. On your second, dive deeper—pick a neighbourhood and explore its cafés, bookstores, delis, and bars. The city’s anonymity is its biggest strength for solo travellers, offering freedom, diversity, and constant discovery.

7. Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi balances old-world charm with modern energy. Its Old Quarter is a maze of narrow streets filled with street food stalls, temples, and colonial buildings. History lovers can explore Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Hoa Lo Prison, while nature seekers will appreciate the city’s lakes and shady boulevards. Affordable, safe, and rich in culture, Hanoi is perfect for solo travellers who enjoy slow exploration and authentic local experiences.

8. Madrid, Spain

Madrid thrives on energy—day and night. As Spain’s cultural and financial capital, it offers everything from historic plazas and royal palaces to buzzing nightlife and world-class football. Art lovers can spend days at the Prado and Reina Sofía museums, while foodies will love hopping between tapas bars. Madrid’s walkability and late-night culture make solo travel feel effortless and exciting.

9. Bali, Indonesia

Bali has long been a favourite for solo travellers seeking balance. You can spend mornings surfing or diving, afternoons exploring temples or rice terraces, and evenings unwinding at beach cafés. Ubud, the island’s cultural heart, is especially popular for yoga, meditation, and creative workshops. Whether you’re after adventure, wellness, or reflection, Bali offers space to reconnect with yourself.

10. Cape Town Central, South Africa

Cape Town is as visually stunning as it is emotionally powerful. From the iconic views at Table Mountain and Blaauwberg Beach to the natural beauty of Kirstenbosch Gardens, the city constantly impresses. Solo travellers can hike, explore coastal drives, or take a moving trip to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. With rich history and dramatic landscapes, Cape Town is unforgettable when explored independently.