Passport to 2026: Ten Expert-Curated Destinations for Every Travel Style

Whether it’s the excitement of a new destination or the comfort of a favorite retreat, we all have a place that’s calling our name. At Boscov’s Travel, we know the value of a well-planned itinerary, and in 2026, the world is offering more reasons than ever to set out and explore.

Our expert Boscov’s Travel Advisors have hand-selected their top ten destinations to inspire your next adventure. From the high-energy celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary to serene, off-the-beaten-path escapes, this list is designed to be your guide to a year of purposeful and unforgettable travel.

Our Top Ten Picks:

1. Popular: Mexico

The Experience: Effortless Luxury & All-Inclusive Comfort

Expert Insight: Mexico continues to set the standard for stress-free getaways. Our clients consistently report that the service from resort staff is “next to none,” offering a level of hospitality that makes every guest feel like a VIP.

The Mexico all-inclusive experience has evolved into a realm of total personalization. Many of our preferred resorts feature gourmet à la carte dining, unlimited beverages (including alcoholic), 24-hour room service, and top-shelf amenities included in your stay. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly oasis or an adults-only retreat, Mexico remains the premier choice for those who want high-value luxury and pristine Caribbean waters.

2. Exotic: Japan

The Experience: Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Marvels

Expert Insight: Japan is more accessible than ever in 2026. With airfares trending lower than in previous years, it’s the ideal time to explore the neon-lit streets of Tokyo and the serene temples of Kyoto. What makes Japan truly exotic is the profound sense of discovery found in its details—from the intricate, pagoda-style architecture to the quiet mystery of a hidden mountain shrine. Travelers can enjoy a seamless blend of the ultra-modern and the deeply traditional, from riding the lightning-fast Shinkansen bullet trains to participating in a quiet tea ceremony in a centuries-old garden. It offers a cultural immersion that is truly unlike anywhere else on Earth.

3. Adventurous: Costa Rica

The Experience: Biodiversity & Active Exploration

Expert Insight: Costa Rica is a playground for the senses. From the towering Arenal Volcano to “cloud treks” through the misty canopy of Monteverde, the variety of activity is unmatched. It is the perfect destination for travelers who want to see exotic wildlife in their natural habitat.

Expect to see different species of monkeys—from the vocal Howler monkeys to the curious White-Faced Capuchins—swinging through the trees. Along the coast and in the rainforests, you can spot slow-moving sloths tucked into the branches and vibrant Scarlet Macaws or Keel-Billed Toucans flying overhead. Whether you are zip-lining over forests or soaking in natural hot springs, adventure and wildlife encounters are built into every day of the itinerary.

4. Relax and Recharge: Fiji

The Experience: Ultimate Seclusion & Tropical Serenity

Expert Insight: While Fiji requires a long-haul flight, the reward is total peace and world-class relaxation. You are transported to some of the world’s most secluded beaches, far from the bustle of daily life and crowded tourist hubs. It is a destination where time seems to slow down, allowing you to fully unplug. For travelers looking to truly reset, the private island feel and crystal-clear turquoise waters of Fiji offer a level of serenity that is worth every mile of the journey.

5. Off-the-Beaten-Path: Patagonia

The Experience: Raw Wilderness & Untamed Beauty

Expert Insight: For those who have already checked the “major” landmarks off their list, Patagonia offers a rugged, awe-inspiring frontier that feels refreshingly undiscovered. Spanning the southern tips of Chile and Argentina, this region is for the traveler who finds peace in glaciers, jagged granite peaks, and the quiet of the great outdoors.

However, the experience goes beyond the scenery; you can immerse yourself in the legendary Gaucho (cowboy) culture at a traditional local estancia (ranch). Here, the “slow food” lifestyle comes to life through authentic open-fire barbecues—where local lamb is roasted for hours—perfectly paired with bold regional wines. It’s a place that balances spiky mountain landscapes with sophisticated frontier hospitality.

6. Entertaining: New Cruise Ships

The Experience: Cutting-Edge Innovation & World-Class Shows

Expert Insight: 2026 is a landmark year for cruising, where the ship itself becomes the center of the entertainment. With the recent launch of ships like Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Aqua, travelers can enjoy a city-like atmosphere at sea. These vessels offer Broadway-caliber entertainment, record-breaking water activities, and an incredible array of specialty dining that ensures travelers of all ages are constantly captivated. It is the perfect choice for those looking for non-stop excitement and luxury on the water.

7. Nature Lovers: Norway

The Experience: Majestic Fjords & Refreshing Climates

Expert Insight: We often recommend Norway as the “next step” for those who loved their Alaska cruise but are looking for a new perspective on natural beauty. The landscape here features deep, emerald-green fjords carved by ancient glaciers and dramatic mountains that rise straight from the sea. Nature lovers can experience the phenomenon of the Midnight Sun in the summer months, providing nearly 24 hours of daylight to explore pristine waterfalls and remote coastal villages. Visitors can wander the colorful, historic wharf of Bergen or sail through the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Geirangerfjord. It is the ultimate escape for those who prefer cooler, refreshing temperatures and a landscape that feels like a quiet, untouched world of pure natural wonder.

