More and more travelers are heading to the mountains. Big Sky, Montana has been named the top trending destination for 2026, according to a new report from Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo.
This report ranks the top 10 global destinations on the rise in popularity, based on an increase in searches for flights and accommodations on Expedia by 24,000 travelers around the world last year.
Big Sky, a Rocky Mountain town an hour’s drive from Yosemite, may seem like it “came out of nowhere,” but it’s “long known for world-class outdoor recreation, skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and hiking, mountain biking, and rafting in the summer,” says Melanie Fish, travel expert for Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo. Also adding to its appeal is an evolving dining scene, more family-friendly menus, and community events and cultural activities, she told CNBC Make It.
Here are the top 10 hotspots for travelers next year and the growth in search interest from 2024.
Big Sky, Montana, USA: 92% increase Okinawa, Japan: 71% increase Sardinia, Italy: 63% increase Phu Quoc, Vietnam: 53% increase Savoie, France: 51% increase Fort Walton Beach, Florida, USA: 45% increase Ucluelet, Canada: 44% increase Cotswolds, UK: 39% increase San Miguel de Allende, Mexico: 30% increase Hobart, Australia: 25% increase
Okinawa, an archipelago with a subtropical climate in southern Japan, is the No. 2 trending destination in 2026, according to Expedia searches.
Travel to Japan has surged in recent years thanks to a weaker yen and the lifting of coronavirus restrictions, but some cities such as Kyoto have introduced so-called tourist taxes to curb overcrowding. Meanwhile, Expedia recognized Okinawa Prefecture for meeting the Smart Travel Health Check framework, which aligns with the principles of the World Travel and Tourism Council, as a regional effort to provide cultural and natural experiences that avoid the overcrowding found in major cities around the world.
“At Expedia, we don’t feel like we should or can be the arbiters of where travelers should or want to go. But we do play a role in informing travelers about what’s going on in the places they’re planning to travel to,” Fish said of certifying places that support sustainable travel practices.
Kabira Bay in Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture. This bay forms part of Iriomote Ishigaki National Park.
Sean Pavone | iStock | Getty Images
“What we’re seeing in Okinawa is that they’re taking proactive environmental measures, such as restoring coral reefs, and they’re moving towards a decarbonized economy using renewable energy sources,” Fish said. “They celebrate local traditions and provide educational opportunities for visitors.”
Rounding out the top three is Sardinia, another popular tourist destination, ahead of hotspots like Rome, Florence, and Venice. The island is the second largest in the Mediterranean after Sicily and is sometimes called the “Maldives of Europe” because of its beaches.
Parts of this region are considered “Blue Zones,” areas where people tend to live exceptionally long lives in the world, thanks to a focus on healthy lifestyles, access to fresh food, and strong social bonds and spirituality.
“Sardinia will be a little more of a hassle to get to than destinations we’re familiar with like Rome or Florence,” Fish says, but travelers are finding it worthwhile to enjoy the island’s beaches, food and diverse landscapes.
“You have a beautiful coastline, but then you have mountain ranges and beyond that you have charming towns,” she says. “It’s exactly the triple threat of what travelers are looking for.”
Photo taken in Bosa, Oristano, Sardinia, Italy.
Ellen Van Bodegom Moment | Getty Images
