2026 Must Go Places — And Why I’ll Never Travel Unprotected Again

I’ve always believed travel changes you. But a missed connection, a lost bag, and a hospital visit abroad taught me something else: travel also tests you.

As I plan my trips for 2026, I’m more intentional — not just about where I go, but about how I protect myself when things don’t go as planned.

Here are the 2026 must-go destinations I’m excited about — and why preparation matters more than ever.

Japan (Beyond the Tourist Routes)

Japan is magical, but my first trip wasn’t perfect. A typhoon disrupted transport, and suddenly I was stuck navigating a foreign system under pressure.

For 2026, I’m heading back — this time to Kanazawa and Kyushu — but I’m going prepared.

Why Japan in 2026:

• Incredible culture outside the big cities

• Efficient infrastructure (when weather cooperates)

• Experiences worth protecting

Portugal (Where I Learned Value Matters)

Portugal surprised me. Affordable, beautiful, and welcoming — until an airline strike delayed my return flight by two days.

That experience changed how I plan travel.

Why Portugal remains a top 2026 destination:

• Great value for travelers

• Safe and accessible

• Increasing demand = busier airports and tighter schedules

Colombia (Amazing, But Not Predictable)

Colombia stole my heart — Medellín, Cartagena, coffee country — all unforgettable. But a last-minute itinerary change nearly cost me hundreds.

That’s when I realized: great destinations don’t eliminate risk.

New Zealand & Morocco (Big Trips, Bigger Stakes)

Long-haul, adventure-heavy trips are high-reward — but also high-risk if something goes wrong. In 2026, these are bucket-list trips I wouldn’t take without proper coverage.

Lesson learned:The more meaningful the trip, the more important it is to protect it.