8. Metropolitan: London

The Experience: Seamless Urban Exploration

Expert Insight: London is an ideal city for those who love a metropolitan pace but appreciate easy navigation. The subway system (the “Tube”) is remarkably easy to use, making it simple to pack your day with West End plays, world-renowned museums, and historic landmarks like the Tower of London without the stress of logistics. For a classic experience, you can hop on an iconic red double-decker bus to see the city from a different perspective as you cruise past Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. From high-end shopping to historic charm, London offers a diverse big-city experience that is both accessible and exciting for every type of traveler.

9. Historical & Cultural: Rome

The Experience: A Living Museum

Expert Insight: In Rome, history isn’t tucked away behind glass; it’s on every street corner. The entire city functions as an open-air museum, offering a profound connection to the past for any culture seeker. You can enjoy a gelato while standing in the shadow of the Pantheon or walk the same stones as gladiators at the Colosseum.

Beyond the monuments, Rome offers a sensory journey into the Italian way of life. You can spend your afternoons exploring the vine-covered alleyways of the Trastevere neighborhood or dining at authentic trattorias that serve world-class pasta and local wines. It is an incredible choice for travelers who want to immerse themselves in history, art, architecture, and a vibrant food culture that has been perfected over centuries.

10. Event-Based: USA America250 Celebrations

The Experience: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Patriotic Milestone

Expert Insight: 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States, turning the country into a massive venue for historic events. The center of the action is at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., which will host the Great American State Fair—a month-long festival featuring local food and exhibits from all 50 states. Along the coast, the Sail250® tour will bring a fleet of over 60 international tall ships and military vessels into harbors including Philadelphia, Norfolk, Boston, New Orleans, and New York & New Jersey.

The celebrations extend deep into the heart of the country as well. In the Midwest, Mount Rushmore is planning a rare, signature fireworks display to mark the milestone. On the West Coast, cities like Seattle and Los Angeles are preparing cultural festivals that honor the diverse history of the Pacific.

For sports fans, this patriotic milestone perfectly aligns with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with cities like Philadelphia and New York hosting major matches throughout the summer. Whether you are watching record-breaking fireworks or exploring newly renovated galleries at the Smithsonian, 2026 is the premier year to experience these once-in-a-lifetime American celebrations.

Plan Your 2026 Journey

2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years for travel yet! Whether you want to witness the massive Sail250® fleet, explore the stunning landscapes of Patagonia, or simply kick back at a world-class all-inclusive in Mexico, this is the year to make it happen.

Forget the stress of planning and the endless online searches. Our experts are here to handle the details so you can focus on the fun stuff—like deciding which specialty restaurant to try first or which national park to check off your list. From exclusive cruise perks to the best hidden spots in Rome, we’ve got you covered.

Our Boscov’s Travel Advisors are ready to assist you in planning whenever you’re ready! Contact your local Boscov’s Travel or call 800-755-8020 or visit https://www.boscovstravel.com/

My personal experience at RIU Dunamar Costa Mujeres, Mexico

Recently one of our Boscov’s Travel Advisors took a trip to Costa Mujeres, Mexico. Read her incredible experience below.

We travel to Mexico two times a year and stay at different resorts each time. We enjoy the beautiful sand, drinks, and food – it’s a great place to go! In the past some of our favorite hotels that we have stayed at are RIU Palace Costa Mujeres, Hard Rock Riveria Maya, Sun Palace and Blue Bay Esmeralda. This April 2022 we stayed at the RIU Dunamar, Costa Mujeres, and all-inclusive beachfront and kid friendly resort. We loved it!

This resort is across the bay on the mainland, just north of Cancun. The beauty is its location. This area feels calm and secluded, but is just thirty minutes away from Cancun’s bustling restaurants and nightlife. Isla Mujeres is visible from the resorts in this area.

Some of the best parts of our trips to Mexico is the all-inclusive amenities! RIU Dunamar offers four specialty dinner restaurants, a lunchtime poolside barbecue grill, six bars, including a 24-hour bar with snacks, and two swim-up bars.  I would highly recommend this resort to families because of the Splash Water Park, RIU Land Kids’ Club and poolside activities during the day which are geared towards families.

When staying in Mexico there is a lot you can do with many excursion options to choose from if you want to stray away from your resort. Every time we take our vacation, we take a day trip from our resort to explore the area. On this trip we took a three-hour snorkeling excursion that picked us up at our resort to visit a coral reef, the MUSA statues which are made of material for coral to grow on, a shipwreck and underwater cenotes. The entirety of the excursion was beautiful, fun and educational. Afterward, we visited El Meco which is a small archaeological Mayan Ruins site, which was stunning.

The Mayan Ruins have eighteen structures located off the beaten path to the North of Cancun en route to Costa Mujeres near the Puerto Juarez ferry dock. It has the tallest pyramid on the Northeast Yucatan Peninsula. From the top of the Castillo Ruins one can see the Caribbean Sea, all of Cancun’s lagoons, and Isla Mujeres. I highly recommend visiting some of the Mayan Ruins on a vacation to Mexico.

