Alright, imagine this: you’re sipping lukewarm masala chai in a Mumbai train station café, flipping through travel reels, and you wonder, “Where is everyone going next year?” Well, buckle up, we’re about to spill the tea (literally and figuratively) on the best places to travel in 2026 with some wild surprises, comfy escapes, and a few “how did no one tell me?” picks.
We also got those cheap flight tickets ready, because you’re definitely heading out in 2026 based on the tunes of the travel trends India!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A New Map of Curiosity: The 2026 Travel Mood
According to the latest Skyscanner Travel Trends 2026 report, Indian travellers are leaning hard into the offbeat, soulful, and culture-rich. Destinations like Jorhat in Assam and Chiang Rai in Thailand aren’t just “cool for a reel,” they’re topping search charts.
People aren’t just chasing beaches or big cities as trending destinations in India anymore. They want texture: tea gardens, river islands, spiritual temples, quirky streets, local mess halls, hidden hills. Travel in 2026 is less about ticking boxes and more about stumbling into moments. What this means: the best travel destinations in 2026 might not be what your feed expects.
Discover: Travel Trends 2026 Are Getting Personal. Are You Ready?
Spotlight Round: Top 10 Picks
Here’s the juicy part – find what to feel in some of the best places to travel in 2026. Each is a little jewel box of experience.
Jorhat, Assam, India
Image credit: Unsplash/Narayan Adhikary
Declared India’s #1 trending destination for 2026, Jorhat is breaking through comparisons. Think: emerald tea gardens rolling like waves, mist in the dawn, sticky-sweet aroma of fresh CTC leaves. Walk through the Tocklai Tea Research Institute, hear the soft rustle of leaves, sip a cuppa from a local estate. The soil smells damp, cool, alive.
Nearby, Majuli, the world’s largest river island, beckons with wooden satras (monasteries), riverine drift, reed floats, and children’s laughter echoing across water. Hop on cheap flights to Assam and explore with all-inclusive Assam tour packages.
Search rise: 493%
Chiang Rai, Thailand
Image credit: Unsplash/Aleksandra B.
Chiang Rai is quiet but vivid, with temples glinting white or blue against green hills, tea terraces unfolding into mist, and small cafes tucked in alleys with fresh mint teas. The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) almost glows in sunlight; the Blue Temple feels like walking inside a sapphire. Explore by reserving the best hotels in Bangkok!
Street stalls sizzle with pad see ew, khao soi, and delicacies you’ve only dreamed of. Since a Thailand visa is not needed for Indians, why not secure the lowest airfares to Bangkok today?
Search rise: 133%
Jaffna, Sri Lanka
Image credit: Unsplash/Shavin Peiries
Jaffna is the soulful north of Sri Lanka, and one of the best places to travel in 2026. Think: palmyra-fringed coasts, serene lagoons, age-old temples. Indian travellers are showing greater interest in this region, so hop on cheap flights to Sri Lanka today. Rich in Tamil culture and cuisine, it’s an emerging favourite, especially with new direct flights making it easier to reach than ever. Apply for your Sri Lanka visa online.
Search rise: 325%
Muscat, Oman
Image credit: Unsplash/Hongbin
Nestled between rugged mountains and the Arabian Sea, Muscat charms visitors with its elegant mix of Arabian heritage and modern refinement. From grand mosques and historic forts to lively souqs and pristine beaches, Muscat offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Apply for your Oman Visa online and explore with personalized Oman tour packages!
Seach rise: 211%
Queenstown, New Zealand
Image credit: Unsplash/Peter Luo
Queenstown is a haven for adventure enthusiasts. Surrounded by the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu, the town offers bungee jumping, skydiving, and hiking trails. The picturesque landscapes and adrenaline-pumping activities make it a top choice for thrill-seekers. The city has experienced a significant rise in interest, with many Indian travellers planning their trips for 2026, so grab that New Zealand visa online to get ready to join the crowd.
