Travelers are ready to embark on a 2026 Euro trip, but not to the popular destinations you're likely thinking of.
According to KAYAK's 2026 Travel Trends Forecast, travelers are most interested in heading off to Europe next year, especially given that international airfare is down 10% compared to 2025.
Instead of perennial destinations like Paris and Rome, travelers are venturing a little further east to lesser-known spots where they can indulge in culture, history and food but with fewer crowds and lower prices. Seven of KAYAK's top 10 trending destinations for 2026 are located in Eastern Europe, such as Bulgaria and the Czech Republic.
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"Eastern Europe is on the rise as travelers look for high-impact trips without the high price tag," said Sarah Kennedy, KAYAK travel trends expert, in a statement to USA TODAY. "With new routes coming in 2025 and 2026 and summer Europe airfare down 14% according to KAYAK data, more travelers are broadening their searches and discovering destinations they once overlooked."
