Destinations Where Tourists Feel Happiest in 2026, According to G Adventures
Guatemala, the Arctic and Ecuador rise as top picks as travellers seek culture, food, and natural wonders across nine markets
G Adventures has released its Happiness List 2026, a travel-trend report that identifies the destinations and experiences most likely to bring happiness to travellers next year. The list is based on a survey of 8,000 adults who plan to travel in 2026 across nine markets, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
Key destinations on the list include Guatemala, celebrated for culture and food experiences that help visitors make memories, and the Arctic for its icy landscapes and expedition cruises. In South America, Ecuador stands out for jungle immersion and the chance to sample a cocoa-rich landscape. The San Blas Islands off Panama’s Caribbean coast, a chain of roughly 378 islands and cays, are highlighted for their beaches and wildlife. Across Africa, travellers are drawn to wildlife encounters, while the possibility of witnessing a solar eclipse adds a rare experiential element for next year. The eclipse is forecast to be visible from Spain on August 12, with a path from Galicia to Mallorca, according to Majorca Daily Bulletin.
Sri Lanka’s coast is noted for boat-based exploration and abundant wildlife along with a network of villages to visit, while East Iceland earns praise for its dramatic landscapes and black sand beaches. Moldova, a smaller country wedged between Romania and Ukraine, is singled out for wine and local cuisine. Beyond Europe, Central Asia’s historic regions — including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan — are cited for their rich history and culture. The list, compiled from traveller insights, underscores a broad appetite for immersive experiences across continents.
The Happiness List 2026 reflects a global shift toward experiences that blend culture, cuisine, wildlife and natural scenery. Researchers noted that the markets represented by the survey span North America, Europe and beyond, illustrating how travellers are prioritising authentic engagements over generic sightseeing. The compilation of destinations and experiences aims to guide travellers planning next year’s trips and help operators tailor itineraries to growing desires for meaningful, memory-making travel.
In addition to the cultural and culinary offerings, travellers on the list increasingly seek access to pristine landscapes and opportunities to observe natural phenomena. The anticipated Spain eclipse on August 12 adds a layer of celestial planning for visitors, encouraging coordinated travel to coincide with the event if conditions permit. While some destinations on the Happiness List are well-trodden, others are less familiar, offering room for exploration and discovery in 2026. The compilation highlights the enduring appeal of nature, culture and new experiences in global travel, even as routes and safety considerations shift in response to broader travel dynamics.
Overall, the Happiness List 2026 captures a moment when travellers prioritize deeply immersive experiences, local connections and dramatic settings, from tropical coasts and cloudless skies to dense jungles and historical crossroads. For readers planning trips in the coming year, the report provides a spectrum of options that blend tradition, adventure and discovery, reinforcing the World’s evolving enthusiasm for culturally rich and scenically spectacular journeys.