Despite another year of uncertainty, flight cancellations, and changes in the aviation industry, Israelis continue to look for ways to vacation. Google search data for 2026 points to a significant shift in tourism habits: Flight searches in Israel jumped by 30% compared to last year, with search volume returning to pre-October 7 levels.
According to Google, a new record in flight searches was set this year since October 2023, specifically during Operation “Roar of the Lion” and the months following it. Simultaneously, a decline was noted in searches related to antisemitism and travel warnings, alongside an increasing use of artificial intelligence for vacation planning.
Is Vietnam the new Thailand?
One of the prominent stories in the search data is the surge in Vietnam’s popularity. Over the past 12 months, a 160% increase was recorded in searches for “flights to Vietnam,” and the country is emerging as one of 2026’s trendy destinations.
Interest in Vietnam comes from diverse audiences, ranging from post-army youth to families. Alongside flight searches, Israelis are interested in the country’s famous “Loop” route, visa-related questions, direct flight options, and nightlife in Hanoi.
Greece also continues to be a particularly hot destination. A tens-of-percent increase was recorded in searches for flights and vacations on islands such as Corfu, Kefalonia, Lesbos, and Crete. Popular questions included “What is the best island for a vacation in Greece?” and “The most beautiful beaches in Greece.”
Other trendy destinations that rose in the data are Baku in Azerbaijan and Krakow in Poland.
On the list of sought-after destinations for the Tishrei holidays, Hanukkah, and Passover, long-haul destinations such as New York, Bangkok, and Tokyo continue to appear. At the same time, Israelis are searching more for relatively close and accessible destinations, including Prague, Budapest, Larnaca, and Athens.
However, the most interesting story is actually the comeback of Paris. The French capital disappeared from the top-10 popular destinations list in the first two years of the war, and now it is returning to the list of sought-after destinations in 2026.
Vacation styles are changing as well: Searches for wellness tourism jumped by 210% over the past 12 months, alongside a rise in searches for road trips, safari tours, and first-class flights.
Less antisemitism, fewer travel warnings
After two years in which personal safety questions became an almost permanent part of vacation planning, Google data indicates a decrease in concerns this year. For the first time since October 2023, a 30% drop was recorded in searches related to antisemitism and a 60% drop in searches for travel warnings compared to last year. The peak in searches for these terms was recorded in November 2024, against the backdrop of protests and incidents worldwide.
However, concerns have not completely vanished. Israelis still search for specific information before traveling, including questions like “Is it dangerous for Israelis in Spain?“, “Is it dangerous for Israelis in Italy?”, and “Is it safe for Israelis in Greece or Paris?”.
Alongside this, active searching was recorded for destinations perceived as safer and calmer, including Albania, Slovenia, and countries in the Balkan region.
Planning smarter: AI goes deeper into vacations
While in the past artificial intelligence was perceived mainly as a tool for general questions, in 2026 it goes deeper into vacation planning. According to Google, over the past year, a 120% increase was recorded in searches related to AI in the context of flights, vacations, and tourism. Usage has also become more sophisticated and focused.
One of the prominent uses is personalization: Planning a vacation around a specific concert, building an itinerary for a family with children, or creating a route tailored to kashrut needs.
Another key use is rights realization. Israelis use AI tools to understand what they are entitled to in the event of a flight cancellation or delay, especially during a period when the war led to many disruptions in the aviation industry. Questions directed to the tools include what to do when a flight is canceled due to war, and whether a delay of several hours entitles one to compensation.
Price comparison has also become part of the usage: Travelers check via AI tools whether the price offered to them for a flight or vacation package is indeed worthwhile, comparing different options before pulling out their credit cards.