The Lunar New Year marks a moment of renewal, inviting reflection and curiosity about the adventures ahead. Each of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs carries distinct traits that shine in particular places. (Read to the end to learn about the Fire Horse, which comes once every 60 years). From dynamic cities to striking landscapes, discover the perfect destination and hotel for your sign to guide your travel in 2026.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Illustrated by Yeji Kim
The Rat
Birth Years: 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032
Traits: Clever, observant, and deeply perceptive, the Rat notices patterns others miss and thrives in environments that reward curiosity, foresight, and thoughtful decision-making.
Destination: Vancouver, Canada
Why It Fits: Vancouver moves at a rhythm the Rat can settle into. Nature is always close at hand, from quiet bike rides along Stanley Park’s 6-mile seawall as waves from Burrard Inlet lap against the shore to contemplative walks and sunset paddles along calm beachfronts. The city balances softness with vitality, blending green space, water, and urban comfort.
Where to Stay: Set on the waterfront overlooking Coal Harbour and Stanley Park, The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver pairs relaxed West Coast style with a strong wellness focus. Year-round indoor and outdoor pools, cedar barrel saunas, complimentary bikes, and thoughtful experiences like Liquid Yoga in heated pools and weekend cooking classes for kids create a well-rounded, restorative stay.
Illustrated by Yeji Kim
The Ox
Birth Years: 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033
Traits: Grounded, patient, and reliable, the Ox values steady progress over quick wins and finds comfort in routine, craftsmanship, and places shaped by persistence and care.
Destination: Florence, Italy
Why It Fits: Florence reflects the Ox’s respect for patience and craftmanship. Days begin to the sound of church bells, as artisans open workshops shaped by centuries of practice. Frescoed chapels and cathedrals, like the Duomo, reveal beautiful Gothic and Romanesque interiors, while piazzas structure daily life. Shaped by seasonal rituals, slow meals over Chianti, and beauty honed over time, the city offers depth and a sense of enduring craft.
Where to Stay: Sina Villa Medici, Autograph Collection occupies a 19th-century palazzo just beyond Florence’s busiest tourist core, offering a quieter setting while remaining within easy reach of the city’s major sights. A rare outdoor pool anchors the wellness facilities, complemented by a sauna and emerald-tiled Turkish bath, while Harry’s Bar The Garden serves refined cocktails in a relaxed garden setting.
Illustration by Yeji Kim
The Tiger
Birth Years: 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034
Traits: Bold, confident, and adventurous, the Tiger thrives on momentum and challenge, driven to leap into the unknown rather than wait for certainty.
Destination: Patagonia, Argentina
Why It Fits: Wind sweeps across open steppe, glaciers crack and shift, and jagged peaks like Cerro Torre pierce wide skies — landscapes that demand confidence and reward decisiveness. Patagonia thrives on momentum and instinct, offering a sense of scale and challenge that suits those drawn to bold moves and the rugged wilderness.
Where to Stay: Perched on the foothills above Nahuel Huapi Lake and Gutiérrez Lake, Arelauquen Lodge, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel blends alpine-lodge charm with the rugged Patagonian landscape of Bariloche. Panoramic mountain and lake views, direct access to hiking trails and a golf course, plus an intimate 28-room setting make it an ideal base for a nature-filled escape.
Illustration by Yeji Kim
The Rabbit
Birth Years: 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035
Traits: Gentle, intuitive, and deeply attuned to surroundings, the Rabbit seeks harmony, gravitating toward environments that feel balanced and inspiring.
Destination: Kyoto, Japan
Why It Fits: Kyoto reveals itself in layers, inviting the Rabbit to look closely. Thoughtful details reward attention: the hush of tatami rooms during a tea ceremony, lattice facades and glowing paper lanterns hinting at traditions alive behind the Gion neighborhood’s narrow streets, and the climb through Fushimi Inari Shrine’s vermilion torii gates that stretch into the forest.
Where to Stay: Awarded Michelin’s highest Three Key distinction, HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa delivers a carefully crafted stay across from Nijō Castle. Designed to reflect harmony between nature, the seasons, and the five senses, the hotel blends a tranquil courtyard garden with refined interiors, with select suites featuring private onsens fed by an on-site spring.
Illustration by Yeji Kim
The Dragon
Birth Years: 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036
Traits: Charismatic, ambitious, and larger-than-life, the Dragon thrives on energy, spectacle, and opportunities to shine, driven by a fearless vision and bold determination.
