10 Top Travel Destinations Trending for 2026
AAA Travel experts reveal the bucket-list-worthy places that promise to ignite your wanderlust this year—and beyond
Whether you’re inspired by the familiar or the far away, the under the radar or the over the top, FOMO (the fear of missing out) or JOMO (the joy of missing out), travel has a way of sparking our sense of wonder, fostering connection, stretching horizons, and shaping worldviews. Every year in the world of travel, a small crop of lightning-in-a-bottle destinations emerges—destinations that are in the right place at the right time, perfectly poised to capture the travel spirit of the moment and the hearts of travelers far and wide. We consulted the experts at AAA Travel to point us to those places that everyone will want to visit in 2026—leading us to the following list of 10 destinations that put adventure on the map.
Across the US
Philadelphia
Travelers are crushing on the City of Brotherly Love this year, thanks to the culmination of two once-in-a-lifetime events that are catapulting the city into the spotlight: the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the FIFA World Cup.
As the birthplace of America and the site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Philly is pulling out all the stops for America’s semiquincentennial with a yearlong, citywide birthday bash that includes special programming, museum exhibitions, special concerts, and much more. Independence Mall—the three-block area of Independence National Historical Park comprising Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Center, and the National Constitution Center—will take center stage, while the nearby Museum of the American Revolution will step into the limelight as it explores the events that gave rise to a new nation.
Philly has also been tapped as a host city of the FIFA World Cup this summer. A roster of global soccer stars will converge on Lincoln Financial Field from June 14 to July 4 to play the beautiful game, with a Round of 16 showdown happening on our country’s birthday.
Route 66
America’s not the only one celebrating a milestone birthday in 2026. Established in 1926, Route 66 is turning the big 1-0-0 this year, and there’s never been a better time to cruise the 2,448 miles of the Mother Road, from Chicago to Santa Monica, California.
A long lineup of centennial events will unfold in cities and towns along the Main Street of America, with car rallies, cultural tours, parades, and concerts beckoning travelers in droves. Whether your Route 66 ramble takes you the full route across eight states (Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California) or just a section of it, you’re sure to discover a trove of Americana in the form of classic diners and motels, quirky roadside attractions (think a ginormous concrete blue whale, a collection of Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground, and a 66-foot-tall glowing soda bottle perched atop a building), one-of-a-kind museums (including the World’s Largest Fork Museum, a concrete totem pole park, and a museum all about barbed wire), and neon signage and outdoor murals.
This is the Great American Road Trip to take this year.
US national parks
Pulitzer prize-winning writer and environmentalist Wallace Stegner famously called our national parks “the best idea we ever had. Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best rather than our worst.” And so, with the celebration now underway for America’s 250, our absolutely American, absolutely democratic parks are showcasing the history and beauty of our country through a series of once-in-a-generation commemorative events, including special exhibitions, storytelling experiences, and guided hikes exploring the founding of our nation.
From Revolutionary War battlefields and forts to historic monuments and trails, our national parks brim with attractions that bring our fascinating history to life, highlighting the people, places, and things that helped shape our nation. And this year in particular, these storied landscapes serve as living classrooms, presenting travelers with a rare opportunity to experience the American story, setting foot on the very same grounds where the struggle for American independence and freedom unfolded.
Hawai‘i
The Hawaiian Islands are a perennial destination darling for their beautiful beaches—yes—but also for the fascinating culture and welcoming aloha spirit. And Hawai‘i is positioned for even greater popularity in 2026 as travelers seek meaningful cultural immersion and authentic experiences that go well beyond mere sightseeing and sunbathing.
Through Hawaii’s Ho‘okipa Malihini initiative (which translates as “welcome guests”), visitors can enjoy free, authentic Hawaiian cultural performances and demonstrations in resort areas and harbors. That includes everything from music and hula performances and canoe regattas to cultural ceremonies and educational programming about ocean stewardship and Hawaiian heritage.
When it comes to cruising, Hawaii remains a top cruise destination and offers unique inter-island itineraries, allowing US visitors to island-hop—no passport necessary.
Around the world
Spain
Tourism—and more specifically, astrotourism (travel centered on observing celestial events and star-studded skies)—is expected to surge in cities throughout Spain this year, thanks in part to the country’s place on the path of totality for the total solar eclipse on August 12. This will be the first time in more than a century that Spain will witness a full solar eclipse, making 2026 a compelling year to visit and behold this stunning spectacle.
The eclipse will cross a large swath of the northern half of Spain, from Galicia to the Balearic Islands. Cities on the eclipse’s path include Oviedo, Santander, León, Zaragoza, Valencia, Bilbao, and Palma. Cities and towns just off the path, including Madrid and Barcelona, will see a partial eclipse.
And don’t worry if you miss the 2026 total solar eclipse; another one will grace Spain on August 2, 2027, and a partial one will be visible across most of the country on January 26, 2028.
