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2026 Travel Takes Off: Falling Prices and Global Events Push New Cities Into the Spotlight, per KAYAK Data
Eastern Europe Set to Dominate Travel Amid Lower Fares & Improved AccessibilityBOSTON, Dec. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- KAYAK, the world's leading travel search
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[{"type":"text","content":"Eastern Europe Set to Dominate Travel Amid Lower Fares & Improved AccessibilityBOSTON, Dec. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- KAYAK, the world's leading travel search engine, today released its highly anticipated 2026 Travel Trends Forecast, an exclusive analysis powered by millions of searches and a first look at KAYAK's forward-looking travel insights.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nThe forecast signals a year of exploration driven by increasing travel interest, lower airfares and emerging global hotspots.Across its flight search data, KAYAK found travel interest is climbing (up 9%) while airfares are easing (down 3% domestically and 10% internationally) setting the stage for a busy year of more affordable trips.\"Lower fares and rising interest mean travelers can stretch their budgets further in 2026,\" said [KAYAK spokesperson]. \"Couple lower fares with new routes expanding access to historically under-the-radar cities and you've got travelers finding more reasons and more ways to explore the world.\"Eastern Europe Dominates 2026's Trending DestinationsEurope is leading 2026 travel trends - and Eastern Europe is stealing the show. Seven of the top 10 trending destinations are located in Eastern Europe, where affordability, cultural depth and improved connectivity are driving record interest.Among the fastest-rising destinations:Prague, Czech Republic — Interest up 180%Sofia, Bulgaria — Interest up 136%Krakow, Poland — Interest up 106%Budapest, Hungary — Interest up 86%Tirana, Albania — Interest up 66%Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina — Interest up 62%The world's fastest-growing destination for Americans is Christchurch, New Zealand, with an impressive 194% year-over-year increase in flight interest. And with new nonstop service making Christchurch feel closer than ever, travelers are jumping at the chance to explore the South Island.Fandom-Fueled Travel Surges in 2026Pop culture, sports and global events are leaving an unmistakable imprint on travel behavior. Cities tied to major fandoms are surging:Kansas City is seeing a 14% rise in interest and ranks among the top 50 trending destinations for Americans, fueled by a combination of its powerhouse football team, heightened celebrity buzz, and its role as a host city for the upcoming world soccer tournament.Milan is experiencing a 15% lift in flight searches as excitement builds ahead of the 2...