American ExpressAmerican ExpressAmerican ExpressAmerican ExpressAmerican Express
Customer ServiceLog In
United StatesChange Country
Marrakech, Morocco
Marbella, Spain
Okinawa, Japan
American Express Travel logo

2026 Trending
Destinations

A 2025 Amex survey found that 99% of respondents plan on taking a vacation in the next year. As people travel the world visiting off-the-beaten-path locales and tried-and-true cities, American Express Travel’s annual Trending Destinations list highlights must-visit destinations for 2026.

From a small fishing town to unforgettable mountain ranges to colorful cities rich with entertainment and culture, there’s a destination for a diverse range of trips. Based on global American Express® Card Member travel bookings in 2025 and insights from Amex Travel’s global network of Travel Consultants, the 2026 Trending Destinations list offers inspiration on where to go and how to get the most out of your trip booking through Amex Travel.

This poll was conducted between July 25 - 28, 2025 among a sample of 2,083 adults with a household income greater than $50k per year who travel by plane at least once a year. The interviews were conducted online, and the data was weighted to approximate a target sample of adults based on gender, age, race, educational attainment, and region. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.

Based on 2025 Internal American Express Data.

Indian Himalayas

India

Breathtaking views of towering peaks, glaciers and lush valleys, some of the world’s highest road passes and railroads, and unique wildlife await those looking for unforgettable, high-altitude adventures. The Indian Himalayas offer stunning natural beauty like no other place in the world.

Explore colorful Buddhist monasteries and their traditions in the Ladakh and Sikkim regions, or the spiritual home of the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala. Along the way, keep an eye out for snow leopards, Bengal tigers, ibex, and blue sheep, especially in and around Khangchendzonga National Park.

Where to Stay

American Express Hotel Program Benefits

Platinum Card® Members have access to the following benefits with Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel.*

  • 12pm check-in, when available
  • Room upgrade upon arrival, when available
  • Daily breakfast for two
  • $100 credit to use towards eligible charges
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Guaranteed 4 pm check-out

Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.

Eligible charges vary by property.

  • 12pm check-in, when available
  • Room upgrade upon arrival, when available
  • $100 credit to use towards eligible charges
  • Late check-out, when available

Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.

Eligible charges vary by property.

The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.

Where to Explore

Killarney

Ireland

Along Ireland’s famous and dreamlike Ring of Kerry scenic drive comes the historic town of Killarney. Considered a quintessential Irish experience, the southwest Ireland locale is rich with natural beauty and Irish history, including rolling hills, stunning lakes, and ancient castles.

Start in the charming town center, where a lively local culture is on full display, especially in the summer months. Work your way to Kerry National Park for a look at iconic Irish terrain, native red deer, and the regal Muckross House, where Queen Victoria and members of the royal family stayed in 1861.

Where to Stay

American Express Hotel Program Benefits

Platinum Card® Members have access to the following benefits with Fine Hotels + Resorts® bookings through American Express Travel.*

  • 12pm check-in, when available
  • Room upgrade upon arrival, when available
  • Daily breakfast for two
  • $100 credit to use towards eligible charges
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Guaranteed 4 pm check-out

Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.

Eligible charges vary by property.

Where to Explore

Las Vegas

Nevada, United States

Las Vegas has long been a go-to destination for its vast array of live entertainment, famous hotels, casinos and restaurants, and in 2024, Las Vegas was the #1 destination for hotels booked by American Express Card Members through Amex Travel™. The nonstop energy provides an unforgettably vibrant atmosphere.

Don’t miss the iconic sights, immersive shows, and concerts, and savor the culinary scene that showcases globally acclaimed chefs offering a broad range of dining experiences. Luxury retailers and designer boutiques are numerous. Take monorail trams that make getting around the four-mile Las Vegas Strip easier.

