2026 Travel Takes Off: Falling Prices and Global Events Push New Cities Into the Spotlight, per KAYAK Data

KAYAK, the world's leading travel search engine, today released its highly anticipated 2026 Travel Trends Forecast, an exclusive analysis powered by millions of searches and a first look at KAYAK's forward-looking travel insights.

Key Highlights
- Travel demand rising: Flight search interest is up 9% year‑over‑year.
- Airfares easing: Domestic fares down 3%, international fares down 10%, making trips more affordable.
- Eastern Europe dominates: 7 of the top 10 trending destinations are in Eastern Europe.

Trending Destinations
- 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 & Herzegovina – Interest up 62%
- Christchurch, New Zealand – Fastest‑growing destination for Americans (+194%)

Fandom & Events Driving Travel
- Kansas City – Interest up 14%, boosted by football, celebrity buzz, and hosting the world soccer tournament.
- Milan – Interest up 15% ahead of the 2026 Winter Games.
- Las Vegas – Rebounded with +18% flight interest thanks to residencies, events, and competitive fares.

Best Flight Deals in 2026
- Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina – Airfare down 36%
- Split, Croatia – Airfare down 33%
- Naples, Italy – Airfare down 26%
- Florence, Italy – Airfare down 26%
- Shannon, Ireland – Airfare down 25%

Summer 2026 Insights
- Summer searches already up 9%.
- International airfare down 12% → long‑haul trips more accessible.
- Asia & Europe: Strong value picks (fares down 16% and 14%).
- Middle East: Search interest up 35% with new connectivity.
- Caribbean: Interest up 15% for warm‑weather escapes.

👉 In short:: 2026 is shaping up as a year of affordable exploration, with Eastern Europe, fandom‑driven cities, and long‑haul bargains leading the way.