🗺️ Seville, Panama and Kentucky: where to go and when

Frommer's guidebooks put together a list of the 15 best destinations for 2024 (as of PR Newswire). We looked at six of them and checked event dates for 2026.

Each destination got its own season, its own main city, and a clear set of things to do. In some places the April fair is the deciding factor, in others it's horse racing and bourbon, and in others it's mountain trails and wild kangaroos.

Pick the one that matches your vacation dates. Below you'll find a quick reference for each city: when to go, what to see, and where to stay.

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Where to go: six destinations

💡 In short:

Seville calls you to the April fair, Panama City to its colonial quarters, and Kentucky to a week of horse racing.
Brisbane and Santa Fe suit those who want mountains, water, and nature close to the city.
In Guanajuato a film festival runs in summer, and in November the sky over nearby León fills with hot air balloons.
Event dates and seasons: 09/2026, verified on the Seville tourism office website.

1. Seville, Spain

Seville has kept up a strong pace among Spanish cities for several years now. People come here for the relaxed rhythm, warm weather almost year-round, and solid infrastructure. Frommer's highlighted the city as an example of sustainable tourism.

The main week of the year here starts in April. The city lives for the Feria de Abril: rows of casetas are set up for food, wine, and dancing until morning. The fair traditionally runs in the second half of April (as of 09/2026, verified on the official tourism office website). Every two years in the fall, the Flamenco Biennial takes place, and in those years dance lovers should look at September.

Book accommodation in the center two months before the fair. Otherwise prices go up and you're left choosing from whatever remains.

How to get there: San Pablo Airport is connected to the center by the EA bus; check the schedule with the carrier.
Who it's for: those who want a southern city, food, and live music all year round.
Not for: those coming for the sea: there's no beach in the city, the Guadalquivir River takes its place.
The catch: in July and August it's very hot during the day, walking is comfortable only in the morning.
Hotels: Hotels in Seville on Trip.com

2. Panama City, Panama

Panama City blends dozens of cultures, and it's an underrated Latin American destination. Here you'll see both the colonial and the modern face of the continent in one city.

The historic core is divided into two parts. Panamá Viejo preserves the ruins of the first European city on the Pacific coast. Casco Antiguo, built after its destruction, offers colonial squares, churches, and a waterfront promenade. Taxis and buses run between them.

The food scene here is strong. Local restaurants rank among the best in Latin America, and the street food is known beyond the country's borders. Keep cash handy, it will help you at the markets.

How to get there: from Tocumen Airport to the center, a taxi is the most convenient option (pay by card).
Who it's for: those who want history, food, and a big city without long transfers.
Not for: those who can't handle humid heat and downpours.
The catch: during the rainy season, from May to November, brief downpours happen almost every day.
Hotels: Hotels in Panama City on Trip.com

3. Kentucky, USA

Horses and riders on the track at Churchill Downs in Louisville

Kentucky doesn't come down to a single city. The state runs on three things: bourbon, music, and horses. Picking just one spot is hard, so plan a route across the state.

The state's main horse racing city is Louisville. This is where Churchill Downs hosts the Kentucky Derby, the country's biggest race. Derby week in 2026 ran from April 25 to May 2 (as of 09/2026, verified on the official Kentucky Derby website), and the next race is set for May 1, 2027. Tickets and hotels for those dates sell out months in advance.

The second hub is Bowling Green. In spring, it hosts the White Squirrel Arts Fest. The distilleries on the Bourbon Trail sit closer to Louisville, and many welcome visitors for tastings.

Getting there: from Louisville airport to downtown, a car is the most convenient option; book your rental in advance.
Who it's for: people who love horse racing, whiskey, music, and small towns.
Not for: people who want a vacation without driving between places.
The catch: getting around the state without a car is inconvenient; public transit is limited.
Hotels: Hotels in Louisville on Trip.com

4. Guanajuato, Mexico

Colorful houses on the hillsides of Guanajuato

Guanajuato hides in a narrow valley, and its colorful houses climb up the hillsides. The city offers a calm pace and Mexico's colonial history without the capital's noise.