Where to Stay

American Express Hotel Program Benefits

Platinum Card® Members have access to the following benefits with Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel.*

  • 12pm check-in, when available
  • Room upgrade upon arrival, when available
  • Daily breakfast for two
  • $100 credit to use towards eligible charges
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Guaranteed 4 pm check-out

Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.

Eligible charges vary by property.

  • 12pm check-in, when available
  • Room upgrade upon arrival, when available
  • $100 credit to use towards eligible charges
  • Late check-out, when available

Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.

Eligible charges vary by property.

The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.

Where to Explore

Marbella

Spain

From the sandy Mediterranean beaches to the Sierra Blanca Mountains, Marbella’s stunning scenery is just a start to a memorable Spanish coast experience. Luxury, glamour, and old-world Andalusian charm blend easily with a pulsating nightlife, fabulous restaurants, rich history, and warm culture.

Take in the picturesque cobblestone streets of Marbella Old Town, notable for its whitewashed buildings, designer boutiques, and scented orange trees. Nearby Puerto Banus Marina is a must-stop for views of multimillion dollar yachts, luxury sports cars, and more high-end shopping and fine dining. Keep an eye out for celebrities.

Where to Stay

American Express Hotel Program Benefits

Platinum Card® Members have access to the following benefits with Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel.*

  • 12pm check-in, when available
  • Room upgrade upon arrival, when available
  • Daily breakfast for two
  • $100 credit to use towards eligible charges
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Guaranteed 4 pm check-out

Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.

Eligible charges vary by property.

  • 12pm check-in, when available
  • Room upgrade upon arrival, when available
  • $100 credit to use towards eligible charges
  • Late check-out, when available

Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.

Eligible charges vary by property.

The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.

Where to Explore

Marrakech

Morocco

Famous for its historic medinas, palaces, and mosques, Marrakech has come to be known as Morocco’s cultural capital. A former imperial city with walls and maze-like alleyways, Marrakech is thriving with souks (marketplaces) offering traditional textiles, pottery, and jewelry. For many visitors, Marrakech is also a place to find inspiration and serenity.

One of the city’s most famous landmarks is the historic 12-century Koutoubia Mosque, its Moorish minaret visible from most parts of Marrakech. At the heart of the city rests Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, a lively center for musicians, vendors, and food, day or night.

Where to Stay

American Express Hotel Program Benefits

Platinum Card® Members have access to the following benefits with Fine Hotels + Resorts® bookings through American Express Travel.*

  • 12pm check-in, when available
  • Room upgrade upon arrival, when available
  • Daily breakfast for two
  • $100 credit to use towards eligible charges
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Guaranteed 4 pm check-out

Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.

Eligible charges vary by property.

Where to Explore

Okinawa Islands

Japan

An archipelago in southern Japan, Okinawa is comprised of 160 islands. Its natural beauty, thriving wildlife, year-round warm temperatures, and rich cultural heritage attract adventurers from around the world.

Okinawa is best taken at your own pace. Picturesque bays, vast beaches, clear waters, and coral reefs invite rich sight-seeing and outdoor experiences including spectacular diving and snorkeling. Check out the seaside beauty of Kabira Bay or swim within the natural wonder of Blue Cave. Immerse yourself in the unique Ryukyuan culture at the historic Shuri Castle.

Where to Stay

American Express Hotel Program Benefits

Platinum Card® Members have access to the following benefits with Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel.*

  • 12pm check-in, when available
  • Room upgrade upon arrival, when available
  • Daily breakfast for two
  • $100 credit to use towards eligible charges
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Guaranteed 4 pm check-out

Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.

Eligible charges vary by property.

  • 12pm check-in, when available
  • Room upgrade upon arrival, when available
  • $100 credit to use towards eligible charges
  • Late check-out, when available

Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.

Eligible charges vary by property.

The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.

Where to Explore

Panama City

Panama

On the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, Panama City greets travelers with one of most impressive skylines in Latin America. But the main attraction, of course, is the canal itself, one of most amazing wonders of modern engineering in the world.

