With the travelers focusing on less-traveled destinations that would dish out authentic experiences, 2026 is widely expected to be the year of discovery and travel. Yes, it is true that iconic cities and beach destinations will always hold their charm, but avid travelers will now shift their gaze to longtail destinations that might be hidden but are culturally vivid and oozing with potential. These can be perched in mountains, nestled in coastal hideaways, or settled along riverbanks, but a change in touring pattern is surely on the cards.
Read on to discover a few of the top emerging long-tail destinations to watch in 2026.
Lombok, Indonesia
Lombok, an Indonesian island, is fast emerging as a substitute for the more glamorous Bali. Gorgeous beaches, especially Kuta (Lombok), with spots like Tanjung Aan and Selong Belanak, would surely find warm approval from beach enthusiasts, whereas Mount Rinjani, Indonesia's second-highest volcano, will be just the challenge every hiker cherishes. Dotted with hot springs and offering astonishing crater-lake views, Mount Rinjani will surely win you over with its natural charm.
Lush rainforests with fascinating falls like Sendang Gile, Tiu Kelep, and Benang Kelambu are bound to endear nature enthusiasts. A boat trip to Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, or Gili Air will take you to an area where you can snorkel with turtles in the crystal clear waters. A visit to the villages like Sade and Ende, on the other hand, will introduce you to the unique Sasak tradition. You can also get to see some ancient temples there.
The dry season (April–October) is the best time to visit Lombo, as the weather during these months is mostly sunny with minimal rainfall. These are also the months that offer you the best opportunity to plan outdoor and excursion trips and are ideal for water sports and trekking.
With volcanic peaks, coral reefs, and rainforests all on one island, and a more laid-back vibe than its much-talked-about neighbor, Lombok has staked its claim as a new, up-and-coming destination that offers a mix of adventure (volcanoes, surfing) and relaxation (beaches, quiet villages).
Though a quick trip of 2-3 days will be enough to catch the highlights of the place, a week will allow you enough time to enjoy a richer experience. You can then cover the attractions that the place offers, like Kuta's beaches, lush rainforests, and fascinating falls, and explore local culture by visiting villages like Sade and Ende at a relaxed and unhurried pace.
Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi is rightly proud of its stunning Art Nouveau architecture. Renowned for organic forms, intricate ironwork, and rich ornamentation, it brings to the fore the early 20th-century European Modern style prevalent in the city. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Leonidze St.), the Silk Museum (designed by Szymkiewicz), and the former City Credit Society Building (Pushkin St.) are some of the prominent examples of Art Nouveau architecture that dot the city.
Equally alluring is its historic old town, popular for its charming, winding streets. It would be exhilarating to visit the historic Narikala Fortress via cable car, enjoying the panoramic views, and then take a refreshing dip in the natural hot water of the Sulphur Baths in Abanotubani (an ancient district of Tbilisi, Georgia, known for its Sulphur Baths). The Leaning Clock Tower at the Puppet Theater is bound to catch your attention, while vibrant spots like Maidan Bazaar, the Bridge of Peace, Fabrika, and the Dry Bridge Market are just the places you would like to visit for gorging on local food and buying souvenirs for friends back home. And yes, do not leave Tbilisi till you have tried khinkali (a large, hand-held dumpling from the mountainous regions of Georgia) and khachapuri (a staple cheese-filled bread) and experienced the exotic Georgian wine culture.
Plan your visit to Tbilisi around spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October), and you will get to enjoy the city’s blooming landscapes/fall foliage without being caught in the rush of visitors. Spring is reminiscent of wine-focused events like the New Wine Festival and potential jazz festivals, while autumn is renowned for harvest celebrations like Rtveli (grape harvest) and wine-related gatherings that bring to the fore Georgia's rich traditions. The weather around these months is also pleasant and encourages excursions and outdoor activities.
You can catch all the highlights of Tbilisi in 2 or 3 days. However, a trip of 4 days will give you enough time to visit cafes and museums. You can also take day trips to the surrounding islands in a relaxed and unhurried way and make your visit entertaining and fun.
