When you’re ready to start planning your next vacation — or perhaps you’re just ready for another vacation (aren’t we all!) — take a look at this list for a wide range of locations to get excited about. From immersive living-history sites and serene islands to glitzy grown-up playgrounds and bountiful outdoorsy settings, these are Interval’s top 12 destinations for 2026.
Fort Myers, Florida
This tropical Floridian destination invites visitors with its beautiful white-sand beaches, its vibrant cultural gems, an emerging culinary scene, and seven state parks that abound with nature. Whether you prefer to relax, explore, fine dine, or shop — or a combination of it all — Fort Myers should be top of your radar.
Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i
Kaua‘i is arguably the most laid-back of Hawai‘i’s main islands — and it’s almost certainly the most environmentally diverse. From the incessant sunshine at Poʻipū Beach Park to the perpetual rain that falls on Mount Wai‘ale‘ale and the arid bluffs of Waimea Canyon to the impenetrable knife ridges of the Nāpali Coast, Hawai‘i’s oldest island is a nature lover’s dream.
Las Vegas, Nevada
In terms of pure all-around entertainment, it’s hard to imagine a place that has more to do — or a more diverse collection of things to do — than Las Vegas. There are countless opportunities to see live entertainment, shop for the latest fashion, eat at top-notch restaurants, play golf, and, of course, make a few friendly wagers.
Maui, Hawai‘i
Maui may be the most well-rounded of the Hawaiian Islands. Outdoor aficionados can hike Haleakalā and enjoy some 30 miles of splendid beaches. Fans of history and culture can visit important institutions such as the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. And serious shoppers will find plenty of unique stores around Lāhainā and elsewhere.
O‘ahu, Hawai‘i
If you appreciate your beaches backed by a lively city center, Honolulu is your place. And the payoff is that a number of world-renowned attractions are all right there. For example, you could conceivably visit Pearl Harbor National Memorial, Waikīkī Beach, and Diamond Head State Monument all in one day.
Orlando, Florida
The potential for theme-park thrills around Orlando is unmatched, but what truly makes this Central Florida city such an ideal family vacation spot are all the activities and attractions that are available in addition to the parks, so you can complement your roller coasters and character encounters with museums, nature visits, unique eateries, and much more.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Situated on the shore of Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta is a modern, yet authentic, Mexican destination, where you can lose yourself on one of the Pacific-coast beaches one day and just as easily dive into the spiritual properties of the vibrant Huichol art scene the next.
Riviera Maya
The treasures of Riviera Maya appear in the form of aquamarine-colored cenotes, awe-inspiring ruins, and white soft-sand beaches that extend into the distance. This slice of tropical paradise on Mexico’s Caribbean coastline, from Puerto Morelos to trendy Tulum, is a place that invites equal amounts of adventure and relaxation.
Southern Italy
The sweet life awaits in sun-soaked southern Italy, where leisurely lunches extend to even longer evenings at backstreet pizzerias. In between indulging in south Italy’s finest food — Sicily’s arancini (deep-fried rice balls filled with ragù and mozzarella) is a must-try — save time to explore the Amalfi Coast’s pastel-hued towns and discover Lecce’s impressive baroque architecture.
St. Kitts and Nevis
The Caribbean’s twin islands, St. Kitts and Nevis, are known for their lush rainforests, historic sites, and old-world charm. Discover the island at your own pace, because everyday life is relaxed yet joyous: There’s a laid-back energy that permeates both islands, interspersed with the rhythmic sounds of soca music beating from local beach bars.
Turks and Caicos
With its sugar-white sand beaches and a laid-back pace of life, Turks and Caicos is for those looking to truly relax. Of Turks and Caicos’ 40 small islands and cays, eight are inhabited: Take your pick from popular Providenciales — home to the award-winning Grace Bay Beach — or South Caicos, with its superb reefs, ideal for scuba diving, and snorkeling.
Williamsburg, Virginia
For a glimpse into the bygone times of 1700s America, Colonial Williamsburg is the place to be. Join an immersive tour in the Historic Area and mingle with townsfolk, dressed in period clothes, and get a real sense of what Colonial life looked like. Beyond the history and heritage, there’s plenty of modern-day fun to be had, too.
