Fora’s fourth annual trend forecast is finally here, with the year’s most compelling destinations and emerging travel themes. Drawing on platform data, on-the-ground insight from our global community of advisors and partners, and a dash of intuition, the Hot List offers a clear look at the trends set to shape where—and how—we’ll all be exploring next.
2026 marks a shift toward experience-forward luxury in travel. Story-rich destinations like the Carolinas are gaining attention, alongside culture-driven hubs such as Mexico City, Japan’s lesser-known centers of design and nature, and the Nordic regions (emerging as prime spots for eclipse-chasing adventure). In South America, bohemian beach towns continue to rise in popularity with the revamp and reemergence of some of coast’s best properties and destinations. At the same time, experience-led trends—including pet-pampering amenities, luxury rail journeys, wellness-on-demand offerings, and high-end waterparks—are redefining what premium travel means. Solo travel is also surging across all age groups, with more destinations intentionally designed to welcome and support independent explorers.
Fora Advisors power travel throughout the world, but these are five of the top destinations and travel trends that our community predicts will power inspiration in the coming year. Read the full Hot List here or get paired with an advisor to plan your next best trip to a Hot List destination.
Note: All Fora data compares December 2024 through November 2025 vs. the previous 12 months.
Destinations
Mexico City
150%
Increase in Fora bookings to Mexico City in the past year
Soccer fans know CDMX is one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Others know it as an exciting food city. We’ve got our eye on how Mexico City has been expanding its imprint on the global art world.
Lesser-known Japan
245%
Increase in Fora bookings to Hakone in the past year
265%
Increase in Fora bookings to Niseko in the past year
Skip the lines and crowds in Kyoto and Tokyo for more peaceful experiences that promise excellent cuisine, even better accommodations, and—most importantly—the feeling of being among the first to discover them. For years, these roads-less-traveled only had business hotels on offer. Not anymore. High-end properties showcasing the best of Japan’s food, culture, design, and access (to sites and traditions) are being cultivated across the archipelago nation.
It may not be undiscovered, but Hakone is rightfully famous for its hot springs and views of Mount Fuji, while the Hokkaido region is a powerhouse destination for powder. Dubbed the Alps of Japan, the area is known for its excellent ski conditions, and the town of Niseko has a slate of luxury hideaways.
The Nordics
117%
Increase in Fora bookings to Denmark in the past year
128%
Increase in Fora bookings to Iceland in the past year
131%
Increase in Fora bookings to Norway in the past year
This group of countries has long been known for quiet luxury, architecture, and cuisine. In 2026, the sky’s the limit on the opportunity to catch epic celestial phenomena—including a total solar eclipse.
Norway, with its dramatic fjords and sparsely inhabited islands, is best explored via a small-ship cruise. Iceland is primed to welcome eclipse-chasers this August, with the western coast of the island nation located in the path of totality. For a more urban experience, head to the epicenter of the Scandinavian design movement, the Danish capital of Copenhagen.
South American beaches
111%
Increase in Fora bookings to Brazil in the past year
192%
Increase in Fora bookings to Uruguay in the past year
If you love both the scene and natural beauty of Ibiza, you’ll adore the beach towns of South America, where you’ll find both laid-back bohemian flair and loads of luxury properties. Long popular with locals, these towns are poised to take off in a big way with American and other global travelers thanks to their low-key plus high-fashion vibes.
In Brazil, Santa Catarina boasts more than 100 beaches. For elevated dining, a totally remote beach scene, and a dash of excellent antiquing, consider Carmelo, a sleepy village in Uruguay located just a half-hour private flight across the Río Plata from Buenos Aires.
The Carolinas
174%
Increase in Fora bookings to Asheville in the past year
157%
Increase in Fora bookings to South Carolina in the past year
Popular for generations with vacationers within driving distance, this pair of states is having a renaissance, with plenty of new offerings to appeal to travelers from all over the U.S. and abroad.
In North Carolina, surfers worldwide know the Outer Banks (a 100-mile stretch of barrier islands that runs from the Virginia border south to Ocracoke Island) boasts the biggest waves on the East Coast. For live music, art, and an award-winning food scene, all eyes are on Asheville. Set in the western part of the state in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the buzzy destination just emerged from an impressive rebuild following Hurricane Helene. Meanwhile in South Carolina, people are flocking to the iconic city of Charleston. The coastal enclave has long been beloved for its Lowcountry cuisine, candy-colored historic row houses, walkability, and celebrated festivals.
Experiences
Pet-friendly perks
178%
Increase in AI queries in Fora’s Booking Portal containing “dog,” “cat,” or “pet” in the past year
Luxury travelers now want their pets to be as pampered as they are. Hotels are responding by welcoming animal companions with amenities like butlers, concierges, specialized menus, and even spa treatments.
Railway retreats
55%
Increase in Fora bookings on luxury trains in the past year
All aboard! Overnight and multi-night train journeys combine the allure of cruising—experiencing a variety of destinations in a single itinerary—with the inherent romance of traveling via rail.
Self-service wellness
134%
Increase in AI queries in Fora’s Booking Portal containing “wellness,” “spa,” or “sauna” in the past year
The latest trend in self-care: properties offering access to wellness amenities without having to book a spa service. That means plunge pools and hot springs, saunas, and more being as easy to pop into—and as expected—as a hotel gym.
Premium play
171%
Increase in AI queries in Fora’s Booking Portal containing “water park” in the past year
152%
Increase in Fora bookings to the Peninsula Papagayo in the past year
Slip, slide, and splash at…high-end resort enclaves with waterparks? It’s a bit unexpected, but fun-for-all-ages attractions (think: lazy rivers winding by kids’ pools and drop buckets, or a series of slides) are springing up at luxury resorts around the world.
YOLO solo adventures
132%
Increase in AI queries in Fora’s Booking Portal containing “solo travel” in the past year
Since the pandemic, outfitters of all kinds have seen a surge in solo travelers, and demand has risen even more in recent years. Women, in particular, are embracing a seize-the-moment mindset—and aren’t waiting to take their dream trip.
From Mexico City and Japan’s quieter design hubs to eclipse-chasing in the Nordics, luxury rail journeys, and the rise of confident solo travel, 2026 is shaping up to be a year defined by experience-forward trips that feel both intentional and unforgettable.