Vis Island, Croatia
Though a large part of Croatia’s coastline is an open book, Vis Island is still today an obscure destination. Myriad sun-kissed beaches, abundant sunshine, delightful local wine, and seafood straight from the ocean are Vis Island’s claim to fame. The island also boasts a remarkable history (ranging from Neolithic settlements to a vital WWII military base) and offers a spectacular view of the lustrous, crystalline waters of the Adriatic Sea that are bound to impress.
Hidden gems like Stiniva Beach, with rugged, fractured precipices and crystal-clear waters, as well as blue and green caves within the nearby archipelago, will surely win warm approval from beach enthusiasts. Nature lovers, on the other hand, will enjoy leisurely walks along picturesque trails and hidden spots and boat trips around the island and adjoining islets.
“Vis” also boasts a rich heritage evident in its Greek colonization (Issa) to Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and British rule, which has left behind ancient ruins (Greek necropolis, Roman baths), Venetian architecture (Church of St. Cyprian, Franciscan Monastery), British forts (Fort George), and WWII tunnels waiting to be discovered.
Vis Island is also renowned as Croatia's “island of winemakers” and offers a rich wine experience. Visitors will love to taste the wine that is served alongside fresh seafood and local specialties like Peka. Visits to wineries like Vislander Winery, Vidovic, and Lipanovi?, offering tastings, will also be greatly sought by wine enthusiasts.
A visit to Vis Island will take you through the traditional Dalmatian island life, which is preserved because of the island’s isolated position. If you are seeking tranquility and an escape from the rush and boredom of everyday life, then the island presents the best option. A memorable outing awaits.
Plan your visit to the island during the shoulder seasons of May-June & September-October. These are marked with warm weather, fewer crowds, and reduced rates that would guarantee a hassle-free outing. You can also choose to visit the island during the peak summer months of July and August. These are the liveliest months brought to life with vibrant events like Vis Night, the Vis Swimming Marathon, Fishermen's Night, Vis Cultural Summer, etc. However, you will have to deal with more visitors to the city and higher costs.
Though 2–3 days are enough to get a taste of the place, enjoying its beaches and wine, one should ideally plan a week-long visit to the island. You can then explore the place at leisure, visiting its beaches, coves, and vineyards and enjoying the local charm that would make for a memorable outing.
Tien Shan Mountain Range, Kyrgyzstan
If you are seeking wilderness and cultural immersion, then plan a visit to the remote Tien Shan Mountains in Kyrgyzstan. The diverse landscape of the range is what will immediately catch your attention. Witness the dramatic shift from lush green valleys and Tian Shan blue spruce forests to gigantic, snow-tipped peaks and huge glaciers. Take a dip in the beautiful alpine lakes like Issyk-Kul, the second largest in the world.
The iconic "Red Cliffs of Seven Bulls" and the "Maiden Tears" waterfall are surrounded by aromatic Schrenk's spruce. The Tien Shan Mountain Range is also famous amomgst trekking enthusiasts for its easy as well as challenging hikes. The range is active throughout the year, with skiing being prevalent in winter and hiking and mountain biking in summer. The range also allows you to spot golden eagles, mountain goats, deer, and foxes in their natural habitat, endearing itself to the wildlife enthusiast. The guests will love to stay in traditional yurt camps and interact with Kyrgyz nomads, enjoying a slice of the local life. The Tien Shan Mountain Range will be your ticket to raw, powerful nature, described by many as an alternative to the Alps but with far fewer visitors.
June to September can be the best time to visit the Tian Mountain Range. Warm weather makes high passes reachable. The landscape around these months is also dotted with wildflowers, enhancing its lure manifold. The warm weather around this time also makes it possible to stay in traditional yurt camps and enjoy the local experience.
You can enjoy the myriad attractions that the “range” offers in a 4- to 7-day trip. However, for a comprehensive cultural and trekking journey, you would be better off planning a 12-15 day trip that would give you ample time to plan hiking trips to iconic trekking destinations like Altyn Arashan and Karakol gorges, explore lakes and valleys, and enjoy a nomadic life, making the trip truly memorable.
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