Trending Travel Destinations: Where Americans Want to Vacation in 2026

Some of the world's most aspirational destinations are calling, and Americans are listening. From cultural capitals to emerging hot spots, we analyzed Google search data for terms like “five-star hotels” and “business class flights” to reveal the destinations travelers are setting their sights on for luxury getaways.

With a 421% increase in luxury travel searches, the biggest spike across all destinations worldwide, Abu Dhabi takes the crown as the world's hottest luxury destination for 2026. The UAE’s capital draws in upscale travelers to the Louvre Abu Dhabi (the museum rooftop terrace is the go-to for stunning sunset photos) plus with the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi set to open its doors in 2026, the city is quickly becoming an arts powerhouse, the perfect culture-rich escape for luxury seekers. If you're not going to a specific event, consider visiting Abu Dhabi in November or March to avoid the peak heat.

Over the last year, search interest for luxury holidays in Acapulco has increased by 253%, placing it second overall. The classic Mexican Riviera destination, dotted with mega-yachts and a vibrant nightlife, is capturing the eye of many American travelers. Just a short flight from the U.S., Acapulco offers five-star resort experiences at prices that rival domestic luxury destinations, complete with world-class spas and beachfront infinity pools. The timing couldn't be better for those planning next year’s escapes: Mexico City is hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, so a detour to Acapulco's beaches is the perfect post-match retreat.

Dubbed the “Monaco of South America”, Punta del Este is the definition of understated luxury, that’s finally getting attention. The beach resort town on Uruguay's coast is synonymous with European sophistication: white-sand beaches, contemporary art galleries, Michelin-quality restaurants serving fresh seafood alongside world-class wines. The yacht-filled marina might attract international jetsetters, but it's the town's laid-back atmosphere that offers an alternative to the Caribbean's more crowded hot spots.

As costs continue to rise, many Americans are looking for ways to make their money go further. Searches for affordable holidays are climbing, as travelers aim to get the most out of their budget without compromising on experience.

European vacations appeal to everyone, regardless of budget, and that much is clear from our data. As budget-conscious travel searches to Crete are up 179% from last year. It’s Greece’s largest island, yet surprisingly less busy than the likes of Santorini and Mykonos. Offering the same Mediterranean charm as its famous counterparts, Crete’s hidden beaches with crystal-clear waters are free to visit, not to mention the delicious Greek cuisine (think grilled octopus, dakos salad, and local raki) has a price tag that fits those on a stricter budget. Looking for even better deals on hotels? Try visiting in May or October, since the temperatures are still ideal, but you’ll likely beat the high-season prices.

In second place, Kathmandu serves as the starting point for some of the world's most famous trekking routes, including the path to Everest Base Camp, and the trending go-to for adventure seekers who want to explore without breaking their budget. The city itself has plenty of street food options like momos (dumplings) sold for just a few dollars, and the Thamel district is a comfortable (and backpacker-friendly) home base to spend the night.

Known for its underground cities, Cappadocia follows closely, with searches for budget-friendly travel up nearly 170%. The reasons are clear: hot air balloon rides and "fairy chimney" rock formations have taken over social media feeds, with travel influencers fueling much of the hype around this Turkish destination. Beyond the visuals, the favorable exchange rate for American travelers makes everything from boutique cave hotels to handwoven carpets surprisingly affordable.

It’s not just international destinations catching attention. Many Americans are also looking closer to home for elevated travel inspiration. We analyzed the same luxury travel keywords (from high-end hotels to business class flights) to see which U.S. destinations are seeing the biggest surge in high-end travel interest.

Las Vegas, known as the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” tops the rankings with a 207% increase in searches for five-star experiences. Beyond the Strip and busy casinos, Las Vegas does luxury experiences like no other, with infinity pools overlooking the desert, Michelin-starred restaurants, world-class spa treatments, and more. For those looking to take their trip to the next level, Dolly Parton is back and taking the stage at The Colosseum at Caesars in late September 2026, making a memorable vacation even better.

Washington D.C. lands in second place with a 114% rise in luxury travel interest compared to last year. The capital’s world-renowned museums along the National Mall and plenty of boutique luxury hotels are drawing sophisticated travelers. After a day of exploring iconic landmarks, visitors are spoiled with choices of award-winning dining options and elegant rooftop bars offering panoramic views of historic monuments illuminating the skyline.