Ireland
As slow, experiential travel gains momentum heading into 2026, Ireland is cementing its status as a top travel destination with serene scenic landscapes, cozy small towns and villages, authentic cultural festivals, expanded museum programming, enhanced food and whiskey trails, and more.
While the game of golf as we know it was born at The Old Course in St. Andrews, Scotland, the Emerald Isle is also getting its well-deserved due as a top golf destination with nearly as many greens—more than 400—as its Scottish neighbor, including a trove of natural links punctuated by cliffside coastlines and towering castles. Ireland is also gearing up to host the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in County Limerick, drawing international attention to its Wild Atlantic Way and a long list of Ireland’s bucket-list golf courses, including Lahinch, Royal County Down, Portmarnock, and Ballyliffin.
Beyond the greens, Ireland continues to appeal to travelers interested in the ever-growing ancestral tourism trend as they explore their ancestral lands through genealogy and heritage research centers, heritage trails, local guided tours, and museum exhibits that delve into Irish emigration history—such as those at Dublin’s EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, which is rolling out new exhibits and interactive experiences for 2026.
Italy
While 2025 was a big year for travelers to pack their bags for Italy as the Catholic Jubilee drew tens of millions of pilgrims to Rome, 2026 is also shaping up to be an excellent year to experience la dolce vita. The Jubilee crowds have left—resulting in shorter attraction lines and more options for accommodations—but the citywide upgrades from the celebration remain.
Rome, however, is far from the only Italian city to watch in 2026. Milan, a fashion capital of the world, never goes out of style, but the city will be right on trend this year thanks to its role as co-host of the Winter Olympic Games February 6 to 22 and the Paralympic Winter Games March 6 to 15. Branded Milano Cortina 2026, the games will be spread out across Northern Italy, with Milan hosting the opening ceremonies and indoor events; Alpine towns such as Cortina d’Ampezzo, Bormio, Livigno, Tesero, and Anterselva hosting snow and Nordic events; and Verona hosting the closing ceremonies in its ancient arena.
If you can’t score tickets to the games, a visit post-Olympics appeals with lower crowds, more reasonable prices, and all the benefits of a freshly polished city—just like its Roman cousin.
Greece
Greece is no stranger to “best of” lists—and for good reason. With rich ancient history, stunning natural beauty, and delectable cuisine, it’s a travel destination that has it all. And in 2026, that “all” is even more compelling, with milestone cultural anniversaries, immersive experiences, and memorable festivals.
This year marks the 200th anniversary of the Exodus of Missolonghi, a pivotal and tragic chapter of the Greek War of Independence, which the country will commemorate with ceremonies, exhibitions, and events. Greece’s Ministry of Culture will also expand its All of Greece, One Culture programming with nearly 100 music, theater, dance, and visual arts presentations at archaeological sites, monuments, and museums.
Greece is also a prime spot for slow travel, with opportunities to savor olive harvest and winemaking tours, local cooking classes, and sailing and yacht trips to lesser-known islands.
Bonus: Improved ferry service and domestic flight connections make island-hopping across Greece’s gorgeous islands easier and more enjoyable than ever.
Egypt
It wasn’t long ago that Egypt seemed like only a dream destination for many travelers, a fairy-tale place where ancient pyramids rise from desert sands and the flow of the Nile echoes with timeless stories of empires long gone. But as river cruising continues to expand to more distant corners of the world, places like Egypt are coming more and more within reach to a growing number of travelers. And 2026 presents more Nile river cruise options than ever before, with new ships and new itineraries linking places like Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan—with a touch of luxury.
This year also brings the grand opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) near Giza, which houses tens of thousands of artifacts spanning millennia, including King Tutankhamun’s treasures. Combine that with ancient attractions like the pyramids, Sphinx, and temples of Luxor and Karnak, and you have a dream destination that brings history and legends to life.
South Korea
If it feels like K-pop, K-drama, Korean film, and Korean barbecue are everywhere right now, you’re not imagining it. And that global buzz is propelling South Korea to the top of the travel charts, too. Indeed, the global popularity of K-culture, called hallyu, is just one of many magnets to this Asian nation, with cities such as Seoul, Busan, Daegu, and Incheon leading the way for tourists.
Along with opportunities for modern-day cultural immersion through concerts, fan conventions, and studio tours, South Korea is showcasing the past in 2026 as it observes 100 years since the founding of many pivotal modern institutions, including the Korean Modern Education System, with special exhibitions, walking tours, and citywide ceremonies. History lovers can explore UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Changdeokgung Palace, Bulguksa Temple, and Hwaseong Fortress, while nature lovers can hike Seoraksan National Park, roam Jeju Island, and trek the DMZ Peace Trail.
From cutting-edge culture to centuries-old history to timeless natural beauty, South Korea is an undeniable “it” destination for 2026, so grab your passport and catch the Korean wave.