2026 Trending Destinations
The places on the rise
Where travellers are looking to go next
Our travel experts have dived into the data and handpicked 10 destinations1 from those which saw the biggest YoY search surges, to help travellers experience the buzz before they become bigger names.
The not-so-obvious are stealing the spotlight
We analyzed tens of thousands of data points to understand what’s trending and why.
UAE travellers are turning their attention to smaller, lesser-known destinations that fly further under the radar but offer something fresh beyond the big-name spots.
From Varna’s golden beaches to Krabi’s island adventures, these places to travel are turning heads and climbing charts.
Destination
Varna
Bulgaria
With golden beaches and Roman ruins, this Black Sea gem is trending as an affordable European alternative. Increasing low-cost Europe links are boosting interest from the UAE.
Destination
Bilbao
Spain
This artistic Basque city blends bold design, great food and medieval streets. UAE travellers are flocking here with new Europe connections and culinary appeal.
Destination
Paro
Bhutan
Tucked in the Himalayas, Paro is home to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Its spiritual charm and Bhutan’s sustainable travel model are drawing UAE travellers off the beaten path.
Destination
Basel
Switzerland
Basel blends riverside charm with world-class art at the crossroads of Switzerland, France and Germany. New direct flights from Dubai are making this cultural hub more accessible in 2026.
Destination
Beijing
China
A fusion of ancient wonders and modern marvels, Beijing is returning to the UAE travel radar with reopened borders, new flights and a strong draw for culture seekers.
Destination
Bengaluru
India
A lively mix of tech, gardens and gastronomy, Bengaluru is a favourite for both business and leisure. Strong UAE connections and a growing expat pull are fuelling demand.
Destination
Milan
Italy
A city where fashion, design and historic landmarks meet. With strong dirham-to-euro value and new summer routes, Milan is a stylish choice for UAE travellers in 2026.
Destination
Krabi
Thailand
Towering limestone cliffs, island-hopping and quiet beaches make Krabi a dream Thai escape. With the baht remaining weak, UAE travellers get more luxury for less in this tropical paradise.
Destination
Vienna
Austria
Elegant boulevards, classical music and riverside cafés define Vienna’s timeless charm. With summer events and favourable exchange rates, it’s a refined European break for UAE travellers in 2026.
Destination
Kochi
India
A historic port city with colonial charm and art cafes, Kochi offers a laid-back coastal escape. UAE interest is rising thanks to cultural buzz and easy access.
Discover the trends yourself. Search now.
- Destinations seeing increase in flight searches between 1 January 2025 and 30 June 2025 for travel throughout 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, then selected for travel suitability. ↩︎