As autumn gets underway, many will start thinking about where to travel in the new year. January may bring resolutions, but October is often when we start planning.
And so it begins. Twenty tabs open. You go down a rabbit hole of when is the best time to book flights, how to get airport lounge access for less, and how much to tip in different parts of the world. A luxury cruise may sound appealing, but so does lounging by the pool in a high-end hotel.
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Where to travel in 2026
Travel group Expedia has just released its Unpack ’26: The Trends in Travel report, revealing where different trends are taking holidaymakers. The data has been compiled based on increases in flight and accommodation searches for travel on 1 January to 31 December 2025 versus the same period in 2024.
Not all these destinations are the typical go-tos, with more visitors seeking under-the-radar coastlines and higher altitude hideaways.
We’ve compiled all the results and delve further into each destination below.
Ranking | Destination | % Search increase |
|---|---|---|
1. | +92% | |
2. | +71% | |
3. | +63% | |
4. | +53% | |
5. | +51% | |
6. | +45% | |
7. | +44% | |
8. | +39% | |
9. | +30% | |
10. | +25% |
Source: Expedia
1. Big Sky, Montana, US
Being close to Yellowstone National Park is only part of the attraction. What brings travellers to this unincorporated community in Montana is – as the name suggests – a vast blue sky and mountains, as well as lots of skiing. While it’s a bucket-list destination for many Americans who enjoy winter skiing, it makes for a great place for Brits who have made more than a few visits to the Alps and are after a new holiday hotspot. Another thing not to miss is luxury fly fishing, a unique experience for anyone who wants to try their hand at angling.
2. Okinawa, Japan
With more than 150 islands to its name, Okinawa is set apart from the rest of Japan not just geographically, but also culturally. There is plenty to keep you entertained; you can lounge on white-sand crescent moon-shaped beaches, whale-watch on a cruise, visit World War II sites and feudal castles, and, if you time it right, even attend the Naha Great Tug-of-War Festival. If you’re lucky, you may be able to catch cherry blossoms blooming in the early months of the year.
3. Sardinia, Italy
This Mediterranean island offers a retreat away from the bustling mainland. It’s packed with fishing villages where you can get around on a Vespa, a rich Roman history that explains why there are Gothic cathedrals in the capital city of Cagliari, and another quick history lesson will tell you why some Sardinians speak Catalan. To the north of the island, in Costa Smeralda, you will find luxury yachts and high-end properties occupied by the rich and famous.
4. Phu Quoc, Vietnam
It’s widely agreed among Vietnamese people that the best fish sauce comes from Phu Quoc – after all, that’s where it originated. Its palm-fringed beaches and forested hills have now become an attractive holiday destination for people across the globe, who come for eco-retreats, seafood dishes, and blue-green waters. It’s also worth arranging for a pepper farm tour, as the island is known for the spice.
5. Savoie, France
France’s Savoie region is nestled in the heart of the French Alps, making it a haven for those who love winter activities. At the foot of the mountains, you will find two turquoise lakes where you can take part in water sports such as canoeing, canyoning, paddleboarding and more. You can also visit a 12th-century tomb site, walk around charming villages, and hike in the unspoilt nature.
6. Fort Walton Beach, Florida, US
Often overshadowed by Florida’s more famous beaches in the south, Fort Walton Beach in North Florida is an inviting destination with powdery white sand and striking turquoise waters. It’s an ideal location for those who love the outdoors – you can spot dolphins in the wild, sample fresh local seafood, browse the flea markets, go for wildlife trails either by foot or on a bike, and explore 12,000 years of Florida’s indigenous past at one of the many museums.
7. Ucluelet, Canada
Tucked away on the edge of Vancouver Island, Ucluelet is where holidaymakers go to unwind and relax. It offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and one of Canada’s mildest winters, as it rarely snows. A highlight of your visit is likely to be storm watching, made possible by the area’s year-round coastal weather. Outdoor enthusiasts can also fish for giant chinook salmon and halibut, hike through lush rainforests and alongside rugged coastlines, or explore centuries-old cedar groves.
8. Cotswolds, UK
Cotswolds is often best known for its honey-coloured cottages and rolling hills. But beyond the postcard charm, you’ll find walking trails, lively market towns, arts and crafts festivals, and historic estates that offer the best of heritage and comfort. It makes for an ideal luxury staycation for Brits, as visitors can enjoy the small villages, meadows and ancient woodlands. Don’t forget to sample English wine, local cheeses and meats.
Read more about MoneyWeek’s recent visit to The Lakes by Yoo, a luxury lakeside holiday rental in the Cotswolds.
9. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
This small city captures a wealth of Mexico’s aesthetics in a single location: baroque churches, cobbled lanes and bougainvillaea on every wall. Despite being a popular destination due to its thriving art scene, the town has still retained its striking neo-Gothic towers, old Spanish colonial buildings, and open-air markets. You can get Mexican mole (a type of sauce), Mezcal, and a near-perfect climate to enjoy your days off.
10. Hobart, Australia
Tasmania’s capital city is brimming with history, architecture and world-famous art. Once a British penal colony, it’s now famous for its local produce, a thriving wine scene, and historic theatres that have been graced by famous names such as Laurence Olivier and Hugo Weaving. You can spend time learning about the culture of Tasmania’s indigenous people, board a vintage ferry and cruise down a scenic river, or hike Mount Wellington for a sunset to remember.
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