What to Know, Where to Go, and Budget Tips
2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years in global tourism. From world-renowned sporting championships to extravagant music spectacles, the upcoming calendar is packed with landmark events drawing millions of international visitors. Whether you’re a sports fanatic, a cultural explorer, or just planning your next big trip, this guide will help you discover the top tourism events in 2026, including travel tips, accommodation recommendations, and budget estimates in GBP, USD, and AUD.
We’ve rounded up the Top 10 global tourism events – plus several other major international experiences that are simply too iconic to miss. From Japan to Brazil, Saudi Arabia to Scotland, 2026 is a banner year for unforgettable travel.
- 1. Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games
- 2. FIFA World Cup 2026 – USA, Canada & Mexico
- 3. Eurovision Song Contest 2026 – Austria
- 4. Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games – Scotland, UK
- 5. Asian Games 2026 – Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
- 6. Hajj Pilgrimage – Mecca, Saudi Arabia
- 7. Rio Carnival 2026 – Brazil
- 8. Sundance Film Festival – Park City, Utah, USA
- 9. Tour de France – France
- 10. Burning Man 2026 – Black Rock Desert, Nevada, USA
1. Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games
We have an ultimate guide on the 2026 Milano–Cortina Winter Olympic Games which could be worth checking out if you’re looking for more information.
Why it’s a global event: A landmark return of the Winter Olympics to Italy – featuring breathtaking alpine backdrops, thrilling competition, and the 50th anniversary of the Paralympic Games.
Dates:
- Winter Olympics: 6–22 February 2026
- Winter Paralympics: 6–15 March 2026
Daily Highlights:
- Watch elite athletes dominate ski jumps in Cortina, spin to gold in figure skating, and slide to victory in curling.
- Don’t miss the torch relays, nightly medal ceremonies, and regional street festivals.
Where to Stay:
- Milan: Mid-range: £700/$900/AUD1,700; Luxury: £1,300+
- Cortina: Budget: £550/$700/AUD1,350; Premium: £1,000+
Travel Tips:
- Rail connections between host cities are scenic and efficient.
- Dress in layers for mountain climates.
- Book ski lodge hotels or apartments early.
Website: Olympics | Paralympics
2. FIFA World Cup 2026 – USA, Canada & Mexico
Why it’s a global event: The biggest event in international football returns with 48 teams, 16 host cities, and triple the cultural flavor.
Dates: 11 June – 19 July 2026
Daily Highlights:
- 104 games, massive fan zones, and global rivalries played out across North America.
- Opening Ceremony in Mexico City, final match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Where to Stay:
- New York, LA, Toronto, Mexico City: Budget: £600/night; Mid-range: £1,000; Luxury: £1,500+
Travel Tips:
- Apply for visas in advance for each country.
- FIFA ticket ballots open in 2025.
- Use multi-city flight bookings to save.
Website: FIFA World Cup 2026
3. Eurovision Song Contest 2026 – Austria
Why it’s a global event: This musical extravaganza draws fans from across the globe for a week of glitzy pop, fierce fashion, and European flair.
Dates: May 2026 (TBC – final expected 16 or 23 May)
Daily Highlights:
- Semi-finals and public rehearsal shows, plus after-parties, costume parades, and rooftop DJ events.
Where to Stay:
- Central city hotels: £100/night average
- Nearby towns with rail access: Budget-friendly alternative
Travel Tips:
- Buy tickets for the dress rehearsals if finals are sold out.
- Explore Austrian castles and wine valleys while you’re there.
Website: Eurovision 2026
4. Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games – Scotland, UK
Why it’s a global event: Known for its atmosphere and inclusivity, Glasgow 2026 will feature both Olympic-level action and integrated para-sports.
We’ve actually got some extensive guides on the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow – check them out!
Dates: 23 July – 2 August 2026
Daily Highlights:
- Athletics at Hampden Park, swimming at Tollcross, plus BMX, netball, and lawn bowls.
- Scottish cultural shows, ceilidh dancing, and whisky tastings all over town.
Where to Stay:
- Mid-range hotels: £100–150/night
- Budget dorms and guesthouses from £40/night
Travel Tips:
- Combine it with an Isle of Skye road trip or Edinburgh detour.
Website: Glasgow 2026
Useful Links:
- Where to Stay in Glasgow for the Games
- Glasgow Accommodation: Budget vs Luxury Near the Games Venues
- Ultimate Travel Guide: Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026
- Commonwealth Games Ticketing: Dates, Pricing & Booking Tips
- Commonwealth Games 2026 Opening & Closing Ceremonies Explained
- Fan Zones & Free Public Events During 2026 Games
- Best Family-Friendly Activities in Glasgow During the Commonwealth Games
5. Asian Games 2026 – Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
Why it’s a global event: Asia’s version of the Olympics, featuring over 40 sports and over 10,000 athletes, plus emerging global talent.
Dates: 19 September – 4 October 2026
Daily Highlights:
- Watch esports, karate, judo, and aquatics by day, explore night markets by night.
