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Expedia Reveals Top Destinations for 2026

Expedia’s annual Unpack ’26: The Trends in Travel report has unveiled the top destinations for 2026, highlighting a shift towards sustainable and immersive travel experiences. The list, powered by real-time data from millions of daily visitors to the Expedia site and app, showcases destinations where global interest is rising fast.

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https://www.expedia.com/newsroom/unpack-26-expedia-hotelscom-vrbo/

Top 10 Destinations for 2026

– Big Sky, Montana, USA- With a 92% search increase, Big Sky is the top destination for 2026, offering vast open spaces and a sense of freedom.
– Okinawa, Japan: This Japanese island is up 71% in search interest, boasting stunning coral reefs, gentle traditions, and subtropical breezes.
– Sardinia, Italy: With a 63% search increase, Sardinia is gaining popularity for its pristine coastlines, mountain villages, and elemental Italian experience.
– Phu Quoc, Vietnam: This lush island is up 53% in search interest, offering a mix of jungle, beach, and culinary intrigue.
– Savoie, France: With a 51% search increase, Savoie is a hidden gem in the French Alps, perfect for travelers seeking a slower pace.
– Fort Walton Beach, Florida, USA: Up 45% in search interest, Fort Walton Beach offers a relaxing beach experience with a focus on conservation.
– Ucluelet, Canada: This coastal destination is up 44% in search interest, offering stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities.
– Cotswolds, UK: With a 39% search increase, the Cotswolds is a charming destination for nature lovers and those seeking a quintessential English experience.
– San Miguel de Allende, Mexico: Up 30% in search interest, this colonial town is a haven for art lovers and those seeking a vibrant cultural experience.
– Hobart, Australia: With a 25% search increase, Hobart is a popular destination for foodies and nature lovers, featuring stunning coastline and mountain scenery.

Sustainable Tourism

Six of these destinations have earned the Smart Travel Health Check badge, indicating their commitment to fostering meaningful travel experiences while tackling overtourism. The Smart Travel Health Check framework, inspired by the World Travel & Tourism Council, recognizes destinations that balance tourism growth with sustainability and local well-being.¹

Based on a curated report of traveler insights and data, Expedia announced its first-ever list of the world’s most popular islands for 2025. 

This trend highlights travelers seeking alternatives to heavily crowded tourist hotspots. Expedia identified destinations that are slightly off the beaten path but offer fresh, authentic experiences. 

Expedia’s 2024 trends focused on “destination dupes”—more affordable, less-crowded alternatives to popular destinations. For 2024, the top trending international destination was Bali, with Alaska leading in the US. 

In 2024, travel was heavily influenced by major musical tours. Expedia highlighted affordable cities for “tour tourism” based on concert stops. 

Expedia’s travel reports are based on a mix of first-party booking and search data, as well as surveys of global travelers. This data allows the company to identify broader travel trends and specific locations that are seeing increased interest.