December 17, 2025, 9:43 am | Read time: 6 minutes

Safari, camping, or perhaps a city trip? Whatever you’re in the mood for, among the destinations chosen as trend destinations for the coming year at the TRAVELBOOK AWARDs in September 2025, there’s sure to be something for you.

The Trend Destinations for 2026

Botswana’s Okavango Delta–the World’s Best Destination for a Sustainable Safari

In the category of the best destination for a sustainable safari, the Okavango Delta in Botswana won. TRAVELBOOK readers liked it so much that they voted it the clear winner with 45 percent of the votes. This UNESCO World Heritage site, with its picturesque landscapes and numerous endangered species, surpassed other contenders such as the Iona National Park in Angola, the Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa, the Pantanal National Park in Brazil, and the Tabin Wildlife Reserve in the Malaysian part of Borneo.

The world’s largest inland delta is home to rhinos, elephants, African wild dogs, lions, hippos, and many other species. Thanks to strict regulations and significant local efforts, tourism is heavily restricted. Instead of mass tourism, the focus is on sustainable approaches, small camps and lodges, local resources, and renewable energy. Visitors can experience the animals up close, but in a gentle way that does not interfere with their habitat. Safaris take place in dugout canoes, guided hikes, or on off-road trips organized by the camps.

Greece–the Most Hospitable Country in the World

One category at the TRAVELBOOK Awards this year was the award for the most hospitable country in the world. This went to the extraordinarily hospitable Greece with 28 percent of the reader votes, ahead of New Zealand (24 percent), Sri Lanka (23 percent), Costa Rica (17 percent), and South Africa (9 percent), which were also on the shortlist in this category.

Nicole Lekanidi from the Greek National Tourism Organization explained after the award ceremony what hospitality means to the Greeks: “In Greek, we say Filoxenia—the love and friendship for strangers. We speak of true love and genuine interest. Greece is more than beaches, sea, and sun—it’s the people. They show real love, warmth, and zest for life. On a trip to Greece, you can experience this feeling for yourself!”

Tatra–the Best Hidden Gem Region in Europe

In times of mass tourism, many people long for places that are still true hidden gems or at least not so crowded. In this sense, TRAVELBOOK sought the best hidden gem region in Europe at this year’s awards—and found it in the Tatra.

The mountain range in Slovakia and Poland attracts nature and sports enthusiasts of all kinds, promising high mountain landscapes reminiscent of the Alps, but with fewer visitors and lower prices. Here, you can hike, mountain bike, ski, snowboard, or simply enjoy the fresh mountain air on long walks. The Tatra impressed TRAVELBOOK readers so much that it even surpassed other hidden gem regions: Basilicata in Italy, Lake Balaton in western Hungary, the Saimaa Lake District in Finland, and the Valle Maggia in Switzerland.

France’s Auvergne–the Most Beautiful Camping Region in Europe

Given the ongoing camping trend, the hidden gems of the most beautiful camping regions in Europe are among the trend destinations for the coming year. Readers chose the French Auvergne, a nature travel destination in the heart of France, as the winner of the camping category. Also represented in this category were the Kashubian Switzerland in Poland, the Triangle Region in Denmark, Åsnen in Sweden, and the Alentejo in Portugal.

The Auvergne impressed with its imposing volcanic landscape of more than 80 extinct volcanoes, which have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. In addition, campers will find around 400 campsites and natural spots such as lakes, rivers, forests, and mountains.

Bad Wimpfen–the Most Beautiful Old Town in Germany

In the category of the most beautiful old towns in the DACH region, readers were allowed to choose the most beautiful old towns in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria this year. In Germany, a true hidden gem was crowned the most beautiful city trend destination: Bad Wimpfen near Heilbronn.

The town is located directly on the Neckar River in Baden-Württemberg. Its old town is characterized by picturesque alleys and rows of old half-timbered houses, as well as cobblestone streets. The trend destination in Germany 2026 is also a spa town with a history. The first spa hotel opened here as early as the 19th century. Additionally, Bad Wimpfen was once the largest imperial palace north of the Alps, and numerous buildings in the old town still remind us of that today.

Lucerne–the Most Beautiful Old Town in Switzerland

The Swiss city of Lucerne is often referred to as the most beautiful city in the country. Accordingly, the choice of Lucerne’s old town as the most beautiful in Switzerland may not be surprising. If you haven’t visited yet, this year is a great time for all city fans who don’t want to travel too far.

Lucerne’s old town can be explored on foot. Visitors can see the famous Chapel Bridge and the Water Tower, the Wine Market with its beautiful fountain, the Musegg Wall with its nine towers, and the many colorful paintings on numerous house facades.

Salzburg–the Most Beautiful Old Town in Austria

The old town that was crowned the most beautiful in neighboring Austria is located in Salzburg. The city is internationally known as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and is considered traditionally beautiful. Its historic old town is part of the UNESCO World Heritage and alone has around 1,000 protected objects on 237 hectares.

The historic alleys of Salzburg’s old town are surrounded by a mountain backdrop along the river. Visitors can see Mozart’s birthplace, the Kaiviertel, the Hohensalzburg Fortress, as well as numerous churches and other old buildings.