Where will you find yourself in 2026? Will you be sipping coffee in a 400-year-old cobblestone square? Watching ice canoe racers battle across a frozen river? Or perhaps waking at sunrise for wellness rituals in a city that celebrates the dawn?

Whether you’re looking for centuries-old European charm, vibrant Asian street markets, or Australian coastal wonders, 2026 is the year for extraordinary international experiences in destinations that may not be on your radar yet.

In this episode, host Angie Orth is back with Jim Benning, Editor-in-Chief of Westways, and Derrik Lang, Editor-in-Chief of AAA Explorer, for part two of their annual destination series. While part one explored the best domestic getaways, this episode ventures beyond borders to uncover five international destinations that are having major moments in the year ahead.

You'll discover why Quebec City is more than just a winter wonderland, thanks to its year-round festivals and indigenous cultural centers, and how Guadalajara embraces mariachi and tequila culture. You’ll also hear why Umbria is considered Italy's “green heart,” why Hanoi's luxury hotel scene is booming, and how new direct flights are making Brisbane easier to reach than ever.

What You’ll Learn:

03:20 North America's most European-feeling destination

11:30 Visiting the “most Mexican city in Mexico” 

14:56 Italy's green heart: agritourism, wellness retreats, and the world's largest chocolate festival

19:10 From backpackers paradise to emerging luxury destination

21:58 Brisbane's wellness culture and the groundbreaking Ngaro track 

Going abroad in 2026? Tell us where you’re headed in the comments!

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