The best travel destinations for 2026 — Top 10 destinations with drone footage & travel tips

The best travel destinations for 2026 — My personal top 10

Every year I get hundreds of messages: „Max, where are you traveling to this year?“ My answer isn't based on other magazines' trend lists, but on places I've actually been—with a drone, camera, and enough time to really immerse myself. These ten destinations have impressed me the most in recent years and will be even more accessible and exciting in 2026.

1. Albania — Europe's best-kept secret

Albania has been my biggest surprise of recent years. Turquoise mountain lakes like the Bovilla Reservoir, the medieval castle town of Krujë with its dramatic rocky backdrop, and an Adriatic coastline that rivals Croatia's—all for a fraction of the cost. I visited in 2023 and 2025, and each time I discover something new. The infrastructure is improving rapidly, the people are incredibly hospitable, and the landscape is absolutely stunning for drone photography. My advice: Go before the crowds arrive.

Budget: 30-50€/day | Best time to travel: May-September | Drones: Yes

2. Portugal & Algarve — Europe's most beautiful coast

The Algarve is and remains one of the most photogenic coastal landscapes in Europe. The golden cliffs of Lagos, the hidden coves near Benagil, and the endless surf beaches—all within a few hours' drive. Inland, the hinterland surprises with cork oak forests and charming villages. For drone photographers, the Algarve offers perspectives found nowhere else in Europe.

Budget: 50-80€/day | Best time to travel: April-October | Drones: Yes (EU rules)

3. Australia's East Coast — From Cairns to Sydney

Australia's east coast is the ultimate road trip. From tropical Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef, Wallaman Falls (Australia's highest single-drop waterfall), the Whitsunday Islands, and the Great Ocean Road in the south—each section feels like a country in itself. It's one of the world's best road trips, and in 2026, new eco-lodges and improved campsites will open along the route.

Budget: €80-120/day | Best time to travel: October-April | Drones: Yes (CASA registration required)

4. Philippines — Tropical island paradise

The Philippines consist of over 7,000 islands, and each one looks like a screensaver. Palawan has repeatedly been voted the most beautiful island in the world, El Nido offers turquoise lagoons nestled among limestone cliffs, and Siargao is Southeast Asia's surfing mecca. I've taken some of my best drone footage there—deserted islands with white sand and crystal-clear water as far as the eye can see.

Budget: €25-50/day | Best time to travel: November-May | Drones: Yes (except Manila)

5. Türkiye Aegean & Bodrum — The underrated Riviera

Forget the overcrowded southern coast—the Turkish Aegean around Bodrum is the true gem. Ancient amphitheaters with sea views, the legendary Bodrum Castle, hidden coves accessible only by boat, and a culinary scene that will make any gourmet's heart beat faster. Add to that luxurious resorts at a fraction of the prices of the Côte d'Azur. The old windmills overlooking the city and the Bosphorus gates in Istanbul are unforgettable.

Budget: €40-80/day | Best time to travel: May-October | Drones: Restricted (local permit)

6. Kenya — Safari, Flamingos & Dream Beaches

Kenya completely blew me away. The Masai Mara with its endless savannas and giraffes, the pink-hued flamingo lakes, and then the palm-fringed beaches along the coast—all in one country. Riding a motorbike through the dry riverbed while giraffes stand on the horizon—moments like these can only be found here. Kenya is one of the few destinations that perfectly combines safari and beach vacation.

Budget: €60-150/day (safari more expensive) | Best time to travel: June-October | Drones: Restricted in national parks

7. Canary Islands — Diversity in a small space

Four islands, four completely different worlds: Gran Canaria with its desert dunes of Maspalomas and lush green mountain interior, Madeira with its legendary levada walks shrouded in mist, Lanzarote with the volcanic mountains of Timanfaya, and Fuerteventura with its endless kitesurfing beaches. All just a 4-hour flight from Germany, perfect for a winter escape. The drone footage over the volcanic landscapes is among my best photos.

Budget: 50-80€/day | Best time to travel: October-April | Drones: Yes (EU rules, excluding nature reserves)

8. Croatia — Adriatic Coast & Island Hopping

Croatia boasts some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in the Mediterranean. The old town of Dubrovnik, the islands of Hvar and Krk, hidden vineyards in the hinterland, and turquoise waters everywhere. The Croatian Adriatic coast is perfect for road trips—every bay looks like something out of a movie. My tip: Explore the island of Krk away from the tourist resorts; there you'll still find authentic fishing villages and secluded beaches.

Budget: 50-90€/day | Best time to travel: May-September | Drones: Yes (EU rules)

9. New Zealand — The timeless classic that never gets boring

New Zealand is a country that looks different every time you visit. The South Island, with Queenstown, Milford Sound, and the Southern Alps, is one of the most photogenic places in the world. New Dark Sky Reserves, perfect for astrophotography, will open in 2026. The mix of adventure (bungee jumping, skydiving) and pristine nature is unique worldwide.

Budget: €80-120/day | Best time to travel: November-March | Drones: Yes (follow CAA rules)

10. Italy & Sicily — A Mediterranean Pearl Rediscovered

Everyone knows Italy, but Sicily surprises even seasoned travelers. Baroque old towns like Noto and Modica, the majestic Mount Etna, the stunning coastline of Taormina, and a culinary scene that rivals mainland Italy. Beyond Sicily, the Amalfi Coast offers dramatic cliffs and Positano's famous pastel-colored houses. A true highlight for drone photography.

Budget: €60-100/day | Best time to travel: April-October | Drones: Yes (ENAC registration, observe no-fly zones)

Comparison table — All 10 destinations at a glance

destination	Budget/day	Best Travel Time	For whom?	Drone?
Albania	30-50€	May-September	Adventurers, budget travelers	✅
Portugal	50-80€	Apr-Oct	Surfers, road trippers, couples	✅
Australia	80-120€	Oct-Apr	Road tripper, nature lover	✅
Philippines	25-50€	Nov-May	Beach lovers, divers	✅
Türkiye Aegean Sea	40-80€	May-Oct	Gourmets, cultural travelers	⚠️
Kenya	60-150€	June-Oct	Safari fans, photographers	⚠️
Canary Islands	50-80€	Oct-Apr	Winter refugees, activists	✅
Croatia	50-90€	May-September	Sailors, road trippers	✅
New Zealand	80-120€	Nov-Mar	Adventurers, photographers	✅
Italy/Sicily	60-100€	Apr-Oct	Cultural tourists, gourmets	✅

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest travel destination in 2026?

Albania and the Philippines offer the best value for money. In Albania, you can get by very well on €30-50 per day, while in the Philippines, €25-50 is sufficient.

Which travel destination is best suited for drone photography?

Albania, Portugal, and the Canary Islands are the most drone-friendly. EU drone regulations apply, and the landscapes offer spectacular aerial photography. Kenya and Turkey have local restrictions.

Which travel destination do you recommend for couples?

Portugal (Algarve) and Italy (Sicily) are perfect for couples — romantic coastlines, excellent food, and an infrastructure that ensures relaxed travel. For adventurous couples: New Zealand or Australia.

Are there any new trend targets for 2026?

Albania is growing the fastest—visitor numbers are increasing by 301,000 annually—but it's still a hidden gem. The Turkish Aegean (Bodrum, Fethiye) is increasingly being discovered as an alternative to the Greek islands. And the Canary Islands are experiencing a boom with digital nomads and kitesurfing tourists.