The Year Ahead in Travel: Blogger Insights and Must-Visit Spots

As we step into 2026, Hashtag Magazine connects with travel bloggers to share their top destinations and stories, inspiring you to explore new places and experiences this year.

Jatin Parmar: Young Explorer and Community Builder

At just 23, Jatin Parmar has transformed his love for travel into impactful ventures that inspire young adventurers. As the founder of TheTeenTravels, he shares authentic travel stories from 26+ countries, while Amigoes brings together like-minded explorers through immersive group trips. Jatin’s mission goes beyond sightseeing—he aims to make travel social, relatable, and confidence-boosting for the next generation of globetrotters.

Travel Picks for 2026

Mexico – From the tropical charm of Tulum to its lively party culture and rich heritage, Mexico offers the perfect blend of energy and relaxation.

Japan – A mix of bustling shopping districts, Disneyland magic, and serene cherry blossoms, Japan balances tradition and modernity like no other.
Norway – Ideal for a scenic road trip, Norway’s fjords, mountains, and pristine wilderness provide a breathtaking escape for nature lovers.

Mahi Sharma: Finding Healing and Adventure through Travel

For Mahi Sharma, 2025 became a year of transformation through travel. Starting the year heartbroken, she turned to exploration to heal, discovering new countries, cultures, and experiences that reshaped her perspective on life. Solo travel across 13 countries taught her resilience, self-awareness, and the joy of living fully in the present.

My Top 3 Travel Experiences

  • Masai Mara, Kenya
    Out of this world! The safari experience in the Masai Mara was surreal I felt like I was in pure discovery mode, seeing the animal world up close and in its natural habitat. Witnessing lions mating and a hunt unfold right in front of me made it unforgettable. If you love animals, skip the zoos and experience the Masai Mara it’s wholesome, breathtaking, and memorable.
  • Montelpuchino, Tuscany, Italy
    Italy completely blew me away! I spent a week in this offbeat town called Montelpuchino, and life there really slows down. You start to appreciate the little things sunsets, long meals, and doing absolutely nothing. I lived with the locals, soaked in hot springs, and ate some of the best food I’ve ever had. It was the perfect combination of culture, food, and pure relaxation I felt completely immersed in the Tuscan lifestyle.
  • China
    China left me speechless. I honestly had no idea what to expect, and it turned out to be futuristic, fascinating, and surprisingly kind. The people were so helpful, everything was incredibly developed and convenient, and I got to experience things I didn’t even know existed robot cafes, automated beer stations, and cities that feel like they’re straight out of a sci-fi movie. Visiting China completely changed my perspective it’s a place unlike anything I’ve ever imagined.

Sadaf Nishat: The Slow Travel Enthusiast

Sadaf is a travel creator and entrepreneur who loves building her brand while exploring the world. She prioritizes unique experiences and embraces the philosophy of slow travel, often choosing offbeat destinations over touristy spots. For Sadaf, travel is about connecting deeply with people, culture, and nature rather than simply checking places off a list.

My Top Picks for 2026

Iceland: Who doesn’t want to chase the northern lights? Iceland has been on my bucket list for a while, and I cannot wait to experience the land of fire and ice in person.

Japan: If you want to experience culture in its purest form, Japan is the place to be. I’ve been dreaming of doing a bike trip there, and fingers crossed, 2026 will be the year!

Morocco: I’ve been thinking about Morocco for some time now. Everything about it feels enchanting, and I’m so excited to finally experience its colours, markets, and culture firsthand.

Aanchal Goel Batra: Exploring the World through Travel, Lifestyle, and Fashion

Aanchal Goel Batra is a travel, lifestyle, and fashion content creator with a decade of industry experience. A literature student by background, her passion for exploring new places and cultures sparked her journey into travel, where she seamlessly blends storytelling, aesthetics, and immersive experiences.

My Top 3 Dream Destinations for 2026

Prague, Czech Republic – For Timeless Beauty & Cinematic Inspiration
Prague has been calling me like a fairytale. With its gothic bridges, pastel facades, and slow European charm, every corner feels content-worthy. I’m dreaming of sunrise shoots at Charles Bridge, cosy cafés, and winter markets that glow like magic—perfect for the moody, elegant storytelling I want to create next year.

Jordan – For Adventure, Depth & Desert Mystique
Jordan promises the kind of transformative travel I crave. From exploring the ancient city of Petra and the red sands of Wadi Rum to floating in the Dead Sea and stargazing at Bedouin camps, every experience feels visually striking and spiritually grounding. I’m excited to combine adventure with moments of inner stillness.

