# Five Countries Welcoming Travellers in 2026: Where I’d Go, What I’d See & What It Really Costs
There’s something exciting about travelling to a country just as it begins opening its doors wider. The streets feel less polished for tourists, the welcome often feels more personal, and you come home with stories that don’t sound like everyone else’s holiday.
For 2026, five destinations stand out for travellers looking beyond the usual European capitals and beach resorts: **Saudi Arabia, China, Bhutan, Uzbekistan and Pakistan**. Each offers a very different experience, from desert landscapes and ancient trade routes to Himalayan valleys and enormous, endlessly fascinating cities.
Entry rules can change quickly, so always check the relevant embassy or official immigration website before booking. But if you’re curious about where travel is heading next, these are the places I’d be watching.
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## 1. Saudi Arabia: Desert Silence, Red Sea Coastlines & Old Arabian Cities
### The vibe and when to go
Saudi Arabia surprised me with how varied it feels. One day you can be drinking cardamom coffee in a busy Riyadh café, and the next you’re standing alone beside rose-coloured cliffs in the desert. There’s a strong sense that the country is eager to introduce itself to visitors, but it still feels far less discovered than nearby Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
The best time to visit is **October to April**, when the evenings are pleasantly cool and sightseeing is much easier. Summer can be fiercely hot, particularly inland, although the Red Sea coast has its own appeal for diving and beach escapes.
### My top picks
– **AlUla:** This is the showstopper. The ancient Nabataean tombs at Hegra are extraordinary, but don’t spend your whole visit rushing between monuments. I loved the quiet desert drives, the rock formations around Elephant Rock and the old mud-brick lanes of AlUla Old Town.
– **Riyadh:** Explore the atmospheric streets of **At-Turaif in Diriyah**, then return to the city for modern restaurants and galleries. The contrast is the fun part.
– **Jeddah:** Wander around Al-Balad in the late afternoon, when the old coral-stone buildings glow in the soft light. Stop for a sweet cup of tea and look up at the wooden window screens—you’ll miss half the beauty if you only photograph the main streets.
– **The Red Sea:** For diving, clear water and a slower pace, the coastal resorts are becoming increasingly appealing. Book well ahead if you want to visit during winter holidays.
### Practical advice
**Getting there and visas:** Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam have good international connections, often via Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Istanbul. Many nationalities can apply online for a Saudi tourist eVisa, while others may need an embassy visa. Your passport will generally need at least six months’ validity.
**Where to stay:**
– **Riyadh:** Olaya is convenient and modern; Diriyah is more atmospheric but usually pricier.
– **Jeddah:** Al-Hamra is practical for first-time visitors, while Al-Balad is best for atmosphere.
– **AlUla:** Stay in or near the Old Town for easy access, or choose a desert camp if you’re after a memorable splurge.
**Getting around:** Riyadh and Jeddah are sprawling, so taxis and ride-hailing apps are the easiest option. **Uber and Careem** are widely useful. For AlUla, a rental car or organised excursion makes life much simpler.
### Real costs and local tricks
A budget traveller should expect roughly **US$70–100 a day**, while a comfortable mid-range trip is closer to **US$150–250**, especially once desert excursions and accommodation are included.
The currency is the **Saudi riyal**. Cards are widely accepted, though I still carry a little cash for small cafés and local markets. Tipping is not compulsory, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service is appreciated.
A few things that make the trip easier:
– Dress modestly, particularly in smaller towns and religious areas.
– Friday is an important day of worship, so some businesses open later or close temporarily.
– Don’t underestimate distances—what looks close on a map may be a long drive.
– Book AlUla attractions early; spontaneous entry is not always possible.
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## 2. China: A Huge, Layered Adventure That Rewards Curiosity
### The vibe and when to go
China is not one trip but several dozen trips stitched together. It can feel futuristic in Shanghai, ancient in Xi’an, misty and otherworldly in Zhangjiajie, and wonderfully ordinary in a small neighbourhood noodle shop.