The events calendar here is packed. In July, the city hosts an international film festival, one of the country's biggest. In November, nearby León fills the sky with the annual Festival Internacional del Globo, a hot air balloon festival. Both events draw visitors from across Mexico.

The center is compact, so you can walk the main squares and churches in a day. Wear comfortable shoes: the streets are steep and cobblestoned.

Getting there: from León airport to the city, a taxi or bus is the most convenient option (check the map).
Who it's for: people who love colonial cities, festivals, and walking.
Not for: people who struggle with steep streets.
The catch: parking is scarce in the center, so arriving with your own car is inconvenient.
Hotels: Hotels in Guanajuato on Trip.com

5. Santa Fe, USA

Rooftop view of historic downtown Santa Fe

Santa Fe sits in the desert of New Mexico and is known as an outdoor recreation hub. The surrounding mountains offer hiking trails, and the city has wellness spas.

The main cultural season here falls in summer. That's when the Santa Fe Opera season opens, along with programs on the region's Native American cultures. The city preserves old Spanish adobe architecture.

Arrive in the morning: the desert gets hot during the day and cool in the evening. For hikes, bring water and a hat; you'll definitely need them.

Getting there: the center is compact; everything is within walking distance of the main square (check the map).
Who it's for: people who want mountains, museums, and indigenous culture in one trip.
Not for: people planning a vacation without active walking.
The catch: you can't reach the mountain trails without a car, and the drive takes time.
Hotels: Hotels in Santa Fe on Trip.com

6. Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane spreads along the banks of a river in Queensland and is full of greenery. The city is packed with trendy bars, restaurants, and shops, while pedestrian and bike paths run along the water.

A trip here comes down to three things. Stop by a craft brewery, head up Mount Coot-tha for the panoramic view, and take a ferry over to North Stradbroke Island. There, on the beaches, you'll meet wild kangaroos.

Getting there: a train runs from the airport to the center, and the ride takes under half an hour (check the map).
Who it's for: people who want city, river, nature, and ocean in one trip.
Not for: people who dislike humid heat and sudden downpours.
The catch: in summer, from December to February, it's humid and hot here.
Hotels: Hotels in Brisbane on Trip.com

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to go to Seville?

April and September bring two major events: the annual Feria de Abril and the flamenco biennial, which takes place every two years. During these weeks hotels get more expensive and sell out early, so book two months ahead. For a relaxed trip, choose March or October: warm, but without the crowds and midday heat.

How many days do you need for Panama City?

Three days is enough. Give one day to the ruins of Panama Viejo, the second to the colonial Casco Antiguo and the waterfront, and leave the third for food and markets. Taxis are a convenient way to get around the city, and in the evening you can stroll along the waterfront.

What is there to see in Kentucky besides the horse races?

A lot of it revolves around bourbon. Visit the distilleries along the Bourbon Trail, listen to live music in Louisville, and check out the White Squirrel Arts Fest in Bowling Green. The races remain the main event, but you won't see the whole state in one day.

When do the hot air balloons rise over Leon?

The annual Festival Internacional del Globo takes place in November nearby, in Leon. The organizer announces the dates, and visitors arrive at the launch site early in the morning, when the air is calm. For an overnight stay, it's more convenient to stay in Guanajuato and head out by dawn.

Brisbane or Santa Fe for outdoor activities?

The answer depends on the season. Brisbane offers water and greenery year-round, and summers there are humid. Santa Fe is better for desert hikes and mild springs and autumns. If you want the ocean and kangaroos, choose Brisbane; if you want mountains and museums, choose Santa Fe.

In short: what's worth booking

Different destinations meet different needs. If you have a free week in April, go with Seville. For history and food in one city, head to Panama City; for horse racing, to Louisville; for festivals, to Guanajuato; for mountains, to Santa Fe; and for the ocean, to Brisbane.

During the season, accommodation gets more expensive and sells out quickly, so book ahead. Check available options in the Trip.com hotel search.

Where to go in 2026: six vacation ideas from Frommer's