# Where to Go in 2026: The Five-Square-Mile Caribbean Island That's Nothing Like Its Neighbors

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/unpacked-by-afar-5453284/where-to-go-in-2026-the-five-square-mile-caribbean-island-that-s-nothing-like-its-neighbors
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/unpacked-by-afar-5453284/where-to-go-in-2026-the-five-square-mile-caribbean-island-that-s-nothing-like-its-neighbors.md
Podcast: [Unpacked by Afar](https://stenobird.com/podcast/unpacked-by-afar-5453284)
Published: 2026-01-16T08:01:00+00:00
Episode link: https://pdst.fm/e/p.podderapp.com/9063871245/mgln.ai/e/211/traffic.megaphone.fm/ARML2980252115.mp3?updated=1768520740
Audio file: https://pdst.fm/e/p.podderapp.com/9063871245/mgln.ai/e/211/traffic.megaphone.fm/ARML2980252115.mp3?updated=1768520740
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Duration seconds: 1301

## Resource

It's a shiny new year, so this month on Unpacked, we're diving into Afar's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Where to Go list⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: 24 emerging regions and overlooked locales to explore this year. Places like Saba, a tiny Dutch Caribbean island with no beaches, no cruise ports, and the world's shortest commercial runway—just 400 meters long. What it does have: lush volcanic landscapes, 20 hand-built hiking trails, and a population of just over 2,000. In this episode, host Aislyn Greene talks with ⁠Bianca Bujan⁠, a Vancouver-based travel journalist who shares the thrilling 12-minute flight from St. Martin, the island's gingerbread-house architecture, and why her teenager called it his favorite trip ever—despite spotty wifi and no beaches. Plan Your Saba Getaway Stay ⁠Juliana’s Hotel⁠ in Windward Side, a boutique property ⁠The Scenery Hotel, a new luxury boutique hotel opening in 2026 at the base of Mount Scenery Eat and Drink ⁠Tropics Cafe⁠ at Juliana's Hotel—popular with locals Try ⁠Saba Spice⁠, a local handmade spiced rum served on ice Time your visit for the ⁠Saba Rum and Lobster Festival⁠ in November See and Do Hike ⁠Mount Scenery⁠, technically the highest point in the Netherlands Try the ⁠Mas'Cohones Trail⁠ for spectacular views with a less strenuous climb Book a guided hike with ⁠Crocodile James⁠, a local legend, via the Saba Conservation Foundation Join a ⁠Sea and Learn Foundation⁠ workshop for hands-on experiences like wild clay pottery with locals Resources Follow Bianca on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ or read her work on her website Explore ⁠Afar's ⁠Where to Go in 2026 list⁠⁠ Follow us: ⁠⁠@afarmedia⁠⁠ Listen to All the Episodes in our Where to Go 2026 Series E1: T⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠his Island in the Bahamas Promises Pink Sand, Historic Hideaways, and Perfect Solitude ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ E2: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Why Peru's Second City Might…

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