In 2026, China is particularly interesting for travellers because entry policies and international connections have been evolving. **Spring and autumn** are generally the most comfortable seasons. May and October holidays can be extremely busy, so I’d avoid those peak periods unless you enjoy travelling with half the country.
### My top picks
– **Beijing:** Go early to the Great Wall, but choose a quieter section such as Mutianyu rather than the busiest parts near the city. Back in Beijing, leave time for hutong lanes, tiny dumpling shops and the peaceful gardens around the Summer Palace.
– **Xi’an:** The Terracotta Warriors are essential, but the city’s real charm appears after dark. Walk the old city walls at sunset and eat your way through the Muslim Quarter—look for hand-pulled noodles and lamb skewers rather than settling for the first restaurant tout.
– **Shanghai:** The Bund is spectacular, especially when the skyline lights up. Then wander through the former French Concession, where plane trees shade cafés and old apartment buildings.
– **Chengdu:** Come for the pandas, stay for the food. Sichuan cuisine is lively, fragrant and often wonderfully spicy. Ask for less chilli if you need to—the standard setting can be serious.
### Practical advice
**Getting there and visas:** Major gateways include Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Chengdu. Visa-free policies and transit exemptions vary by nationality and can change, so check the latest official rules before booking. If you need a visa, apply well in advance and keep proof of accommodation and onward travel handy.
**Where to stay:**
– **Beijing:** Dongcheng is ideal for first-time visitors and historic sights.
– **Shanghai:** The French Concession offers character; People’s Square is more central.
– **Xi’an:** Stay inside or near the old city walls for easy evening walks.
– **Chengdu:** Chunxi Road is lively and convenient, while quieter neighbourhoods offer better cafés and local restaurants.
**Getting around:** China’s high-speed rail is one of the great pleasures of travelling there—fast, clean and remarkably comfortable. In cities, the metro is excellent. Download the local payment and transport apps before arriving, and don’t assume every international app will work normally.
### Real costs and local tricks
A backpacker can travel on around **US$35–60 a day**, while a mid-range trip usually costs **US$90–170**, depending heavily on train journeys and hotel choices.
The currency is the **renminbi**, also called the yuan. Digital payments dominate, so setting up an accepted mobile payment method before arrival is extremely helpful.
Keep these tips in mind:
– Book popular trains as soon as tickets open, especially around public holidays.
– Carry your hotel name and address in Chinese characters.
– Small local restaurants are often better value than restaurants aimed at foreign visitors.
– Build in extra time at major sights—queues, security checks and sheer distances can be surprisingly demanding.
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## 3. Bhutan: Mountain Roads, Prayer Flags & a Slower Kind of Luxury
### The vibe and when to go
Bhutan feels like a place that has resisted being hurried. Prayer flags snap in the mountain wind, red pandas hide in deep forests, and farmers still work terraced fields beneath enormous Himalayan skies. Even in its more developed corners, the country encourages you to slow down.
The best seasons are **March to May** and **September to November**, when skies are clearer and mountain views are most reliable. Winter can be cold but beautifully quiet, while summer brings rain and occasional travel delays.
### My top picks
– **Tiger’s Nest Monastery:** The hike is steep, but take your time. I found the walk much more enjoyable when treated as a pilgrimage rather than a race. Start early for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
– **Punakha Valley:** Warmer and greener than much of Bhutan, Punakha is a wonderful place for gentle walks and riverside scenery. The dzong is one of the country’s most beautiful buildings.
– **Thimphu:** Spend an afternoon visiting craft workshops, small cafés and the weekend market. The city is compact, slightly quirky and far more pleasant when explored on foot.
– **Phobjikha Valley:** Go for the landscape and, in the right season, the black-necked cranes. The valley has a quiet, open beauty that stays with you.
