2026 What’s Trending

Your 2026 compass has arrived—curated specifically for luxury-on-a-budget travelers seeking soul-deep experiences and smart planning. As we look ahead, identifying the 2026 trending destinations is the first step toward a year of intentional travel. As a result, this guide blends expert insights with hidden gems. This ensures you can explore immersive routes and vibrant landscapes. They calm the mind without breaking the bank.

2026 is the year of intentional travel: immersive routes, authentic markets, and landscapes that quiet the mind. This guide combines Expedia’s Destinations of the Year with hidden gems. It provides a grounded list of trending destinations for 2026 and outlines the travel trends shaping your journeys. Expect coastal calm. Experience mountain highs. Feel the festival energy and the magic of markets. Enjoy sustainable-luxe tips so you can travel smarter. This way, you won’t spend harder.

Expedia’s 2026 Trending Destinations of the Year

Expedia’s Unpack ’26 report spotlights a powerful mix of mountain, coast, and countryside. Use these as anchor goals in your planning and pair them with our comfort-first hacks.

• Big Sky, Montana: Rocky Mountain splendor with skiing, hiking, and star-heavy skies. Think tranquil luxury lodges and shoulder-season serenity.
• Okinawa, Japan: Subtropical coral shores, slower rhythms, and heritage-rich islands—perfect for eco-luxe retreats.
• Sardinia, Italy: Rugged coasts, turquoise coves, and village festivals—Mediterranean summer, but smarter.
• Phu Quoc, Vietnam: Night markets, jungle-backed beaches, and seafood feasts—pair with sunrise boat days.
• Savoie, France: Alpine charm, cheese-and-cellar culture, and winter sports—add a spa day after the slopes.
• Fort Walton Beach, Florida: Emerald waters and family-friendly vibes—ideal for easy Gulf Coast escapes.
• Ucluelet, Canada: Whale watching, surf breaks, and rain-forest trails—cozy cabins and storm watching season.
• The Cotswolds, UK: Honey-stone villages, rolling hills, and farm-to-table weekends—quintessential countryside slow travel.

2026 Trending Destinations Hidden gems and Complementary Picks

Round out your trending destinations 2026 with places that balance crowds and calm, markets and mountains. These pair beautifully with the Expedia set.

Coastal escapes

• Okinawa (outer isles): Hop beyond Naha to Ishigaki and Miyako for coral reefs and powder-sand bays.
• Basque Coast, Spain: Pintxos by the sea, cliffside walks, and small-town maritime charm.
• Bari, Italy: Adriatic evenings, historic lanes, and seaside trattorias with local swagger.

Mountain trails

• Dolomites, Italy: Alpine drama, lake loops, and village festivals—visit outside peak weeks for serenity.
• Patagonia (Chile & Argentina): Glacier blue, big skies, and hushed trails—choose estancias for soulful stays.
• Savoie (villages): Cheese routes, valley walks, and cellar tastings—linger where the locals do.

Vibrant markets & festivals

• Phu Quoc Night Markets: Lantern-lit seafood stalls and tropical fruit tastings—arrive early for the freshest picks.
• Montreal, Canada: Street festivals, food halls, and bilingual flair—summer weekends come alive.
• Cotswolds village fêtes: Farm stands, craft markets, and pub-garden afternoons—countryside joy on tap.

2026 Trending Destinations Shaping This Year

• Sustainable-luxe: Choose boutique stays with local suppliers, renewable energy, and low-waste practices.
• Festival-focused itineraries: Anchor your trip around village fêtes, food markets, and seasonal events.
• Shoulder-season strategy: Travel May–June and September–October for gentler prices and fairer weather.
• Slow travel wins: Fewer bases, deeper immersion—one region, multi-day loops, real conversations.
• Wellness layering: Add spa rituals, forest walks, and ocean time for nervous-system calm.

Comfort-first planning tips

• Anchor days: Pick one signature experience per destination (reef snorkel, alpine hut lunch, market tasting).
• Transit buffers: Build half-days around arrivals; add one flex day for weather or festival timing.
• Local rituals: Morning bakery run, afternoon siesta, sunset walk—repeatable joy is sustainable joy.
• Budget smart: Splurge on signature meals and views; save with public transit and midweek stays.
• Eco choices: Pack reef-safe sunscreen, reusable bottle, and support local guides.

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Don’t miss what you need to know in 2026—from the best travel apps to time-saving hacks. The Trending Destinations 2026 series continues with our Best Travel Apps & Hacks blog dropping in January.

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“Traveling Opens Doors That You Didn’t Know Needed Opening.” – Duchess DJ Love

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