Top 10 trending travel destinations in the world for 2026, If you’re already feeling that familiar post-holiday slump—the one where winter feels endless and your mind keeps drifting back to airport lounges and ocean views—you’re not alone. Travel planning has become a kind of therapy, and for 2026, the world is offering plenty to dream about.
With global travel roaring back to life and travelers craving experiences that feel fresh, meaningful, and a little less crowded, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for exploration. From islands that still feel undiscovered to cities reinventing themselves through culture, food, and design, the next wave of travel hotspots is officially here.
To help travellers plan smarter and earlier, Tripadvisor has released its first-ever Travelers’ Choice Awards – Best of the Best Trending Destinations for 2026. It draws from millions of real traveller reviews and ratings collected throughout 2025, analysing both quality and quantity of feedback from across the globe.
So, where should your passport take you in 2026? Let’s dive into the top 10 trending travel destinations in the world for 2026—and why they’re about to have a breakout year.
Why 2026 Is a Defining Year for Global Travel
Travel trends don’t change overnight. They evolve quietly, shaped by traveller behaviour, economic shifts, social media influence, and the desire for deeper, more authentic experiences.
In 2026, travellers are prioritising:
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Less crowded destinations
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Strong cultural identity
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Outdoor and wellness experiences
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Improved accessibility and infrastructure
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Cities and regions undergoing visible transformation
People are no longer just ticking countries off a list. They want stories, flavours, landscapes, and moments that feel personal. And the destinations on this list deliver exactly that.
How These Trending Destinations Were Chosen
Before we get into the list, it’s worth understanding what makes these rankings different.
The Tripadvisor Traveler Choice – Best of the Best Trending Destinations category is based on:
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Millions of traveler reviews worldwide
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Ratings collected consistently throughout 2025
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Analysis of both review quality and volume
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Momentum across different travel categories
In short, these places didn’t just impress a few traveler—they made a lasting impression on many.
1. Madeira, Portugal: Europe’s Wild Island Escape
Tucked away in the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira feels like one of Europe’s best-kept secrets—though that secret is finally getting out.
Often described as the “Hawaii of Europe,” Madeira offers dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush green mountains, and cliff-hugging coastal roads that feel cinematic at every turn. Unlike mainland European hotspots that struggle with overcrowding, Madeira still feels refreshingly calm.
Families love the island’s mild year-round climate, natural lava pools, and whale-watching tours that feel almost magical. Outdoor lovers can spend days hiking the famous levada walks, narrow irrigation paths that snake through forests and valleys like nature’s own footpaths.
Adults, meanwhile, can unwind at ocean-view resorts, sample Madeira’s iconic fortified wine, and enjoy a slower, more grounded pace of travel. It’s the kind of place where time stretches—and that’s exactly the appeal.
2. Tbilisi, Georgia: Europe’s Rising Cultural Star
Tbilisi is buzzing—and not in a forced, over-touristed way. The Georgian capital feels like a city on the brink of something big.
Over the past few years, Tbilisi has experienced a cultural renaissance. New art spaces like Art Foundation Anagi are reshaping the city’s creative identity, while major expansions at institutions such as the Shalva Amiranashvili Museum of Fine Arts are putting Georgian art firmly on the global map.
Historic buildings are being lovingly restored and repurposed into stylish boutique hotels, including the much-discussed Telegraph Hotel. Add to that a thriving café culture, sulphur thermal baths, and a dramatic old town that looks like it was painted rather than built—and you’ve got a destination that feels both ancient and modern.
Tbilisi doesn’t try to impress. It just does. And that’s why travellers are falling hard for it.
3. Chicago, United States: A Classic City with a New Chapter
Chicago has always been a heavyweight when it comes to culture, architecture, and food—but 2026 is giving the city a fresh spotlight.
The much-anticipated Barack Obama Presidential Center is opening, adding another powerful layer to the city’s cultural landscape. Meanwhile, the Field Museum’s Pokémon-themed takeover is expected to attract families and pop-culture fans alike.
And then there’s Route 66. In 2026, the legendary highway celebrates its 100th anniversary, bringing renewed energy to Michigan Avenue and beyond. Expect festivals, exhibitions, road-trip nostalgia, and plenty of deep-dish pizza along the way.
Chicago isn’t reinventing itself—it’s reminding the world why it mattered in the first place.
4. Quy Nhon, Vietnam: Southeast Asia’s Quiet Beach Revelation
If you love Vietnam but crave fewer crowds, Quy Nhon might just steal your heart.
Located just an hour’s flight from Ho Chi Minh City, this coastal destination offers pristine beaches that still feel untouched. No towering resorts. No chaotic traffic. Just calm waters, golden sand, and a slower rhythm of life.
