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If 2025 was all about catching up on missed adventures, 2026 is shaping up as the year for soulful, experience-driven travel. Indian travellers are turning their attention to destinations that offer culture, scenic beauty, and offbeat charm. From serene tea gardens to vibrant city streets, these emerging hotspots are capturing imaginations—and climbing search charts. Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2026 Report identifies 10 destinations seeing the biggest surge in interest, giving travellers a chance to explore the next big names before they become mainstream. Here’s a closer look at the top 10 trending destinations for 2026:

If 2025 was all about catching up on missed adventures, 2026 is shaping up as the year for soulful, experience-driven travel. Indian travellers are turning their attention to destinations that offer culture, scenic beauty, and offbeat charm. From serene tea gardens to vibrant city streets, these emerging hotspots are capturing imaginations—and climbing search charts. Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2026 Report identifies 10 destinations seeing the biggest surge in interest, giving travellers a chance to explore the next big names before they become mainstream. Here’s a closer look at the top 10 trending destinations for 2026:

<strong>1. Jorhat, India</strong><br />Known as the cultural heart of Assam, Jorhat is a paradise of sprawling tea estates, rich heritage, and easy access to Majuli, the world’s largest river island. Visitors can explore the Tocklai Tea Research Institute, local markets, and Assamese traditions, making it a perfect blend of nature and culture.

1. Jorhat, India
Known as the cultural heart of Assam, Jorhat is a paradise of sprawling tea estates, rich heritage, and easy access to Majuli, the world’s largest river island. Visitors can explore the Tocklai Tea Research Institute, local markets, and Assamese traditions, making it a perfect blend of nature and culture.

<strong>2. Jaffna, Sri Lanka</strong><br />Fringed by palmyra trees and tranquil lagoons, Jaffna is Sri Lanka’s northern gem. Steeped in Tamil heritage, historic temples, and unique cuisine, it offers a serene escape now easily reachable via direct flights from India.

2. Jaffna, Sri Lanka
Fringed by palmyra trees and tranquil lagoons, Jaffna is Sri Lanka’s northern gem. Steeped in Tamil heritage, historic temples, and unique cuisine, it offers a serene escape now easily reachable via direct flights from India.

<strong>3. Muscat, Oman</strong><br />Muscat combines rugged mountains with the Arabian Sea for a mix of heritage and sophistication. Explore grand mosques, ancient forts, bustling souqs, and scenic seaside promenades, all set against a backdrop of desert and sea.

3. Muscat, Oman
Muscat combines rugged mountains with the Arabian Sea for a mix of heritage and sophistication. Explore grand mosques, ancient forts, bustling souqs, and scenic seaside promenades, all set against a backdrop of desert and sea.

<strong>4. Queenstown, New Zealand</strong><br />The adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown sits on Lake Wakatipu and is framed by The Remarkables. From bungee jumps and jet boats to wine tours, spas, and alpine trails, it’s a destination that balances thrill with indulgence.

4. Queenstown, New Zealand
The adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown sits on Lake Wakatipu and is framed by The Remarkables. From bungee jumps and jet boats to wine tours, spas, and alpine trails, it’s a destination that balances thrill with indulgence.

<strong>5. Chiang Rai, Thailand</strong><br />Chiang Rai captivates with misty mountains, lush tea plantations, and stunning temples like the White and Blue Temples. Night markets, hill tribe villages, and a calm, spiritual vibe make it a cultural gem off the usual tourist radar.

5. Chiang Rai, Thailand
Chiang Rai captivates with misty mountains, lush tea plantations, and stunning temples like the White and Blue Temples. Night markets, hill tribe villages, and a calm, spiritual vibe make it a cultural gem off the usual tourist radar.

<strong>6. Varanasi, India</strong><br />One of India’s oldest and holiest cities, Varanasi offers an unforgettable spiritual journey. Witness ancient rituals along the Ganges, explore historic temples like Kashi Vishwanath, and wander narrow alleys brimming with centuries-old traditions.

6. Varanasi, India
One of India’s oldest and holiest cities, Varanasi offers an unforgettable spiritual journey. Witness ancient rituals along the Ganges, explore historic temples like Kashi Vishwanath, and wander narrow alleys brimming with centuries-old traditions.

<strong>7. Manila, Philippines</strong><br />Manila blends colonial charm with modern energy. Intramuros’ historic streets, lively markets, and vibrant food scene offer a taste of Filipino culture, while the city serves as a gateway to the country’s breathtaking islands.

7. Manila, Philippines
Manila blends colonial charm with modern energy. Intramuros’ historic streets, lively markets, and vibrant food scene offer a taste of Filipino culture, while the city serves as a gateway to the country’s breathtaking islands.

