Fora has released its annual Hot List, highlighting the destinations and experiences that are growing in demand this year, as reported by its travel advisor members.
Here’s a look at where clients are heading in 2026, and what they’re seeking out along the way.
Destinations on the Rise
Destinations seeing a boost right now include Mexico City, where Fora reports a 150% increase in bookings over the past year. The city will serve as one of the hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, helping to drive demand.
RELATED: The Latest Additions to Mexico City’s Expanding Museum Scene
Less-visited destinations in Japan are also on the rise, with bookings to Hakone up 245% in the past year, and bookings to Niseko up 265%. Travelers have flocked to Tokyo and Kyoto since Japan’s post-pandemic reopening; now, it seems, clients are ready to head further afield for new discoveries.
In keeping with the “coolcations” trend of the last few years, the Nordics are rising to the top of the pack for 2026. Fora reports booking increases of 117% for Denmark, 128% for Iceland and 131% for Norway.
South America’s beach destinations also appear to be having a moment: Fora advisors have booked 111% more trips to Brazil and 192% more Uruguay vacations within the last year, sending clients to the countries’ coastlines.
RELATED: The Top Travel Trends for 2026
Within the U.S., the Carolinas are experiencing growth. Bookings for Asheville, North Carolina, are up 174%, and bookings in the wider state of South Carolina are up 157%.
In-Demand Experiences
Travelers increasingly want to bring their pets along on vacation and Fora’s clients are no exception, with a 178% increase in AI queries to its booking portal containing the words “cat,” “dog” or “pet” over the past year.
Train travel is another hot commodity: Fora advisors have booked 55% more luxury trains within the last 12 months, likely due to an influx of new products and a desire for slower travel.
RELATED: Train Travel Is Trending — Here’s Why Travel Advisors Should Get Onboard
Ever-popular wellness travel remains on trend for 2026, but with a twist. Fora reports that clients are now seeking “self-service” wellness options, or amenities they can enjoy without needing a spa reservation. This may include hot springs, saunas, hydrotherapy circuits and more open-access amenities at hotels and resorts.
One surprising find? Increased demand for waterparks, with searches up 171%. In particular, interest has risen 152% for Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo Club & Resort, a luxury resort campus that just debuted Papagayo Park, a recreation area with a sprawling waterpark; tennis, pickleball and padel courts; and more.
Solo travel also continues to gain momentum in the marketplace. Hot for a few years now, solo travel saw a 132% increase in queries on Fora’s booking portal in 2025, proving that clients aren’t waiting to take their dream trips — they’ll go alone, if need be.
AloJapan.com