Booking.com’s Travel Predictions 2026 reveal a rising demand for journeys that reflect travellers’ personalities, aspirations, and preferred experiences. Survey results show that 69% of travellers are willing to holiday with a new friend, colleague, or even someone who might become a future partner to test compatibility; 66% use technology to seek places tied to personal memories; and 39% choose destinations based on their zodiac sign.
These insights signal a year where highly personalised, expressive, and experience-driven travel will flourish more than ever.
Alongside forecasting trends, Booking.com analysed booking data and traveller reviews to compile a list of destinations expected to shine on the global stage. These range from peaceful fishing villages turned resort paradises to vibrant hubs of culture, tourism, and creativity.
Extraordinary beauty of Mui Ne sand hills (Photo: lenguyen)
At the top of the list is Mui Ne, a stunning coastal destination in Central Vietnam. Bathed in year-round sunshine, Mui Ne offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, local culture, and adventure. Once a quiet fishing village, it has transformed into one of Vietnam’s premier seaside getaways, famed for its golden dunes, lush green lines of trees, and refreshing sea breeze. With its stable climate, Mui Ne is also considered Vietnam’s capital for kiteboarding and windsurfing.
Just around 200 km from Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne feels like an entirely different world thanks to its dramatic landscapes: the surreal Red Sand Dunes and White Sand Dunes, and the tranquil Fairy Stream, where visitors can wade through shallow water framed by striking natural rock formations. It is an ideal choice for those seeking fairy-tale-like scenery and unique outdoor experiences.
Experience thrilling water sports (Photo: nguyentrangkimcuong)
Along the shoreline, rustic eateries serve fresh seafood such as grilled scallops and lemongrass sautéed clams, while nearby fishing ports offer an authentic glimpse into traditional coastal life, showcasing the daily rhythms of local fishermen.
Beyond its clear blue beaches, Mui Ne enchants travellers with its ancient temples and towers, humble local markets, and simple fishing villages, inviting visitors to fully embrace the region’s cultural identity and laid-back way of life.
Tourism Information Technology Center