2026 Travel Trends: Where to Go Next Year

Written By Colin C

Every year, travelers flock to the same handful of destinations. Japan, Alaska, Portugal. They're stunning, and for good reason. But here's what I've been noticing in the travel industry: 2026 is shaping up to be the year travelers break away from the usual bucket list and start exploring places that deserve more attention.

And honestly? That's exciting.

When tourism spreads to emerging destinations instead of concentrating in a few overcrowded hotspots, it supports sustainable travel. Everyone wins. You experience more authentic travel without the crowds. Local communities benefit from tourism dollars. And iconic destinations get a chance to breathe and recover from overtourism.

This month, let's discover some of the destinations trending for 2026, places where you can have incredible experiences while being part of a more thoughtful approach to travel.

Why Emerging Destinations Matter

You've seen the headlines about Venice limiting cruise ships, Kyoto introducing tourist taxes, and Barcelona locals protesting overtourism. These places are filled with crowds and loved to exhaustion.

But there's another story unfolding. Destinations that have been quietly developing their tourism infrastructure, improving accessibility with new flight routes, and investing in sustainable practices are ready to welcome travelers in 2026.

These aren't second-tier substitutes. They're first-rate destinations offering rich cultural experiences, stunning landscapes, and authentic connections with local communities.

When you choose to explore an emerging destination, you're not just having a great trip. You're contributing to sustainable tourism and a more balanced global economy where your travel dollars support communities that genuinely benefit from your visit.

Limón, Costa Rica: Caribbean Coast Adventure

While most travelers head to Costa Rica's Pacific coast, the Caribbean side is having a moment. Searches for Limón have surged 286% year-over-year, and it's easy to see why.

This province stretches along Costa Rica's Caribbean coast and offers three national parks, including the 124,000-acre Braulio Carrillo National Park with its cloud forests and rainforests. You can watch green turtles nest in Tortuguero National Park, explore Afro-Costa Rican culture (half of Costa Rica's Black population lives here), and experience beaches without the Pacific coast crowds.

Late August brings vibrant parades celebrating Día del Negro y la Cultura Afrocostarricense, but any time of year offers a chance to connect with a side of Costa Rica many travelers miss.

Jaipur, India: The Pink City Beckons

Jaipur has seen a 107% increase in searches, and this capital of Rajasthan is ready for its moment. Just a 3.5-hour train ride from Delhi, the Pink City dazzles with its dusty pink sandstone architecture, block-printed textiles, and majestic forts.

The honeycombed Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) was built in 1799 so royal women could watch street life below without being seen. The amber-hued forts overlooking the city tell stories of Rajput warriors and maharajas. And the markets overflow with handcrafted textiles, jewelry, and pottery that support generations of local artisans.

Spring brings perfect weather for exploring, and you'll experience India's hospitality and culture without the overwhelming crowds of more tourist-heavy cities.

Artist's interpretation of Jaipur's Hawa Mahal.

Egypt: Ancient Wonders, Modern Access

Egypt is experiencing a significant tourism boom, and 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year. The Grand Egyptian Museum has finally opened after a two-decade wait, housing more than 100,000 ancient treasures spanning nearly five millennia of Egyptian history.

This isn't just about seeing the pyramids (though they're magnificent). It's about experiencing one of humanity's most significant civilizations with modern infrastructure, world-class museums, and thoughtful curation that brings history to life.

Plus, with the 2027 total solar eclipse on the horizon, Egypt is preparing for an influx of visitors, which means now is the time to go before the eclipse crowds arrive.

New Nonstop Flights Making Europe More Accessible

If you've ever wanted to explore beyond the usual European hotspots, 2026 is delivering unprecedented access. All three major U.S. carriers are launching new routes to destinations that previously required connections, and the expansion is making authentic European experiences more reachable than ever.

American Airlines will launch the first-ever nonstop flight from the United States to Budapest in May 2026, along with new direct service to Prague from Philadelphia. Budapest captivates with its two distinct sides: Buda's castle district and hilly vistas, and Pest's lively boulevards and thermal baths. Prague enchants with cobbled streets, Gothic spires, and 15th-century beer halls. You can easily travel between both cities by train in under seven hours, experiencing two incredible destinations in one trip.

United Airlines will go even bigger, adding four new European destinations from Newark: Split, Croatia (starting April 30), Bari, Italy (May 1), Glasgow, Scotland (May 8), and Santiago de Compostela, Spain (May 22). United will be the only U.S. airline serving all four cities with nonstop flights.

