Travel interest is spreading beyond the usual headline destinations. Expedia's 2026 trend research reported notable search growth for Big Sky, Okinawa, Sardinia, Phu Quoc, Savoie, Fort Walton Beach, Ucluelet, the Cotswolds and San Miguel de Allende. Those percentages are signals from Expedia's own search data, not guarantees of crowd levels, prices or availability.
## Big Sky, Montana A mountain-focused option for travelers who want dramatic landscapes and seasonal outdoor activity. Verify current weather, road conditions, lodging and activity operations for your travel dates.
## Okinawa, Japan Okinawa offers a different Japan itinerary centered on subtropical islands, beaches, history and local culture. International entry rules and transportation details should be checked before booking.
## Sardinia, Italy Sardinia combines Mediterranean beaches, distinctive towns and regional food. Shoulder-season timing can materially change ferry, hotel and beach-service availability.
## Phu Quoc, Vietnam Phu Quoc is drawing attention as an island escape. Travelers should verify current entry requirements, seasonal weather and local transportation before committing.
## Savoie, France The Alpine region can work for winter sports and warm-season mountain travel. Conditions and lift/resort operations are highly seasonal.
## Fort Walton Beach, Florida A domestic beach option on Florida's Emerald Coast. Hurricane-season conditions and local event calendars can affect plans.
## Ucluelet, British Columbia A rugged Vancouver Island alternative for travelers drawn to coastal scenery and nature. Ferry/flight connections and weather deserve advance planning.
## The Cotswolds, England Villages, countryside and slower-paced touring make the Cotswolds a strong add-on to a broader England trip. Transportation strategy matters because not every itinerary works well without a car.
## San Miguel de Allende, Mexico Architecture, food, arts and a walkable historic center make San Miguel a culture-first destination. Verify current travel guidance and transport connections.
Trend note: this guide is current as of September 22, 2026. Search momentum can change; use it as discovery evidence, not a promise that a destination is uncrowded or inexpensive.