Seach rise: 151%
Varanasi, India
Image credit: Unsplash/Pratish Srivastava
Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world, offers a spiritual journey like no other. The ghats along the Ganges, the evening aarti, and the narrow alleys filled with history provide a sensory overload. The city has seen a resurgence in interest, with many travellers seeking a deeper connection to India’s cultural roots. Reserve the best hotels in Varanasi to unravel the spiritual at India’s cultural core destination.
Search rise: 120%
Discover: The Best 10 Hotels in Varanasi That Bring You Closest to the Divine Energy.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Image credit: Unsplash/Tron Le
The perfect blend of colonial architecture, bustling night markets, and towering modern structures, Vietnam is a paradise. It’s beloved for its historical stories, hidden in the depths of the Cu Chi Tunnels, and the beautiful Mekong Delta. Apply for your Vietnam Visa online and secure cheap flights to Ho Chi Minh to explore one of the best places to travel in 2026 for cheap.
Search rise: 98%
Manila, Philippines
Image credit: Unsplash/Sean Yoro
Where the Spanish architecture blends perfectly with the modern, Manila is the beating capital heart of the Philippines. Hopping on cheap flights to Manila is everyone’s dream escape in 2026, so plan soon. If you’re a fan of experiencing vibrant nightlife events and ending the night with a sweet treat from the markets, the Philippines visa online is for you.
Search rise: 108%
Tbilisi, Georgia
Image credit: Unsplash/Neil Sengupta
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is known for its diverse architecture, ancient history, and warm hospitality. The city’s charming streets, thermal baths, and local wines offer a delightful experience are only the beginning of what makes it one of the best places to travel in 2026. Tbilisi has been gaining popularity among Indian travellers, with many planning their visits for 2026. Secure exciting Georgia tour packages to begin exploring one of the best places to travel in 2026 from India!
Search rise: 105%
Port Louis, Mauritius
Image credit: Unsplash/Bernd 📷 Dittrich
The endless tropical charm, packed in a package of sprawling green hills and the most captivating scenery, booking those cheap flights to Mauritius is the answer. For a peaceful 2026, that comes with a side of culture, fun, and adventure, secure customizable Mauritius tour packages to begin the escape. The colonial architecture and bustling markets only add to the charm of the destination.
Search rise: 93%
Which will be your first stop from this Skyscanner travel trends 2026 from India list? Do you agree that these top 10 are among the best places to travel in 2026? Let us know in the comments below!
Summing Up:
A traveler ’s-eye look at where Indians think the best places to travel in 2026 are, spotlighting hidden gems like Jorhat and Chiang Rai rising fast in Skyscanner’s charts. The tone: offbeat is in, culture and nature draw more than beaches, and costs are still king. Expect deep, small-town magic, less crowd noise, more sensory moments. Use this as a nudge: pick somewhere unexpected, search for cheap stays/flights early, and let trip surprises lead.
FAQs: Best Places to Travel in 2026
Where is the best place to travel in 2026?
Some of the best place to travel in 2026 include Jorhat, Port Louis, Tbilisi, Varanasi, Manila, Ho Chi Minh City, and Muscat are some of the best places to travel in 2026, as per the newest Skyscanner report.
What are the tourism trends in 2026?
Some of the top tourism trends expected to take over in 2026 are Glowmads, Shelf Discovery, Catching Flights and Feelings, Altitude Shift, Destination Check-in, and Bookbound.
Where should I go on a holiday in 2026?
You must take a trip to Jorhat in Assam, which is a destination that will be topping all charts soon.
Which is the best country to live in 2026?
Some of the best countries to live in 2026 include Finland, Ireland, Switzerland, and Canada for their incredible facilities.
What is the cheapest holiday destination for 2026?
Turkey, Egypt, Spain, and Croatia are some of the cheapest holiday destinations to explore in 2026.
Also Read:
- Shocking Holiday 2025 Travel Trends That Google Doesn’t Want You to Miss!
- Millennials and Gen Z Reveal the Most Unbelievable Travel Trend 2025! Can You Guess?
- You Could Get Kicked Off for Violating These Unspoken Flight Etiquette.
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