Split offers stunning Adriatic coastlines and the ancient Roman Diocletian's Palace. Bari serves as a gateway to Italy's Puglia region with its hilltop towns and turquoise waters. Glasgow brings world-class museums and Scotland's vibrant cultural scene. As the endpoint of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, Santiago de Compostela welcomes travelers with medieval architecture and distinct Galician culture.

Delta Airlines will add two Mediterranean island destinations from New York JFK chosen by voters during Delta's Route Race. The airline will fly to Olbia, Sardinia starting May 20 and Malta on June 7. These will be the first-ever nonstop flights from the U.S. to either destination.

Sardinia offers rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and the high-end Costa Smeralda region. Malta brings UNESCO-listed Valletta streets, megalithic temples older than Stonehenge, and the stunning Blue Lagoon.

The route expansion represents the airlines' response to overtourism and provides easier access to lesser-known destinations. These new flights open up authentic European experiences in places where sustainable tourism supports local communities and where you can explore without competing with massive crowds.

United Airlines Newark New York

The Galápagos Islands: Plan Now for Later

If the Galápagos is on your bucket list, 2026 requires advance planning. Ecuador's government has placed restrictions on tourism, including permits for private yachts and caps on visitor numbers. This means you need to book at least a year ahead, sometimes more for peak seasons like Christmas.

But that planning pays off. The Galápagos offers one of the planet's most unique wildlife experiences. Giant tortoise eggs hatch, green sea turtles perform mating displays, and you can snorkel alongside species found nowhere else on Earth.

December 2026 brings excellent weather with calm seas and outstanding visibility for snorkeling. If this is your dream trip, now is the time to start designing it.

Italy Remains Irresistible (But Think Beyond the Usual)

Italy is predicted to be 2026's top destination overall. Milano, Cortina, and the Dolomites will take center stage as they host the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

I'd never tell you to skip Rome or Florence. However, consider exploring beyond Italy's popular cities.

Bologna instead of Florence. Sicily instead of Amalfi. The Dolomites instead of Lake Como. Fly on United Airlines' newest flight to Bari and discover the heel of Italy. You'll experience incredible Italian culture, local cuisine, and rich history, just with fewer crowds.

Torre dell’Orologio Piazza Maggiore Bologna Italy

The Torre dell’Orologio at the Piazza Maggiore in Bologna, Italy

Why Book Now for 2026

I know it feels early to plan next year's travel. But here's what I'm seeing in the industry: cabins on popular cruises book out eight months in advance. Hotels in emerging destinations with new flight routes fill up as travelers discover easier access. Particularly with the holiday season coming up, cruises and tour companies are offering potential travelers holiday deals for spring breaks and summer vacations that will increase in price as those dates approach.

The destinations I've highlighted aren't going to stay "emerging" for long. Once word spreads about Limón's beaches, Jaipur's palaces, or Budapest's thermal baths, everyone will want to go. The advantage of booking now is that you get to experience these places before they become the next overtourism headline.

How I Help You Discover What's Next

My job as a travel advisor isn't just to book trips to the places everyone already knows about. It's to help you discover destinations that match your interests, your travel style, and your desire to experience something meaningful.

When you tell me you want adventure, culture, beaches, or history, I think beyond the obvious choices. I research emerging destinations, monitor new flight routes, track industry trends, and use my expertise to match you with places that deliver unforgettable experiences without the crowds and chaos.

I also handle the details that make emerging destinations accessible. I help you navigate visa requirements, find the best local guides, book accommodations that meet your standards, and create itineraries that balance must-see highlights with authentic local experiences.

And because these destinations are newer to many travelers, having an advisor who understands them means you avoid costly mistakes and missed opportunities. I know which tour companies have the best reputation in Egypt, which neighborhoods to stay in Budapest, which seasons are ideal for Costa Rica's Caribbean coast.

Let's Start Designing Your 2026 Adventure Today

If you're tired of seeing the same destinations on everyone's Instagram feed, if you want to travel in a way that supports communities and avoids contributing to overtourism, if you're ready to discover places that will surprise and delight you, 2026 is your year.

These emerging destinations offer stunning landscapes, rich cultures, incredible food, and authentic experiences without the exhaustion of fighting crowds at every turn.

Ready to start a new journey in 2026? I'll show you how these destinations can give you the trip of a lifetime while supporting a sustainable approach to global tourism.

Start my Journey

The world is bigger than the top ten list. Let's explore it together.

Sources & Further Reading

This post draws on research from the following industry sources:

Travel Trends & Data:

New Flight Routes:

Advance Booking Guidance:

All travel advice and recommendations are based on my professional expertise as a Certified Cruise Counselor and Independent Travel Advisor.

Ingat Kayo!
Colin
Alpas Travel, LLC

Colin C
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