Expedia Group has just dropped its Unpack ’26: The Trends in Travel™ report, revealing the Destinations of the Year and the seven biggest travel trends shaping 2026 — from “salvaged stays” in upcycled buildings to book club retreats and farm-based getaways.
This year’s report introduces the first-ever Smart Travel Health Check, a new framework inspired by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) to recognize destinations that balance tourism growth with sustainability and local well-being.
Among the 2026 Destinations of the Year, travelers are turning their attention to smaller, experience-rich regions far from the usual hotspots:
DestinationCountry% Search IncreaseSmart Travel Health CheckBig SkyU.S.+92%✔️OkinawaJapan+71%✔️SardiniaItaly+63%Phu QuocVietnam+53%SavoieFrance+51%✔️Fort Walton BeachU.S.+45%UclueletCanada+44%✔️CotswoldsU.K.+39%✔️San Miguel de AllendeMexico+30%HobartAustralia+25%✔️
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