When it comes to planning a family vacation, it can be hard to please everyone. Dad wants to go somewhere in the mountains, while Mom wants a beach resort getaway, and the kids… well, they just want to go somewhere fun. And while these traditional options are always a great vacation, in 2026, why not opt for something more interesting? Expedia has shared some travel trends to look out for in 2026, including trending destinations, book-based trips, sports tourism, jet-setting, and more.
One vacation I can’t wait to experience for myself is sports tourism, where I can participate in a regional sport like rugby in New Zealand. I’m also pretty interested in planning a jet-setting trip based on some of my favorite movies and TV shows (hello, Croatia, inspired by the popular book-turned-Netflix film People We Meet on Vacation). If you’re in the trenches of planning your family (or solo, friend group, or couples) vacation for 2026, we’re here to help you out with our list of unique vacation ideas that can act as a jumping-off point to plan an entire trip around.
Classic roadtrips
Highway 1 Road Trip
Gather your best gal pals and get ready for the ultimate girls’ road trip on Highway 1 through San Luis Obispo County. Even though part of the roadway was closed for nearly two years, the section of Highway 1 near Ragged Point will fully reopen in March of this year, meaning that LA and San Francisco will be connected once again. Plan your trip around the spring wildflower superblooms, where you can pull into Montana de Oro State Park and do a four-mile out-and-back hike to see millions of flowers in bloom. Additionally, this area of California has a thriving wine region with over 30 different wineries. Head to Sinor-LaValle’s estate for a wine and oyster pairing or sample some natural wines at Scar of the Sea Wines.
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Culinary road trip through the Carolinas
If you love cooking competitions like Top Chef, then hit the road to the Carolinas, where the popular show shot Season 23. Start in either direction of this list, but be sure to hit every spot. In Charlotte, North Carolina, hit Supperland, a restaurant that takes southern food to the next level, especially with desserts like Cheerwine floats. Midwood Smokehouse is a top spot for BBQ. Then in Greenville, South Carolina, Scout’s Donuts is the local go-to for a sweet breakfast. When night falls, head to Scoundrel, the only Michelin-starred restaurant in the city, for a French bistro-style meal.
Sports tourism
Singapore Grand Prix
In October, Formula 1 will be heading to Singapore, and if you’ve ever dreamed of being pit-side, this could be your chance. The COMO Metropolitan Singapore is offering hotel packages that get you as close as possible to the action. You’ll get VIP access to the race, including pit-land and grid-state views, food, and drinks. Along with the excitement of F1, the package includes a two-night stay at the resort, which boasts a rooftop pool with incredible views.
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I would book this package as part of a larger trip to Singapore, where you can explore the street markets and walk through the enchanting Cloud Forest botanical garden. Just know that the F1 package can only be accessed by joining the COMO Club, the brand’s free membership program.
Miami, Florida
While you may think of Miami as just a beach and party town, the city is getting in on sports tourism in a huge way in 2026. Outside of its home for major league sports teams like the Miami Heat (NBA), Miami Dolphins (NFL), and Miami Marlins (MLB), the city will host three of the biggest sporting events of the year: the Miami Open, Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, and the FIFA World Cup. These events take place in March, May, and June through July, respectively. One hotel that will put you right in the middle of the action is the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, where you can get the best of sports, the sun and surf, and Miami’s hottest nightlife.
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Adventures by Disney to New Zealand
If you don’t want to focus your entire trip around a sporting event, but rather have it as part of a larger itinerary, the Adventures by Disney guided group tour to New Zealand is ideal. The 12-day trip is perfect for families with older kids (10+) who can enjoy everything the trip has to offer, including a ziplane canopy tour, a jet boat ride along the Dart River, and a traditional Māori welcome. The first of your sports experiences starts with learning about the national rugby team, the All Blacks, and the connections between the club, Aotearoa, and Māori culture. Then try your hand at sailing an America’s Cup Yacht through Auckland’s Waitematā Harbor.
Jet-setting
Mediterranean Cruise a la Emily in Paris
If you’ve been glued to the hit Netflix show Emily in Paris, you’ll know that Emily moves from France to Rome, Italy, seeking out her next big adventure. One way to have your own European adventure is a Mediterranean cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line. While there are a handful of itineraries to choose from, the 10-day Mediterranean from Barcelona to Venice will have you living your best Emily in Paris-inspired vacation.
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Just like in season 2 of the show, you’ll visit the French Riviera, where you can soak in the sun and good vibes before heading to Rome to see the Spanish Steps and the Colosseum. The cruise also visits Florence, Salerno, and Messina, Italy; Corfu, Greece; Kotor, Montenegro; Dubrovnik and Split, Croatia, and ends in Venice, Italy.
Underwater fun
Baird Bay, Australia
One of the world’s most pristine snorkeling locations is the remote Baird Bay on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula. Here, you can swim alongside Australian sea lions and bottlenose dolphins in protected rock pools. The waters are generally calm, allowing you to enjoy a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Even better, all of the gear you need will be provided for you. Each ocean tour is about 4 to 5 hours, and takes place from October 1 through April 30. And if you can’t get enough of this natural wonderland, you can book one of the two Baird Bay seaside villas, which can accommodate six or eight guests, depending on which villa you opt for.
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Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji
Visiting Fiji is on my bucket list, and one place that highlights the incredible diversity of the region is the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Savusavu, Fiji. The family-friendly property is known for highlighting eco-tourism with hands-on activities for everyone in the family. Think of things like working to restore giant clam habitats, planting mangroves, and more. The resort also offers PADI certification for families, which can be completed in just three days. Besides the fun at the resort, families can take a ride to local Fijian villages to learn about daily life from locals.
Getting out into nature
Camp Wandawega
For families who want to get off the grid and out into nature, Camp Wandawega in southeastern Wisconsin is a great option. The camp is on 25 acres of the north shore of Lake Wandawega. It has a storied past of being everything from a Prohibition-era speakeasy to a mid-century family resort. Your family can stay in a variety of accommodations, from vintage cabins and tents to historic buildings. Just don’t walk in expecting a five-star luxury resort. The resort is pretty low-key, but that’s part of its appeal.
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During your stay, you can enjoy everything from water-based sports like canoeing and fishing, hikes through the forest, and outdoor games. Think of this as an old-school summer camp that everyone in the family can participate in.
Much Better Adventures Trek the Tian Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan
Whether you’re a solo traveler who loves seeing new places or a couple looking to push yourselves, trekking through Kyrgyzstan with Much Better Adventures is sure to be a trip of a lifetime. The nine-night trip gives you an all-access pass to hike along one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in Central Asia. Along the way, you’ll be joined by a certified guide to lead the small group of 12 trekkers. Included in the overall cost are all of your meals, accommodations (including one night in a yurt), all of the gear you need, and local transfers. Highlights of the trip include kayaking on Issyk Kul Lake and hiking Skazka Canyon.
Lodi, California
If you’re like me, and your idea of getting out into nature is sitting on a porch sipping a glass of wine overlooking grand vistas, then Lodi, California, needs to be on your list of potential vacation spots in 2026. The Northern California wine region is known for fewer crowds and approachable wines. Besides the ample number of wineries to visit (85 of them to be exact), you can enjoy biking the vineyard routes, bird watching, and kayaking the Mokelumne River.