### Practical advice
**Getting there and visas:** Most visitors need to arrange a visa or travel authorisation before arrival, normally through an approved Bhutanese operator or official online process. Indian nationals have different arrangements. Paro is the main international airport, with flights often connecting through cities such as Delhi, Kathmandu, Bangkok or Dhaka.
Bhutan’s **Sustainable Development Fee** is a major part of the trip budget. The rate and concessions can change, so check the official government information before planning.
**Where to stay:**
– **Thimphu:** Best for cafés, museums and a little more nightlife.
– **Paro:** Convenient for the airport and Tiger’s Nest.
– **Punakha:** Ideal for a peaceful valley stay.
– **Phobjikha:** Choose a family-run guesthouse for a more personal experience.
**Getting around:** Bhutan is not a self-drive destination for most visitors. Trips are generally arranged with a licensed guide and driver. Roads are winding and mountain travel takes longer than the distance suggests.
### Real costs and local tricks
Excluding flights, a realistic daily budget is around **US$120–180 for a simpler organised trip**, while a more comfortable experience can run **US$250 or more per person per day**, particularly once the daily fee, private transport and upgraded hotels are included.
The currency is the **ngultrum**, though Indian rupees are commonly accepted in many places. Tipping guides and drivers is customary when they have looked after you well.
To make the most of Bhutan:
– Don’t cram too many valleys into one itinerary; road journeys take time.
– Pack layers, even in spring and autumn.
– Carry cash in smaller notes outside the main towns.
– Ask before photographing people, monks or ceremonies.
– Choose a local homestay at least once—the food and conversation are often highlights.
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## 4. Uzbekistan: Silk Road Cities Without the Crowds
### The vibe and when to go
Uzbekistan is one of those places where an ordinary walk can suddenly turn cinematic. Blue-tiled domes appear at the end of dusty streets, bread is stacked high in market stalls, and evenings fill with families sharing plates of plov.
The country is at its most comfortable in **April to May** and **September to October**. Summer is hot, particularly in Khiva and Bukhara, but the dry climate makes the heat more manageable than you might expect.
### My top picks
– **Samarkand:** Registan Square is breathtaking, especially early in the morning before the tour groups arrive. Visit again after dark when the buildings are illuminated—it feels almost dreamlike.
– **Bukhara:** This is my favourite city for simply wandering. Follow the lanes around the old trading domes, stop for tea and resist the temptation to plan every hour.
– **Khiva:** Stay inside the old walled city if you can. Once the day-trippers leave, the narrow streets become wonderfully peaceful.
– **Tashkent:** Don’t skip the capital. Its broad boulevards, Soviet architecture, metro stations and lively food scene offer a useful glimpse of modern Uzbekistan.
### Practical advice
**Getting there and visas:** Tashkent is the main international gateway, with connections through Istanbul, Dubai, Doha and other regional hubs. Many nationalities can enter visa-free, while others can apply for an e-visa. Passport validity requirements vary, so check the official system for your nationality.
**Where to stay:**
– **Tashkent:** Stay near Chilanzar or the city centre for metro access.
– **Samarkand:** The area near Registan is convenient, though modern hotels are often outside the historic core.
– **Bukhara and Khiva:** A small guesthouse inside or close to the old town adds a lot to the experience.
**Getting around:** High-speed trains connect Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. For Khiva, you’ll usually need a domestic flight, taxi or longer train journey. Within the historic cities, walking is best. Ride-hailing apps and local taxis are inexpensive.
### Real costs and local tricks
Uzbekistan remains excellent value. A budget traveller can manage on **US$25–40 a day**, while a comfortable mid-range trip often costs **US$60–110**.
The currency is the **Uzbekistani soʻm**. Cards work in many hotels and larger restaurants, but cash remains useful in markets, taxis and smaller guesthouses.
A few ways to travel smart:
– Agree on a taxi price before getting in if there’s no meter or app.
– Eat where local families eat—plov cafés are usually inexpensive and filling.