Once overshadowed by neighboring Miami, Fort Lauderdale is emerging as an upscale destination, with searches for luxury holidays rising 102% year-on-year. With 649,000 Instagram posts celebrating the city’s beach alone, a network of scenic canals and beachfront resorts, the city has become a magnet for yacht enthusiasts and sophisticated sunseekers alike. Another Florida hot spot joining the list of trending destinations is Palm Beach. Taking fourth place, it is ideal for high-end shopping along Worth Avenue and elegant coastal relaxation.

Other classic luxury destinations make the rankings too, such as Aspen in seventh place. Colorado's iconic ski resort keeps its allure as a timeless haven for high-end winter sports and summer exploration.

Budget-conscious travelers are planning ahead for their next adventure too. Whether it's finding cheap flights or affordable accommodation, our data reveals where Americans are looking for wallet-friendly domestic getaways.

Santa Barbara takes the crown for affordable domestic vacations. The coastal California hot spot leads with an impressive 217% increase in searches, and there’s plenty to explore on a budget. The nearby Santa Ynez Valley offers a charming wine country experience, which can be a budget-conscious alternative to Napa. Visitors can stroll along Stearns Wharf or watch the sunset from Butterfly Beach, soaking up coastal beauty.

Las Vegas proves its universal appeal, ranking for both budget-friendly and luxury travel searches. Interest in affordable getaways to the city has risen 129% year-on-year, making it one of America's ultimate destinations whether you’re looking for cheap getaways or high-end thrills. Fountain shows at Bellagio® Las Vegas are free, all-you-can-eat buffets are easy to spot, and competitive hotel rates make the glittering city accessible to every traveler. Beyond the casinos, budget-conscious visitors can take day trips to the red rock formations of the Valley of Fire State Park.

Rounding out the top three with a 95% increase in searches, Oklahoma City is gaining recognition as one of the most underrated destinations to visit for travelers on a budget. The city surprises visitors with its lively Bricktown entertainment district, classic American dining, plus a thriving arts scene in the Paseo Arts District, all without breaking the bank.

Interestingly, destinations like Maui and Key West also appear among the top searches, showing that more travelers are searching for ways to enjoy iconic destinations without overspending.

Now that you've seen where Americans are dreaming of traveling in 2026, here are some insider tips from our travel experts to help you make the most of your next adventure:

1. Book early: With interest rising for some destinations, demand will be high. If you can, try to lock in flights and accommodations up to six months in advance to help you get the best chance at great rates.
2. Consider low season: To maximize your budget (whether luxury or affordable) traveling in typical “off” seasons like autumn and spring will often translate to lower prices and fewer crowds.
3. Help protect your travel investment: Unexpected disruptions can impact even the most carefully planned itineraries and budgets. Adding a travel insurance plan early may help you prepare for the unexpected with coverage for certain trip cancellations or interruptions due to covered reasons. With Travel Guard, you can choose from a range of travel insurance plans — and optional bundles — to find the fit that matches your trip, whether you're planning a luxury escape or a budget-friendly adventure.
4. Mix-and-match: Many savvy travelers splurge on one aspect of their trip (like a luxury hotel) while saving on others (like transportation or food). This approach works particularly well in destinations like Las Vegas or Acapulco, where you can tailor experiences to suit your budget.

Ready to plan your 2026 adventures with confidence? Discover how Travel Guard travel insurance plans can help make every journey seamless, no matter what kind of trip you’re planning.

We analyzed Google search data for the U.S. using Google Keyword Planner, covering 374 destinations worldwide. Keywords reflected both luxury travel intent (“luxury hotels in {destination}”, “5-star hotels {destination}”, “business class flights to {destination}”) and budget travel intent (“cheap flights to {destination}”, “cheap hotels {destination}”, “cheap vacation {destination}”).

Search volumes were totaled across two periods (October 2023 to September 2024 and October 2024 to September 2025) to calculate year-on-year growth. Destinations with annual search volumes below 500 were excluded to remove outliers. Percentages have been rounded to the nearest whole number for clarity, though rankings are based on the precise underlying figures.

This revealed which destinations saw the biggest increases in U.S. search interest for luxury and budget travel.

 Data sourced from Google Keyword Planner, correct as of October 2025.