Crete and the Samaria Gorge rank among the world’s top national parks for 2026, according to Airbnb’s trend research, which is based on global traveler search data. The findings reflect a strong rise in interest in nature-based travel and highlight Crete as one of the most dynamically emerging natural destinations worldwide ahead of the next travel year.
Crete, and the Samaria Gorge, are among the leading national parks globally for 2026, according to search data presented by Airbnb, the world’s largest short-term rental platform.
More specifically, Crete and the Samaria Gorge show the strongest momentum in traveler searches worldwide during the third quarter of 2025, for trips planned in 2026.
While “embracing nature” was a top travel trend in 2025, 2026 is seeing a notable increase in searches and interest in national parks around the world, with U.S. parks taking center stage as the country celebrates its 250th anniversary, along with milestone centennials for iconic parks such as the Great Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah, and Grand Teton.
Outside the U.S., and beyond Crete, the most popular national parks for 2026 include Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park in Goa, India, Gennargentu National Park in Sardinia, and Ujung Kulon National Park near Jakarta.
Travel into the Wild
Traveler preferences are shifting toward wilderness travel: Searches for accommodations “near a national park” increased by 35% in the U.S. for 2026. The Great Smoky Mountains are among the top global destinations for 2026, with searches rising by 135% among solo travelers. Nature and outdoor experiences are the leading category in experience bookings, while the social movement around “touch grass” has generated more than 85,000 TikTok posts under the hashtag #touchgrass.
Airbnb’s trend research also reveals that Generation Z is redefining “quick trips,” with international one- or two-day getaways growing faster than extended vacations.
Fueled by TikTok-viral day-trip trends, younger travelers are now crossing continents for active, culture-rich escapes. This group maximizes time in vibrant cities filled with music, dance, historical sites, and authentic cuisine, rather than opting for relaxed seaside destinations with urban leisure experiences.
Events Attract Growing Interest
At the same time, 65% of the most searched dates and cities for the coming year coincide with major cultural, sporting, and music events—such as the Winter Olympic Games, the FIFA World Cup, Carnival, and Coachella. Travelers are prioritizing these experiences, turning tickets into passports and seeking their own “main character” moments through unique adventures and journeys around the world.
Rise of Solo Travel
Solo travel is also experiencing a revival, driven by online conversations that encourage self-discovery over relationships. Solo explorers are uncovering the next wave of emerging hotspots, with destinations such as Idyllwild in California, La Altagracia in the Dominican Republic, and Tromsø in Norway recording triple-digit growth.
These travelers are drawn to scenic escapes—mountains, coastlines, and islands that offer slower-paced holidays and opportunities for reflection. The most popular destinations for solo travelers include Algarve, Costa del Sol, the Florida Keys in Florida, Idyllwild in California, Inverness in Scotland, Isère in France, La Altagracia in the Dominican Republic, North Carolina in the U.S., and Tromsø in Norway.
Culinary Travel
Culinary travel is intensifying in 2026, with baking classes and wine-producing regions taking the spotlight. Food and drink experiences rank among the most popular, while viral food videos on TikTok continue to inspire travelers.
The most popular wine destinations for 2026 include Bangalore in India, the Finger Lakes in the U.S., Melbourne in Australia, Traverse City in the U.S., and Var in France. For baking experiences, standout destinations include Istanbul, Lisbon, Paris, Taipei, and Tokyo.