Maldives – For Luxury, Slowness & Family Memories
After a year of culturally rich travel, 2026 feels like the perfect time to embrace island life. I imagine clear waters, soft sands, spa days, and peaceful moments with family. Whether it’s the Maldives or Mauritius, I’m looking forward to creating content that reflects calm, minimalistic beauty and the gentle rhythm of life by the ocean.

Traveller Rohit Deore: Mechanical Engineer Turned Wanderer

Traveller, explorer, and mechanical engineer by degree—but a wanderer by choice. For Rohit, travel wasn’t just a hobby; somewhere along the way, it chose him. Leaving behind the engineering world, he followed roads, temples, sunrises, and stories carved in stone. In 2025, his journey was all about discovering magic closer to home, across Maharashtra and Karnataka.

2025 Rediscovering the magic in places close to home.

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar
2025 kicked off with an unforgettable visit to Ajanta and Ellora. Walking through these caves felt like stepping back in time. But the real jaw-dropper? The Kailasa Temple  carved entirely from a single rock: one rock, no joins, no fixes. Standing there, I was in awe of the creativity, intelligence, and vision of those ancient artists.

Konkan

 Konkan stole my heart. Clean beaches, dramatic sunsets, lush greenery, and raw beauty made every moment magical. Dolphin spotting at Nivti Rocks, kayaking at Khavane Beach, sunsets at Mirya Beach, and discovering offbeat Talashil Beach Majhya Konkan cho rubab bhariiii! Once you feel it, you carry it with you.

Hampi, Pattadakal & Aihole
Even after multiple visits to Hampi, every corner felt fresh. This year, I explored offbeat spots like Kotilinga, home to thousands of Shiva lingas, and the Padmanabhaswami carvings. Hampi doesn’t just show ruins; it makes you feel alive. Pattadakal and Aihole added layers of stunning temple architecture and artistry.

2026 – My Travel Wishlist

  • Banaras – Dreaming of witnessing Dev Deepawali and the ghats aglow.

  • Kedarnath & Tungnath – For the mountains, devotion, and the humbling journey.

  • Jagannath Puri – For faith, culture, and the ocean meeting belief.

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Top 10 Destination Wedding Locations for 2026

Explore the top wedding destinations in India and abroad, from the royal palaces of Udaipur and Jaipur to the beaches of Goa and the serene backwaters of Kerala. International favourites including Thailand, Bali, Dubai, Turkey and Sri Lanka offer spectacular settings for multi-day celebrations, luxury experiences and memorable ceremonies. This guide highlights the unique vibe, appeal and estimated budget ranges for each destination, helping couples and families compare options based on style, guest experience and overall wedding vision. Top Indian Destinations – Box Destination Vibe & Appeal Estimated Budget Range Udaipur Palaces, lakes, and royal heritage; Wedding Capital of India ₹50 lakh to ₹70 lakh (palace venues range from ₹70 lakh to ₹2.5 crore) Goa Beachfront luxury, sunset backdrops, and coastal resorts ₹40 lakh to ₹1 crore Jaipur Pink City fortresses, historic courtyards, and grand heritage properties ₹30 lakh to ₹70 lakh Jaisalmer Golden dunes and majestic desert fortress properties like Suryagarh Palace ₹50 lakh to ₹1.2 crore Kerala Peaceful backwater houseboats and palm-fringed lakeside resorts ₹35 lakh to ₹80 lakh Top 5 International Destinations: Destination Vibe & Operational Appeal Estimated Budget Range (100–150 Guests) Thailand (Phuket / Hua Hin) Tropical Beach Luxury: Easiest logistics, massive inventory of seasoned Indian caterers, and a highly optimised system for multi-day South Asian rituals. ₹50 lakh to ₹1.2 crore (Highly flexible packages) Bali, Indonesia (Uluwatu / Nusa Dua) Exotic Clifftops & Jungles: Breathtaking ocean backdrops and Hindu cultural synergy, though specialised Indian buffet menus often require bringing in outside culinary teams. ₹75 lakh to ₹1.8 crore (Luxury resorts command premium rates) Dubai / UAE (Ras Al Khaimah) Glamour & Ultra-Luxury: Unmatched skyline or desert resort backdrops. Phenomenal flight connectivity from all major Indian transit hubs makes guest transit completely seamless. ₹80 lakh to ₹2.5 crore+ (Can scale exponentially for ultra-luxe properties) Turkey (Bodrum

