New Report Reveals Montana Has The World’s Top Trending Destination For 2026

It’s hard to believe, but 2026 is fast approaching, bringing with it early questions about the best places to travel. After all, there is a whole world of possibilities to explore. Is 2026 the year to go visit the towering Swiss Alps? Or is it the perfect year to wander back in time through the ancient buildings of Japan?

It turns out, 2026 is the perfect year to visit the U.S., according to a recent report published by the Expedia Group, which includes Expedia.com, Hotels.com, and Vrbo. Expedia’s list, titled Unpack ’26, analyzed data from its millions of daily uses, and collected information from 24,000 travelers across 18 countries, to compile its list of top destinations.

The final list included destinations from nine different countries across every corner of the globe. The top spot, however, went to an underrated destination in the U.S. that may finally be getting its day in the sun: Big Sky, Montana.

Big Sky, Montana Is The Top Destination For Travelers In 2026

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Up against some of the most recognizable destinations in travel, it was Big Sky, Montana, that earned top marks from Expedia’s report. Expedia’s study awarded Big Sky the top spot after comparing millions of travel and accommodation inquiries across their sites. The study compared queries in 2024 to queries in 2025 to see the percent interest change year-over-year.

Big Sky has seen a staggering 92% increase in interest over the last year, 21% higher than the second-place destination, making it the clear standout in the study. Given the sheer volume of data Expedia uses, it’s safe to say Montana may be having its moment in the near future.

It’s not just search volume that made Big Sky stand out in Expedia’s study, however. The group also used an added metric when comparing the top contenders.

Expedia has created a new metric known as the Smart Travel Health Check, a new framework for all of their destinations based on the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). With six checkpoints, destinations that meet the Smart Travel Health Check are engaging in sustainable tourism management through concepts like community empowerment and data-driven planning.

“This is the first time Expedia has assessed the destinations for how ready they are to welcome a surge, without damaging the community. It’s not just about over-tourism; it’s about smart planning.” — Melanie Fish, VP of Communications at Expedia Group

Not every destination on the top 10 list met the Smart Travel Health Check, but those that did earned a boost in their overall ranking. Big Sky, Montana did qualify, helping secure its spot as the number one travel destination for 2026.

What Makes Big Sky The Top Travel Destination Of 2026

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Data is one thing, but when it comes to it, what is it about Big Sky, Montana, that is driving the dramatic increase in searches? Just before the study was released, TheTravel had the opportunity to meet up with VisitMontana representative Pat Doyle, who had plenty of insight on what makes Montana such a unique place to visit.

Big Sky, Montana is just an hour from Yellowstone National Park’s West Entrance, but that’s just a small part of what makes the region so special. Big Sky represents all that makes Montana’s outdoor recreation great, with world-class ski resorts and some of the best hiking trails in the state.

According To Doyle, there are over 30 million acres of public land in Montana in the form of state parks, national park sites, and BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land. Big Sky provides ideal access to some of this expansive space, including Gallatin National Forest, which is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and even ziplining. Along the Gallatin River, visitors can enjoy premier whitewater rafting and fly-fishing.

Doyle, however, noted that there is something else that makes Montana special, and it may have been the key to Big Sky’s top ranking in Expedia’s list. Montana is a place full of rich culture and history, a place full of unique stories. Doyle told TheTravel that as they have asked visitors what brings them to the state, it isn’t just the dramatic runs down Big Sky’s Lone Peak; it’s the people they meet along the way.

With rich Native American and pioneer history that has been well-preserved through festivals and events throughout the year, Montana has become a hub of cultural tourism. As Montana has created an environment where Montanans themselves feel comfortable sharing their stories, others seem drawn to the experience, and flock to the state.

“Wherever you choose to roam in Montana, you’ll find wild places, friendly communities and unique experiences that’ll stay with you for a lifetime.” — VisitMontana

As visitors seek out destinations where they can be a part of the story, rather than just an onlooker, destinations throughout Montana are likely to continue to see a rise in popularity, much like Big Sky is experiencing.

Who Did Big Sky, Montana Beat For Top Travel Destinations Of 2026

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While Big Sky, Montana dominated the Expedia Group study, a variety of other surprising destinations from around the world found their way into the top spots. According to Expedia, these ten destinations saw the biggest increase in travel and accommodation inquiries between 2024 and 2025:

Expedia’s Unpack ’26 Top Ten List

The U.S. was the only country with more than one destination to make the top 10, with Fort Walkt Beach in Florida also making the list. Noticeably, many of the destinations on the list are not what one would classify as “international tourist destinations.” This is consistent with Expedia’s study, which was less interested in places that are already popular and more interested in finding out which areas are becoming popular.

With access to Yellowstone National Park, Gallatin National Forest, and some of the best skiable terrain in the U.S., Big Sky, Montana is an undeniable hot spot of activity. Paired with Montana’s commitment to telling local stories and preserving the culture and history of the state, there’s no doubt Big Sky deserves its spot as the top travel destination for 2026.