TRAVEL INSPIRATION
Top 10 Trending Destinations for 2026
By The Kensington Content Team
Reviewed by Helen Giontsis, President
Published January 2, 2026 | Reading Time: 6 mins
TRAVEL INSPIRATION
By The Kensington Content Team
Reviewed by Helen Giontsis, President
Published January 2, 2026 | Reading Time: 6 mins
Egypt tops the 2026 travel trend list, driven by the opening of its stunning new museum and private access to ancient wonders.
Safari adventures in Kenya and expedition-style journeys in Bhutan reflect a growing preference for immersive, conservation-minded travel experiences.
Travelers are increasingly choosing luxury, flexibility, and deeper cultural immersion whether via private yacht in Costa Rica or curated culinary tours in Vietnam and Peru.
The year ahead is shaping up to be an unforgettable year for travel, with people’s imaginations being captured by both newly emerging destinations and reawakened classics. We are seeing travelers seeking more immersive and meaningful experiences that will provide them with a lifetime of stories and memories.
Kensington’s regional leaders, with oversight from President Helen Giontsis, have curated this list of the top ten travel destinations trending globally. Whether you're drawn to ancient history, vibrant cultures, or off-the-radar escapes, these destinations reflect the future of personalized, transformative travel.
Egypt leads the 2026 list with travel demand rising more than 400%. This surge is tied to both a welcome return to stability in the region, as well as the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum. Stacy Alderson, Regional Vice President at Kensington, recently previewed the museum during its soft opening and explored sites such as the Pyramid Complex and the Luxor Temples.
“My private guide shared remarkable stories about ancient life. It felt like traveling with a deeply knowledgeable friend. Our Egypt guides are not just guides. They are true Egyptologists and historians who bring the past to life in unforgettable ways.”
Beyond history, Egypt offers rich culinary experiences through private tasting tours and cooking classes, appealing to travelers seeking immersive and authentic cultural experiences.
Kenya's year-over-year demand has surged more than 60% thanks to the timeless appeal of African safaris. The chance to see the Big Five in the wild — lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo — draws travelers to the vast plains of the Masai Mara and Serengeti.
“A safari is one of the greatest bucket list adventures in the world,” says Alderson. “It appeals to every generation... the sense of connection to wildlife and landscapes stays with you forever.”
Kensington also offers a signature itinerary combining Egypt and Kenya for a remarkable journey through ancient civilizations and the African savanna.
Through Kensington Expeditions, Bhutan continues to attract travelers with its focus on sustainability, culture, and transformation. “Bhutan is one of those places that changes the way you see the world,” says Neal Bateman, Head of Kensington Expeditions.
Guests are immersed in Bhutan’s spiritual and natural world through guided meditation, forest bathing, horseback riding, highland cycling, and blessings from local monks. Unique wildlife experiences like observing the black-necked crane migration, plus conservation-focused interactions with regional ecologists, make Bhutan a standout destination for conscious travel in 2026.
Travel across Scandinavia and the Arctic is booming, with demand for nature-forward experiences and private access to unique landscapes. Kensington's itineraries include Norway’s dramatic fjords by private boat or Zodiac, Iceland’s Blue Lagoon and Golden Circle, and cultural stops in Copenhagen’s design quarters.
In 2026, our Solar Eclipse Voyage will take guests on an exclusive eleven-night Arctic expedition, blending cutting-edge science and once-in-a-lifetime celestial views.
Vietnam travel has seen nearly 70% year-over-year growth, driven by its balance of vibrancy, history, and cuisine. “Vietnam has an energy that people fall in love with immediately,” says Jessica Vandermey, Regional VP at Kensington. From bustling markets to world-class food scenes, it offers rich cultural immersion in every city.
China, now offering a 10-day visa-free travel pass for U.S. and Canadian passport holders, has grown 56%. Popular itineraries explore the Forbidden City, Great Wall, Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors, and the water towns of Shanghai. Abigail Tsao, Destination Expert, adds: “China and Hong Kong offer depth, contrast, and accessibility when planned with local experts.”
Costa Rica remains a favorite for nature lovers, but more are now choosing to explore its coastline by private yacht. “Traveling through Costa Rica by yacht allows guests to experience the country in a way that simply is not possible from land,” says Edita Sgovio, VP of Yachts and Villas.
Tailored sailing itineraries offer secluded beaches, snorkeling, wildlife sightings, and full onboard customization with private crews.
Demand for Peru has doubled, thanks to its direct U.S. flight connections, variety of experiences, and cultural richness. “Peru is an unmatched blend of ancient Inca marvels, vibrant Andean culture, world-class gastronomy, and incredible biodiversity,” says Tracey Nichol, Latin America Expert.
From the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Amazon, travelers are drawn to Peru’s versatility and unforgettable storytelling.
Canada’s largest city will be a World Cup 2026 host and is already seeing a spike in global interest. Kensington offers VIP seating, private stadium transfers, and exclusive experiences including helicopter tours over Lake Ontario, guided walks through the Distillery District, and top-tier dining.
The company will also connect Toronto-based travelers to World Cup matches in New York, Los Angeles, Boston, and Philadelphia with curated itineraries.
Alaska is seeing 125% growth, with luxury cruises through the Inside Passage offering front-row views of glaciers, wildlife, and untamed coastline. Departures from Vancouver allow travelers to pair the cruise with glacier flights or wine tours in British Columbia.
“Alaska often takes travelers by surprise,” says Joelle Davis, VP of Kensington Cruise. “The combination of luxury sailing and incredible wildlife creates a sense of connection to the landscape that is powerful and lasting.”
Croatia continues to rise as a top European destination, particularly via private yacht charters. Travelers explore coastal cities like Dubrovnik, kayak along the Adriatic, and tour vineyards in Central and South Dalmatia.
Yacht itineraries offer flexibility, privacy, and the ability to island-hop through Croatia’s turquoise waters with tailored experiences in each port.
Ready to plan your custom private-guided trip to one of 2026’s trending destinations? Talk to a Kensington Destination Expert today to create the right tailored itinerary designed around your timing, interests, and travel style.
Experience authentic travel. Request a custom quote today and get one step closer to your personalized trip.
Speak to one of our Destination Experts at 1-888-903-2001
