HomeToGo, the marketplace with the world’s largest selection of vacation rentals and the leading European vacation rental group, has released its 2026 Travel Trends Forecast. Based on exclusive HomeToGo search and pricing data combined with a survey of traveler sentiment, the report surfaces five key themes shaping travel in 2026 — alongside the year's rising star destinations.

According to the survey findings, 76% of U.S. travelers plan to go on vacation in 2026, with over a quarter (26%) actively booking longer and more extravagant breaks. Fifty-seven percent plan to spend more on vacations in comparison to 2025, indicating that the appetite for travel is clearly growing. At the same time, price remains the top priority for 52% of Americans when choosing a vacation destination, and 68% indicated they are open to traveling during less busy seasons to save money and avoid overcrowding. In fact, nearly one in three (27%) are eagerly seeking hidden gems.

In response to these traveler preferences, HomeToGo has unearthed five trends for 2026, pinpointing for each prediction six places to stay that offer both affordability and under-the-radar appeal. All 30 destinations have seen a year-over-year search increase of more than 100% for stays in 2026 via HomeToGo, yet none currently rank among the 1,000 most-searched destinations — making them true rising star spots. Moreover, according to HomeToGo price insights, each location boasts a median nightly price of under $100 per person for vacation accommodation during the year ahead, offering travelers the chance to book early, spend less, and discover somewhere new before larger crowds arrive.

Wild, Rugged, Windswept: Remote landscapes with dramatic, untamed energy

Remote, rugged landscapes are capturing the attention of travelers, with regions renowned for their dramatic terrain and striking natural features drawing significant interest. Forty percent of surveyed travelers stated they want to visit national parks and wilderness areas in 2026 — rising to 44% among Gen Z — while a further 28% are drawn to rural towns and villages.

Pop culture influence is part of this pull, with 34% of travelers citing films and 18% citing books as sources of travel inspiration. For example, as cinema fans look forward to the upcoming release of a new Wuthering Heights movie, searches for North Yorkshire in the United Kingdom — the primary setting and filming location for the novel and its adaptation, home of the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors national parks — have seen a year-over-year increase of +311%.

Chocolate Box Charm: Pretty, compact settings with gourmet appeal

Smaller, stunningly picturesque cities and towns are seeing an uplift in interest among U.S. travelers looking for compact destinations that skimp on neither scenery nor cuisine. Across Europe — where 39% of U.S. travelers are considering vacationing during 2026 — destinations such as Durbuy, one of Belgium’s smallest cities, and Orvieto, a clifftop city in Italy’s Umbria, are tipped to be 2026 rising stars.

Beyond their beauty, these destinations are additionally drawing intrigue due to their unique yet accessible gourmet offerings, from savoy cheeses at food markets in Annecy  — the “Venice of the Alps”  — to brodetto and buzara in Trogir’s taverns. With 53% of U.S. travelers stating that they plan to travel for new food and drink experiences in 2026, the opportunity to immerse oneself in distinct regional cuisines is playing a growing role in the appeal of these destinations.

Neo-Western Revival: Desert landscapes and frontier-style towns with modern Western flair

Western destinations are seeing a rise in interest, fuelled by a broader cultural moment that has placed such locations firmly in the spotlight. In 2025, artists such as Beyoncé and Sabrina Carpenter brought fresh takes on the visual language of country music firmly into the mainstream, with this movement further amplified across social media platforms. With 31% of Americans collecting inspiration from Instagram, and 29% from TikTok — rising to 46% and 37% for the millennial age bracket, and 50% and 54% for Gen Z  — travelers are looking to visit the real places behind the trend in 2026.

Rather than seeking out large resorts, vacationers are increasingly turning to smaller towns across the Southwest and Mountain West, with landscapes defined by desert terrain and rugged canyons.

The Seaside Slowdown: Restorative beach retreats in far-away coastal locales

More than half of travelers (54%) stated they’re planning to book beach breaks for 2026. For many, the goal appears to be mindful relaxation: mental well-being ranks among the top priorities for Americans when choosing where to vacation, with 23% citing mental rest and recovery as the most important factor when selecting a 2026 destination. Representing a real break from the everyday in terms of both distance and surroundings, the list of next year’s rising stars for beach breaks primarily comprises laid-back long-haul locations in tropical and Mediterranean climates.

With four destinations located in Africa and Asia, the selection also aligns with growing interest in these regions among younger travelers — 31% of millennials and 30% of Gen Z are considering Asia for 2026, while 19% and 20% respectively are eyeing trips to Africa.

The Alternative Urban Circuit: Creative second cities with a strong local pulse

Forty-five percent of U.S. travelers state they plan to visit cities in 2026, and for 36%, the deciding factor in their choice of destination will be the activities and experiences on offer. Live events rank high within this, with 38% planning to travel for gigs and concerts, 33% for arts and culture events such as exhibitions and carnivals, and 31% for sports games and competitions.

2026's list of rising star urban hubs demonstrates how second cities will, in line with this trend, step onto the main stage. With their distinct creative scenes, established cultural institutions, and diverse event calendars, destinations such as Toulouse, Liverpool, and Medellín — alongside, closer to home, Detroit, Durham, and Baltimore — are set to draw in visitors looking for city break excitement beyond country capitals.

Mapped: Rising Star Destinations to Book Now for 2026

Methodology: How HomeToGo Created this Forecast

Survey Insights: Survey insights are based on research conducted by HomeToGo among a sample of 1,000 respondents in the United States. To participate in this survey, respondents had to be 18 or older. The survey was carried out online between 26 - 28 November, 2025. Respondents were able to select multiple answers across a number of questions.

Search and Price Insights: Insights are based on observed searches carried out via hometogo.com between August 1, 2025 - November 15, 2025, with a check-in date during 2026.

Rising Star Lists: According to HomeToGo traveler demand data, these destinations currently do not appear within the list of the most-searched locations worldwide for vacation accommodation stays in 2026. However, they are emerging as rising stars for 2026, seeing year-over-year search increases of more than double via hometogo.com. In 2026, the median nightly price per person for a vacation rental in every destination listed is less than $100.