These destinations are hot in 2026
You do you: 2026 will be your year. Don't follow the crowd, but check in with yourself. Sorry, but what? According to James Waters, Chief Business Officer At Booking.com, travel becomes "a reflection of who people really are." That sounds a bit difficult, patronizing, or vague, but we prefer to call it selfish in the best sense of the word. In other words: doing what you feel like and ignoring everything else.
And so we gathered even more predictions in this article, based on insights from more than 29.000 travelers worldwide. And because Booking.com This year they are celebrating their tenth edition of travel forecasts, bringing you ten trends, including ten times a destination. A win is a win!
We don't always have to go big, bigger, biggest. It's actually much more fun to celebrate the little things in life. Maybe you finally finished that one project, have some money left over after a renovation, or simply decided you deserve a break. 2026 is the year we celebrate everything, even (especially) the little things. Where? Manaus in Brazil! Amidst rainforest sounds, markets, and boats floating on the Rio Negro.
The romance genre has been on the rise this past year, with readers completely immersed in worlds filled with dragons, werewolves, and other mythical creatures. And if you love the idea of towering castles, snow-capped mountains, and lush forests, you're not alone. Steeped in a certain je ne sais quoi, brings the 1200 year old charm of Münster Bring your latest romantic book to life. The city boasts several castles, such as Schloss Münster, Hülshoff Castle, and Vischering Castle. Want to experience the city's charms up close? private rickshaw tour through Münster offers an in-depth look at some of the city's most quirky parts, including green spaces, quiet corners, cathedrals, and Gothic churches.
And while we're increasingly seeking goals in life, we're suddenly doing the same when traveling. We want to learn instead of just see. We're into pottery, surfing, foraging, and love making wine. And even more so, we're seeking out hobbies in nature on vacation: hiking, birdwatching, that sort of thing. Where: Sal Island in Cape VerdeFirstly, because of the peat culture. Secondly, "Sal" means "salt" and refers to the many salt flats on the island, the most famous of which is the Pedra de Lume salt flat. You can float in the crater of an extinct volcano thanks to it. Delicious.
It's make or break for friendships and romantic relationships, as next year travelers will use their vacation time to test their relationships. 37% of travelers said they'd vacationed with a potential romantic partner, colleague, or new friend to test their compatibility, and another 32% said they might do so. And you'll definitely take your relationship to the next level. Mui Ne, Vietnam This coast has beautiful beaches with golden sand. Enjoy activities such as Mui Ne Sunrise or Sunset Shared Jeep Tour and get an answer to the most important question of all: is he or she a morning or evening person?
No, you really can't show up with a magnet anymore. Better a can of sardines and maximalist mugs with a bold print. And this trend is as much about memories as it is about material goods. More than a quarter (26%) say food souvenirs evoke memories of their vacation, while a quarter (25%) value these cultural mementos for their local craftsmanship, sustainability, and traditional methods. Guangzhou in China Guangzhou boasts all the remarkable souvenirs such as tea leaves and tea sets, uniquely flavored chips or chili oil, and porcelain chopsticks. As the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine, Guangzhou is a dream. It was also one of the major hubs of the Maritime Silk Road, meaning goods like spices and porcelain plates and bowls were produced there.
Skincare took over. From "glass skin" to niacinamide, this year was all about finding your own glow, and travelers agree. A whopping 80% of travelers worldwide are open to a "glowcation" and say they're interested in trying at least one beauty or wellness treatment while traveling. Port Douglas is the ultimate wellness destination with skincare centers. And what else? Explore the Great Barrier Reef en Daintree Rain Forest, the oldest rainforest in the world.
Interesting! By using image searches, you can, for example, pinpoint the exact location of old family photos. A clever example of technology meets nostalgia. More nostalgia can be found in Philadelphia in the USAHome to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, you're in the heart of the site where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. And don't forget to visit the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia, where, according to legend, the first American flag was sewn.
Best of both worldsA vacation home, but without the housework. 2026 is the year of technology-driven vacations. Forget cleaning and cooking this holiday, because 56% of travelers are interested in a host interaction with a robot that provides cooking and cleaning services, along with some bartending on the side.
In Bilbao, Spain, they've already come a long way. The city is rapidly developing into a center for technological innovation and also has a nice mix of history and good food. Xing Yuan in Bilbao, for example, has a Mandarin kitchen with a robot waiter wearing a scarf. The popular Guggenheim Museum has exhibitions that address the changing technology landscape. And a stay in OH MY HOME BILBAO has an app that opens every door when you enter the building.
We want to road trip with new friends and The coastal city of Colombia, Barranquilla, is exactly the right destination. You have Carnival, you have the coast, and the sights are countless. Speaking of Carnival, ideally, you'd plan to be there for the celebration, held annually the weekend before Ash Wednesday, which will take place next year from February 14th to 17th, 2026. Elaborate outfits everywhere, a truly great atmosphere, and delicious food (empanadas).
So, once you've experienced that, you can then continue to the coast.
We're certainly not the only ones leaning a bit towards the spiritual side, as 47% of travelers are considering a spiritual journey to sacred sites like stone circles and temples. Something about the sky's the limit.
Kochi It's a bucket-list destination known for its spirituality. As a gemstone center, you can buy high-quality stones and get advice on which ones match your birth chart. But above all, it's simply good food, relaxed atmosphere, and a great atmosphere.