<strong>8. Tbilisi, Georgia</strong><br />Tbilisi’s cobbled streets, thermal baths, and historic churches meet modern architecture, thriving cafes, and an active arts scene. This Caucasus capital is a lively mix of old-world charm and contemporary culture.

8. Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi’s cobbled streets, thermal baths, and historic churches meet modern architecture, thriving cafes, and an active arts scene. This Caucasus capital is a lively mix of old-world charm and contemporary culture.

<strong>9. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam</strong><br />Vietnam’s southern powerhouse is a buzzing metropolis of skyscrapers, street markets, and French-colonial landmarks. Rich in history and culinary delights, it’s also the perfect entry point to the Mekong Delta.

9. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Vietnam’s southern powerhouse is a buzzing metropolis of skyscrapers, street markets, and French-colonial landmarks. Rich in history and culinary delights, it’s also the perfect entry point to the Mekong Delta.

<strong>10. Port Louis, Mauritius</strong><br />Port Louis charms with colorful markets, colonial architecture, and a scenic harbour framed by lush hills. As a cultural melting pot, the city offers bustling street food, historic landmarks, and a vibrant waterfront ideal for exploration and relaxation.

10. Port Louis, Mauritius
Port Louis charms with colorful markets, colonial architecture, and a scenic harbour framed by lush hills. As a cultural melting pot, the city offers bustling street food, historic landmarks, and a vibrant waterfront ideal for exploration and relaxation.

If 2025 was all about catching up on missed adventures, 2026 is shaping up as the year for soulful, experience-driven travel. Indian travellers are turning their attention to destinations that offer culture, scenic beauty, and offbeat charm. From serene tea gardens to vibrant city streets, these emerging hotspots are capturing imaginations—and climbing search charts. Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2026 Report identifies 10 destinations seeing the biggest surge in interest, giving travellers a chance to explore the next big names before they become mainstream. Here’s a closer look at the top 10 trending destinations for 2026:

<strong>1. Jorhat, India</strong><br />Known as the cultural heart of Assam, Jorhat is a paradise of sprawling tea estates, rich heritage, and easy access to Majuli, the world’s largest river island. Visitors can explore the Tocklai Tea Research Institute, local markets, and Assamese traditions, making it a perfect blend of nature and culture.

<strong>2. Jaffna, Sri Lanka</strong><br />Fringed by palmyra trees and tranquil lagoons, Jaffna is Sri Lanka’s northern gem. Steeped in Tamil heritage, historic temples, and unique cuisine, it offers a serene escape now easily reachable via direct flights from India.

<strong>3. Muscat, Oman</strong><br />Muscat combines rugged mountains with the Arabian Sea for a mix of heritage and sophistication. Explore grand mosques, ancient forts, bustling souqs, and scenic seaside promenades, all set against a backdrop of desert and sea.

<strong>4. Queenstown, New Zealand</strong><br />The adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown sits on Lake Wakatipu and is framed by The Remarkables. From bungee jumps and jet boats to wine tours, spas, and alpine trails, it’s a destination that balances thrill with indulgence.

<strong>5. Chiang Rai, Thailand</strong><br />Chiang Rai captivates with misty mountains, lush tea plantations, and stunning temples like the White and Blue Temples. Night markets, hill tribe villages, and a calm, spiritual vibe make it a cultural gem off the usual tourist radar.

<strong>6. Varanasi, India</strong><br />One of India’s oldest and holiest cities, Varanasi offers an unforgettable spiritual journey. Witness ancient rituals along the Ganges, explore historic temples like Kashi Vishwanath, and wander narrow alleys brimming with centuries-old traditions.

<strong>7. Manila, Philippines</strong><br />Manila blends colonial charm with modern energy. Intramuros’ historic streets, lively markets, and vibrant food scene offer a taste of Filipino culture, while the city serves as a gateway to the country’s breathtaking islands.

<strong>8. Tbilisi, Georgia</strong><br />Tbilisi’s cobbled streets, thermal baths, and historic churches meet modern architecture, thriving cafes, and an active arts scene. This Caucasus capital is a lively mix of old-world charm and contemporary culture.

<strong>9. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam</strong><br />Vietnam’s southern powerhouse is a buzzing metropolis of skyscrapers, street markets, and French-colonial landmarks. Rich in history and culinary delights, it’s also the perfect entry point to the Mekong Delta.

<strong>10. Port Louis, Mauritius</strong><br />Port Louis charms with colorful markets, colonial architecture, and a scenic harbour framed by lush hills. As a cultural melting pot, the city offers bustling street food, historic landmarks, and a vibrant waterfront ideal for exploration and relaxation.

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