Top 10 trending destinations for U.S. travelers in 2026
Last month, Skyscanner released its annual report on the top trending destinations for 2026 around the world.
Skyscanner determined the rankings by analyzing destinations with the highest year-over-year increases in searches, providing insight into where travelers are most interested in visiting in the upcoming year.
In collaboration with OnePoll, an international market research company, Skyscanner surveyed 22,000 travelers from June to July 2025.
The report revealed that U.S. travelers are seeking out under-the-radar destinations.
“In 2026, travelers are looking for places that hold significance and are moving away from mainstream locations to explore lesser-known destinations that offer unique experiences,” stated Loudres Losada, Director of Americas at Skyscanner, in an interview with CNBC Make It.
Two U.S. destinations, Vail, Colorado, and New Haven, Connecticut, made it to the top 10 list, with Vail experiencing a 78% increase and New Haven a 39% increase in searches.
“Americans are rediscovering domestic destinations, viewing them as not just winter getaways but also ideal for summer and fall trips,” Losada added.
No. 1 trending destination for U.S. travelers in 2026: Limón, Costa Rica
Limón, Costa Rica, topped the list of trending destinations for U.S. travelers in 2026 with a remarkable 286% year-over-year increase in searches.
The report highlighted Limón as an emerging ecotourism hotspot known for its national parks, volcanic landscapes, and lush rainforests.
“Limón is the Costa Rica for travelers who have already explored the country. While Americans have frequented Costa Rica for years, it has been predominantly focused on the Pacific coast. Now, the spotlight is on the Caribbean Coast and the hidden gem of Limón,” mentioned Losada.
Limón, Costa Rica
Kryssia Campos | Moment | Getty Images
Limón, also referred to as Puerto Limón, is one of the seven “middle cities” in Costa Rica, situated outside the metropolitan area of San Jose. Known for its cultural and racial diversity, Limón is home to attractions like Tortuguero National Park, renowned for its sea turtles, and Cahuita National Park, offering pristine beaches and diverse wildlife.
Top trending destinations for U.S. travelers in 2026
- Limón, Costa Rica
- Jaipur, India
- Bodrum, Turkey
- Madeira, Portugal
- Vail, Colo., U.S.
- Zadar, Croatia
- Olbia, Italy
- New Haven, Conn., U.S.
- Bilbao, Spain
- Mykonos, Greece
Jaipur, India, secured the second spot among the top trending destinations with a 107% increase in searches, according to Skyscanner. Known as “The Pink City,” Jaipur boasts historic landmarks like Amber Fort and modern attractions such as World Trade Park.
“Jaipur appeals to travelers seeking a blend of royal heritage, vibrant culture, and picturesque streets straight out of a fairy tale,” noted Losada. “Every corner of Jaipur offers a picture-perfect experience.”
Jaipur, India
Paul Biris | Moment | Getty Images
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan state in India, is a popular tourist destination known for its architectural marvels, including the UNESCO World Heritage site Jantar Mantar. The city’s economy thrives on tourism, gemstone cutting, jewelry production, and information technology.
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