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5 Trending Places to Visit in 2026 — And What Makes Them Special

Some destinations are famous for years. Others suddenly start appearing everywhere because travelers discover something new about them.

In 2026, an Atlantic island, a historic city between Europe and Asia, and a quieter Vietnamese coastline are among the places attracting attention from travelers.

According to Tripadvisor's 2026 Travellers' Choice trending destinations ranking, Madeira, Portugal, takes the number-one spot, followed by Tbilisi in Georgia and Chicago in the United States.

But what makes these places worth considering for your next trip?

Here are five destinations on this year's travel radar, what you can experience in each one, and a few practical things to know before you go.

1. Madeira, Portugal: Dramatic coastlines and mountain walks

Best for: Nature lovers, hikers and travelers who enjoy island scenery.

Madeira is not your typical beach holiday. This Portuguese Atlantic island is known for steep green mountains, volcanic coastlines, natural swimming pools and walking trails with ocean views.

One of its most distinctive experiences is walking along the levadas — historic irrigation channels that now provide routes through forests, hills and beautiful landscapes.

You can also explore Funchal, the island's capital, take a cable car toward Monte, visit local markets or book a responsible whale- and dolphin-watching trip.

Why is it trending? Tripadvisor ranked Madeira as the world's number-one trending destination for 2026. Its combination of outdoor activities, natural scenery and relatively mild climate gives visitors reasons to explore beyond the traditional summer season.

Before you go: Mountain weather can change quickly. Check trail conditions, choose routes that match your fitness level and use local guidance where necessary.

Official visitor information: Visit Madeira

2. Tbilisi, Georgia: Historic streets, local food and a growing cultural scene

Best for: Culture, architecture, food and travelers looking for something different.

Tbilisi blends historic neighborhoods with a lively modern atmosphere. The Georgian capital sits along the Mtkvari River, with distinctive balconies, old churches, contemporary art spaces and traditional sulfur bathhouses.

You could spend a morning exploring the Old Town, visit Narikala Fortress for views across the city, and finish the day trying local dishes.

Two foods worth looking for are khachapuri, a cheese-filled bread, and khinkali, dumplings traditionally eaten by hand.

Georgia also has a long winemaking history, and the traditional qvevri method uses large clay vessels for fermenting and aging wine.

Tbilisi ranks second on Tripadvisor's 2026 trending destinations list. Recent travel coverage has also highlighted its developing art scene and design-focused hotels in historic buildings.

Before you go: Learn a few basic Georgian greetings, check current accommodation reviews and compare transport options before arriving.

3. Chicago, United States: Architecture, food and big-city energy

Best for: City breaks, museums, architecture and food lovers.

Chicago is a familiar name, but 2026 gives travelers another reason to put it on their list: the centenary of Route 66, the famous highway that begins in the city and runs west toward California.

Start with Millennium Park and its famous Cloud Gate sculpture, often called “The Bean.” Then explore the city by taking an architecture cruise along the Chicago River, visiting the Art Institute of Chicago or discovering neighborhoods with their own food and music scenes.

And yes, deep-dish pizza deserves a place on the itinerary.

Chicago ranked third on Tripadvisor's trending destinations list for 2026, showing that travelers are still finding new reasons to explore this established city.

Before you go: October can bring cooler weather, so pack layers. Check opening times and event schedules for any attractions you especially want to visit.

Official visitor guide: Choose Chicago

4. Quy Nhon, Vietnam: A quieter coastal escape

Best for: Travelers who prefer beaches, seafood and a slower pace.

Vietnam is already popular with international visitors, but Quy Nhon offers a different experience from some of the country's busier beach destinations.

The coastal city has a broad bay, a waterfront promenade and access to scenic spots outside the center. Ky Co is known for its small cove and clear water, while Eo Gio offers dramatic coastal views. The wider area also contains historic Cham towers.

Food is another reason to visit. Local seafood is a major part of the experience, with fishing boats bringing in the day's catch for nearby markets and restaurants.

Quy Nhon ranks fourth on Tripadvisor's 2026 trending destinations list. Its appeal lies in its coastline and the opportunity to enjoy a less crowded-feeling base for a beach-focused trip.

Before you go: Timing matters. The drier period is generally earlier in the year, while heavier rainfall arrives later in the year. If you're planning a trip around October or November, check the local forecast and sea conditions carefully before booking outdoor activities.

5. Puerto Escondido, Mexico: Surf culture and relaxed beach life

Best for: Surfers, beach lovers and travelers who enjoy laid-back coastal towns.

On Mexico's Pacific coast, Puerto Escondido has become known for its surf culture, sandy beaches and relaxed atmosphere.

Zicatela Beach attracts experienced surfers with powerful waves. If you're a beginner, don't assume it is a safe place to learn. Smaller spots such as Carrizalillo may be more suitable in the right conditions, with lessons from qualified local instructors.

Away from surfing, visitors can explore local cafés, seafood restaurants and the different neighborhoods around town.

Puerto Escondido ranked fifth in Tripadvisor's 2026 trending destinations list. Recent travel coverage has pointed to its surf scene and improving flight access as reasons the destination is gaining attention.

Before you go: Conditions vary by beach and season. Check surf forecasts, respect local warnings and ask experienced local guides before entering unfamiliar water.

Which destination should you choose?

The most popular destination is not automatically the right one for every traveler. Your budget, interests, travel dates and preferred pace all matter.

Here is a quick way to narrow it down:

  • For mountain scenery and outdoor adventures: Madeira.
  • For history, local food and culture: Tbilisi.
  • For museums, architecture and city life: Chicago.
  • For a quieter coastal trip: Quy Nhon.
  • For surf culture and relaxed beach days: Puerto Escondido.

Before booking, compare the total cost of flights, accommodation, transport and activities rather than looking at hotel prices alone.

Also check visa or entry requirements for your passport, official travel advice, weather forecasts and cancellation terms. A destination trending online may still be expensive or unsuitable for your dates.

Why are these places trending?

Tripadvisor's Travellers' Choice awards use reviews and ratings collected over a 12-month period. The trending category highlights destinations attracting growing interest from its travel community.

The five destinations offer very different experiences, from island hiking to urban museums and coastal adventures. That variety is part of the appeal: today's travelers are not all looking for the same kind of holiday.

One important distinction: a trending ranking is a snapshot of traveler interest, not a guarantee that a destination is the safest, cleanest, cheapest or best for everyone. Conditions can change, and individual experiences vary.

The takeaway

You do not have to follow every travel trend, but looking beyond the usual destinations can help you find a trip that matches your interests.

Madeira offers dramatic landscapes, Tbilisi brings history and food together, Chicago delivers a classic city break, Quy Nhon provides a different side of Vietnam's coast, and Puerto Escondido appeals to people drawn to surf and beach culture.

Choose based on the experience you want, check conditions for your dates and plan with reliable information.

Your next memorable trip might be somewhere you had not considered before.

Sources and further reading

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FILED UNDERtrending destinations 2026places to visittravel trendsMadeira PortugalTbilisi GeorgiaChicago travelVietnam travelPuerto Escondidotravel guide