Skyscanner Identifies Nine Fast-Rising Destinations for Indian Travellers in 2026

Top Trending Destinations for Intent-Led Travel in 2026

Skyscanner released its Travel Trends 2026 data, outlining how Indian travellers are planning their journeys for the new year. The findings indicate a shift towards intentional, personal, and experience-centred travel. According to the platform, fifty-nine per cent of travellers want to travel more in 2026, with searches showing rising curiosity for destinations that offer culture, nature and slower experiences.

Skyscanner has also highlighted nine destinations that show the most significant year-on-year search surges. These destinations reflect key global travel patterns, such as the “Altitude Shift” trend, centred on mountain escapes, and the “Shelf Discovery” trend, in which travellers explore everyday local flavours through supermarkets and neighbourhood markets.

Below are the destinations with the highest search growth, along with insights and travel guidance.

1. Jorhat, India (+493 per cent)

Tea estates, river islands and a slow start to the year

Travellers seeking a calm beginning to the year are turning to Jorhat. Beyond its tea gardens, the Tocklai Tea Research Institute, established in 1911, offers insight into how Assam’s tea culture evolved. Day trips to Majuli, the world’s largest river island, allow visitors to explore Samaguri Satra, known for traditional mask-making. In Jorhat, visitors can explore Assamese satras, weaving clusters specialising in muga silk, and the riverfront.

Skyscanner Brand Ambassador and captain of the Indian Men’s T20I cricket team, Suryakumar Yadav, said, “Jorhat is a place that's been on my bucket list for a while. Everything I’ve heard about it, from the tea gardens and the culture to the calm of the place, makes it sound like the perfect reset. I’m always looking for destinations that rejuvenate me and are unique, so Jorhat is definitely on my list for that reason. If you’re looking to start the year with something peaceful, this is one place you should consider!”

2. Muscat, Oman (+211 per cent)

Culture, coastlines and winter travel

Muscat continues to draw interest with its coastal setting and access to mountains and wadis. Travellers visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Mutrah’s lanes, Old Muscat museums such as Bait Al Zubair, and natural sites like Wadi Al Arbeieen. The Royal Opera House also remains a key cultural venue. Skyscanner suggests using its Mix & Match function, which combines outbound and return flights from different airlines to uncover lower fares.

3. Queenstown, New Zealand (+151 per cent)

Mountains, lakes and a blend of adventure and slow travel

Queenstown offers trails, lakeside walks and vineyard experiences. Travellers often begin at Bob’s Peak or the Ben Lomond Track and spend afternoons in the Gibbston Valley. Other places of interest include the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement and Kelvin Heights Sculpture Park. A popular drive between Queenstown and Glenorchy provides views of coves, walking trails and Lake Wakatipu.

Neel Ghose, Travel Trends and Destinations Expert, Skyscanner, said, “With the rise of the global ‘Altitude Shift’ trend, travellers are choosing mountain destinations for clean air, wide-open scenery, cooler weather and a sense of peaceful reset. With ninety-two per cent of Indian travellers considering a mountain escape, Queenstown fits perfectly into the 2026 craving for alpine calm without compromising on adventure. If you're mapping out this dream getaway, here's a smart hack: set up a ‘Price Alert’ on Skyscanner the moment you spot a route you like. It monitors fares in the background and lets you know the moment they drop, making planning a whole lot simpler.”

4. Chiang Rai, Thailand (+133 per cent)

White temples, local flavours and architecture

Chiang Rai supports the “Shelf Discovery” trend, with travellers exploring flavours at supermarkets and family-run stores that offer regional snacks and teas. Night markets are popular for crafts. Popular sites include the White Temple, the Black House (Baan Dam), and tea estates around Doi Mae Salong run by Yunnanese families.

5. Varanasi, India (+120 per cent)

Heritage, rituals and family travel

Varanasi remains a major search trend for travellers seeking cultural depth. Besides its ghats and Kashi Vishwanath Temple, visitors explore Ramnagar Fort, weaving clusters that produce Banarasi silk, and dawn boat rides along the Ganga. Varanasi is also aligned with the growing “family miles” trend, with multigenerational travellers seeking experiences that are rooted in heritage.

6. Manila, Philippines (+108 per cent)

City culture and island connections

Manila offers heritage neighbourhoods such as Intramuros, food trails in Binondo, museums including the National Museum of Fine Arts, and day trips to Tagaytay. The city also serves as a travel hub for islands, including Boracay and Cebu. Skyscanner suggests its Whole Month search function to help travellers identify the most economical travel dates.

7. Tbilisi, Georgia (+105 per cent)

Cafés, architecture and thermal baths

Tbilisi’s Old Town, Narikala Fortress and sulphur bathhouses draw steady interest. Visitors also explore lesser-known locations such as Leghvtakhevi Waterfall or the Wine Museum, which showcases Georgia’s historic wine culture. Skyscanner’s DROPS feature highlights fares that have fallen by over twenty per cent in the past week.

8. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (+98 per cent)

Markets, cuisine and cultural sites

Ho Chi Minh City attracts travellers with its museums, food markets and distinct coffee culture. Notable sites include the War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market and the Jade Emperor Pagoda. Day trips to the Mekong Delta allow visitors to explore floating markets and orchards.

9. Port Louis, Mauritius (+93 per cent)

Markets, heritage and coastal access

Port Louis offers access to the Central Market, the Blue Penny Museum, and the Caudan Waterfront. Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, gives insight into the island’s labour history. Travellers also use the city as a base for coastal trips, hikes and visits to the lagoon. Skyscanner recommends its interactive Hotel Map to compare accommodation options by location and traveller ratings.