Booking.com is now revealing which destinations are predicted to be popular in 2026. In conjunction with this year's travel trends survey, Booking.com presents a list of the trendiest travel destinations for 2026. There are both exciting surprises and hidden gems here – including Bilbao in Spain, Sal in Cape Verde and Münster in Germany – all of which are expected to be popular in the coming year.
Annual survey on travel trends* shows that in 2026, travelers will design trips that are as unique as themselves, choosing trips that reflect who they are, what they want and what they love. In 2026, travel will be more individual, more experimental and better reflect who travelers really are. Whether travelers want to travel with a potential love interest, colleague or new friend to see if they are compatible, use technology to find and visit places tied to personal memories or chase the cosmic rhythm of a trip that follows their horoscope. In addition to Booking.com’s annual trend survey, the platform has analyzed its data** to reveal which destinations are trending and expected to be the most popular in 2026. These destinations are also about embracing what sparks a spark in travelers, with everything from fishing villages turned coastal gems to former industrial hubs now offering visitors a vibrant city life.
Mui Ne, Vietnam
Located on Vietnam’s sun-drenched southeast coast, Mũi Né offers a dreamy blend of natural beauty, local culture and adventure. What was once a quiet fishing village has now transformed into a laid-back beach destination, known for its golden sands, swaying coconut palms and gentle sea breezes, making it a mecca for kite-surfing and other wind sports. Just a four-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, Mũi Né feels like a whole other world, with its unique landscape stretching from surreal red and white sand dunes to the peaceful Fairy Stream, where travelers can wade through shallow waters surrounded by striking rock formations. Along the coast, beachside hawkers serve fresh seafood, including grilled scallops and spicy lemongrass mussels, while nearby fishing ports offer glimpses of traditional Vietnamese life. Beyond the beaches, visitors can experience more of Vietnam through a laid-back mix of local markets, ancient temples and coastal villages.
Bilbao, Spain
Once an industrial hub, Bilbao has transformed into one of Europe's most exciting cultural destinations, renowned for its striking architecture and world-class art. The iconic Guggenheim Museum sits on a shimmering riverbank and symbolises the city's modern, bold transformation, blending with the natural beauty of the surrounding Basque hills. Bilbao's compact old town, or Old Town, charms visitors with its narrow medieval streets, lively pintxos-bars and street markets. Bilbao is the culinary capital of the Basque Country and offers everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to casual eateries serving regional specialties. Take the opportunity to stop by Ribera Market, Europe's largest covered food market, built in 1929 and housed in an elegant Art Deco building. Located on Spain's northern coast in Cantabria, Bilbao shows a side of the country that many don't expect: rugged coastlines, misty mountains and a lush, green landscape that is very different from the typical image of the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast.
Barranquilla, Colombia
Barranquilla pulsates with tropical pride on Colombia’s northern Caribbean coast, nestled along the banks of the Magdalena River. The city comes alive each year during the Carnaval de Barranquilla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The festival is a spectacular celebration of parades, cumbia rhythms and dazzling costumes. After Carnival season, visitors can stroll the modern Malecón del Río for riverside views and outdoor events, or wander through the leafy El Prado neighborhood, home to historic mansions, colorful street art and cozy cafes. Local flavors are highlighted in dishes like butifarra sausage, coconut rice and fresh seafood. Just a two-hour drive from Cartagena, Barranquilla is a colorful, relatively unknown destination where riverside life, music and community come together in a uniquely Colombian way.
Philadelphia, United States of America
Philadelphia is a city steeped in both history and modern energy, where the story of the founding of the United States blends with a thriving contemporary culture. This Pennsylvania city holds a unique place in American history. Home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed, the city will take center stage as the country celebrates its upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026, honoring 250 years of independence. This will give visitors a chance to experience the historic celebration from a front-row seat. In addition to these milestones, Philly is also preparing to host major sporting events such as the World Cup, the MLB All-Star Game, and NCAA March Madness, making it a true hub for history, sports, and entertainment. The city’s walkable neighborhoods, such as Old City and Fishtown, are filled with vibrant street art, such as the famous Mural Mile, while its diverse food and drink offerings range from the city’s iconic Philly cheesesteaks to award-winning restaurants. We can guarantee that your trip to ”The City of Brotherly Love” will be both memorable and dynamic.
Guangzhou, China
Guangzhou is a vibrant metropolis with over 18 million inhabitants, but it remains a relatively unknown destination for many travelers to China. This city in the southern part of the country is home to one of China’s oldest trading ports, which was an important hub on the historic ”Maritime Silk Road”. The city is full of cultural heritage, from centuries-old temples and traditional teahouses serving dim sum, to the impressive facades of the buildings on Shamian Island. Today, Guangzhou is a perfect blend of history and modernity: skyscrapers like the iconic Canton Tower and large industrial districts reflect the city’s status as a strong economic force on the global stage. A river cruise along the Pearl River gives you an unforgettable view of the city's beautiful skyline. Foodies are especially rewarded here as Guangzhou is the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine and has more restaurants per capita than any other Chinese city. The city also offers countless local food tours, where visitors can sample the city's culinary treasures. With a year-round subtropical climate and proximity to Hong Kong and Macau, Guangzhou is a vibrant, lesser-known gateway to both old and new China.
