For many, summertime is vacation time—a few precious days when you can step away from your daily routine and enjoy time away with family and friends.
While some of you may already have plans set, others may still be looking for ideas.
So, here’s a quick look at what’s hot for summer 2026:
Slow & Solo
Slow travel is the defining trend this year, with search interest hitting an all-time high. For example, internet searches for, “Slow travel Italy” were up 100% in early 2026. Solo travel is also at a record high, with, “Women solo travel” reaching a 15-year peak. Solo travelers want independence, but ironically, they also are searching for community once they arrive.1
Out-of-the-Way Places
Ever consider visiting Laos, Kyrgyzstan, and Ghana? Those remote destinations are seeing interest, as are places like India’s Lakshadweep Islands, Langkawi, or the Philippines. Travel professionals say that Americans are attracted to two things: the prices and fewer crowds.2
Europe Stays Hot
Europe stays hot, but perhaps not the Europe you might think of. Much like travelers’ desire to see out-of the-way-places, Santorini, Lisbon, Dubrovnik, and Cartagena are some of Europe’s top destinations. Other spots include Barcelona’s Sagrada Família and the Venice Simplon-Orient Express’s inaugural Paris-to-Amalfi Coast run.3
What’s on the Menu?
Searches for, “Best restaurants in Mexico City” hit a 10-year high, with street food tours and culinary experiences scoring big with travelers.1
cfc Advisers Pro Tip: Consider planning a trip to Bethlehem and Jerusalem. For most, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see the very ground where Christ was born, walked, and preached.
Penny Wise. 89% of travelers are cutting costs, but 67% still pay extra for refundable flights and 62% for travel insurance. More than a third of Americans who charged last summer’s trip to a credit card still haven’t paid it off. Perhaps the goal this year should be value without compromise—points, miles, and early bookings that can help protect the experience without pinching the wallet.4
Pre-planned guided tours
Exhausted travelers want someone else to handle the logistics—they just want to show up.2
Spending Stats
Americans planning a summer vacation expect to spend an average of $3,940 on flights and lodging—adding up to more than $475 billion nationwide.4
Safe travels—and may your summer of 2026 bring you not just great memories but meaningful moments that refresh your spirit.
- Blog.Google, April 17, 2026
- Odysseys-unlimited.com, January 14, 2026
- JetPacGlobal.com, 2026
- NerdWallet.com, March 24, 2026
