New year, new rankings, records and revamps across the travel landscape. Whether you’re planning around peak season or leaning into offbeat shoulder escapes, this week’s updates offer inspiration and insight for what’s trending now (and what’s coming next).
Thinking about where to meet in 2026? TripAdvisor just dropped its Travelers’ Choice Awards, revealing the year’s most loved destinations around the world, from global icons to emerging hot spots.
Curious how alpine travel is evolving? Chalets in Switzerland are heating up outside ski season, with MBM Chalets’ newest opening showing why summer in the Alps is gaining serious momentum.
Wondering who’s setting the bar for aviation safety? AirlineRatings just revealed the numbers.
All of that and more in this week’s Smart Travel, where we catch up on the latest must-know headlines shaping the way we move, meet and plan.
TripAdvisor Names Top Global Destinations for 2026
TripAdvisor has unveiled its Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2026, recognizing the world’s favorite places to visit based on millions of reviews and ratings from real travelers over the past year. The Best of the Best destinations honor top spots across the globe that consistently deliver unforgettable experiences and strong traveler sentiment.
At the top of this year’s list is Bali, Indonesia, celebrated for its lush landscapes and coastal charm, while perennial favorites like New York City, London, Dubai, Paris, Rome and Bangkok also rank among the world’s most sought‑after travel destinations.
The awards span more than 270 destinations across 60 countries and include trending locations capturing increasing interest for 2026 travel. Spots like Madeira, Portugal, known for dramatic scenery and outdoor adventure, are singled out as under‑the‑radar escapes gaining momentum with today’s travelers.
Swiss Chalet Culture Extends Beyond Ski Season
The classic alpine chalet is getting a seasonal refresh. In Switzerland’s La Tzoumaz region (4 Vallées), demand for private chalet stays is heating up, well into summer and shoulder seasons, as travelers embrace a slower, scenery-first way to experience the Alps. MBM Chalets is part of this shift, with properties like the newly unveiled Chalet Hobhouse offering families and groups panoramic views, en-suite bedrooms and open living spaces built for gathering.
Founder Matthew Burnford says changing weather patterns and a rising appetite for nature-forward travel are fueling this evolution. “More guests are realizing the magic of the Alps isn’t limited to powder days,” he said. “Chalet stays offer freedom, privacy and connection—whether you’re hiking in June or skiing in January.”
The move also reflects broader hospitality trends, as multigenerational groups and social travelers seek flexible, design-forward alternatives to hotels. With Verbier and other mountain villages seeing year-round bookings climb, chalet living is proving to be more than just a winter indulgence.
Puerto Rico Sets Tourism Records, Eyes New Luxury and Culture Milestones for 2026
Discover Puerto Rico reported a record-breaking 2025 across every major tourism indicator, welcoming more than 6.8 million air passengers, 1.6 million cruise visitors and nearly 7.9 million room nights booked. The island also hit an all-time high for hospitality jobs (102,300) and group business, with MICE bookings contributing $207 million to the local economy.
The momentum was fueled by landmark moments in music and sports, plus the long-anticipated opening of Four Seasons Resort Puerto Rico and other luxury hotel investments. Discover Puerto Rico’s initiative, such as sensory wellness content with Calm and responsible travel campaigns with Kiké Hernández and Amaury Nolasco, deepened the island’s global cultural reach.
“Puerto Rico’s power lies in its rhythm—the fusion of history, culinary brilliance and cultural energy that makes the island feel at once like a sanctuary and a celebration,” said Storm Tussey, CMO of Discover Puerto Rico.
Looking ahead to 2026, the DMO is preparing new marketing campaigns and welcoming major events like the World Baseball Classic and PCMA’s Business Events Summit.
AirlineRatings Names Etihad, HK Express Safest Carriers for 2026
AirlineRatings.com has announced its annual Top 25 lists for the world’s safest full-service and low-cost airlines, with Etihad taking the No. 1 spot for the first time among full-service carriers and HK Express leading low-cost operators. The rankings assess 320 airlines and reflect a growing emphasis on turbulence prevention, cockpit safety and transparency.
Etihad edged out other Gulf and Asia-Pacific heavyweights thanks to its young fleet, advanced safety protocols and lowest-in-class incident rate. STARLUX and Fiji Airways made their debut on the full-service list, while Singapore Airlines returned after being omitted in 2025. Other top performers include Air New Zealand, Emirates, Virgin Australia and Korean Air.
Among low-cost carriers, the list was topped by HK Express, followed by Jetstar, Scoot, EasyJet, Southwest and airBaltic. Spring Airlines China became the first mainland Chinese airline to make any of AirlineRatings’ global safety lists, with strong gains also seen from Wizz Air and VietJet.
“Less than four points separated the top 14 full-service carriers—so the margins are incredibly tight,” said Sharon Petersen, CEO of AirlineRatings. “Inclusion in these rankings is less about splitting hairs and more about recognizing consistent, system-wide excellence in aviation safety.”
Azamara Unveils “Azamara Forward” Fleetwide Enhancement Program
Azamara Cruises is embarking on its most ambitious investment in onboard experience in company history with the launch of Azamara Forward, a comprehensive fleetwide enhancement initiative designed to elevate the small-ship cruise line’s signature Destination Immersion experience.
Set to debut aboard Azamara Quest in December 2026 ahead of the line’s 2027 World Cruise, Azamara Forward introduces an expansive suite of upgrades across public spaces, accommodations and culinary offerings. Highlights include a new Penthouse Deck featuring Panorama and Grandview suites with panoramic ocean views, plus refreshed staterooms and communal venues.
Onboard enhancements extend fleetwide and include a dedicated Chef’s Table restaurant, a reimagined Discoveries Restaurant, an expanded Atlas Bar and a fully redesigned Cabaret Lounge, along with updated spa treatment rooms and refreshed guest spaces. According to Azamara Cruises CEO Dondra Ritzenthaler, the program reflects years of listening to guests and travel partners and aims to “deepen destination immersion, elevate comfort and create even more meaningful moments at sea.”
