New Year 2026: 11 Offbeat Destinations You Need To Add To Your Wishlist This Year

If this year you’re dreaming of travel that feels calmer, richer, and more personal, these destinations are worth your attention. They aren’t about rushing through landmarks or chasing the same photographs everyone else has. Instead, they invite you to slow down, taste local flavours, and really feel a place. These are the kinds of destinations that stay with you long after the trip ends. Here are some offbeat destinations you should add to your wishlist this year.

Top Offbeat Destinations For Your Wishlist In 2026

1. Manama, Bahrain

Manama may look modern at first, with its shiny buildings and wide roads, but its heart lies in its history. What makes this place special is how easy it feels; you can explore culture, history, and food without crowds or pressure, making it ideal for a relaxed yet meaningful city break. You must also visit Qal’at al-Bahrain, a UNESCO World Heritage site that tells the story of ancient civilisations. Spending an evening at the Bahrain National Museum lets you understand the island’s pearl-diving heritage.

2. Riebeek Kasteel, South Africa

Set among vineyards and olive farms, this small village feels warm, welcoming, and wonderfully untouched. Mornings begin with good coffee, afternoons with wine tastings, and evenings with long dinners made from local produce. You visit to enjoy quiet roads, friendly locals, and the joy of doing very little, very well. You can go wine tasting at boutique, family-run wineries and sample locally produced olives and olive oil. For a touch of culture, explore local art galleries and craft stores.

3. Perito Moreno, Argentina

Standing in front of the Perito Moreno Glacier is a moment you never forget. The glacier is massive, bright blue, and alive with sound. You’ll hear deep cracks as pieces of ice break away and fall into the water below. What makes Perito Moreno special is how close you can get to such a powerful natural wonder. If you’re adventurous, sign up for guided ice trekking on the glacier itself. Photography lovers will find endless moments worth capturing.

4. Barichara, Colombia

Barichara feels peaceful from the moment you arrive. Its stone streets, white houses, and clay-tiled roofs seem untouched by time. Life moves slowly here, and that’s exactly why people fall in love with it. You can wander without a plan, sit in shaded courtyards, and take long walks through the countryside. It’s a destination for travellers who want calm, character, and a deep sense of place. You can enjoy traditional Colombian meals at small, family-run restaurants, visit local craft workshops, and relax in peaceful plazas.

5. Musandam Peninsula, Oman

Musandam seems to be a hidden part of the globe. Tall rocky cliffs plunge straight into calm blue waters, creating dramatic landscapes that seem almost unreal. What distinguishes Musandam is its peace and openness. There’s only the sky, water, and the natural world here instead of busy cities. Travellers who wish to unplug, take deep breaths, and savour small moments will love it. Here, you can take a traditional dhow cruise through the fjord-like inlets and watch dolphins swim alongside your boat.

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6. Failaka Island, Kuwait

Failaka Island is quiet, haunting, and deeply interesting. Just a short ride from Kuwait City, the island feels frozen in time. You’ll find ancient ruins from Greek settlements alongside abandoned homes from the Gulf War era. Visiting the island isn’t about ticking sights off a list; it’s about understanding history through silence and space. You can spend time just taking in the scenery and the quiet while exploring small museums and cultural centres.

7. Baalbek, Lebanon

Baalbek is one of those places that makes you gasp. Entering the temples is like entering a different realm. You can take your time exploring, fully appreciate the site’s size and beauty, and envision Roman life. As you stroll through the Temple of Bacchus and the ruins of the Temple of Jupiter, take some time to appreciate the size and complexity of the ruins.

8. Mandu, Madhya Pradesh, India

Mandu seems like a timeless tale of love. The town is full of lovely ruins encircled by thick vegetation. You can walk alone through large spaces while listening to birds instead of people. It is perfect for tourists who like romance, history, and easy sightseeing. Explore Rani Roopmati’s Pavilion, Hindola Mahal, and Jahaz Mahal at your own pace. 

9. Nagaur, Rajasthan, India

Nagaur reveals a gentler, more regional side of Rajasthan. The grand fort is impressive without being intimidating, thanks to its painted walls and open courtyards. In the streets and marketplaces outside the fort, people go about their daily lives. It’s like entering true Rajasthan when you travel to Nagaur, away from the main tourist routes. If you are visiting in the winter, visit the Nagaur Cattle Fair for a vibrant look at rural traditions and culture.

10. Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Emilia-Romagna is all about comfort and tradition. This region is known for its food, but it’s the way people eat that makes it special. Emilia-Romagna is unique because of its warm atmosphere. You don’t just eat here; you experience food as culture, memory, and connection. Visit small towns and family-run trattorias and take food tours to learn how Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic vinegar, and fresh pasta are made.

11. Pelion, Greece

Pelion offers the best of both worlds, mountains and sea in one beautiful place. Located high above the coast, traditional stone villages are connected by historic walking routes. Quiet beaches with crystal-clear blue water await you below. It’s Greece at its most gentle and genuine. You can hike forest trails connecting traditional stone villages, relax on quiet beaches with crystal-clear waters, and experience village life without the crowds of popular islands.

If this year is about travelling deeper and more thoughtfully, these offbeat destinations deserve a place on your wishlist.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva/Kamchatka and Wikimedia Commons/Shrikrishna gokhale