Where to Stay:
- Central Nagoya: £80/night average
Travel Tips:
- Japan Rail Pass saves big on intercity travel.
- Visit Kyoto, Tokyo, or Mt Fuji for side trips.
Website: Asian Games 2026
6. Hajj Pilgrimage – Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Why it’s a global event: The largest religious gathering in the world, where millions of Muslims complete a sacred journey.
Dates: June 2026 (dates depend on lunar calendar)
Daily Highlights:
- Rituals across Mecca, Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah over 5–6 days
- Services supported by one of the largest human logistics operations on Earth
Where to Stay:
- Book via registered Hajj tour providers only; most include accommodation and meals
Budget Estimate: £3,000 / $3,800 / AUD5,900
Travel Tips:
- Travel eligibility depends on quota and country of origin
- Medical checks and vaccinations are required
Website: Hajj Information Portal
7. Rio Carnival 2026 – Brazil
Why it’s a global event: The biggest party on the planet, featuring samba schools, dazzling floats, and round-the-clock street festivals.
Dates: 13–18 February 2026
Daily Highlights:
- The Samba Parade at Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí
- Bloco parties, beachfront dancing, and cultural exhibitions
Where to Stay:
- Ipanema or Copacabana: £200/night mid-range; £400+ for luxury
Budget Estimate: £1,800 / $2,200 / AUD3,400 for 5 nights incl. flights and parade tickets
Travel Tips:
- Book hotels a year in advance
- Be street-smart and stay in licensed accommodations
Website: Rio Carnival Official
8. Sundance Film Festival – Park City, Utah, USA
Why it’s a global event: A launchpad for indie filmmakers and Hollywood’s next big names.
Dates: January 2026 (exact dates TBC)
Daily Highlights:
- Screenings, director Q&As, and snowy après-ski mingling
Where to Stay:
- Park City: £250+/night during peak
- Salt Lake City (1 hr away): Budget from £90/night
Travel Tips:
- Festival passes go on sale in late 2025
- Shuttle buses between venues are free
Website: Sundance
9. Tour de France – France
Why it’s a global event: The world’s most prestigious cycling race with 21 stages across the French countryside.
Dates: July 2026 (TBC)
Daily Highlights:
- Mountain climbs in the Alps and Pyrenees, Champagne sprints, and Parisian finale
Where to Stay:
- Flexible – follow the tour or pick scenic base towns
Budget Tip: Free to watch from the roadside; hotels from £70/night
Travel Tips:
- Great to pair with a French wine or culinary tour
Website: Tour de France
10. Burning Man 2026 – Black Rock Desert, Nevada, USA
Why it’s a global event: A one-of-a-kind desert art city, where radical creativity and self-expression reign.
Dates: Late August – Early September 2026
Daily Highlights:
- Giant art installations, theme camps, fire performances, and the legendary Man Burn
Where to Stay:
- Bring your own tent, RV, or join a pre-set camp
Budget Estimate: £1,200 / $1,500 / AUD2,200
Travel Tips:
- No money exchanges – bring all your supplies
- Pack for dust storms and 40°C heat
Website: Burning Man
Quick Summary Table
| Event | Location | Dates | Budget (5 Nights) | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Olympics & Paralympics | Italy | 6–22 Feb & 6–15 Mar | £1,300–3,000 / $1,800–4,300 | https://milanocortina2026.olympics.com |
| FIFA World Cup | USA, Canada, Mexico | 11 Jun–19 Jul | £6,000–12,000 / $7,500–15,000 | https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/mens/worldcup/2026 |
| Eurovision | Austria | May (TBC) | £600–1,200 / $750–1,500 | https://eurovision.tv |
| Commonwealth Games | Glasgow, UK | 23 Jul–2 Aug | £1,200 / $1,500 / AUD1,800 | https://www.glasgow2026.com |
| Asian Games | Aichi-Nagoya, Japan | 19 Sep–4 Oct | £850 / $1,100 / AUD1,800 | https://www.aichi-nagoya2026.jp |
| Hajj Pilgrimage | Mecca, Saudi Arabia | June (TBC) | £3,000 / $3,800 / AUD5,900 | https://www.haj.gov.sa |
| Rio Carnival | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | 13–18 Feb | £1,800 / $2,200 / AUD3,400 | https://riotur.rio |
| Sundance Film Festival | Utah, USA | January (TBC) | £600–1,200 / $750–1,500 | https://festival.sundance.org |
| Tour de France | France | July (TBC) | £500–1,200 / $650–1,600 | https://www.letour.fr/en |
| Burning Man | Nevada, USA | Late Aug–Early Sep | £1,200 / $1,500 / AUD2,200 | https://burningman.org |
From sporting excellence to cultural spectacle, 2026 is your chance to be part of history. Whichever experience you chase – epic games in Italy, music in Austria, carnival in Brazil, or cycling the French Alps – you’re in for a once-in-a-lifetime ride.
Book early, budget wisely, and go where the world is watching!
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