Expedia's Must‑See Spots in 2026

Big Sky, Montana — for active nature lovers

When your priority is rugged landscapes and outdoor challenges, choose a mountain destination that opens up in warm months. Big Sky’s summer calendar is packed with trails, rivers, and terrain for every interest.

• Plan guided or independent hiking routes tailored to your fitness level.
• Book a fly-fishing excursion on renowned trout streams if you want a focused nature day.
• Consider horseback or mountain-biking outings for variety.

The local luxury property provides restorative spa options and heated-room comforts that make returning from a long day outdoors effortless. Best if you want varied mountain activities plus upscale relaxation.

Okinawa, Japan — island beaches with cultural depth

For travelers torn between a tropical coast and culturally rich experiences, an island like Okinawa blends both. Expect sandy coves, historical sites, and seasonal marine life viewing.

• Look for whale-watching windows if visiting in migration season.
• Mix beach days with visits to local cultural attractions to balance relaxation and learning.

A hilltop resort offers sweeping ocean vistas and a full-service spa, creating easy transitions between adventure and pampering. Best if you want beach time plus cultural exploration.

Savoie, France — alpine skiing and regional flavors

If your goal is alpine sport combined with hearty local cuisine, a French alpine region delivers both. Major ski areas provide world-class slopes and nearby villages add architectural charm.

• Choose accommodations with direct ski access to maximize slope time.
• Seek out regional restaurants to sample local specialties after skiing.

Stay at a hotel that includes steam and sauna facilities so you can warm up comfortably after cold-weather excursions. Best for dedicated skiers who also value spa recovery.

Sardinia, Italy — varied landscapes and historic towns

Travelers who want different environments in a single trip — beaches, mountains, and cultural sites — will find Sardinia especially rewarding. Expect turquoise waters, hiking trails, and ancient settlements.

• Balance beach days with inland tours of medieval towns and archaeological sites.
• Try local culinary experiences to deepen your appreciation of the region.

A boutique hotel that includes an art gallery and garden places you near shopping and cultural hubs for easy exploration. Best if you enjoy mixing seaside relaxation with cultural discovery.

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico — art and historic streets

For travelers who want an immersive, walkable cultural experience, a colonial city focused on art and architecture is ideal. Cobblestone streets and galleries invite slow, thoughtful exploration.

• Schedule gallery visits and guided architecture walks to learn local history.
• Choose a centrally located hotel to minimize transit time between sights.

Opt for a hotel known for personalized service and a quality on-site restaurant overlooking the pool to enhance relaxation after days of sightseeing. Best for art lovers who want a culturally rich, walkable base.

Fort Walton Beach, Florida — easy family beach breaks

When your trip objective is family downtime on soft sand with simple, kid-friendly activities, a Gulf Coast beach town is a straightforward answer. Expect calm water, wildlife sightings, and boardwalk fun.

• Select a resort with multiple pools and a children’s play area for convenience.
• Plan short excursions to nearby beaches and lookouts for wildlife watching.

Family-oriented resorts provide practical amenities—mini-golf, playgrounds, and adjacent boardwalks—that make packing light and entertaining kids simple. Best if you want an uncomplicated family beach holiday.

Quick comparison: choose by mood and amenities

Destination	Best for	Top activities	Hotel highlight	Ideal season
Big Sky, U.S.	Mountain adventure and nature immersion	Hiking, fly-fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding	Spa treatments and heated-floor luxury	Summer to early fall
Okinawa, Japan	Beach + cultural island escape	Beach time, cultural sites, whale watching	Hilltop ocean views and full-service spa	Spring to autumn
Savoie, France	Winter sports and regional cuisine	Skiing at major resorts, après-ski relaxation	Ski-in/ski-out access and multi-room spa	Winter
Sardinia, Italy	Coastal variety and cultural history	Beaches, mountain walks, archaeology, food tours	Art-filled boutique hotel with garden	Late spring to early autumn
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico	Art, architecture, and cultural immersion	Gallery visits, historic walking routes, culinary discovery	High-quality service and pool-side dining	Year-round (mild climate)
Fort Walton Beach, U.S.	Family-friendly beach holiday	Beach play, dolphin watching, boardwalks	Resort pools, playgrounds, mini-golf	Spring to summer

How to use this guide

If you still feel unsure, use the comparison table above to filter choices by your top two priorities (activity type and lodging feature). Then pick a destination whose primary strength matches your first priority and whose hotel offers the second priority as a convenience.

• Step 1: Identify your top two travel priorities.
• Step 2: Scan the table for destinations that match those priorities.
• Step 3: Read the destination details and choose the hotel whose amenities support your plan.

Final recommendation: Choose the place that solves your travel problem—whether that problem is "I need adventure" or "I want family-friendly ease"—and select lodging that reinforces that solution.

Browse all deals