Expedia Reveals Top 10 Emerging Travel Hotspots for 2026

According to Expedia's latest report, the travel giant has identified the top 10 destinations set to surge in popularity in 2026. The list, which draws on real-time data from the company's daily visitors, showcases a diverse range of locations across Europe, North America, and Asia.

Notably, six of these emerging hotspots also satisfy Expedia's new Smart Travel Health Check, which recognizes destinations that actively manage tourism sustainably. This includes destinations like Savoie in the French Alps, Ucluelet in Canada, and Phu Quoc in Vietnam.

Expedia's CEO, Ariane Gorin, emphasized the importance of immersing oneself in local cultures, supporting local economies, and exploring less-travelled destinations. "With one billion average monthly travel searches, Expedia Group isn't just a travel marketplace, we're a catalyst for positive change," she stated.

The 2026 destinations of the year list features a mix of well-known and hidden gem locations. Standouts include the picturesque Cotswolds region in the UK, the historic city of San Miguel de Allende in Mexico, and the harbor city of Hobart in Tasmania, Australia.