A new year means new travel goals and more places to mark off your list. Now that the world is more open, people aren’t just crossing things off a standard bucket list—they’re making a list that matters. They want real, unique experiences, trips that are good for the planet, and that great feeling you get when you find an awesome spot before everyone else does. This is where you get the best way to plan your trips for the next year, Expedia Group’s yearly Unpack ’26 report. This report uses search data from Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo to show exactly where people are looking to go.
You can forget the usual, crowded tourist traps. 2026 is the year of the cool new spot, and these places promise deep, real cultural experiences, amazing nature, and, best of all, room to move around and breathe. We’ve looked through the results to bring you the top places to visit that are “Beyond the Crowds,” where interest is shooting up the fastest. We even included some bucket-list experiences for each destination that are worth booking. Heads up! Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. This is at no extra cost to you and helps keep this blog running. Thank you so much for your support!
Traveling the Smart Way
The big idea for 2026 travel is being smart and responsible about where you go. Expedia made a new Smart Travel Health Check, a guide to see which places are ready for more visitors without harming the local community or the environment. It’s about balance, and it’s a big deal for travelers who want their money to do good. Six of the destinations on this list passed this important check, showing their commitment to growing tourism the right way.
Here are the rising stars of 2026 that you should add to your travel calendar:
1. Big Sky, Montana, U.S. (Searches Up: +92%)
Why it’s trending: Big Sky is the most-searched-for spot on this list, leading the charge for upscale mountain trips without the huge crowds you find at traditional ski resorts. People are loving the wide-open spaces, the outdoor adventure, and the quiet beauty of the American West. Big Sky is massive—it boasts “the biggest skiing in America”—and it feels both high-end and totally relaxed.
The Experience: While it’s famous for its winter snow and being right near Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky is great all year. In the warmer months, you can go fly-fishing on the Gallatin River, ride mountain bikes on tons of trails, and hike through beautiful, perfect flower fields high up in the mountains. It’s the perfect place to calm down and escape your busy life, and its spot on the Smart Travel Health Check shows it cares about protecting its amazing nature.
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Yellowstone National Park – Full-Day Lower Loop Tour from West Yellowstone – From $375.00 per person
2. Okinawa, Japan (Searches Up: +71%)
Why it’s trending: Most people go to Tokyo or Kyoto, but 2026 is all about the warm, southern islands of Okinawa. This group of islands gives you a Japanese trip that’s totally different, with a unique history (from the old Ryukyu Kingdom) and a famous local diet that helps people live longer, healthier lives.
The Experience: People often call Okinawa the “Hawaii of Japan” because it has bright blue water, beautiful coral reefs perfect for snorkeling, and white-sand beaches. You can explore historic spots like Shuri Castle, and learn about the local way of life, called Ikigai, which is one reason so many people here live to be over 100 years old. It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful island trip mixed with deep cultural discovery.
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Okinawa Miyako Sea turtle Snorkeling Free Pick up and Drop off From $45.77 per person
3. Sardinia, Italy (Searches Up: +63%)
Why it’s trending: Are you done with the huge, packed crowds of places like the Amalfi Coast? Sardinia is the cooler, smarter choice. It gives you Italy’s ancient past and an amazing Mediterranean coast, but without the problem of too many tourists.
The Experience: This island is a real Italian treasure, famous for the Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) and its untouched beaches. But it’s more than just a beach spot. Sardinia is full of old mysteries, like thousands of ancient stone buildings called nuraghe from the Bronze Age. Like Okinawa, it’s also one of the world’s “Blue Zones,” where people often live to a very old age. It’s the perfect place to enjoy simple, delicious food, hike the wilder parts of the island, and soak up a timeless Italian culture.
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Costa Smeralda Boat Tour by Hybrid Boat with Swim Stops & Aperitif From $105.02 per person
4. Phu Quoc, Vietnam (Searches Up: +53%)
Why it’s trending: As people keep traveling to Southeast Asia, they are looking past popular spots like Bali and Phuket for islands that feel more real and give you more for your money. Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s biggest island, is just the ticket.
The Experience: This beautiful spot near Cambodia has a great mix of things: soft white beaches, thick green jungle, and nice, local fishing towns. Half of the island is protected as Phu Quoc National Park, so its natural beauty is safe. You can spend your time relaxing on Sao Beach, visiting local pepper farms, or swimming in the warm water. And you can’t forget the incredible street food here—it’s the best of Vietnam’s cooking, right by the ocean.
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Snorkeling Island Hopping with Cable Car and Lunch From $73.67 per person
5. Savoie, France (Searches Up: +51%)
Why it’s trending: Savoie is getting popular because it’s great all year round. You have amazing skiing in the winter and calm lake fun in the summer, all surrounded by the stunning French Alps.
The Experience: This area is a great place for people who want action and those who just want to relax. It’s home to some of the most famous ski towns, like Courchevel. But the real charm is in historic cities like Chambéry and Annecy. Annecy is often called the “Venice of the Alps” because of its colorful old buildings and shining lake. Savoie is all about seeing the real French countryside—you can go on hard mountain hikes and then enjoy great local cheese and wine.
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Private tasting of Savoie cheese and wine in Chamonix From $337.47 per person
6. Ucluelet, Canada (Searches Up: +44%)
Why it’s trending: Travelers are finding the wild, stunning coast of Ucluelet in British Columbia. It’s a place you can visit any time of year that feels a bit slower and quieter than the more famous Tofino nearby.
The Experience: Ucluelet has that pure, rough Pacific Northwest feel. It’s famous for watching whales, watching big winter storms, and its beautiful Wild Pacific Trail. This is the place for people who want to feel completely surrounded by nature. The town is the front door to the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, so you have endless chances for kayaking, surfing, and walking through old forests that go right up to the sea. This spot is on the Smart Travel Health Check, showing it’s good at staying low-key and caring for the planet as it gets more popular.
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Ucluelet Harbour Tour From $80.22 per person
Your Adventure Starts Now
The list also includes other fantastic spots like the sunny beaches of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, the cozy, old-world beauty of the Cotswolds, U.K., the deep culture of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and the amazing food scene in Hobart, Australia.
Expedia’s message is simple: 2026 is the year to check out the world’s less crowded, more interesting places. These spots are not just names on a map; they are real experiences ready for you. Your next trip should be one that means something to you, so pick a spot that feels right. With this guide, your 2026 travel plans just got way better.
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One response to “7 Spots on Expedia’s Destination of the Year List Worth Booking”
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