Whether you’re on land or at sea, in a bar or in Bahrain, there are myriad reasons for design lovers to get excited about travel right now. In the September/October 2026 issue of Condé Nast Traveler, we went long on a number of these stories—how Como’s enduring craft traditions help make it one of the planet’s most luxurious destinations, why Fort Worth is the sartorial epicenter of the rise of ranchcore in fashion. But we also collected a few juicy morsels worth sharing in brief. There’s a new museum in the Middle East to earmark if you’re interested in the intersection of craft and history, and a French cruise line has launched a new itinerary that will bring haute couture to the high seas. Read on for all we think you should know.
A gem of a new museum on Bahrain’s pearling path
“Inside an elegant home formerly owned by a wealthy merchant family in Bahrain’s coastal city of Muharraq sits the two-year-old Siyadi Pearl Museum. The space is the latest addition to the Pearling Path, which connects important structures from the city’s pearling history. Along its two miles are 17 significant sites; public squares shaded by flame trees; and a pedestrian bridge that reconnects Muharraq with its original shoreline, which has been mostly lost to development. Terrazzo lampposts topped by pearl-shaped light bulbs double as trail markers. Tales of wealth are told in the grand living quarters of merchants and traders; those of hardship in the display of the simple tools pearl divers relied on (nose clips, stone weights, leather finger covers) during arduous months aboard dhows at sea.” —Nicola Chilton
High fashion comes to the high seas
“In September 2027, French line Ponant will sail a commonly traveled route along Italy’s coast with an entirely unique agenda: placing the country’s fashion maisons at the center of the passenger experience. Sailing down the coast from Tuscany and then up to Venice, guests on board the intimate Le Boréal will experience five major haute labels. They will chat with a Brioni tailor about making the perfect alterations; observe a master craftsperson cut precious gemstones at iconic jeweler Pomellato; and explore two historic sites in Florence tied to Gucci via the Palazzo Gucci and the 15th-century Palazzo Settimanni, home to the Gucci archives. Think of this as high fashion on the high seas.” —Erin Florio
Drinks wear designer around the globe
“Striking, artisanal glassware that upstages the concoction it holds is the coolest thing in cocktail culture these days. Here, bars around the world and the gorgeously unique vessels you may just encounter while there.” —Michelle Tchea
This article appeared in the September/October 2026 issue of Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here.