Obviously, we love vacationing in Mexico and I highly recommend going at least once. Cancun, Rivera Maya and Costa Mujeres are all great vacation spots for singles, couples and families. Since I have a wide range of knowledge on the area, and with all the lodging options and areas to stay in, it is important that I qualify my clients to fit them with the right resort for what they expect on their vacations. Your local Boscov’s Travel Advisor is ready to help you find the perfect fit for your next vacation in Mexico and beyond. Contact us today!

 

Consider an All-Inclusive Resort for Your Romantic Getaway

An incredible honeymoon, anniversary, or just alone time is something most couple’s desire. There’s nothing like getting away from the “noise” and being on vacation, spending time with that special someone. Toes in the sand, drink in your hand, and your love by your side… what is better than that? Not much! Whether you like to relax or have an adventure, all-inclusive vacations are the way to go for a special romantic getaway.

You deserve the all-inclusive romantic getaway of your dreams. We’re going to take you on a journey to describe what an all-inclusive vacation means, explain why you should have a romantic getaway, and show you some great all-inclusive resorts. We’re partnering with Apple Vacations to give one lucky person a Romantic Getaway for two with a 5-night stay at the incredible RIU Palace Macao in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic! Watch out for more details on this in September.

What is an all-inclusive vacation?

An all-inclusive vacation means everything is included! Most of the time all food, drinks, activities, and entertainment are already included. You can drink and eat as much as you please. Count us in! Some resorts even include round trip airport transfers, which means no hassle finding transportation. Many resorts tend to differ with what is included. Also, resort styles and atmospheres differ – some are more romantic, laid-back, adventurous and even family-friendly, so be sure to choose one that fits your needs.

Couple relaxing pool side being served cocktails

Why choose all-inclusive?

All-inclusive is super easy! Almost everything is already paid for and included in your price before you leave for your trip. Your planning time is trimmed because you don’t need to worry about activities or restaurants because they are already included. There’s really no reason to leave your resort unless you choose to explore other places.

When staying at an all-inclusive resort you don’t need to walk around with your wallet or purse or worry about tipping- everything is already taken care of. This allows for a more relaxing vacation since you’re not paying for every indulgence. You and your sweetheart can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the limitless food, drinks, and more!

Why have a romantic getaway?

Romantic getaways are fun, exciting, relaxing, and most of all they bring people closer. When you’re on a romantic getaway you’re away from every day life with someone you love. Being away from life’s hassles allows for quality bonding time with your partner. A relaxing and fun environment can lead to more open communication and build relationships. In addition, intimacy can be restored after just a few days of alone time. Doesn’t that sound incredible?

A romantic getaway will help you continue your incredible relationship and keep the relationship strong. You’ll be reminded of why you fell in love with your partner in the first place. It’s a time for you to create amazing and unforgettable memories with your love.

5 All-Inclusive Resorts Perfect for Romantic Getaways

With so many options to choose from you may feel overwhelmed. Working with a professional travel advisor that knows the resorts can be helpful. Tell them what you want and they’ll match you with the perfect location. But let’s wet your appetite a bit – here are just a few of our favorites:
*additional charges and reservations may be required

#1 – RIU Palace Macao, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
– All-Inclusive, adults only
– Five restaurants, no reservations required
– Romantic Dinner on the beach*
– Six bars, unlimited beverages
– Two pools, one with swim-up bar, jacuzzi tubs
– Beach
– Entertainment
– Sports and activities
– Free admission to “Splash Water World” water park
– Spa*

Photo Credit: Princess Hotels

#2 – Platinum Yucatan Princess, Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
– All-Inclusive, adults only
– Six restaurants, only one requires a reservation
– Eight bars, unlimited beverages
– Thirteen pools, pool bars
– Beach
– Entertainment
– Sports and activities
– Spa*
– Use of nearby resort’s facilities Grand Sunset Princess and Grand Rivera Princess
– Honeymoon Offers*

#3 – Couples Tour Isle, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
– All-Inclusive, couples only
– Six restaurants, two require a reservation
– Romantic Seaside dining*
– Five bars, unlimited beverages
– Four pools, jacuzzi
– Beach
– Resort’s private island
– Entertainment
– Sports and activities
– Spa*
– Spa villas with personal plunge pools*

#4 – Dreams Playa Bonita Panama, Playa Bonita, Panama
– All-Inclusive
– Seven restaurants, no reservations required
– Private Dinner in Romantic Locations*
– Four bars, unlimited beverages
– Four pools, one adult-only
– Beach and Rain Forest
– Entertainment
– Sports and Activities
– Spa

#5 – Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
– All-Inclusive, adults only
– Four restaurants
– Five bars, unlimited beverages
– Two pools, pool bar
– Beach and tropical gardens
– Entertainment
– Sports and Activities
– Spa*

Now that we’ve shown you all-inclusive resorts and the ins and outs to an all-inclusive romantic getaway, are you ready to plan your trip? We are here when you’re ready! From the unlimited food and drinks to the relaxing and adventurous romance- every couple deserves to have the romantic getaway of their dreams. Start planning your romantic getaway with us today!