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The 2026 Travel Trends: Exciting Destinations and Budget-Friendly Prices

In its much-awaited 2026 Travel Trends Forecast, KAYAK, the prestigious travel search engine, has unveiled a comprehensive analysis revealing what travelers can expect in the upcoming year. With an exciting mix of lower airfare, rising travel interest, and emerging destinations, 2026 looks to be a remarkable year for travel enthusiasts.

Rising Interest and Decreasing Airfares

According to KAYAK's findings, the interest in traveling is already up by 9%, while airfares have decreased overall by 3% domestically and 10% internationally. This shift presents travelers with an excellent opportunity to explore new cities without breaking the bank. A KAYAK spokesperson emphasized that, “Lower fares and rising interest mean travelers can stretch their budgets further in 2026.” This sentiment is echoed throughout the travel industry, as many gear up for an exciting year ahead.

Emerging Hotspots in Eastern Europe

A standout region in KAYAK's forecast is Eastern Europe, which has emerged as the go-to destination for travelers seeking both affordability and cultural richness. Seven out of ten of the fastest-rising travel destinations are situated in this part of the world:

• - Prague, Czech Republic – Interest has surged by an impressive 180%
• - Sofia, Bulgaria – Up by 136%
• - Krakow, Poland – Increased by 106%
• - Budapest, Hungary – Rise of 86%
• - Tirana, Albania – Gained interest of 66%
• - Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina – Up by 62%

In addition, Christchurch, New Zealand has seen a staggering 194% increase in flight interest among Americans, largely due to new nonstop services that make the South Island more accessible.

The Influence of Pop Culture

The influence of pop culture, sports, and significant global events is prominently reflected in travel trends. Several cities associated with notable fandoms are reporting increased interest:

• - Kansas City has seen a notable 14% spike in interest, driven by its popular football team and its role as a host city for an approaching world soccer tournament.
• - Milan is experiencing a 15% lift in flight searches as excitement builds for the 2026 Winter Games.
• - Las Vegas is making a significant comeback following a lull in 2025, with an 18% increase in flight interest thanks to new entertainment initiatives and competitive fares.

Best Flight Deals of 2026

KAYAK’s analysis identifies significant opportunities for travelers seeking the best flight deals, especially on long-haul missions. The following destinations have witnessed the most considerable decreases in airfare:

• - Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina – Airfare reduced by 36%
• - Split, Croatia – Down by 33%
• - Naples, Italy – Reduced by 26%
• - Florence, Italy – Also down by 26%
• - Shannon, Ireland – Airfare down by 25%

For domestic travelers seeking low-cost options, Punta Gorda, FL, New York, NY, and Raleigh, NC are predicted to offer the lowest average airfare throughout 2026.

Anticipation for Summer 2026

As travel planning for the summer of 2026 kicks off early, KAYAK is already witnessing a 9% increase in searches compared to last year. Some key takeaways include:

• - A 12% decrease in international airfare, making long-haul journeys more feasible.
• - Both Asia and Europe are highlighting as emerging value destinations, with airfare dropping by 16% and 14%, respectively.
• - The Middle East showcases a 35% jump in summer search interest due to enhanced flight connections.
• - Strong demand for properties in the Caribbean has resulted in a 15% increase in searches, as travelers navigate towards warm-weather escapes.

As lower fares combined with new travel routes open up broader global access, it’s advisable for travelers to utilize KAYAK’s AI Mode, which can guide them on the best travel days and times to book their trips.

Methodology Behind the Forecast

This 2026 Travel Trends data is based on flight, hotel, and rental car searches harvested from April 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025, for travels between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026.

KAYAK, a member of Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG), operates as the world’s leading travel search engine, streamlining the process for millions of travelers while always searching for the best options in flights, accommodation, and more. With heightened curiosity surrounding travel, the forthcoming trend outlook is a promising sign for adventurous travelers seeking new experiences in diverse locales.