This breakout destination is rugged, scenic and nothing like you'd expect
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If your New Year’s resolutions include traveling more or finally booking a trip that feels truly exciting, congratulations—you’re officially in the right mindset. There’s something about a fresh calendar that makes going on vacation feel less like a splurge and more like an act of self-care.
At the same time, deciding where to go can feel overwhelming. Every year brings a flood of destination roundups, trend forecasts and “must-visit” lists, all competing to define what travel should look like next. With so many opinions in the mix, the real challenge isn’t finding inspiration. It’s figuring out which recommendations are actually worth trusting.
That’s where Expedia comes in. Drawing on real booking data and traveler behavior—not just hype—the brand’s newly released Destinations of the Year report offers a grounded look at the places people are genuinely planning to visit. And this year’s results point to an unexpected standout that’s poised to shine in 2026.
To better understand what makes this destination special, and what broader travel trends are shaping the year ahead, we spoke with Expedia travel expert Melanie Fish. Below, she breaks down why this spot deserves a place on your weekend-getaway list and what travelers should know before booking. Read on to discover which destination soared to No. 1—and what you need to know about planning a trip there.
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How did the study determine the top travel destination?
Expedia’s 2026 Destinations of the Year list is based on real-time data from millions of daily searches on Expedia’s website and app. That data shows where travelers are actively interested in going, not just dreaming about. But popularity alone wasn’t enough. From there, Expedia’s team layered in a new framework called the Smart Travel Health Check, which was inspired by the World Travel & Tourism Council’s sustainable tourism principles. In other words, once Expedia identifies destinations that are gaining momentum, they intentionally evaluate which of those places are also set up to handle tourism responsibly.
That’s why six of this year’s top destinations also earned a checkmark under Expedia’s Smart Travel Health Check. They’re locations that balance great experiences with smart tourism planning, offering travelers a chance to explore somewhere exciting and feel good about it. “This initiative recognizes places offering meaningful experiences while sustainably managing tourism, helping to alleviate overtourism in popular cities,” says Fish. The goal? Highlight destinations where travelers can have an incredible trip without adding pressure to already overcrowded hot spots.
What is the No. 1 travel destination for 2026?
Big Sky, Montana, has claimed the top spot as Expedia’s No. 1 travel destination for 2026. Interest is rising fast, with searches for flights and lodging jumping a whopping 92% this year, signaling that this once-under-the-radar mountain town is now officially on travelers’ radars.
So what’s driving the surge? Part of it traces back to pop culture. “A few years ago, the show Yellowstone sparked a surge of travel to the region—a trend Expedia coined ‘set-jetting’ in 2022, where travelers choose destinations featured in TV shows and movies,” Fish explains. In this case, the Dutton family made Montana look pretty compelling.
But it’s not all Hollywood magic. Big Sky has also leveled up in a very real way: It added new flight routes to the region, expanded tram access and debuted the luxury resort One&Only Moonlight Basin (which officially opened in November 2025). The additions signal a shift toward more high-end, year-round travel offerings, helping to explain why Big Sky’s rise from a hidden gem to a headline destination feels less like a moment and more like a movement.
What are the best things to do in Big Sky?
Big Sky, Montana, is one of those places that immediately makes the knots in your shoulders disappear. “[It’s an] ideal choice for Americans seeking a quick, serene escape,” says Fish. “Unlike the other trending spots, which emphasize cultural heritage and coastal charm, Big Sky delivers high-altitude adventure with expanded ski infrastructure and the thrill of the great outdoors.”
Here are some of the best places to visit while you’re soaking in Big Sky’s big energy:
- Big Sky Resort: Big Sky Resort has been a highlight of the area for more than 50 years, and a recent refresh has made it even more attractive year-round. In winter, it offers iconic ski runs, while summer brings mountain biking, zip-lining and scenic tram rides.
- Ousel Falls Park: Ousel Falls Park is the place to go for an easy, feel-good hike. Think: pine forests, riverside scenery and a gorgeous waterfall. It’s family-friendly, photogenic, perfect for birdwatching and biking, and one of the easiest ways to fall (pun intended) in love with Big Sky.
- Beehive Basin: If you’re looking for a “this belongs on a postcard” trail, this is it. From wildflowers and alpine lakes to dramatic ridgelines and more, Beehive Basin ranks as one of the top hikes in the country, and yes, it lives up to the hype. You can even go camping in the Gallatin National Forest.
- Historic Crail Ranch: Step straight into early Montana history at this beautifully preserved homestead. The original buildings, stories and artifacts make this ranch feel like the past is still standing right in front of you.
- Big Sky Community Park: Here’s a park for those low-key days when you just want to stroll, hang out or feel like a local. You’ll find walking paths, playgrounds, picnic spots and open fields. It’s the community’s backyard and a great place to reset between bigger adventures.
What other destinations rounded out Expedia’s list?
Big Sky may be taking the crown for 2026, but the rest of Expedia’s Destinations of the Year list is full of spots worth bookmarking for your next adventure. As Fish points out, “This year’s trending destinations show where global interest is growing fast—even in places that haven’t gone viral yet.”
Here’s the full top 10 list:
- Big Sky, Montana
- Okinawa, Japan
- Sardinia, Italy
- Phu Quoc, Vietnam
- Savoie, France
- Fort Walton Beach, Florida
- Ucluelet, Canada
- The Cotswolds, U.K.
- San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
- Hobart, Australia
Were there any surprises on this list?
Yes! For starters, only two U.S. spots made the list: Big Sky, Montana, at No. 1, and Fort Walton Beach, Florida, at No. 6. And Big Sky’s top ranking might raise eyebrows for those expecting a big city or classic coastal hot spot, as it reflects a shift toward outdoor adventure, fresh air and under-the-radar destinations. Fort Walton Beach is similarly surprising: a scenic, relaxing coastal getaway that isn’t typically on travelers’ radars, proving that less-crowded spots are gaining attention.
Abroad, the surprises continue with quieter, less obvious choices. Okinawa, Japan, offers serene island vibes; Sardinia, Italy, delivers Mediterranean charm without overwhelming crowds; and Phu Quoc, Vietnam, brings tropical beauty off the typical tourist track. Then there are Savoie, Ucluelet, the Cotswolds and San Miguel de Allende—destinations Fish calls “under-the-radar gems … which can be overshadowed by nearby, more famous cities.”
Overall, these aren’t the obvious “hot spots” you’d expect to top a global list. They’re quieter, unexpected and proof that travelers (me included!) are more open to exploring a wide range of global destinations, even if their bags aren’t packed just yet.
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Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. For this piece, Associate Editor Mariah Thomas drew on her experience covering travel news, exploring the latest travel trends and creating content for RD’s “Best Time to Visit” series. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing, and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
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