Start at the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center and get a close-up look at some of the nearly 12,000 vessels that pass through the canal every year. Sitting at “the crossroads of the world,” Panama City’s multicultural population shines through the city’s diverse and renowned food, art, and festival scenes. Right in town, check out Metropolitan Natural Park, a massive tropical forest where monkeys, sloths, and other wildlife abound.

Where to Stay

American Express Hotel Program Benefits

Platinum Card® Members have access to the following benefits with Fine Hotels + Resorts® bookings through American Express Travel.*

  • 12pm check-in, when available
  • Room upgrade upon arrival, when available
  • Daily breakfast for two
  • $100 credit to use towards eligible charges
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Guaranteed 4 pm check-out

Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.

Eligible charges vary by property.

Where to Explore

Papagayo Peninsula

Costa Rica

Resting on Costa Rica’s north Pacific coast, Papagayo Peninsula is renowned for its luxury accommodations and amenities inside a 1,400-acre natural sanctuary. Get up close to a diverse array of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and toucans.

Extraordinary adventures are yours to enjoy within this sprawling nature-lover’s playground. Go kayaking or snorkeling off calm and uncrowded beaches, or take a hike through enchanted forests, over coastal bluffs, or within untamed national parks.

Where to Stay

American Express Hotel Program Benefits

Platinum Card® Members have access to the following benefits with Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel.*

  • 12pm check-in, when available
  • Room upgrade upon arrival, when available
  • Daily breakfast for two
  • $100 credit to use towards eligible charges
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Guaranteed 4 pm check-out

Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.

Eligible charges vary by property.

  • 12pm check-in, when available
  • Room upgrade upon arrival, when available
  • $100 credit to use towards eligible charges
  • Late check-out, when available

Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.

Eligible charges vary by property.

The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.

Where to Explore

San Juan Mountains

Colorado, United States

Epic outdoor activities await among the rugged peaks, high-altitude alpine lakes, and stunning wildflower-filled meadows of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. With peaks reaching to 14,000 feet, the San Juan Mountains are true delights for photographers and skiers alike, with activities in every season.

Start with the San Juan Skyway, a spectacular high-country drive with breathtaking views of towering peaks and colorful meadows. Get off-road on the Alpine Loop, a famous 4x4 trail, take a dog-sledding adventure, or step out for one of hundreds of exhilarating hiking opportunities. Get a glimpse into pre-Columbian history at Mesa Verde National Park.

Where to Stay

American Express Hotel Program Benefits

Platinum Card® Members have access to the following benefits with Fine Hotels + Resorts® bookings through American Express Travel.*

  • 12pm check-in, when available
  • Room upgrade upon arrival, when available
  • Daily breakfast for two
  • $100 credit to use towards eligible charges
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Guaranteed 4 pm check-out

Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.

Eligible charges vary by property.

Where to Explore

St. Julian's

Malta

Malta’s small but famous seaside town of St. Julian’s (or San Giljan, to locals) blends fishing-village charm with old-world history and contemporary fun. Beaches, bays, and beauty are among the highlights of this Mediterranean island hotspot, with plenty of nightlife options after the sun goes down.

Start with a long walk or cycle along Spinola Bay on St. Julian’s promenade. Views of traditional fishing boards and the Mediterranean are unforgettable, especially at sunset. Be sure to gaze into the calm bay waters to properly read the iconic and romantic “LOVE” sign. Then, it’s on to the Paceville district for a nightlife buzzing with bars, clubs, and live music venues.

Where to Stay

American Express Hotel Program Benefits

Platinum Card® Members have access to the following benefits with Fine Hotels + Resorts® bookings through American Express Travel.*

  • 12pm check-in, when available
  • Room upgrade upon arrival, when available
  • Daily breakfast for two
  • $100 credit to use towards eligible charges
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Guaranteed 4 pm check-out

Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.

Eligible charges vary by property.

Where to Explore

Get more out of your getaway with American Express Travel®

American Express: Don't Live Life Without It