Travellers can explore ancient Cham-era temple towers, feast on seafood that’s often caught the same day, and spend afternoons doing absolutely nothing—arguably the most underrated luxury of all.
Quy Nhon is ideal for those who want the beauty of Southeast Asia without the buzz. In 2026, that balance is exactly what travellers are looking for.
5. Puerto Escondido, Mexico: From Surf Town to Slow-Travel Haven
True to its name, Puerto Escondido—which translates to “hidden port”—has managed to stay under the radar longer than most Mexican beach destinations.
Long celebrated by surfers for the powerful waves at Zicatela Beach, Puerto Escondido is now attracting families, digital nomads, and slow travellers seeking something more grounded.
Parts of its coastline are being recognised as a World Surfing Reserve, cementing its global reputation. Add new direct flights from American Airlines, and suddenly this once-remote paradise feels within easy reach.
Expect laid-back vibes, unforgettable sunsets, barefoot dinners by the sea, and a sense that you’ve discovered somewhere special—before everyone else does.
6. Milan, Italy: Fashion, Food, and a Forward-Thinking Future
Milan has always been stylish, but in 2026, it’s stepping confidently into a new era.
With the Winter Olympics approaching, the city will host ice skating and hockey events across multiple venues, injecting energy and global attention. New luxury properties like Six Senses Milan are redefining hospitality, while regenerated neighbourhoods such as Porta Romana and Porta Nuova are drawing travellers beyond the traditional tourist trail.
Milan’s food scene continues to evolve, blending traditional Italian flavours with modern creativity. It’s a city that respects its past but isn’t afraid to experiment—and travellers are responding to that energy.
7. Glasgow, United Kingdom: Scotland’s Creative Powerhouse
For years, Glasgow lived in the shadow of Edinburgh. In 2026, that shadow is finally lifting.
Scotland’s largest city is shedding its industrial image with new cultural spaces like Arthouse Glasgow, improved public transport, and a packed calendar of music, sports, and arts festivals.
Glasgow’s live music scene is legendary, its locals famously friendly, and its food and nightlife scenes are more exciting than ever. The city feels real, creative, and refreshingly unpolished—in the best possible way.
Travellers looking for authenticity are finding it here.
8. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: A Global Cultural Giant in the Making
Abu Dhabi is no longer just a luxury stopover. It’s becoming one of the world’s most ambitious cultural destinations.
Saadiyat Island is transforming into a world-class arts district, with the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum set to join the already iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Beyond museums, the city offers desert adventures, cutting-edge architecture, luxury shopping, and a dining scene that rivals global capitals. Abu Dhabi feels bold, curated, and future-focused—and travellers are paying attention.
9. Recife, Brazil: Culture, Carnival, and Coastal Energy
Recife is a city that moves to its own rhythm—and that rhythm is infectious.
Blending Afro-Brazilian culture, colonial architecture, and vibrant coastal life, Recife is best known for its electrifying Carnaval, live music, and colourful streets. But there’s more beneath the surface.
Improved air connectivity from Portugal and Spain, along with easier one-stop routes from the U.S., is opening the city to a wider audience. Add stunning beaches and a deeply rooted cultural identity, and Recife becomes impossible to ignore.
In 2026, it’s Brazil’s cultural soul that’s stepping into the spotlight.
10. San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina: Patagonia Without the Crowds
Nestled at the northern edge of Argentine Patagonia, San Carlos de Bariloche offers all the adventure—with fewer extremes.
Surrounded by lakes and mountains, the region is perfect for hiking, kayaking, rafting, and fishing. Unlike southern Patagonia, Bariloche offers these experiences without glaciers—or overwhelming crowds.
Off the trails, travellers can indulge in artisanal chocolate, explore alpine-style villages, and even visit Patagonia’s original clothing store, located fittingly in Patagonia itself.
It’s an outdoor lover dream with a cosy, European twist.
What These Destinations Tell Us About Travel in 2026
Looking at this list, a few patterns stand out.
Traveler want:
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Depth over hype
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Culture over checklists
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Nature without isolation
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Cities that feel alive and evolving
These destinations aren’t just trending because they’re beautiful. They’re trending because they feel relevant.
Conclusion
The world is wide open again, and Top 10 trending travel destinations in the world for 2026 traveler to explore it differently. Whether you’re drawn to Madeira’s wild landscapes, Tbilisi’s creative soul, or Bariloches mountain calm, one thing is clear: travel is no longer about following the crowd.
It’s about finding places that speak to you.
Travel trends may change, but the desire to explore never fades. As Top 10 trending travel destinations in the world for 2026 approaches, these destinations remind us that the world still has plenty of surprises left—if we’re willing to look beyond the obvious. Pack curiosity along with your passport, and let the journey unfold.
