Lifestyle Trend: Skyscanner Reveals Top Destinations For The Year Ahead You Should Know

Indian travellers are heading into 2026 with a renewed hunger for discovery, and Skyscanner’s latest insights reveal a clear tilt towards destinations rich in culture and depth. The coming year is set to be defined by personal, soulful journeys, whether it’s breathing in crisp mountain air through the “Altitude Shift” trend or exploring “Shelf Discovery” by tasting everyday flavours in local markets and grocery aisles. According to Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2026, intention-led planning is on the rise, with 59% of travellers eager to explore more. Search patterns highlight a growing curiosity for places that feel fresh, authentic, and experience-first. To make trip planning simpler, here’s a roundup of the destinations seeing the biggest year‑on‑year search surges, along with smart travel hacks to help you lock in better fares, find savvy stays, and make the most of your time on the ground. (Image: Pexels)

Jorhat, India (+493%) – Tea estates, river islands and a gentle, soul-filling start to the new year: If your 2026 energy is all about slowing down, breathing deeply, and pressing reset, Jorhat is the perfect place to begin. Beyond its famous tea gardens, the town is home to the century‑old Tocklai Tea Research Institute, where scientists have been studying tea since 1911, a fascinating stop for anyone curious about how Assam’s brews came to define global tea culture. Set aside a day to visit Majuli, the world’s largest river island, where artisans at Samaguri Satra still handcraft intricate mukha‑bhaona masks used in devotional performances. Back in town, you’ll find historic Assamese satras, textile workshops dedicated to shimmering muga silk, and riverfront sunsets that feel like a gentle reset for the soul. Jorhat offers a surprisingly rich cultural deep‑dive if you’re willing to wander. Skyscanner Brand Ambassador, and captain of the Indian Men’s T20I cricket team, Suryakumar ‘SKY’ Yadav says, “Jorhat is a place that’s been on my bucket list for a while. Everything I’ve heard about it, from the tea gardens and the culture to the calm of the place, makes it sound like the perfect reset. I’m always looking for destinations that rejuvenate me and are unique, so Jorhat is definitely on my list of places to visit for that reason. If you’re looking to start the year with something peaceful, this is one place you should consider!” (Image: Pexels)

Muscat, Oman (+211%) – Arabian sunsets, luxury, and winter sun done right: Muscat is where rugged mountains meet turquoise seas, but the city’s true charm lies beyond its postcard views. Start with the iconic Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, then lose yourself in Mutrah’s winding alleys, where Bedouin shops sell incense blends found only in Oman. In Old Muscat, explore the museum cluster, including Bait Al Zubair, home to an impressive collection of ancient Omani and tribal artefacts. For adventure seekers, a drive to Wadi Al Arbeieen reveals one of Oman’s most dramatic wadis, still a hidden gem for most travellers. By evening, step into the opulent Royal Opera House to catch a world‑class performance in a setting so lavish it feels almost surreal. And here’s a smart travel hack: use Skyscanner’s Mix & Match function. Flying out with one airline and back with another, or even mixing departure airports, often unlocks quieter routes and lower fares. That means more savings to spend on Muscat’s sunset souqs and seaside coffees. (Image: Pexels)

Queenstown, New Zealand (+151‏%) – Adventure at sunrise, vineyards by noon, hot pools by sunset: Queenstown is one of those rare places where the landscape instantly resets your senses. From January to March, the region glows under crisp sunlight, with every shade of blue and green dialled up to its most stunning. Begin your day with a gondola ride up Bob’s Peak, hike a stretch of the Ben Lomond Track, or feel the thrill of a jet boat ride across shimmering waters. By midday, slow the pace with a vineyard lunch in the Gibbston Valley, where rolling hills and fine wines set the tone for indulgence. Beyond the adventure, Queenstown’s quieter corners are equally rewarding. Stroll through the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement, a preserved 19th‑century neighbourhood that tells the story of Chinese gold miners, or wander the lakeside trails at Kelvin Heights Sculpture Park, where art and nature blend seamlessly. For a classic Kiwi road trip, drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy. Though short, the route is breathtaking, dotted with hidden coves, walking trails, and mirror‑like lake views that invite you to slow down and soak it all in. (Image: Pexels)

