Top 10 trending travel destinations in the world for 2026

If post-holiday blues and winter gloom have you daydreaming about your next escape, now is the perfect time to start planning. With travel demand rebounding strongly and new hotspots emerging across continents, 2026 is shaping up to be a thrilling year for global explorers. To help travellers plan ahead, Tripadvisor has unveiled its first-ever Travelers’ Choice Awards – Best of the Best Destinations category for 2026, spotlighting the Best of the Best Trending Destinations. The list is based on millions of reviews and ratings shared by travellers worldwide, analysing both the quality and quantity of feedback collected throughout 2025.

While familiar favourites still feature prominently, this year’s rankings reveal noticeable shifts, highlighting destinations gaining rapid momentum across categories such as solo travel, food, culture, family trips and honeymoons. From under-the-radar islands to cultural capitals in transformation, these places are expected to have a breakout year in travel. Here are the top trending travel destinations in the world for 2026.

1. Madeira, Portugal
Tucked away in the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira is emerging as a family-friendly alternative to mainland Europe’s crowded hotspots. Known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, levada walks and lush green mountains, the island is perfect for outdoor-loving travellers. Whale-watching excursions, natural lava pools and mild year-round weather make it ideal for families, while adults can unwind with Madeira’s famous fortified wine and ocean-view resorts.

2. Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi is buzzing with creative energy and cultural revival. The Georgian capital is witnessing a wave of new art institutions, including the Art Foundation Anagi, alongside major expansions at the Shalva Amiranashvili Museum of Fine Arts. Historic buildings are being reimagined as stylish boutique hotels, such as the much-talked-about Telegraph Hotel. With its vibrant café culture, thermal baths and dramatic old town, Tbilisi feels like Europe’s next cultural darling.

3. Chicago, United States
Already a classic American city break, Chicago is set for a major moment in 2026. The highly anticipated Barack Obama Presidential Center is opening, adding to the city’s cultural weight. Meanwhile, the Field Museum is hosting a Pokémon-themed takeover, and Route 66 celebrations marking its 100th anniversary will bring renewed excitement to Michigan Avenue. Expect festivals, exhibitions and plenty of iconic deep-dish pizza along the way.

4. Quy Nhon, Vietnam
Vietnam’s Quy Nhon is quietly becoming Southeast Asia’s next beach escape. Just an hour’s flight from Ho Chi Minh City, this coastal destination boasts pristine beaches that remain blissfully uncrowded. Travellers can slow down with seaside lounging, explore ancient Cham-era temple towers, and feast on fresh seafood straight from the ocean. Quy Nhon is ideal for those seeking authentic Vietnam without the tourist rush.

5. Puerto Escondido, Mexico
True to its name—“hidden port”—Puerto Escondido remains one of Mexico’s most underrated coastal gems. Popular with surfers for its legendary Zicatela waves, the destination is now attracting families and slow travellers as well. In 2026, parts of the coastline are being recognised as a World Surfing Reserve, and new direct flights from American Airlines are making access easier than ever. Expect laid-back vibes, golden beaches and unforgettable sunsets.

6. Milan, Italy
Milan continues to reinvent itself, blending high fashion, contemporary design and culinary excellence. With the Winter Olympics on the horizon, the city will host ice skating and hockey events across venues. New luxury hotels, including the much-awaited Six Senses Milan, are raising the hospitality bar, while regenerated neighbourhoods like Porta Romana and Porta Nuova offer travellers fresh dining, nightlife and cultural experiences beyond the usual tourist trail.

7. Glasgow, United Kingdom
Often overshadowed by Edinburgh, Glasgow is finally stepping into the spotlight. Scotland’s largest city is shedding its industrial image with the opening of Arthouse Glasgow, upgraded public transport and a dynamic calendar of music, sports and cultural festivals. Known for its legendary live music scene and friendly locals, Glasgow offers travellers an authentic urban experience with a creative edge.

8. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi is rapidly positioning itself as a global cultural heavyweight. Saadiyat Island is transforming into a world-class arts district, with the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum set to join the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Beyond museums, visitors can enjoy luxury shopping, desert adventures, cutting-edge architecture and a dining scene that rivals international capitals.

9. Recife, Brazil
Recife blends Afro-Brazilian culture, historic charm and vibrant coastal life. Famous for its energetic Carnaval, live music and colourful streets, the city also boasts stunning beaches and colonial architecture. Improved air connectivity from Portugal and Spain, along with easy one-stop routes from the U.S., is making Recife more accessible, inviting travellers to discover one of Brazil’s most culturally rich coastal cities.

10. San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
Nestled at the northern edge of Argentine Patagonia, Bariloche is an outdoor adventurer’s dream—minus the glaciers. The region offers hiking, kayaking, rafting and fishing against a backdrop of lakes and mountains. Off the trails, visitors can indulge in artisanal chocolate, explore alpine-style villages and even shop Patagonia’s original store, located fittingly in Patagonia itself.