Hello, Cape Verde
Sal is a sun-drenched island belonging to Cape Verde, known for its pristine beaches. white beaches (white sandy beaches), its crystal clear turquoise waters and world-class windsurfing. Located off the West African coast, a four-hour flight from Portugal, Sal's rich culture is a blend of African, Portuguese and Creole influences, evident in its lively morna and funaná music. Outside the island's resorts, towns like Santa Maria are teeming with colourful mercados (markets), welcoming locals and delicious seafood specialties such as catchup, a hearty slow-cooked stew and freshly grilled fish seasoned with local malagueta (chili peppers) and herbs. Nature lovers can explore the surreal salt flats of Pedra de Lume, barren volcanic landscapes and quiet fishing villages where time seems to slow down. With year-round sunshine, a warm, welcoming atmosphere and stunning sunsets over the sea, Sal captures the soulful side of Cape Verde, where vibrant culture and natural beauty come to life in every corner of the island.
Manaus, Brazil
Manaus is surrounded by vast expanses of rainforest, making it a metropolis like no other. The city lies deep in the Brazilian Amazon and is considered one of the most remote major cities in the world. Despite its isolation, Manaus is home to over two million people and is brimming with energy, while also serving as the perfect base from which to explore the extraordinary natural wonders of the Amazon. Visitors can witness the natural phenomenon Meeting of Waters, where the dark Rio Negros and the sandy Solimões rivers flow side by side without mixing. From there, travelers can embark on unforgettable river cruises and rainforest adventures. In the city, you can visit detailed attractions such as the Teatro Amazonas opera house and lively markets, and enjoy local dining experiences, from tucupi (fermented cassava broth) and jambu (a narcotic herb) to pirarucu fish and açaí straight from the farm. Manaus offers a fantastic mix of cultural vibrancy and wild nature, on the edge of the lungs of the earth.
Münster is a charming and bike-friendly city in western Germany that combines 1,200 years of history with a vibrant youthful energy. Known for its cobblestone streets, striking Gothic architecture and laid-back atmosphere, Münster welcomes travelers with a slower-paced, yet culturally rich, city feel. The historic Altstadt (Old Town), rebuilt after World War II, is home to iconic landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral and the arched footbridges of Prinzipalmarkt, while a scenic promenade, a green belt that encircles the city center, is popular with cyclists and walkers alike. The city is home to one of Germany’s largest universities and is teeming with students, cozy cafés and riverside beer gardens. For history buffs, Münster also happens to be the birthplace of the Peace of Westphalia, with plenty of museums and places to explore in addition to the many modern culinary and creative environments.
Located on India’s southwest coast in Kerala, Kochi is a waterfront city shaped by centuries of global trade and cultural exchange. Wander the atmospheric alleyways of Fort Kochi, where colorful mansions sit alongside trendy art cafes and iconic Chinese fishing nets sway against the Arabian Sea horizon. The city comes alive especially during the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (January to March), when historic warehouses are transformed into spaces filled with cutting-edge art. Food traditions run deep, from shops serving toddy with spicy seafood to Moilee fish and rice and thalis of coconut-based dishes. Just beyond the city, Kerala’s natural wonders await: glide through the backwaters of Alapuzzha, hike up the misty hills of Munnar or relax on the golden sands of Marari Beach. Kochi is easily accessible via Cochin International Airport, making the city the perfect gateway to the natural beauty and cultural riches of South India.
Nestled on Australia's tropical northeast coast, Port Douglas is a charming town that makes the perfect base for two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Great Barrier Reef and the ancient Daintree Rainforest. Just an hour's drive from Cairns along a scenic road or a three-hour flight from Sydney, Port Douglas offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. Visitors can snorkel or dive among vibrant coral reefs in the morning, and explore lush rainforest trails or nature reserves in the afternoon. The town itself exudes coastal charm, with shops and bustling markets along Macrossan Street, and cafes serving fresh local produce and seafood. Art lovers can visit the Ngarru Gallery, known for its striking collection of contemporary Aboriginal artwork. When it’s time for dinner, visitors can choose from everything from casual beachside grills to upscale restaurants serving local produce. When day turns to night, Port Douglas transforms into a laid-back haven, where ocean breezes, local flavours and artistic styles meet under starry tropical skies.
Survey method
*The 2026 Travel Trends survey was commissioned by Booking.com and was conducted among a sample of adults planning to travel for work or leisure in the next 12-24 months. A total of 29,733 people participated. from 33 countries and territories (including 1,009 from Argentina, 1,005 from Australia, 500 from Austria, 1,013 from Belgium, 1,008 from Brazil, 1,018 from Canada, 1,009 from China, 1,005 from Colombia, 508 from Croatia, 501 from Denmark, 1,010 from France, 1,003 from Germany, 1,004 from Hong Kong, 1,007 from India, 509 from Ireland, 507 from Israel, 1,005 from Italy, 1,003 from Japan, 1,003 from Mexico, 1,019 from the Netherlands, 1,033 from New Zealand, 1,006 from Portugal, 500 from Singapore, 1,003 from South Korea, 1,009 from Spain, 511 from Sweden, 501 from Switzerland, 504 from Taiwan, 1,001 from Thailand, 501 from the United Arab Emirates, 2,003 from the United Kingdom, 2,010 from the United States and 505 from Vietnam). The individuals completed an online survey in July–August 2025.
**Destinations must have been among the top 1,000 most booked properties on Booking.com between 1 January 2025 and 31 August 2025. The resulting list was then sorted by year-on-year growth. Destinations have been adjusted slightly to ensure a more even geographical distribution.
