{"id":36103,"date":"2025-10-15T20:44:19","date_gmt":"2025-10-15T13:44:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thaipropertynews.com\/feeds\/?p=36103"},"modified":"2025-10-15T20:44:19","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T13:44:19","slug":"unpack-26-expedia-hotels-com-and-vrbo-reveal-how-travellers-will-explore-the-world-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thaipropertynews.com\/feeds\/?p=36103","title":{"rendered":"UNPACK ’26: EXPEDIA, HOTELS.COM, AND VRBO REVEAL HOW TRAVELLERS WILL EXPLORE THE WORLD IN 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n
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Expedia’s first-ever Smart Travel Health Check tackles tourism’s biggest challenge: overcrowding.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

From sports you’ve never heard of to book club retreats, salvaged hotels to farm stays, 2026 trends flip the script on traditional getaways.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

SINGAPORE<\/span><\/span>, Oct. 15, 2025<\/span><\/span> \/PRNewswire\/ — Today, Expedia Group released Unpack ’26: The Trends in Travel\u2122.<\/a>\u00a0The annual global report highlights shifts in traveller behavior and the destinations set to dominate itineraries in 2026.<\/p>\n

From Destinations of the Year to salvaged hotels and reading retreats, to Banana Ball and farm stays, the seven trends in Unpack ’26 offer a look at the future of travel.\u00a0Each trend is backed by first-party data and insights from 24,000 global travellers.*<\/p>\n

Expedia <\/u><\/b>\u2014 Destinations of the Year:<\/u> <\/b>Expedia’s 2026 Destinations of the Year list \u2014 powered by real-time data from millions of daily visitors to the Expedia site and app \u2014 highlights where global interest is rising fast, even in destinations that haven’t yet gone viral.<\/p>\n

Six of these hotspots also meet the criteria for Expedia’s new Smart Travel Health Check \u2014 a first-in-travel framework from Expedia, inspired by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The Smart Travel Health Check recognizes destinations that offer meaningful travel experiences and proactively manage tourism in a sustainable way, helping to ease the strain on the world’s most overvisited cities.<\/p>\n

Ariane Gorin<\/span>, CEO of Expedia Group, added, “Some of my most unforgettable travel moments come from immersing myself in local cultures, supporting local economies, and exploring less-traveled destinations. With 1 billion average monthly travel searches, Expedia Group isn’t just a travel marketplace \u2014 we’re a catalyst for positive change. We have a responsibility to shape the future of travel: one that’s smarter, more sustainable, and deeply respectful of the places we go.”<\/p>\n

“Expedia responded to WTTC’s Call to Action on Destination Stewardship with the launch of the Smart Travel Health Check. This innovative initiative reflects the urgent need to embrace responsible growth models that safeguard communities, protect cultural and natural heritage, and ensure the long-term resilience of destinations,” added Christopher Imbsen<\/span>, Vice President Policy at WTTC. “By applying WTTC’s framework, Expedia is celebrating destinations that work collaboratively to empower residents, strengthen stewardship, and deliver richer, more meaningful travel experiences.”<\/p>\n

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2026’s Destinations of the Year <\/b>\u2014\u00a0Beyond the Crowds*<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Destination <\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

% Search Increase<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Destination <\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

% Search Increase<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Big Sky, Montana, U.S. \u2714\ufe0f<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

+92\u00a0%<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Fort Walton Beach, Florida, U.S.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

+45\u00a0%<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Okinawa, Japan \u2714\ufe0f<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

+71\u00a0%<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Ucluelet, Canada \u2714\ufe0f<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

+44\u00a0%<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Sardinia, Italy <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

+63\u00a0%<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Cotswolds, U.K. \u2714\ufe0f<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

+39\u00a0%<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Phu Quoc, Vietnam\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

+53\u00a0%<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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+30\u00a0%<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Savoie, France \u2714\ufe0f<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

+51\u00a0%<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a0Hobart, Australia \u2714\ufe0f<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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+25\u00a0%<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n

Explore each Destination of the Year here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Expedia <\/u><\/b>\u2014 Fan Voyage<\/u>: <\/b>2026 is a huge year for international sports, but there’s a new wave of fanaticism all about immersive, local experiences.\u00a0Expedia’s Fan Voyage trend reveals a surge in uniquely regional sporting experiences, with 57% saying they’re likely to attend one while on a trip.<\/p>\n

From sumo wrestling in Japan<\/span> to\u00a0Muay Thai in Thailand<\/span>, Singapore<\/span> travellers \u2014 particularly Gen Z and Millennial travellers (69%) \u2014 are seeking front-row seats to learn about timeless traditions. Fan Voyage shows it’s not just about the game \u2014 it’s about community, culture, and feeling like a local.<\/p>\n

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2026’s Hottest Fan Voyage Tickets*<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Sport <\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Location <\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Sport <\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Location <\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Sumo Wrestling<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Japan<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Banana Ball<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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U.S.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Muay Thai<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Thailand<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Capoeira<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Brazil<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Curling<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Canada<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Lucha Libre<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Mexico<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Baseball<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

South Korea<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Hurling<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Ireland<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Australian Rules Football<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Australia<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Caber Tossing<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Scotland, U.K.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n

Hotels.com <\/u><\/b>\u2014 Salvaged Stays:<\/u> <\/b>Next year, travellers are putting the “rest” in restoration by checking into hotels that combine historical architecture with modern amenities. Hotels.com’s 2026 Hotels of the Year\u00a0list spotlights a surge in demand for upcycled retreats such as former schoolhouses, train stations, and banks that offer guests a comfortable stay filled with unique character and cultural relevance.<\/p>\n

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2026’s Hotels of the Year \u2014 Salvaged Stays*<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Property<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Location<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

% Increase<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Former Use<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Kyoto, Japan<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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+194\u00a0%<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

School<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Bodmin Jail Hotel<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Cornwall, U.K.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

+110\u00a0%<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Prison<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Sandi Hotel<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

+72\u00a0%<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Mint & School<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Fontevraud L’Ermitage<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Anjou, France<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

+71\u00a0%<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Abbey<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Union Station Nashville Yards<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Nashville, U.S.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

+57\u00a0%<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Train station<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

The Old Clare Hotel<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Sydney, Australia<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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+45\u00a0%<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Brewery & Pub<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Hotel Place d’Armes<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Montreal, Canada<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

+36\u00a0%<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Bank & Federal building<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Nine Orchard Hotel<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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New York City, U.S.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

+23\u00a0%<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Bank<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Bank Hotel<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Stockholm, Sweden<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

+13\u00a0%<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Bank<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Canfranc Estacion, Royal Hideaway<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Canfranc, Spain<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

+9\u00a0%<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Train station<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n

Hotels.com <\/u><\/b>\u2014 Hotel Hop:<\/u> <\/b>More than half of travellers (54%) are making every trip count by booking multiple hotels within a single destination. This emerging trend \u2014 dubbed Hotel Hop \u2014 is driven by travellers’ desire to:<\/p>\n