KAYAK Reveals 2026 Travel Trends: Lower Fares, Rising Interest, and Emerging Global Destinations, All You Need To Know

Published on December 23, 2025

According to the latest travel insights from KAYAK, 2026 is set to be a year of exploration, with falling airfares, rising travel interest, and an influx of new destinations entering the spotlight. Based on millions of search queries and data analysis, KAYAK has identified the emerging trends that will shape the upcoming year in travel.

Travel interest is expected to climb by 9%, with airfares dropping by 3% domestically and 10% internationally, making travel more affordable than in previous years. The lower fares, combined with new flight routes and increasing interest in under-the-radar cities, present travelers with more opportunities to explore global destinations.

Eastern Europe Leads the Way in 2026 Travel Trends

KAYAK’s data shows that Eastern Europe is dominating the 2026 travel scene, with seven out of the top 10 trending destinations located in the region. Affordable travel costs, deep cultural heritage, and improved accessibility have made cities in Eastern Europe more attractive than ever.

Top destinations in the region seeing the largest increases in flight searches include:

• Prague, Czech Republic – Interest up 180%
• Sofia, Bulgaria – Interest up 136%
• Krakow, Poland – Interest up 106%
• Budapest, Hungary – Interest up 86%
• Tirana, Albania – Interest up 66%
• Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina – Interest up 62%

Additionally, Christchurch, New Zealand, has emerged as the fastest-growing destination for U.S. travelers, with a remarkable 194% year-over-year increase in flight interest. With new nonstop service making Christchurch more accessible, travelers are eager to explore the South Island of New Zealand.

Pop Culture and Global Events Drive Fandom-Fueled Travel

Beyond traditional tourist hotspots, fandom-driven travel is seeing a surge in interest for 2026. Cities associated with major sports, entertainment events, and pop culture are drawing increased attention:

• Kansas City, with a 14% rise in flight searches, is attracting visitors due to its sports scene, celebrity buzz, and its role as a host city for the upcoming World Cup.
• Milan has seen a 15% rise in flight searches, driven by excitement surrounding the 2026 Winter Games.
• Las Vegas is back in the spotlight with an 18% increase in flight interest, fueled by new entertainment residencies, events, and competitive fares.

These cities, often tied to specific cultural moments, are helping shape travel behavior and will be major destinations for fans and tourists alike.

Affordable Long-Haul Travel Options for 2026

KAYAK’s analysis indicates that long-haul travel will be more affordable than ever in 2026. Key destinations with the largest drops in airfare include:

• Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Airfare down 36%
• Split, Croatia: Airfare down 33%
• Naples, Italy: Airfare down 26%
• Florence, Italy: Airfare down 26%
• Shannon, Ireland: Airfare down 25%

For travelers seeking domestic travel options, Punta Gorda, FL, New York, NY, and Raleigh, NC offer the lowest average airfare in 2026.

With lower fares and more flight options, travelers will be able to visit these global destinations with greater flexibility and ease.

Summer 2026 Travel Insights: Rising Interest in International Destinations

As summer 2026 approaches, KAYAK data shows a 9% increase in early search interest compared to last year, indicating strong international travel demand. The analysis highlights:

• Asia and Europe are top value picks for summer travel, with airfares down 16% and 14%, respectively.
• The Middle East sees a 35% jump in search interest, driven by expanding flight connectivity to the region.
• The Caribbean is also experiencing a 15% rise in interest, with travelers eager for warm-weather escapes.

With international airfare down 12% across the board, long-haul travel has never been more accessible for summer 2026.

2026 is Set to be a Year of Affordable and Expansive Travel

As 2026 approaches, lower airfares, new flight routes, and rising interest in off-the-beaten-path destinations will make it an exciting year for travel. Eastern Europe, driven by its affordability and cultural richness, is set to dominate the travel scene, while fandom-driven travel and global events are reshaping how travelers approach their trips. Whether seeking the warmth of the Caribbean or the historical charm of Eastern Europe, 2026 promises to be a year of discovery, offering new opportunities for both seasoned and first-time travelers. With affordable long-haul travel options and a growing array of destinations to choose from, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of expansive exploration for travelers worldwide.