We all picture the same iconic New Year’s Eve scenes: Times Square packed with revellers or Madrid’s Puerta del Sol overflowing with crowds, its Christmas tree glowing as the countdown to midnight begins. Yet, in contrast to that frenetic atmosphere—which many people would rather avoid altogether—a new way of celebrating has emerged: the Slow New Year.

Machu Picchu has been awarded top honors in the Best Vacations 2026 ranking by U.S. News & World Report, one of the most influential tourism rankings in the United States. The iconic Peruvian site received the Gold Badge, recognizing it as the best destination in Central and South America.

In the national ranking, the Balearics trail Catalonia (20.3%), Andalusia (17.8%), Madrid (14.8%), the Valencian Community (10.9%), and the Canary Islands, which continue to dominate demand.

According to Global Traveler magazine, Greece has been named the Best Tourism Destination for American travelers for the fifth consecutive year. The recognition was announced as part of the GT Tested Reader Survey Awards 2025, one of the travel industry’s most established reader-voted awards.

By the end of the year, Thailand is expected to welcome an additional 100,000 visitors from the UK, further strengthening this growth.

The White House has issued a new update to the U.S. travel ban list, adding Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica. Under the revised measures, citizens from both countries will face entry restrictions when traveling to the United States.