Published on October 20, 2025
By: Tuhin Sarkar
In 2026, nan US joins Mexico, Japan, Italy, and Australia successful becoming nan eventual trendsetter successful travel, starring a caller activity of destinations and experiences that are group to redefine nan early of tourism. These recreation trends, dissimilar thing you’ve seen before, are transforming nan measurement group research nan world.
With hidden gems gaining unprecedented popularity, nan US and its chap countries are shaping nan recreation landscape, offering unprecedented opportunities for escapade and culture. Don’t miss retired connected nan adjacent large point successful world recreation – publication connected to observe nan trends you won’t spot coming and beryllium nan first to acquisition them!
United States: Big Sky, Montana, and Fort Walton Beach Lead nan Charge
The United States is witnessing a surge successful liking for destinations that were antecedently disconnected nan radar. In 2026, Big Sky, Montana, is experiencing a 92% summation successful hunt demand, while Fort Walton Beach, Florida, saw a 45% uptick successful interest. These destinations are gaining momentum arsenic travellers look for alternatives to mainstream tourer spots. Big Sky’s immense unfastened landscapes and outdoor activities entreaty to quality lovers, while Fort Walton Beach’s family-friendly vibe draws those seeking a much relaxed coastal experience.
These destinations, on pinch others for illustration San Miguel de Allende and Savoie, France, show a displacement successful penchant towards quieter, much serene getaways. This inclination besides aligns pinch Expedia’s Smart Travel Health Check, which recognises destinations that attraction connected sustainability and responsible growth.
Mexico: San Miguel de Allende’s Cultural Appeal
Mexico’s San Miguel de Allende has go a premier destination, pinch hunt liking increasing by 30%. Renowned for its assemblage architecture, vibrant arts scene, and thriving nutrient culture, nan municipality has go progressively celebrated among those seeking an immersive taste experience. The emergence of liking successful San Miguel de Allende is portion of a broader inclination of travellers looking for destinations that connection some rich | taste experiences and scenic beauty.
Alongside this, sports tourism successful Mexico is besides flourishing, pinch events specified arsenic Lucha Libre drafting visitors from astir nan world. This taste immersion, mixed pinch sports, has go a cardinal facet successful Mexico’s increasing tourism sector.
Japan: Okinawa’s Cultural Appeal and Sports Tourism Growth
In Japan, Okinawa leads nan complaint pinch a 71% summation successful hunt interest. Known for its tropical climate, crystal-clear waters, and rich | taste heritage, Okinawa is becoming a celebrated spot for travellers seeking some relaxation and immersion successful section culture. Okinawa is 1 of nan six destinations selected for Expedia’s Smart Travel Health Check, aligning pinch nan company’s sustainability goals.
Furthermore, sports tourism successful Japan is group to thrive. Sumo wrestling, a accepted Japanese sport, is highlighted arsenic a awesome tie for world visitors successful 2026. This inclination of combining sports pinch taste experiences is seeing accrued interest, peculiarly among younger generations, pinch 69% of Singaporean Gen Z travellers apt to be location sports events during their trips.
Italy: Sardinia and Sustainable Travel Choices
Sardinia, Italy, is 1 of nan standout destinations for 2026, pinch hunt liking expanding by 63%. Known for its stunning beaches, rich | history, and gastronomic delights, Sardinia offers an perfect operation of relaxation and adventure. The island’s sustainable recreation initiatives, including eco-friendly accommodations and responsible tourism practices, align pinch nan increasing request for sustainable recreation options.
With much travellers seeking destinations that beforehand biology sustainability, Sardinia’s efforts to sphere its earthy beauty done responsible tourism are being recognised globally. Sardinia, on pinch different Italian regions, is positioning itself arsenic a leader successful nan increasing inclination of sustainable tourism.
Vietnam: Phu Quoc’s Rising Popularity
Vietnam’s Phu Quoc island, pinch a 53% summation successful hunt demand, is group to go a awesome recreation hotspot successful 2026. Known for its beautiful beaches, pristine waters, and vibrant section culture, Phu Quoc is an perfect destination for those seeking an exotic formation picnic pinch a touch of section charm. The emergence successful liking reflects a broader inclination successful Vietnam, arsenic nan country’s tourism assemblage continues to grow, pinch much travellers looking for eco-conscious and sustainable vacation options.
Expedia’s attraction connected Smart Travel Health Check further highlights Phu Quoc’s committedness to maintaining its ecological equilibrium while offering unforgettable recreation experiences.
Australia: Hobart, Tasmania Gains Popularity
In Australia, Hobart, located successful Tasmania, is attracting attraction pinch a 25% summation successful hunt demand. Known for its picturesque landscapes, unsocial wildlife, and vibrant arts scene, Hobart is an perfect destination for travellers looking to flight nan crowds of Australia’s larger cities. The metropolis offers a operation of outdoor activities, including hiking and wildlife tours, making it a apical prime for quality enthusiasts.
The emergence of Hobart arsenic a apical destination ties into nan broader inclination of travellers seeking quieter, little commercialised locations that supply an authentic experience. Hobart’s sustainable recreation practices besides align pinch nan increasing desire for eco-friendly tourism options successful Australia.
France: Savoie and nan Demand for Ski Tourism
In France, Savoie, a skis region known for its stunning Alpine views and world-class resorts, is seeing a 51% summation successful hunt liking for 2026. The inclination towards wintertime sports destinations, peculiarly skis holidays, is gaining traction arsenic travellers look for progressive vacations successful scenic locations. The request for skis tourism is expanding, pinch much visitors seeking adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking views.
Savoie’s accent connected sustainable tourism practices, including eco-friendly accommodations and responsible skiing operations, aligns pinch nan expanding request for much sustainable options wrong nan recreation industry.
United Kingdom: Cotswolds’ Timeless Charm
The Cotswolds successful nan United Kingdom is simply a destination that appeals to those seeking an idyllic agrarian getaway. With a 39% summation successful hunt demand, this charming region, known for its rolling hills, quaint villages, and historical cottages, is becoming progressively celebrated among travellers looking for a serene retreat. The area is perfect for hiking, cycling, and exploring accepted English countryside life.
The emergence successful request for nan Cotswolds is portion of a broader inclination of seeking quieter, little commercialised destinations that connection earthy beauty and a slower gait of life.
The Shift Towards Sustainable and Unique Travel Experiences
The findings from Expedia’s Unpack ’26: The Trends successful Travel™ study item a cardinal displacement successful nan world recreation industry: travellers are progressively seeking emerging destinations that connection a operation of sustainability, culture, and unsocial experiences. From nan hidden gems of nan U.S. and Japan to nan earthy beauty of Vietnam and Australia, these destinations are rising successful fame arsenic much group look beyond accepted tourer hotspots.
With trends specified arsenic Fan Voyage, sustainable accommodations, and Set-Jetting, nan recreation scenery for 2026 promises to beryllium diverse, responsible, and immersive. The information points to a early wherever travellers prioritise responsible growth, taste immersion, and biology stewardship, ensuring a much sustainable and rewarding recreation acquisition for all.
Input: Expedia