Destination: Dubai, UAE
Why It Fits: Bold and confident, Dubai channels the scale and ambition the Dragon is drawn to. More than 250 skyscrapers rise from the desert, with the Burj Khalifa dominating the skyline in glass and steel. Days unfold amid desert sojourns across rolling dunes or crossings of Dubai Creek by traditional wooden abra (passenger ferry). Nights come alive with vibrant souks and dazzling light displays.
Where to Stay: Located on Jumeirah Beach with views of Dubai Harbour and Palm Jumeirah, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi offers a bold, design-forward escape. Spread across 31 stories, every room and opulent suite is sea-facing and equipped with a private balcony, providing front-row vistas of glittering waters and Dubai’s iconic skyline. At more than 3,000 square feet, the penthouse on the 30th floor includes a main living area with a bar that doubles as a DJ station, perfect for elevated entertaining.
Illustration by Yeji Kim
The Snake
Birth Years: 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037
Traits: Wise, perceptive, and quietly confident, the Snake moves through life with intuition and subtlety, drawn to environments that reward observation, insight, and thoughtful reflection.
Destination: Marrakech, Morocco
Why It Fits: Marrakesh reveals itself through layers of scent, texture, and quiet intrigue. The winding alleys around Jemaa el-Fna slip between ochre walls as the scent of saffron and turmeric drifts from spice stalls. Inside riads, cool courtyards offer shade and intricate hand-chiseled tilework, inviting slow observation, while the gardens of Majorelle reward patience and contemplation.
Where to Stay: Set within a 300-year-old palace meticulously restored in 2007 using traditional Moroccan craftsmanship, the intimate, five-room AnaYela, Marrakesh, a Member of Design Hotels blends historic grandeur with contemporary luxury. Every piece of furniture is individually hand made by Moroccan artisans, and amenities include a heated limestone pool and a rooftop terrace with views stretching across the city toward the Atlas Mountains.
Illustration by Yeji Kim
The Horse
Birth Years: 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038
Traits: Energetic, free-spirited, and sociable, the Horse thrives on movement, variety, and new experiences, constantly seeking adventure and stimulation.
Destination: Sydney, Australia
Why It Fits: Blending outdoor adventure with an easygoing urban rhythm, Sydney pulses with the freedom and energy the Horse craves. Surfers carve through the waves at Bondi Beach as the Harbour Bridge and Opera House anchor a city in constant motion. Coastal walks hug the cliffs, like the 3.5-mile Bondi to Coogee stretch with sweeping ocean views, while Surry Hills hums with café culture and buzzing energy.
Where to Stay: With spacious suites and premium rooms, Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay places you steps from attractions like the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and Royal Botanic Garden. The hotel’s indoor-outdoor laneway café is a restaurant by day and an intimate bar by night, and its historic Customs House Bar is a parkside beer garden dating back to 1846.
Illustration by Yeji Kim
The Goat (Sheep)
Birth Years: 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039
Traits: Creative, empathetic, and expressive, the Goat is drawn to beauty, craft, and emotional resonance, flourishing in soulful, reflective, and thoughtfully crafted spaces.
Destination: Oaxaca, Mexico
Why It Fits: Oaxaca speaks in color, texture, and ritual — an environment the Goat instinctively understands. Neighborhoods hum with life, from markets brimming with woven textiles and hand-carved wooden alebrijes (brightly painted folk sculptures) to artisans shaping clay, wood, and silver. Days unfold through centuries-old traditions, offering layers of craft, history, and creativity that reward curiosity and careful observation.
Where to Stay: Hotel Escondido Oaxaca, Oaxaca, a Member of Design Hotels is a living canvas for local art, where earth tones and off-whites set a timeless stage for handcrafted details throughout. Design elements have been entirely custom-made by Oaxacan artisans, from uniforms and robes to bedspreads, rugs, and sabino wood furniture. Each of the just 12 rooms has its own distinct character, while a rooftop pool and open-air living spaces provide refined comfort.
Illustration by Yeji Kim
The Monkey
Birth Years: 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040
Traits: Playful, curious, and quick-thinking, the Monkey thrives on stimulation and novelty, drawn to environments that keep the mind moving as fast as possible.
Destination: Seoul, South Korea
Why It Fits: Fast, inventive, and always a step ahead, Seoul moves at the Monkey’s pace. Neon-lit streets in Dongdaemun hum with 24-hour shopping, while Itaewon’s nightlife carries on late into the evening. Convenience stores double as social hubs, and cafés reinvent themselves around ever-shifting themes. Between high-tech districts and centuries-old palaces, street food stalls and cutting-edge galleries, the city thrives on contrast and constant reinvention.
