Abu Dhabi, Crete and Santa Barbara named prime locations Americans wish to go to in 2026

Nearly half of Americans (49%) are planning extra journey in 2026 than in 2025, in response to a current survey from Marriott Bonvoy. An evaluation from insurer TravelGuard reveals which locations are seeing American curiosity surge, with two years’ Google search exhibiting “a clear split between aspirational, big-ticket trips and value-driven escapes,” a press launch stated.

Luxury journey curiosity

Abu Dhabi tops the posh checklist, seeing an enormous 421% rise in searches year-on-year. The UAE capital’s reputation is because of landmark structure, just like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and upcoming Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim, in addition to alternatives for desert escapes that supply the more and more sought-after #TouchSand experiences Travel Tomorrow has already written about. The metropolis’s occasion sector is a draw too, boasting, for instance, the Formula 1 season finale.

Acapulco, Mexico, follows behind Abu Dhabi, characterised by a classic luxurious status, seaside resorts and diving, native tradition, and structure, comparable to its cathedral, and once more, occasions, such because the 2026 World Cup.

In third place for luxurious comes Punta del Este, Uruguay, which pulls US guests with pristine seashores, nice eating, and a European really feel that earns it the nickname “the Monaco of South America.”

The prime three luxurious locations within the checklist confirmed greater than twice as a lot progress in search curiosity as their closest rivals.

Budget journey

For finances US holidaymakers, Crete leads. The largest and most populous of the Greek islands noticed a 180% surge in search curiosity, which TravelGuard attributes to “hidden beaches, authentic cuisine, and Mediterranean charm, all at a fraction of the cost of Santorini or Mykonos.”

Kathmandu, gateway to Everest Base Camp, took second place for its avenue meals, low-cost Thamel district, and world-class trekking. This echoes Amex reserving information on the Indian Himalayas for 2026.

In third, Türkiye’s Cappadocia, the place “fairy chimneys” landscapes and scorching air balloon rides drove a 170% improve in finances vacation searches. It can be recognized for underground cities and cave inns.

Domestic US luxurious

For luxurious journey inside the US, it might be excellent news for Las Vegas, which appeared to wrestle for customer numbers in 2025, however has seen high-end journey searches improve by 207%. Beyond the casinos of the Strip, guests are in search of spas, infinity swimming pools, and Michelin-starred delicacies. Vegas is adopted by Washington DC (searches up 114%) and Fort Lauderdale (searches up 102%) year-on-year.

Domestic US finances locations

For reasonably priced vacays, Santa Barbara is in first place with a 218% improve in searches. TravelGuard notes its relaxed Californian vibe and wine nation attraction, west coast sunsets, and seaside strolls.

Interestingly, Las Vegas seems once more on the finances checklist, up 129% year-on-year for low-cost vacation searches, pushed by free fountain reveals, all-you-can-eat buffets, dips in resort charges, and arrays of particular affords.

Oklahoma City rounds out the highest three, with finances journey searches rising 96%. The Bricktown leisure district, basic American eating, and a thriving arts scene within the Paseo Arts District make it a standout for these “seeking value without compromise,” TravelGuard stated.

Expert suggestions for planning your 2026 journey 

Rhonda Sloan, Travel Guard’s Head of Marketing, famous vacationers’ “more adventurous” selections and advises “a little planning goes a long way: check local seasons, understand refund and change policies, and think through ‘what-ifs’.” Her prime suggestions for getting the very best charges embrace early reserving, contemplating off-season, and balancing splurges with compromises, for instance, saving on a non-direct flight so as to take pleasure in a elaborate meal.