The No. 1 travel destination of 2026 is in the U.S., says new report

More travelers are heading to the mountains: Big Sky, Montana, named top travel destination for 2026, according to a study. new report From Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo.

The report lists 10 global destinations on the rise, based on increased flight and accommodation searches on Expedia by 24,000 travelers worldwide last year.

While Big Sky, a Rocky Mountain town an hour from Yosemite, may seem like it “came out of nowhere,” it has “long been 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. A thriving dining scene, increased family-friendly treats, community events and cultural events also contribute to its appeal, CNBC tells Make It.

Here are the top 10 popular destinations for travelers next year and how much search interest has increased since 2024:

1. Big Sky, Montana, USA: 92% increase
2. Okinawa, Japan: 71% increase
3. Sardinia, Italy: 63% increase
4. Phu Quoc, Vietnam: 53% increase
5. Savoy, France: 51% increase
6. Fort Walton Beach, Florida, USA: 45% increase
7. Ucluelet, Canada: 44% increase
8. Cotswolds, United Kingdom: 39% increase
9. San Miguel de AllendeMexico: 30% increase
10. Hobart, Australia: 25% increase

Okinawa, a chain of islands with a subtropical climate in southern Japan, is the No. 2 top destination for 2026, according to Expedia searches.

Travel to Japan has increased in recent years Thanks to a weak yen and lifted Covid restrictions, however, some cities such as Kyoto are so-called tourist taxes to prevent overcrowding. Meanwhile, Expedia acknowledged that Okinawa meets the “Smart Travel Health Check” framework. World Travel and Tourism Council guidelinesFor the region’s efforts to offer cultural and natural experiences without the overcrowding seen in many major global cities.

“Expedia feels like it shouldn’t or can’t be the arbiter of places travelers should or want to visit, but we do play a role in informing travelers about what’s happening in the places they plan to travel,” Fish says of recognizing places that support sustainable travel practices.

“What we see in Okinawa is that they are taking proactive environmental measures: coral reef restorationthey are moving towards something decarbonized economy “They celebrate local heritage and ensure visitors have educational opportunities,” Fish says.

Rounding out the top three is Sardinia, another rising destination beyond hotspots like Rome, Florence or Venice. The island is the second largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and is sometimes referred to as the “Maldives of Europe” because of its beaches.

Parts of the region are considered the “Blue Zone”, a region of the world where people live extraordinarily long lives thanks to healthy lifestyle habits, access to fresh foods, and a focus on strong social ties and spirituality.

“Getting to Sardinia will require a little more effort than destinations we’re so familiar with like Rome and Florence,” Fish says, but travelers find it worthwhile to enjoy the island’s beaches, food, and diverse landscapes.

“There are beautiful coastlines, but then there are the mountainous interiors, and then there are those charming towns,” he says. “It’s really the trifecta of what travelers are looking for.”