Hemani Chawda and Sagar Patel

Hemani Chawda and Sagar Patel are a travel-content-creator couple and digital nomads who chose a life of exploration over convention. Based between Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh, and Raipur, Chhattisgarh, the duo has built a journey around discovering new places, embracing different cultures, and sharing authentic travel stories. Hemani, a former Radio Jockey, left her career seven years ago to follow her passion for travel and storytelling. Sagar, a post-graduate engineer, later stepped away from the corporate world to join her in creating a life centred around experiences rather than routines. Through their content, they go beyond showcasing destinations to capture the emotions, challenges, connections, and everyday moments that shape life on the road. From ancient traditions to untouched landscapes, here are three countries that have left the deepest impression on their journey. 1. Japan — Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow “Japan holds a special place in our hearts for its incredible balance of ancient traditions, modern innovation, and breathtaking landscapes.” From the peaceful streets of Kyoto and its centuries-old temples to the vibrant energy of Tokyo, every experience feels like discovering a new story. What we love most about Japan is the way it preserves its cultural roots while embracing the future. Whether it is experiencing a quiet tea ceremony, exploring traditional neighbourhoods, or discovering local cuisine, Japan constantly inspires us with its attention to detail, warm hospitality, and endless storytelling possibilities. 2. Philippines — A Tropical Paradise Filled With Human Connections “The Philippines is a destination that feels magical at every turn, with turquoise waters, stunning islands, and some of the warmest people we have met during our travels.” From swimming alongside marine life and exploring hidden lagoons to discovering local communities and untouched beaches, the country offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation Beyond its natural beauty, what makes

Mehzabin Shaikh (Maahie) | Mumbai

Meet Maahie, a Mumbai-based travel content creator who transformed her passion for storytelling into a full-time career. After stepping away from engineering to follow her creative calling, she has spent the last 3.5 years building a journey around travel, exploration, and meaningful connections. For Maahie, travel goes beyond popular destinations; it is about discovering lesser-known places, meeting people, understanding their lifestyles, and experiencing cultures through local food, conversations, and everyday moments. Supported by her best friend and travel partner Rahul Yadav, Maahie continues to create stories that inspire people to step beyond their comfort zones and discover that every journey has a story worth sharing. 1. Bhadarwah, Jammu — A Hidden Paradise Beyond the Usual Kashmir Trail “When people think of snowfall and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, Kashmir is often the first destination that comes to mind. But for me, Bhadarwah in Jammu is one of the most beautiful places I have ever experienced.” What makes Bhadarwah special is its untouched beauty. The snow-covered landscapes feel peaceful, personal, and far away from the crowds and commercialisation of popular hill stations. However, the real magic of Bhadarwah lies in its people. During my first visit, we stayed at a small homestay run by a family of three a husband, wife, and their young daughter. We instantly connected, and by the end of the trip, saying goodbye felt impossible. Over time, they became more than hosts; they became family. Today, visiting Bhadarwah has become an annual ritual. It is a place that reminds me that travel is not just about destinations; it is about the people and relationships you discover along the way. 2. Thailand — The Journey That Introduced Me to Freedom “Thailand will always hold a special place in my heart because it gave me a feeling I had never experienced

Kahanda Kanda: A Rain-Kissed Escape in Galle

Rain, mist and 17 villas that don’t look alike. Kahanda Kanda is a hidden gem above Koggala Lake in Galle, Sri Lanka. Spread across 14 acres of tea-fringed grounds, this intimate retreat is built around one simple idea: slowing down. Sinduri Vuppala spends a few unhurried days at the estate, discovering its distinctive design, fascinating history and the quiet luxury of doing very little. There’s a particular kind of luxury that has nothing to do with thread counts or infinity pools, and everything to do with being left alone in the best possible way. That’s the feeling that defines a stay at Kahanda Kanda, a boutique estate tucked into the hills above Koggala Lake in Galle, Sri Lanka. The journey there is part of the story. After a stint in the busier coastal town of Bentota, the drive inland feels like a decompression, roads turning greener and quieter, the pace of the island slowing with every mile. By the time the gates swing open onto a sweep of tea bushes, garlands, and a welcome glass of estate-grown lemongrass cordial, you’ve already left the “resort” mindset behind. We arrived off-season and were the only guests on the property. There’s something disorienting about having a place this beautiful entirely to yourself, mist over the tea plantation, no queue for breakfast, just birdsong somewhere in the canopy. When the rain came, it didn’t spoil anything; it turned the estate into something softer and more private. The Villas Kahanda Kanda comprises 17 stand-alone villas, and the property’s defining trick is that none of them looks alike. Rather than the interchangeable rooms you’d find at a larger resort, each villa here has its own layout, its own mix of antiques, and its own mood, a blend of European and Asian pieces alongside contemporary art, none

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