– Visit major monuments early, then take a long lunch break during the hottest hours.
– Keep small notes for markets and public transport.
– Buy train tickets ahead of time on popular routes; seats can disappear quickly.
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## 5. Pakistan: Mughal History, Mountain Landscapes & Extraordinary Hospitality
### The vibe and when to go
Pakistan is a destination for travellers who enjoy a little unpredictability along with their adventure. Lahore is full of colour, music and some of South Asia’s best food. Islamabad is leafy and calm. In the north, the Karakoram mountains rise into enormous blue skies, with villages clinging to valleys beneath glaciers.
The best season depends on where you’re going. **October to March** is pleasant for Lahore and southern cities, while **May to October** is generally best for northern mountain regions. Weather and security conditions can vary considerably by province, so planning with current local advice is essential.
### My top picks
– **Lahore:** Visit Lahore Fort and the Badshahi Mosque, then spend an evening eating. Try nihari, seekh kebabs and fresh naan, but pace yourself—the food is rich and wonderfully unapologetic.
– **Islamabad:** Walk in the Margalla Hills early in the morning and visit the elegant Faisal Mosque. The capital feels much greener and quieter than many first-time visitors expect.
– **Hunza Valley:** The mountain scenery is spectacular, especially around Karimabad and Passu. Don’t rush through—the best moments are often roadside chai stops and conversations with guesthouse owners.
– **Peshawar or Multan:** These cities offer deep layers of history and culture, but travel should be planned carefully with reliable local support and up-to-date safety information.
### Practical advice
**Getting there and visas:** Most travellers need an electronic visa or online travel authorisation, depending on nationality. Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi are the main international entry points. Visa rules, permitted regions and documentation requirements can change, so use Pakistan’s official visa portal and check your government’s latest travel advice.
**Where to stay:**
– **Lahore:** Gulberg is convenient for restaurants and modern hotels; the old city is better for atmosphere.
– **Islamabad:** F-6 and F-7 are popular, leafy and close to restaurants.
– **Hunza:** Karimabad is a good base, while smaller villages offer quieter guesthouses and bigger views.
**Getting around:** Domestic flights save time between major cities and the north, but weather delays are common. For mountain travel, hire a reputable driver rather than relying on public transport. In cities, ride-hailing apps are useful, and short journeys are inexpensive.
### Real costs and local tricks
Pakistan is very affordable for visitors. A budget day may cost **US$25–45**, while a comfortable mid-range trip is usually around **US$60–120**, excluding long-distance domestic flights and specialist mountain guides.
The currency is the **Pakistani rupee**. Cash is essential outside major hotels and restaurants. Tipping is not as formalised as in some countries, but small tips for drivers, porters and attentive staff are appreciated.
A few things I’d strongly recommend:
– Use a trusted local guide or driver for northern routes.
– Keep copies of your passport, visa and emergency contacts.
– Dress conservatively, especially away from major tourist centres.
– Avoid travelling during heavy monsoon periods if your itinerary includes mountain roads.
– Say yes to tea—but remember that “just one cup” may become a very long and lovely conversation.
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## A Final Word Before You Book
These five countries are not interchangeable, and none is a completely effortless holiday. That is also what makes them exciting. They reward patience, preparation and genuine curiosity.
Before travelling in 2026, check:
– Current visa and passport requirements
– Regional safety advisories
– Local holidays and religious festivals
– Weather and transport conditions
– Whether cash, cards and mobile payment apps will work for your route
If you’re looking for a trip that feels fresh rather than familiar, I’d start with **Uzbekistan for an easy Silk Road introduction**, **Saudi Arabia for dramatic landscapes**, or **Bhutan for a slower mountain journey**. China offers the greatest variety, while Pakistan is the choice for travellers ready to put in a little more planning in exchange for remarkable hospitality and unforgettable scenery.
KEYWORDS: Silk Road travel, Himalayan mountains