Booking.com names Kochi among the world’s top trending destinations for 2026
Booking.com has released its annual Travel Predictions research for 2026, revealing that travellers are planning journeys that reflect who they are, what they enjoy and how they wish to experience the world. The study highlights that many travellers are open to travelling with a potential romantic partner, co-worker or new friend to explore compatibility, using technology to revisit places linked to personal memories, or even aligning their trips with their horoscope. The year ahead is set to be shaped by more individual, experimental and self-expressive journeys.
Along with these behavioural insights, Booking.com, one of the world’s leading digital travel platforms, has drawn on its data to identify the Trending Destinations that are expected to define global travel in 2026. Kochi in India has emerged among the Top 10 Trending Destinations, joining a diverse list that includes Mũi Né in Vietnam, Bilbao in Spain, Barranquilla in Colombia, Philadelphia in the United States, Guangzhou in China, Sal in Cape Verde, Manaus in Brazil, Munster in Germany and Port Douglas in Australia.
Kochi, India, sits on the southwestern coast of the country in Kerala and is a waterfront city shaped by centuries of maritime trade and cultural exchange. In Fort Kochi, colourful colonial era mansions stand beside art cafés, galleries and boutique stays, while the famous Chinese fishing nets create an unmistakable silhouette against the Arabian Sea. The city takes on a global creative energy during the Kochi Muziris Biennale, when historic buildings, godowns and public spaces are transformed into cutting-edge art venues.
Kochi’s food culture ranges from spicy seafood in traditional toddy shops to refined dishes like fish molee and coconut-rich thalis. It also serves as an ideal base to explore Kerala’s iconic landscapes, including the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey, the misty tea gardens of Munnar and the golden sands of Marari Beach. With excellent connectivity through Cochin International Airport, Kochi offers a soulful gateway to southern India’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
In Vietnam, Mũi Né has grown from a quiet fishing village into one of the country’s most sought-after coastal escapes, known for kite surfing, wind sports and dramatic landscapes such as the Red and White Sand Dunes and the gentle Fairy Stream. Along the seafront, beach shacks serve fresh seafood, while nearby fishing ports preserve traditional Vietnamese life.
Bilbao in Spain has evolved into one of Europe’s most exciting cultural cities. Once an industrial hub, the city is now synonymous with the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, which stands as a symbol of urban renewal against the hills of the Basque Country. The old town, Casco Viejo, charms visitors with medieval streets, pintxos bars and the historic Mercado de la Ribera, making Bilbao a highlight for architecture and gastronomy lovers alike.
On Colombia’s northern Caribbean coast, Barranquilla beats with tropical rhythm along the Magdalena River. It is globally renowned for the Carnaval de Barranquilla, a UNESCO-listed celebration of music, parades and dazzling costumes. Beyond carnival season, the Malecón del Río and El Prado district showcase riverfront views, historic mansions and vibrant street art, while local flavours such as butifarra sausages and fresh seafood anchor its culinary appeal.
In the United States, Philadelphia connects the founding story of the nation with contemporary urban life. Iconic sites such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell sit alongside lively neighbourhoods, outdoor murals and a food scene that stretches from the classic Philly cheesesteak to award-winning restaurants. As the country prepares for the U.S. Semiquincentennial in 2026, Philadelphia is also gearing up to host landmark events, including FIFA World Cup matches and the MLB All-Star Game, further strengthening its global draw.
Guangzhou in China, an ancient trading port on the Maritime Silk Road, offers a blend of history and modern skyline. Temples, traditional dim sum teahouses and the European-influenced streets of Shamian Island stand alongside contemporary landmarks such as the Canton Tower. As the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine, Guangzhou attracts food lovers from around the world.
On the island of Sal in Cape Verde, travellers discover white sand beaches, turquoise waters and world-class windsurfing set off the West African coast. The town of Santa Maria buzzes with colourful markets, live morna and funaná music and seafood dishes such as catchupa and grilled fish, capturing the laid-back, soulful spirit of the archipelago.
Deep in the Brazilian Amazon, Manaus stands as a remarkable metropolis of around two million residents. It serves as the principal gateway to the rainforest, with experiences such as the Meeting of Waters, where the Rio Negro and Solimões rivers flow side by side without mixing, and abundant river cruises and jungle excursions. Within the city, landmarks like the Teatro Amazonas opera house, bustling markets and distinctive Amazonian cuisine showcase a rich blend of culture and nature.
In Germany, Munster combines more than 1,200 years of history with a vibrant student-driven atmosphere. The Gothic St. Paulus Cathedral, the historic streets and arcades of Prinzipalmarkt and the green promenade that rings the Altstadt make the city highly walkable and cycle-friendly. As the birthplace of the Peace of Westphalia and home to one of Germany’s largest universities, Munster balances tradition with contemporary culture, cosy cafés and lively public spaces.
On Australia’s tropical northeast coast, Port Douglas offers an ideal base to explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Visitors can snorkel or dive among coral reefs by day, then explore rainforest trails and wildlife sanctuaries. The town’s Macrossan Street is lined with boutiques, markets and cafés, while dining options include relaxed beachside grills and refined restaurants serving fresh seafood. Evenings in Port Douglas unfold with a laid-back coastal charm under clear tropical skies.
Speaking about the 2026 insights, Santosh Kumar, Regional Manager, South Asia at Booking.com, said, “Our Travel Predictions 2026 research highlights that the year ahead is all about highly individual journeys that reflect travellers’ true interests. This trend is perfectly reflected in our list of top global destinations. The emergence of Kochi, alongside hotspots like Bilbao and Manaus, highlights a growing demand for places that blend rich culture, history and authentic natural beauty. From the heritage streets of Fort Kochi to the contemporary art of the Biennale and the serene backwaters of Kerala, travellers are clearly seeking experiences that are both inspiring and deeply meaningful. At Booking.com, we are committed to making these unique and enriching journeys effortless for everyone.”
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