TravTalk India Online Magazine
Booking.com’s annual Travel Predictions research* reveals that in 2026, travellers are designing trips as unique as they are– curating journeys that reflect exactly who they are, what they want and what they love. Whether open to travelling with a potential romantic partner, co-worker or new friend to test their compatibility (88%), using technology to locate and visit spots tied to personal memories (89%) or chasing the cosmic rhythm of a trip aligning with their horoscope (70%), 2026 marks the rise of trips that are more individual, more experimental and more unapologetically true to who travellers really are.
Along with its annual Predictions, Booking.com, one of the world’s leading travel platforms, has delved into its data insights** to uncover the Trending Destinations set to become must-visit vacation spots in 2026. Kochi has emerged as one of the top trending destinations for 2026, joining global hotspots like Mui Ne (Vietnam), Bilbao (Spain), Barranquilla (Colombia), Philadelphia (USA), Guangzhou (China), Sal (Cape Verde), Manaus (Brazil), Munster (Germany) and Port Douglas (Australia).
Kochi, India – Set on India’s southwestern coast in Kerala, Kochi is a waterfront city shaped by centuries of global trade and cultural exchange. Wander the atmospheric lanes of Fort Kochi, where colourful mansions sit beside hip art cafés, and iconic Chinese fishing nets sway against the Arabian Sea horizon.
The city comes alive during the renowned Kochi-Muziris Biennale, transforming historic spaces into cutting-edge art venues. Culinary traditions run deep, from spicy seafood at toddy shops to refined fish molee and coconut-rich thalis. Kochi serves as the perfect gateway to Kerala’s stunning landscapes, including Alleppey’s backwaters, Munnar’s misty hills and the golden sands of Marari Beach. With easy access via Cochin International Airport, Kochi is the perfect soulful gateway to southern India’s natural beauty and cultural riches.
Mũi Né, Vietnam – Mũi Né, on Vietnam’s sun-kissed southeast coast, is a laid-back beach escape that blends natural beauty and adventure. Once a quiet fishing village, it is now a mecca for kite surfing and wind sports thanks to its consistent ocean breezes and golden sands. Just a four-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, Mũi Né feels worlds away with its unique, fantasy-like landscapes, including the surreal Red and White Sand Dunes and the tranquil Fairy Stream. Along the coast, beach shacks serve fresh seafood, while nearby fishing ports offer glimpses of traditional Vietnamese life and culture.
Bilbao, Spain – Once an industrial hub, Bilbao has transformed into one of Europe’s most exciting cultural destinations, famed for its striking architecture and world-class art. This transformation is anchored by the iconic Guggenheim Museum, symbolising the city’s modern rebirth against the backdrop of the Basque hills. Bilbao’s compact old town, or Casco Viejo, charms visitors with its medieval streets and bustling pintxos bars. As the culinary capital of the Basque Country, it offers everything from Michelin-starred dining to casual taverns, including the elegant Art Deco Mercado de la Ribera. Set on Spain’s green northern coast, Bilbao reveals a unique side of the country, offering easy access to rugged shorelines and the scenic Bay of Biscay.
Barranquilla, Colombia – Barranquilla pulses with tropical pride on Colombia’s northern Caribbean coast, set along the Magdalena River. The city is most famous for the spectacular, UNESCO-listed Carnaval de Barranquilla—a self-celebration of parades, cumbia rhythms, and dazzling costumes. Beyond the carnival season, visitors can stroll the modern Malecón del Río for river views or wander the leafy El Prado district, known for its historic mansions and vibrant street art. The city offers delicious local flavours, from butifarra sausages to fresh seafood. Just a two-hour drive from Cartagena, Barranquilla is a colourful, under-the-radar escape that beautifully blends river life, music, and community.
Philadelphia, USA – Philadelphia is a city where the founding story of the United States collides with a thriving modern culture. Steeped in history, it is home to landmark sites like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. With the U.S. Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) approaching in 2026, Philly is preparing for major historic celebrations and is also set to host events like the FIFA World Cup and MLB All-Star Game. Travellers can explore “America’s Most Historic Square Mile” on foot, then experience the city’s walkable neighbourhoods, vibrant street art, and diverse food scene, which ranges from iconic cheesesteaks to award-winning restaurants
Guangzhou, China – Guangzhou is a bustling metropolis of over 18 million, yet it remains a hidden gem for many Chinese travellers. As one of the country’s oldest trading ports and a key hub on the ancient Maritime Silk Road, it brims with cultural heritage, from centuries-old temples and traditional dim sum teahouses to the European-style facades of Shamian Island. Today, history meets modernity with soaring skyscrapers like the iconic Canton Tower. Food lovers flock here as Guangzhou is the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine and boasts more restaurants per capita than any other Chinese city, offering countless culinary treasures.
