Published on
December 23, 2025
Eastern Europe is set to dominate travel trends in 2026, with the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Poland, Albania, Croatia, and Italy among the standout destinations showing remarkable growth in flight interest. This surge is driven by the region’s affordability, rich cultural offerings, and improved flight connectivity, making it an increasingly attractive option for travelers seeking both value and new experiences. As Eastern Europe continues to capture the spotlight, these countries are emerging as must-visit hotspots, drawing tourists eager to explore their historic cities, vibrant cultures, and scenic landscapes.
As we look to 2026, KAYAK, the world’s leading travel search engine, has unveiled its much-anticipated Travel Trends Forecast, offering an insightful glimpse into the future of global travel. Powered by millions of searches, KAYAK’s data highlights a year poised for increased exploration, fueled by rising travel interest, lower airfares, and exciting new destinations. The forecast showcases how travelers are adapting, with affordability and emerging hotspots playing pivotal roles in shaping the trends for 2026.
Rising Interest and Lower Airfares Set the Stage for More Affordable Travel
KAYAK’s findings show that travel interest is climbing, with searches increasing by 9% year-over-year. At the same time, airfares are becoming more accessible, dropping by 3% domestically and a notable 10% internationally. These factors combined are setting the stage for a travel boom, allowing more people to explore the world at a lower cost. As travelers plan their getaways, the affordability of air travel, particularly long-haul flights, has become a key driver of this surge in travel demand.
Eastern Europe Takes the Lead in Trending Destinations
Europe is undeniably the top region for 2026, with Eastern Europe emerging as the standout performer. Seven of the top ten trending destinations are located in this region, thanks to its affordability, rich cultural history, and improved flight connectivity. Cities in Eastern Europe have seen dramatic spikes in interest, with travelers eager to discover hidden gems across the continent.
The Czech Republic’s capital, Prague, leads the pack with a staggering 180% increase in interest, followed closely by Sofia, Bulgaria (up 136%), and Krakow, Poland (up 106%). Budapest, Hungary, is also seeing an impressive rise, with interest up 86%, while Albania’s Tirana and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Sarajevo round out the top destinations, with year-over-year increases of 66% and 62%, respectively.
Eastern Europe’s appeal is further fueled by its rich heritage, beautiful architecture, and a welcoming atmosphere that attracts budget-conscious travelers. These cities offer a unique and affordable travel experience, combining the charm of old-world Europe with modern conveniences.
Christchurch, New Zealand: The Fastest-Growing Destination for Americans
Although Eastern Europe is a hotbed for travel growth, the fastest-growing international destination for American travelers is Christchurch, New Zealand. This city has experienced an extraordinary 194% year-over-year increase in flight interest. With nonstop flights bringing it closer than ever, Christchurch is positioning itself as a must-visit location for those looking to explore New Zealand’s South Island. As travelers seek new adventures, the combination of breathtaking natural beauty and the city’s vibrant cultural scene is drawing increased attention.
Fandom-Fueled Travel on the Rise
The influence of pop culture, global events, and sports is making a significant impact on travel trends in 2026. Cities associated with major events and fandoms are seeing remarkable increases in flight searches. Kansas City, for example, is experiencing a 14% rise in interest, driven by its successful football team, the celebrity buzz surrounding the city, and its role as a host city for the 2026 World Cup.
Milan, Italy, is also seeing a 15% lift in flight searches as excitement builds around the 2026 Winter Olympics. With the world’s eyes set to be on the city, travelers are flocking to Milan to experience the pre-Olympic buzz and immerse themselves in the city’s unique blend of fashion, history, and art.
Las Vegas, a perennial favorite, is bouncing back after a softer 2025, with an 18% increase in flight interest. New entertainment residencies, high-profile events, and competitive airfare deals are driving renewed excitement for this iconic destination.
Best Deals of 2026: Affordable Long-Haul Travel
Travelers looking to stretch their budget in 2026 will be pleased to find that long-haul destinations are offering some of the best deals. KAYAK’s analysis reveals significant drops in airfare for several top destinations, making it easier to visit cities that were once out of reach. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, leads the way with a 36% drop in airfare, followed by Split, Croatia (down 33%), and Naples and Florence in Italy (both down 26%).
For those looking to explore Ireland, Shannon offers a 25% decrease in airfare, while domestic travel within the United States is also seeing favorable prices. Punta Gorda, Florida, New York City, and Raleigh, North Carolina, are expected to offer some of the lowest domestic airfares in 2026.
Early Glimpse of Summer 2026: Strong International Interest
As travelers begin planning for the summer of 2026, early search trends show a strong international interest. Searches for international trips are up 9% compared to the same period last year, indicating that long-haul travel will remain popular. One of the most notable trends for summer 2026 is the drop in international airfare, which is down 12% overall, with Asia and Europe offering significant value. Airfares to Asia are down by 16%, while European destinations see a 14% reduction in price, making these regions more accessible for travelers seeking to explore far-flung corners of the world.
The Middle East, in particular, is seeing a surge in interest, with a 35% jump in search activity. This is largely attributed to the region’s expanding flight connectivity, allowing more travelers to access popular destinations like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. Meanwhile, the Caribbean is also experiencing a 15% uptick in search interest, fueled by strong demand for warm-weather escapes during the summer months.
Conclusion
With affordable airfare, rising interest in Eastern Europe, and a strong demand for international travel, 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for global exploration. As travelers seek new destinations, embrace fandom-driven adventures, and discover emerging hotspots, KAYAK’s Travel Trends Forecast provides a glimpse into the future of the tourism industry. Whether exploring the rich history of Eastern Europe, heading to Christchurch for a South Island adventure, or taking advantage of cheaper long-haul fares, 2026 promises to offer a wealth of unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler.
