The best way to forecast travel trends is to pay attention to where tourists are flocking right now.
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Enter the world of American Express, a credit card company that tracks its cardholders’ travel-related bookings to roll out current trend reports. This year’s release of the 2026 Trending Destinations report pulls apart data related to flight, hotel, and tour bookings made on AMEX cards. You can use the list to inspire your worldly travels, if you’re feeling a little underinspired by the world’s top destinations.
That should clue you in: this year’s 2026 Trending Destinations report isn’t quite like others. In fact, you might be outright surprised by some of the selections. Let’s dive in.
AMEX 2026 Trending Destinations report findings
- Indian Himalayas: Regions like Ladakh and Sikkim are taking off for more rugged and adventurous travelers who want a glimpse of the towering Himalayas and their lush valleys. (You can take a glimpse at the types of experiences that await you in Sikkim in my World Tour of Oopsies travel stories series—it was one of the first international destinations that I visited back in 2011.)
- Killarney, Ireland: Located in the magical Ring of Kerry in southwestern Ireland, Killarney is a must-see stop. Don’t forget to delve deep into the Killarney National Park to take on some of the region’s most wild and emerald natural corridors. (Killarney was my favorite stop in Ireland—and I’m hardly alone. Don’t miss out if you visit the Emerald Isle in 2026.)
- Las Vegas, USA: Las Vegas is the number one destination when it comes to AMEX-booked hotels. Travelers are after its non-stop energy that’s on full display no matter what time of day or night.
- Marbella, Spain: Luxury, glamour, and endless beach days define this coastal Spanish town. Its nightlife and fine dining scenes aren’t too shabby either, giving you the perfect chance to delve into Andalusian character and traditions.
- Marrakech, Morocco: Colorful, unexpected, and dotted with bustling bazaars, Marrakech is your gateway into the wonders of Morocco—and North Africa, as a whole. It’s also a history-lover’s dream, with plenty of sites to explore across millennia. (It’s also a place that many of my friends in Barcelona have visited again and again. Don’t forget that you can tack on a Moroccan leg to your Spain and Portugal vacations!)
- Okinawa Islands, Japan: Thanks to Japan’s rising popularity, more Americans are flocking to Okinawa, an archipelago that’s home to over 150 islands. Think: coral reefs, massive beaches, and plenty in the way of cultural heritage. Okinawans are culturally distinct from mainland Japanese, just like the Ainu of Hokkaido, giving you a more nuanced glimpse into life in Japan.
- Panama City, Panama: In case you’ve missed out—Panama City is one of the most advanced capitals in Latin America with an insanely impressive skyline. It’s also renowned for its foodie scene and nightlife… along with that world-famous canal.
- Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica: If you want to stay in the lap of luxury while visiting Costa Rica, head to Papagayo. It’s dotted with ultra-lux accommodations and resorts. Most are framed around the 1,400-acre natural reserve that’s home to monkeys, sloths, and famous tropical birds like toucans.
- San Juan Mountains, USA: The San Juan Mountains frame famous towns like Durango, Colorado. They’re renowned for they’re piles of fresh powder during winter, letting you take on adventures like skiing, dog-sledding, or even snowshoeing. When there’s no snow, they’re perfect for hours-long hikes where you’re guaranteed some peace and quiet.
- St. Julian’s, Malta: Malta is home to dozens of coastal communities like St. Julian’s, which specialize in slow living, dreamy beaches, and modern culture. Malta has become a hotspot for travelers who want a blend of ancient history, preserved architecture, and slightly more upscale amenities, like fine dining and yachting.
