Weather 
Globetrotters are getting fly in 2026.
Folks stricken with wanderlust are broadening their horizons in the coming year, setting their sights on atypical, albeit economical vacation destinations abroad, per Kayak’s latest travel report.
“Europe continues its winning streak, but 2026’s biggest story isn’t Paris, Rome or London,” wrote researchers. “It’s Eastern Europe.”
“Cities like Prague, Sofia, Krakow, Budapest, Tirana and Sarajevo are capturing travelers’ attention with lower-than-average airfare, rich history, vibrant food scenes and fewer crowds than Western Europe’s usual tourist hubs.”
Who doesn’t love a cheap thrill?
With inflation on the rise and mental stimulation on the low, saving a few bucks while exploring exciting new lands is the name of the game for many across the US.
So they’re jumping the border without breaking the bank.
“Flight interest for travel in 2026 is up 9% vs. 2025,” noted Kayak investigators. “Domestic airfare is down 3% and international airfare is down 10%.”
The top overseas hotspot creating the most buzz among American travelers is Christchurch, New Zealand. It’s seen a 194% increase in interest from jet-setters since the dawn of 2025, and it will accessible at an average roundtrip economy airfare price of $1,297 in 2026.
Trailing closely behind the well-liked location is Prague, Czech Republic, which has garnered an impressive 180% uptick in attention from prospective visitors. And it will only cost trippers a palatable $695 for flights to-and-fro next year.
Taking the third place position in the ranking of trendiest European stops is Sofia, Bulgaria, boasting a 136% increase in appeal and $641 roundtrip airfare fees.
For sightseers with new year resolutions to stay on budget while staying on US soil, costs to hit local tourist hubs such as New York, New York and Chicago, Illinois will reach a happy low in 2026, according to the findings.
A roundtrip economy flight to NYC is projected to run trekkers a measly $294 — not bad for a bite of the Big Apple.
Check out Kayak’s list of the trendiest international destinations of 2026.
| Christchurch, New Zealand | 194% | $1,297 |
| Prague, Czech Republic | 180% | $695 |
| Sofia, Bulgaria | 136% | $641 |
| Krakow, Poland | 106% | $678 |
| Budapest, Hungary | 86% | $720 |
| Bucharest, Romania | 80% | $730 |
| Split, Croatia | 74% | $801 |
| Tirana, Albania | 66% | $679 |
| Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina | 62% | $632 |
| Castries, Saint Lucia | 51% | $715 |
