In an era where social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram dictate our next holiday, the advice of seasoned travel influencers has become invaluable. One such authority is Kate McCulley, the Forbes-listed expert behind the popular Instagram handle @AdventurousKate. With an impressive 15 years of travel experience across 96 countries, her recommendations carry significant weight. We spoke to Kate to uncover her top three country picks for travellers in 2026.
Italy: A Quieter La Dolce Vita Awaits
While Italy may seem like a perennial favourite, Kate McCulley insists 2026 is the perfect year to visit for one compelling reason: significantly reduced crowds. The year 2025 saw Rome and Vatican City host the Jubilee, a special Catholic holy year that occurs every quarter-century, drawing pilgrims worldwide. This influx exacerbated local frustrations with overtourism.
With the festivities now over, Kate predicts a much calmer atmosphere. She highlights that the extensive refurbishments timed for the Jubilee, including upgrades to Metro A and the restoration of the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Roman Forum, are complete. Travellers can now enjoy these enhanced sites without the overwhelming crowds.
Beyond Rome, Kate recommends Milan, which is co-hosting the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in February. While the city will be bustling during the event, she anticipates a return to a more manageable pace afterwards, making it an ideal post-Games destination.
Japan: Venture Beyond Kyoto to Affordable Hokkaido
Japan's popularity has soared post-pandemic, but Kate advises steering clear of overcrowded Kyoto. Instead, she champions the northern island of Hokkaido as the place to be. A major advantage for UK travellers is the historically weak yen, making the country more affordable than ever for those spending Sterling.
Kate asserts that Japan can now be explored in depth on a shoestring budget, with even budget hotels offering a touch of class. For Hokkaido, she recommends visiting in spring for the late cherry blossom season or in autumn for stunning foliage and better deals. Winter visitors should not miss the free Sapporo Snow Festival in February, featuring incredible ice sculptures and snow slides across three city sites.
"It's so snowy. Big flakes fall every day, and locals don't bother to shovel it; it's like a winter wonderland," Kate describes. For those seeking milder weather, Hokkaido's summer average of 23°C provides a cool escape from Tokyo's scorching 31°C highs.
Madagascar: The Ultimate Adventure for 2026
For travellers seeking a profound challenge, Kate nominates Madagascar. "It's the place to go if you want to challenge yourself travel-wise," she says. The main draw for her was the hiking, particularly the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Grand Tsingy, a dramatic 'stone forest' requiring climbers to navigate cables and rickety bridges over vast canyons.
The island's unique ecosystem offers breathtaking moments, from jagged limestone pinnacles to troops of lemurs. Beyond the iconic wildlife, Madagascar boasts endemic baobab forests and pristine beaches like Nosy Be, Nosy Boraha, and the Mitsio Archipelago, teeming with turtles, dolphins, and rays.
Kate addresses the military coup of October 2025, noting that the situation is now peaceful for tourists. However, she and the UK Foreign Office advise travellers to remain vigilant and avoid any demonstrations.
From the refreshed classics of Europe to the wild frontiers of Africa and the nuanced beauty of Asia, Kate McCulley's 2026 picks offer a compelling mix of opportunity, value, and adventure for every type of traveller.
