Top 10 trending destinations for U.S. travelers in 2026
Last month, skyscanner It has published its annual report on trending destinations around the world for 2026.
To determine the rankings, Skyscanner looked at the destinations with the biggest year-on-year increases in searches, revealing exactly where travelers are most interested in going next year.
Skyscanner, in partnership with international market research company OnePoll, surveyed 22,000 travelers from June to July 2025.
Skyscanner’s report found that US travelers want to visit overlooked destinations.
“2025 was about collective experience, and 2026 was about self-expression rather than escapism,” Skyscanner Americas Director Loudres Losada told CNBC Make It.
“Travelers are looking for landmarks, stepping away from the hype and going to lesser-known places that still hold great value. It’s about choosing experiences beyond the destination.”
Two U.S. destinations were in the top 10: Vail, Colorado and New Haven, Connecticut. Vail was up 78% and New Haven was up 39%.
“Americans are exploring their own backyards. We see them not only as winter destinations, but also as summer and fall destinations,” Losada adds.
#1 trending destination for US travelers in 2026: Limón, Costa Rica
Limón, Costa Rica is among the top cities for US travelers in 2026. It saw a 286% increase compared to the previous year.
According to the report, Limón is an emerging ecotourism destination famous for its national parks, volcanic landscapes and lush rainforests.
“Limón is Costa Rica for travelers who have visited Costa Rica before. Americans have been going to Costa Rica for decades, but this was more about the Pacific coast,” says Losada. “This time we’re talking about the Caribbean Coast. Limón is a port city, so it’s very well connected, but it’s also not in your travel guide.”
Limon, Costa Rica
Kryssia Campuses | An | Getty Images
Limón, also known as Puerto Limón, is one of Costa Rica’s seven “middle cities,” which are major cities outside the San Jose metropolitan area. Limón is known as one of Costa Rica’s most culturally and racially diverse cities.
Limón is home to Tortuguero National Park, a large protected area in Costa Rica and a famous place to see sea turtles. Nearby is Cahuita National Park, a major attraction where visitors can explore pristine beaches and coral reefs. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including sloths, birds and monkeys.
Most popular destinations for US travelers in 2026
- Limon, Costa Rica
- Jaipur, India
- Bodrum, Türkiye
- Madeira, Portugal
- Vail, Colo., USA
- Zadar, Croatia
- Olbia, Italy
- New Haven, Connect., USA
- Bilbao, Spain
- Mykonos, Greece
According to Skyscanner, Jaipur, India, ranked second among the most preferred destinations. There was a 107% increase in searches.
Known as the “Pink City” for its terracotta architecture, Jaipur is home to historical landmarks like the Amber Fort and modern landmarks like the World Trade Park.
“Jaipur attracts travelers looking for its blend of royal heritage, culture and colorful streets straight out of a storybook,” says Losada. “There is great opportunity around every corner.”
Jaipur, India
Paul Biris | An | Getty Images
Jaipur is a popular tourist destination in India and the capital of the state of Rajasthan in northwestern India. It is more than 160 kilometers from the capital of New Delhi and is a vibrant city with a population of over 3 million. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and includes many important sites such as Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built in the early 18th century.
Accordingly Google Arts and CultureThe city’s economy is based on tourism, gem cutting, jewelry manufacturing and information technology.
Want to level up your AI skills? Sign up for CNBC Make It’s new online course Smarter, How to Use Artificial Intelligence to Communicate Better at Work?. Get custom prompts to optimize emails, notes, and presentations based on tone, context, and audience.
Plus, Sign up for CNBC Make It’s newsletter get tips and tricks for success in business, money and life and Request to join our private community on LinkedIn connecting with experts and peers.
