Several of Our Destinations Featured on The New York Times’ “52 Places To Go” List
Each year, the New York Times compiles a list called “52 Places To Go”. This year is no different, and the Travel section’s 2026 list includes some incredible destinations. Tanzania, Costa Rica, Norway, and Alaska all made the list. These are all places we travel to — we think they have great taste! If you’re thinking about where to travel in 2026, then read on.
Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
The New York Times’ 52 Places To Go list mentions the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica as one of the top picks for where to travel in 2026. Their main reason is, understandably, the wildlife. Over two percent of the Earth’s biodiversity can be found on the peninsula. Sloths dwell in the forests, crocodiles inhabit the mangroves, macaws soar overhead, and whales leap from the seas. National Geographic called the peninsula ‘the most biologically intense place on Earth’.
As part of our Costa Rica: Secluded Wildlife Adventure, we travel to Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula — the “crown jewel” of Costa Rica’s National Park system. We explore on foot, pausing to search for wildlife and learn about the conservation initiatives and research that take place within the park. Spanning 47,000 hectares, the Osa Peninsula is home to some of the world’s rarest wildlife, including jaguars, peccaries, tapirs, over 450 species of birds, and almost 700 species of plants. While on the Osa Peninsula, we take the opportunity to visit Caño Island, cruising across glittering waters to the island that is also a biological reserve. We snorkel on the coral reefs that are teeming with life, and keep our eyes out for whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. We leave with a newfound understanding of ‘Pura Vida’, the enriching, relaxed, and worry-free lifestyle that is embraced in Costa Rica.
The glorious beaches of the Osa Peninsula will take your breath away
Tanzania
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania is featured on the New York Times’ list of where to travel in 2026 — and we wholeheartedly agree. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage site in northeast Tanzania. It’s home to the famous Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest unbroken caldera, which formed after an ancient volcanic collapse. All of the “Big 5” game species — elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos – can be seen there. Huge herds of wildebeests and zebras cross the savannas during their annual Great Migration.
On our Tanzania: Great Migration Safari, our guests join us for game drives through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to some of the world’s last black rhinos. The crater measures 100 square miles and has Africa’s densest population of lions. Other animals we look out for include hippos, hornbills, hyenas, and the endangered Black Rhino!
The world-famous wildlife in Tanzania is spectacular
Norway
Norway made the New York Times list of where to travel in 2026 for its remote islands, cathedral-like caves, delicious seafood, and jagged mountain ranges. They also mention the amazing hiking and wildlife-watching opportunities that Norway’s wilderness offers.
We take guests to visit this fascinating country on our Norway: Western Fjords Adventure.
We explore Norway’s iconic fjordland region, crossing mountain passes, cruising panoramic roads, traversing glaciers, and kayaking on fjords between towering mountains. The wonders of Norway extend beyond these beautiful fjords. The colorful streets of charming coastal towns are lined with wooden houses. Norway’s coastal culture effortlessly blends old-world charm with modern delights. Our guests are always delighted by the warmth and hospitality of the locals, who are eager to share their rich, centuries-old cultural heritage.
We visit the Seven Sisters Waterfall in Geirangerfjord by RIB boat
Alaska
The 52 Places To Go list also highlights Alaska, and all its wonders, as an incredible place to visit. They specifically mention the 19.6-million-acre Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a pristine wilderness in the northeast corner of Alaska. While there may be big changes coming to it soon, for now, it is vast and unspoiled.
We agree that Alaska should be on everyone’s bucket list of where to travel in 2026; that’s why we run four different tours there, so there is something for every traveler. Alaska: Glaciers & Grizzlies Adventure is the quintessential Alaskan summer tour. The salmon are running, the bears are fishing, the eagles are soaring overhead — it is everything you’d expect, and more.
On our Alaska: Denali Discovery Adventure, we take the scenic route between Fairbanks and Anchorage, venturing deep into the national park on foot, by river raft,and by plane and helicopter. During this adventure, we seek incredible wildlife like moose, bears, eagles, the iconic Dall sheep, and more.
If sailing is more your speed, our Alaska: Whales & Waterfalls Yacht Adventure gives you access to remote wilderness areas of southeast Alaska. Navigating to where most other vessels cannot, we enjoy an up-close experience with Alaska’s pristine wilderness and diverse wildlife.
Winter in Alaska is just as spectacular, with the added benefit of witnessing the greatest light show on earth: the Aurora Borealis. Our Alaska: Northern Lights Adventure is the chance to learn what life’s really like in Alaska’s interior while trying curling, dog sledding, and bathing in hot springs.
See grizzly bears in Alaska
If you’re thinking about where to travel in 2026, for an adventure we think all of these New York Times’ picks are great options. Each location combines incredible scenery, mesmerizing wildlife, and fascinating local culture to ensure it’s a trip of a lifetime.