Sal, Cape Verde – Sal is a sun-drenched island in Cape Verde, famed for its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and world-class windsurfing. Situated off the West African coast, its rich culture is a vibrant blend of African, Portuguese, and Creole influences, evident in its lively morna and funaná music scenes. Beyond the resorts, the town of Santa Maria buzzes with colourful markets and delicious seafood, including catchupa and freshly grilled fish. With year-round sunshine and a warm, welcoming vibe, Sal captures the soulful spirit of Cape Verde, blending natural beauty with vibrant culture.
Manaus, Brazil – Manaus is a unique, sprawling metropolis set deep in the Brazilian Amazon, making it one of the world’s most remote major cities. Despite its isolation and two million residents, it serves as the ultimate jumping-off point for exploring the Amazon’s extraordinary natural wonders. Visitors can witness the incredible Meeting of Waters—where the Rio Negro and Solimões rivers run side-by-side without mixing—or head out on river cruises and rainforest adventures. The city itself offers a striking blend of urban life and wild nature, featuring the ornate Teatro Amazonas opera house, vibrant markets, and a unique food scene celebrating native Amazonian flavours.
Munster, Germany – Charming and exceptionally cycle-friendly, Münster is a picturesque city in western Germany that perfectly blends 1,200 years of history with a pulsing youthful energy. Known for its striking Gothic architecture and laid-back atmosphere, the city offers a culturally rich urban feel. Its historic Altstadt, featuring landmarks like St. Paulus Cathedral and Prinzipalmarkt’s arcaded walkways, is encircled by a scenic, cyclist-beloved green promenade. Home to one of Germany’s largest universities and the birthplace of the Westphalian Peace Treaty, Münster buzzes with student life, cosy cafés, and modern cultural scenes.
Port Douglas, Australia – Nestled on Australia’s tropical northeast coast, Port Douglas is the perfect base for two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Great Barrier Reef and the ancient Daintree Rainforest. Just a scenic drive from Cairns, this charming town offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. Visitors can spend their day snorkelling or diving among vibrant coral reefs, or exploring lush rainforest trails and wildlife sanctuaries. The town itself, with its boutique shops, lively markets and cafes along Macrossan Street, exudes coastal charm. Dining options range from casual beachside grills to upscale restaurants featuring fresh seafood. As day turns to night, Port Douglas transforms into a laid-back haven where local flavours and artistic flair come together under starry tropical skies.
Santosh Kumar, Regional Manager, South Asia at Booking.com said, “Our Travel Predictions 2026 research highlights that the year ahead is all about highly individual journeys that reflect travellers’ true interests. This trend is perfectly reflected in our list of top global destinations: the emergence of Kochi, alongside hotspots like Bilbao and Manaus, highlights a growing demand for places that blend rich culture, history and authentic natural beauty. From the heritage streets of Fort Kochi to the contemporary art of the Biennale and the serene backwaters of Kerala, travellers are clearly seeking experiences that are both inspiring and deeply meaningful. At Booking.com, we are committed to making these unique and enriching journeys effortless for everyone.”
Methodology
* Travel Predictions 2026 research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total, 29,733 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled (including 1,009 from Argentina, 1,005 from Australia, 500 from Austria, 1,013 from Belgium, 1,008 from Brazil, 1,018 from Canada, 1,009 from China, 1,005 from Colombia, 508 from Croatia, 501 from Denmark, 1,010 from France, 1,003 from Germany, 1,004 from Hong Kong, 1,007 from India, 509 from Ireland, 507 from Israel, 1,005 from Italy, 1,003 from Japan, 1,003 from Mexico, 1,019 from The Netherlands, 1,033 from New Zealand, 1,006 from Portugal, 500 from Singapore, 1,003 from South Korea, 1,009 from Spain, 511 from Sweden, 501 from Switzerland, 504 from Taiwan, 1,001 from Thailand, 501 from the UAE, 2,003 from the UK, 2,010 from the US and 505 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in July-August 2025.
**Destinations had to be in the top 1,000 most booked on Booking.com between 1 January 2025 and 31 August 2025. The resulting list was then sorted by year-over-year increase. The destinations were slightly curated to ensure geographic distribution. The destinations in this list are featured in no particular order or ranking.
