Next year is shaping up to be a bumper year for Aussie travellers.
From slowed-down domestic weekends away in country towns to trips across the globe to tick off bucket list destinations, millions of Australians have begun planning their holidays for 2026.
Here’s what the next year in travel is set to look like.
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Big Sky, Montana is beautiful all year-round. (Getty)
Expedia Group has released its global annual report of traveller trends, which predicts the destinations and travel habits set to dominate itineraries in 2026.
It looks like Japan, Italy, the US, and Vietnam will continue to reign supreme among travellers’ favourite destinations – but people are looking “beyond the crowds”.
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Big Sky, a nature resort in the US state of Montana, is top of Expedia’s Destinations of the Year list, with a 92 per cent search increase over the last year.
Okinawa, in Japan, is second, followed by Sardinia (Italy) and Phu Quoc (Vietnam).
Okinawa is increasingly popular with Aussie travellers. (Getty)
Japan has been incredibly popular with Australians in the last few years, with visitor numbers almost exceeding one million in a 12-month period.
The southern region of Okinawa is emerging as an alternative destination to Tokyo and Osaka.
The region is made up of 150 islands and is known for its warm weather, beaches, and tropical reefs.
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Hobart is beautiful and laid-back. (Getty)
Expedia’s 2026 Destinations of the Year list is powered by data from users of the app and website, and highlights where global interest is rising fast – even in destinations that haven’t yet gone viral.
Hobart also made the list, as the Tasmanian city continues to be recognised for its tourism offerings.
Okinawa and Hobart both meet the criteria for Expedia’s new Smart Travel Health Check, which recognises destinations that offer meaningful travel experiences and manage tourism in a sustainable way.
Ariane Gorin, CEO of Expedia Group, said of the new health check initiative, “Some of my most unforgettable travel moments come from immersing myself in local cultures, supporting local economies, and exploring less-travelled destinations.”
Travellers want holidays where they can slow down. (Getty)
Along with our big overseas trips, many Aussies are also choosing to explore our own backyard.
Half of Aussies surveyed by Expedia say that in 2026 they’re keen to swap the stress of over-planned trips for peaceful escapes in smaller towns.
We want to slow down, escape the crowds, and base ourselves in small towns where everything we need is close by.
The report calls out places like Robe in SA, Nagambie in Victoria, and Huskisson in NSW as ideal ‘slow down towns’.
Phu Quoc is a stunning island off Vietnam. (Shutterstock / Tran Qui Thinh)2026 Destinations of the Year – Beyond the CrowdsBig Sky, Montana, U.S.Okinawa, JapanSardinia, ItalyPhu Quoc, VietnamSavoie, FranceFort Walton Beach, Florida, U.S.Ucluelet, CanadaCotswolds, U.K.San Miguel de Allende, MexicoHobart, Australia
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