Travelers are increasingly looking beyond the obvious tourist hubs. Tripadvisor data shows destinations outside its 100 most-booked locations grew more than twice as fast as the top 100 during the first half of 2026. (MediaRoom)
1. Guatemala — Beyond Guatemala City
Experience bookings in Guatemala rose 74% year over year, with travelers drawn toward Mayan sites, local culture, and outdoor experiences rather than simply staying in the capital. (MediaRoom)
2. Albania — The Coast Is the Attraction
Albania’s experience bookings jumped 60% in the first half of 2026.
Much of the appeal is outside Tirana, with travelers exploring the country’s coastline, smaller communities, and outdoor attractions. (MediaRoom)
3. New Zealand — Rotorua Is Having a Moment
Rotorua became one of Tripadvisor’s fastest-growing destinations as travelers sought geothermal landscapes and natural thermal spas.
Day-spa bookings in New Zealand more than doubled year over year. (MediaRoom)
4. Puerto Rico — Vieques Instead of San Juan
Travelers are increasingly heading beyond San Juan for experiences that are difficult to replicate in a major city.
Bookings for kayaking through the bioluminescent waters of Vieques increased 69% year over year. (MediaRoom)
5. Alaska — Seward Instead of Anchorage
Seward’s whale-watching experiences saw bookings rise 61%.
The attraction isn’t another city landmark—it’s getting directly into the surrounding wilderness and seeing wildlife. (MediaRoom)
6. Central America and the Caribbean Are Benefiting
The shift isn’t limited to one country.
Four of Tripadvisor’s five fastest-growing countries for experience bookings were in Central America or the Caribbean, including St. Maarten (+57%), Honduras (+49%), and the Cayman Islands (+45%). (MediaRoom)