Big Sky, Big Buzz: The No. 1 Travel Destination of 2026 Is Right Here in the U.S.!

Pack your bags, adventure lovers — because the world has officially discovered what Montanans have known all along: Big Sky is the place to be.

According to a brand-new report from Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, Big Sky, Montana is the No. 1 trending travel destination for 2026 — beating out dreamy beaches in Italy, island escapes in Vietnam, and even the charming English countryside.

Yep, the whole world just looked at Montana and said:

“We want that.”

So… Why Big Sky?

For anyone who’s been lucky enough to visit, the real question is: Why did it take everyone else so long?

Big Sky has this magical blend of rugged, wild mountain beauty and modern adventure vibes. And according to Melanie Fish, travel expert for Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo, Big Sky may feel like it “came out of nowhere,” but it’s been quietly leveling up for years.

Think:

• ❄️ World-class skiing & snowboarding in the winter

• 🚵 Hiking, mountain biking, rafting in the summer

• 🍽️ A growing food scene (yes, Montana has more than steak!)

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly activities

• 🎨 Community events & cultural happenings

It’s basically the kind of place that makes you feel like you stepped into a postcard… but with better food and WiFi.

📈 The Numbers Don’t Lie: Travelers Are Searching Hard

Expedia dug through searches from 24,000 global travelers, and the rise in interest for Big Sky was HUGE:

🔥 Top 10 Trending Global Destinations for 2026

1. Big Sky, Montana, USA — 92% increase

2. Okinawa, Japan — 71%

3. Sardinia, Italy — 63%

4. Phu Quoc, Vietnam — 53%

5. Savoie, France — 51%

6. Fort Walton Beach, Florida, USA — 45%

7. Ucluelet, Canada — 44%

8. Cotswolds, U.K. — 39%

9. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico — 30%

10. Hobart, Australia — 25%

Big Sky didn’t just top the list — it ran away with it. 🏔️💨

🚗 Just an Hour from Yellowstone… and a Lifetime of “Wow”

Part of Big Sky’s charm is how close it is to Yellowstone National Park — just a scenic one-hour drive. You can go from watching geysers explode to sipping craft cocktails at dinner. That’s range.

Whether you’re a hardcore adventurer, a foodie, a family traveler, or someone who just wants to stare at mountains and regain inner peace… Big Sky delivers.

✨So Where Are We Headed in 2026?

Apparently, Montana.

And honestly? Same.

If you want to read the full report, check it out on CNBC. But fair warning — you might end up booking a flight.
cnbc.com