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If it feels like every American you know is going back to Cancun or Punta Cana again next year, you’re not wrong.
But behind the scenes, a whole lineup of countries is basically waving at the U.S. and saying: “Hey…pick us instead.”
We at Travel Off Path have been watching which destinations are putting real money, marketing, and fresh infrastructure into attracting American tourists for 2026.
The 7 below aren’t just welcoming you — they’re actively competing for you.
Here’s who’s “begging” for more U.S. visitors next year, and how you can actually take advantage of it:
1. Belize: Big Barrier Reef Energy, Smaller Crowds
If you want Caribbean water without Cancun-level chaos, Belize is coming in hot for 2026. It was already named one of the best off-the-beaten-path destinations for 2025, thanks to its rainforest, Mayan ruins, and that insane second-largest barrier reef in the world.
The country’s tourism board has been leaning hard into new flight routes, including growing low-cost and regional connections from the U.S., making it easier (and often cheaper) to swap Mexico’s beaches for Belize’s cayes.
On the practical side, Belize has updated entry rules with a new digital form and upcoming travel authorization, and we already broke down how that works for Americans in our easy guide to Belize entry requirements.
Why go now: It still feels like a “how do more people not know about this?” destination — especially spots like Placencia, which we just featured as one of two “unknown paradise” Caribbean getaways for 2026.
2. El Salvador: From “No Way” To Surf City
No country has flipped its tourism image harder than El Salvador. Once synonymous with crime headlines, it’s now one of the fastest-growing destinations in the world, with tourism up roughly 80% since 2019 and a big push around its “Surf City” Pacific coast.
The U.S. State Department even upgraded El Salvador to Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions, putting it in the same safety category as classic “easy” destinations. We covered that shift when advisories were updated earlier this year.
Why go now: You get world-class waves, black-sand beaches, and prices that are still far below neighboring surf hubs. If you like the idea of saying “I went before it blew up,” El Salvador is firmly in that window right now.
3. Guatemala: The “Real” Mayan World Feeling The Glow-Up
Just south of Mexico, Guatemala has quietly been smashing all-time tourism records, crossing 3 million visitors and keeping that momentum into 2025.
Instead of trying to copy Costa Rica, Guatemala is leaning into its own strengths: Tikal’s next-level ruins, colonial Antigua, and the volcano-ringed shores of Lake Atitlán. Tourism campaigns are pushing culture + nature trips over the usual “sit at a resort for 7 days” model, and it’s working — especially with Americans who’ve already done Mexico a few times.
We’ve already highlighted Guatemala as one of the most underrated Latin American countries breaking tourism records, and honestly, that’s still underselling it.
Why go now: It’s trending up but not “over.” Think boutique lakeside hotels, volcano hikes at sunrise, and Mayan markets where you still feel like a traveler, not just another all-inclusive wristband.
4. Dominica: Nature Island Finally Gets Its Moment
Not Dominican Republic — Dominica. This lush, volcanic “Nature Island” has been singled out by National Geographic as a top destination for 2026, and the tourism board is leaning all the way into that spotlight.
The biggest game-changer? A new cable car — set to be the longest in the world — heading toward the Boiling Lake area, making one of the island’s most legendary hikes accessible to non-hardcore trekkers.
Why go now: Dominica still has very limited cruise traffic and a true “wild Caribbean” vibe: hot springs, waterfalls, jungle treks, and epic diving. Go before that cable car turns it into the Instagram pilgrimage.
5. Peru: Rebuilding Trust And Making It Easier To Visit
Peru’s tourism took a hit from protests and security alerts, especially around Machu Picchu and Lima. We’ve covered those embassy alerts and what they mean if you’re planning to visit.
Now, Peru is working to win Americans back with major infrastructure upgrades. Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport is rolling out a huge new terminal and “airport city” expansion designed to handle far more international traffic and smooth out some of the chaos that used to greet long-haul travelers.
At the same time, Machu Picchu is still breaking visitor records and remains firmly on most bucket lists, alongside emerging sites like the newly opened Peñico ruins and classic favorites like Cusco and Arequipa.
Why go now: If you’ve been putting Peru off because of past disruptions, 2026 is shaping up to be the “comeback” window — with better infrastructure and more clarity around entry rules and safety.
6. Colombia: Selling You The “Country Of Beauty”
Colombia is everywhere right now — especially if you’re a digital nomad or remote worker. The government’s big “Country of Beauty” campaign is running hard in the U.S., and it pairs perfectly with one of the world’s most accessible digital nomad visas, which we’ve already broken down in detail.
From coffee-country fincas to Caribbean hubs like Cartagena and Santa Marta, Colombia offers a way cheaper version of the “European-style” city break plus beaches. It’s also front and center in our guides on why Latin America is the number one destination for digital nomads.
Why go now: If you want somewhere you can both vacation and stay longer-term, Colombia is actively rolling out the red carpet — especially if you can bring your laptop and stay a while.
7. Panama: “Please Don’t Just Fly Over Us”
Panama is done being just a canal and a layover. Copa Airlines’ Panama Stopover program lets you stay in Panama for up to 7 days at no extra airfare when you’re flying onward, and we’ve covered new nonstops like San Diego–Panama City that make getting there even easier.
At the same time, Panama is ramping up its meetings and events game. Big 2026 congresses like Vet Evolution are part of a wider push to fill new hotel rooms and convince visitors to tack on extra days in the city, on the Caribbean side, or out in beach hotspots like Bocas del Toro and the San Blas Islands.
Why go now: You can hack a cheap Copa itinerary into a mini-vacation in a country that mixes rooftop-pool skylines with castaway-style islands — without flying halfway around the world.
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How To Actually Take Advantage Of This
When countries are aggressively courting American tourists, you win: cheaper flights, softer visa rules, and more perks.
A few smart moves before you book:
If you’re even thinking about branching out from the usual spots in 2026, these seven countries are basically rolling out the welcome mat — you just have to decide which one gets your passport stamp first.
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