As the calendar flips to 2026, travelers around the world are already plotting their next adventures, and new data is shedding light on where the wanderlust is heading. Two recent studies—one by vacation rental marketplace HomeToGo and another by digital travel platform Agoda—reveal a striking trend: smaller towns and lesser-known destinations are capturing the imagination of tourists, both in the United States and India.
According to HomeToGo, three Arizona towns—Queen Creek, Bisbee, and Marana—are among the trendiest travel spots for 2026. These places, often overshadowed by flashier destinations, have found themselves in the spotlight thanks to a “neo-western revival” sweeping the nation. The study, released on January 9, 2026, highlights how these communities are drawing travelers with their desert landscapes, rugged canyons, and unmistakable western charm.
Marana, situated just outside Tucson, led the charge with a staggering 297% increase in search trends within the neo-western category. The median nightly price for a vacation rental there? About $99. Queen Creek, a town in the Phoenix metro area, wasn’t far behind, enjoying a 142% rise in searches and offering a more budget-friendly median nightly rate of $80. Bisbee, long celebrated for its quirky arts scene and mining history, saw a 117% uptick in interest, with a median nightly price of just $53—making it accessible for travelers looking to stretch their dollars.
The HomeToGo study, which surveyed 1,000 U.S. travelers aged 18 and up between November 26 and 28, 2025, found that Americans are eager to hit the road this year. An impressive 76% plan to vacation in 2026, with 57% intending to spend more than they did in 2025. And it’s not just about taking more trips—over a quarter of respondents said they’re booking longer and more extravagant breaks.
But despite the urge to splurge, price remains king. For 52% of Americans, affordability is the top priority when choosing a destination. This has led to a willingness to travel during less busy seasons (68% are open to the idea) to avoid crowds and save money. Nearly 27% are actively seeking out “hidden gems”—places that offer something special without the high price tag or overwhelming crowds of more famous locales.
HomeToGo’s analysis didn’t stop at Arizona. The company mapped out five key travel trends for 2026, each with its own set of rising-star destinations. The “Wild, Rugged, Windswept” category, for example, spotlights remote areas with dramatic natural features, such as England’s Peak District National Park, which saw the highest jump in searches. For those seeking “Chocolate Box Charm”—think picturesque small towns with gourmet appeal—France’s Annecy is leading the pack. Meanwhile, the “Seaside Slowdown” trend reflects a growing appetite for beach breaks, with South Africa’s Hout Bay topping the list for those seeking relaxation and mental well-being.
Another trend, “The Alternative Urban Circuit,” highlights cities that provide a broad mix of activities, from concerts to sports events. Durham, North Carolina, is the fastest climber in this category, while Medellin, Colombia, stands out as the most affordable, with a median nightly price of just $24. Across all categories, HomeToGo’s analysts ensured that every destination listed had a median nightly price under $100, keeping affordability front and center.
To identify these rising stars, HomeToGo analyzed search data from its platform between August 1 and November 15, 2025, focusing on destinations with at least double the year-over-year increase in searches for 2026 check-in dates. Importantly, none of the 30 destinations included in the final ranking were among the 1,000 most-searched places overall, ensuring that the focus remained on up-and-coming spots rather than established tourist magnets.
Meanwhile, over in India, Agoda’s latest figures paint a similar picture of changing travel habits. For the final quarter of 2025, Indian travelers were most interested in heading east—specifically to the misty hills and cool climates of the country’s North-East. Darjeeling, with its colonial-era charm, tea estates, and panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range, emerged as the most searched domestic destination in the region. The data, based on accommodation searches made between July and September 2025 for travel dates in October to December, offers a revealing window into evolving preferences.
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, secured the second spot. Its blend of monasteries, mountain viewpoints, bustling markets, and easy access to nearby attractions has made it a perennial favorite, especially during the festive season when the air is crisp and clear. Shillong, often called the “Scotland of the East,” came in third, celebrated for its rolling hills, lakes, and vibrant music scene. Guwahati, the North-East’s primary gateway, and Siliguri, a strategic entry point for travelers venturing deeper into the region, rounded out the top five.
Yet, the most intriguing shift may be the growing curiosity about smaller towns. Places like Cherrapunji (famous for its dramatic rainfall and living root bridges), Pelling (offering postcard-perfect views of the Kanchenjunga range), and Kalimpong (with its flower markets and colonial architecture) are all seeing increased interest. According to Agoda, this marks a move towards slower, more immersive travel, where visitors linger longer and seek out experiences that blend nature, culture, and comfort.
Improved accommodation options—ranging from hotels and hostels to homestays, villas, and serviced apartments—are making it easier for travelers to venture off the beaten path. Digital platforms like Agoda are enabling this shift by providing access to a wider array of properties and activities, allowing for more flexible and nuanced itineraries.
What’s driving this global pivot toward smaller towns and hidden gems? The reasons are as varied as the destinations themselves. In the United States, the “neo-western revival” is being fueled by a resurgence of western themes in mainstream media and social media, putting places like Marana, Bisbee, and Queen Creek on the map for a new generation of travelers. In India, the allure of the North-East lies in its natural beauty, cooler climate, and the promise of a more relaxed, authentic experience away from the crowds.
Both studies suggest that 2026 will be a year of discovery, with travelers seeking out new experiences, greater value, and a deeper connection to the places they visit. Whether it’s a desert town in Arizona or a misty hill station in India, the message is clear: the world’s next great destinations might just be the ones you haven’t heard of—yet.