Where to Stay: Moxy Seoul, Myeongdong offers a playful, tech-forward stay in the heart of Myeongdong’s bustling shopping district. Interiors feature bold, pop-art-inspired artwork and AI voice-controlled lighting, while delivery robots bring amenities, room service, and requested items directly to your door.
Illustration by Yeji Kim
The Rooster
Birth Years: 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029, 2041
Traits: Confident, organized, and detail-oriented, the Rooster takes pride in precision and presentation, flourishing in spaces where thoughtful design is valued.
Destination: Shanghai, China
Why It Fits: The city’s clean lines, efficient transit, and meticulously planned neighborhoods reward the Rooster’s appreciation for thoughtful design and visual refinement. From Pudong’s futuristic skyline to the tree-lined avenues of the Former French Concession, Shanghai balances confidence with control. Attention to detail is evident throughout, from contemporary architecture to carefully plated cuisine and seamlessly run hotels.
Where to Stay: Perched high in a 58-story tower in Shanghai’s Lujiazui financial and commercial center, The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong pairs art deco design with sweeping skyline and Bund views that underscore its cosmopolitan appeal. Michelin-starred dining at Jin Xuan; cocktails at Flair, one of the city’s iconic rooftop bars; and elegantly appointed rooms make it a polished base for both cultural exploration and refined urban stays.
Illustration by Yeji Kim
The Dog
Birth Years: 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042
Traits: Loyal, principled, and conscientious, the Dog values honesty, reliability, and meaningful connections, naturally drawn to authenticity.
Destination: Portland, U.S.
Why It Fits: Portland radiates a down-to-earth, authentic energy the Dog appreciates. Vibrant neighborhoods, from eclectic Hawthorne with its vintage shops to the Pearl District with galleries and cultural hubs, invite exploration. Craft breweries, food carts, and local art scenes pulse with creativity, while nearby Forest Park and the Columbia River Gorge offer restorative walks among towering pines and rushing waterfalls, perfectly balancing the city’s spirit with the calm of nature.
Where to Stay: Centrally located in the walkable Pearl District, Residence Inn by Marriott Portland Downtown/Pearl District lets you settle in with spacious suites featuring fully equipped kitchens, separate sitting and dining areas, and heated indoor pool. Start your day with a complimentary breakfast and then step outside to explore nearby attractions like Powell’s City of Books, Jamison Square and Brewery Blocks shopping district.
Illustration by Yeji Kim
The Pig
Birth Years: 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043
Traits: Generous, warm-hearted, and pleasure-loving, the Pig seeks comfort, beauty, and rich experiences, thriving in places that delight the senses and invite ease and enjoyment.
Destination: San Sebastián, Spain
Why It Fits: In San Sebastián, you can savor life’s pleasures at a gentle pace. Michelin-starred restaurants and lively pintxo bars highlight the city’s culinary artistry, while the nearby hills of Monte Ulia, Monte Urgull, and Monte Igueldo and the golden sands of La Concha offer serene escapes when you need a quiet moment.
Where to Stay: On the banks of the Urumea River, just steps from La Concha Beach and the Old Town, Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Sebastian invites you to experience Basque elegance. Since 1912, this icon has blended Belle Époque grandeur with contemporary style, including in its suites, where marble fireplaces, glass lamps, and velvet turquoise armchairs create harmony with a soothing palette of gray, beige, and green.
Illustration by Yeji Kim
The Fire Horse
Birth Years: 1966, 2026
Traits: A rare sign, the Fire Horse appears only once every 60 years. Bold, adventurous, fiercely independent, and drawn to movement, the Fire Horse charges forward with curiosity and courage. In 2026, this dynamic energy makes it a year for exploration, spontaneous adventures, and destinations that celebrate confidence, creativity, and a fearless approach to travel.
Destination: Auckland, New Zealand
Why It Fits: Like the Fire Horse itself, Auckland invites movement, spontaneity, and discovery. Volcanic hills punctuate the cityscape, offering trails with sweeping harbor views, while the Tamaki Drive coastal path traces beaches and waterfronts. Parks like Auckland Domain provide leafy trails, open lawns, and cultural landmarks, merging green space with city life. Nearby Waiheke Island tempts day-trippers with beaches, vineyards, and coastal trails.
Where to Stay: JW Marriott Auckland overlooks the Waitematā Harbour in the heart of the city. Some rooms feature terraces with harbor or city views, while others frame the 1,075-foot-tall Sky Tower. Wellness-focused stays are anchored by a 45-foot indoor heated pool with views toward the Auckland Harbour Bridge, alongside a dry sauna cold vitality pool.
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