Chiang Rai, Thailand (+133‏%) – White temples, green hills and architectural wonders: If you love discovering a destination through its flavours, Chiang Rai is a perfect fit for the global Shelf Discovery trend, where travellers “eat like a local” not just in restaurants but in everyday neighbourhood supermarkets. With nearly four in five Indian travellers now browsing grocery aisles abroad, a family‑run mini‑mart here reveals the region’s character through herbal teas, mochi‑filled sweets, quirky Thai drinks, and snacks you won’t find back home. It’s one of the simplest ways to understand daily life in northern Thailand. At night, Chiang Rai’s intimate markets brim with craft stalls and local delicacies, offering a more personal experience than the big‑city bazaars. By day, step into the surreal Black House (Baan Dam), a striking complex of dark‑wood buildings filled with carvings, sculptures, and tribal artefacts. Then head north into Chiang Rai’s tea country, where the plantations around Doi Mae Salong unfold into sweeping vistas. Here, small tea houses run by Yunnanese families, settled decades ago, serve brews that carry both history and flavour, making the journey as soulful as it is scenic. (Image: Pexels)

Varanasi, India (+120‏%) – Ancient rituals, riverside calm and a truly introspective escape: Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest living cities, where every corner feels steeped in centuries of stories. Beyond the famous ghats and the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple, wander into lesser‑known gems like Ramnagar Fort, with its royal museum, or take a heritage walk through weaving neighbourhoods that keep Banarasi silk traditions alive. At dawn, a boat ride along the Ganga transforms the riverfront into a moving tapestry of rituals, colours, and chants. And when hunger calls, nothing beats a steaming bowl of kachori‑sabzi from a decades‑old shop tucked inside the labyrinthine lanes, a taste of the city’s magnetic energy through its palate. Varanasi also resonates with the rise of the family miles trend, where multigenerational groups seek to reconnect through shared experiences. Its walkable heritage quarters, sensory‑rich rituals, and spiritual atmosphere make it a meaningful choice for families travelling with parents and grandparents, offering everyone something to hold onto, spiritually, culturally, and emotionally. (Image: Pexels)

Manila, Philippines (+108‏%) – Colour, cuisine and a launchpad to island-hopping magic: Manila is a city that blends heritage with charm, making it irresistible to explore. Step into Intramuros, the Spanish‑walled district where cobblestone lanes, centuries‑old churches, and buzzing jeepneys bring history to life. Cross over to Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown, for dim sum trails and traditional bakeries that have stood the test of time. For culture seekers, the National Museum of Fine Arts and Ayala Museum’s dazzling gold collection offer rich insights into the country’s past. Nature lovers can head to Tagaytay for sweeping lake‑and‑volcano views, while adventurers will find Manila an excellent base for island‑hopping to Boracay, Cebu, or Siargao. Planning smart? Use Skyscanner’s Whole Month search to get a bird’s‑eye view of fares across the month. It’s the easiest way to spot the cheapest dates to fly, leaving you with more to spend on Manila’s vibrant streets and island escapes. (Image: Pexels)

Tbilisi, Georgia (+105‏%) – Thermal baths, wine bars and winter charm made for wandering: Tbilisi draws you in at first glance but reveals its true magic only when you slow down. Stroll through the Old Town, where pastel‑hued balconies overlook sulphur bathhouses, then ride the cable car up to Narikala Fortress for sweeping views across the city. For hidden gems, seek out the Leghvtakhevi Waterfall tucked just behind the bath district, or step into the Wine Museum to discover Georgia’s claim as the birthplace of winemaking. The city’s café culture is equally irresistible, blending flaky Georgian pastries with artsy spaces perfect for lingering mornings. And if you’re planning a trip, Skyscanner’s DROPS feature is a clever shortcut; it highlights flight prices that have dipped by more than 20% in the past week, making it easier to spot the sweetest deals at a glance. (Image: Pexels)

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (+98‏%) – Pho for breakfast, skyline views by lunch, markets by night: Ho Chi Minh City pulses with energy, where motorbike‑filled boulevards meet French‑colonial facades and coffee shops line every corner. Start with the War Remnants Museum for a powerful glimpse into history, then dive into the bustle of Ben Thanh Market for shopping and street food. For a change of pace, a day trip to the Mekong Delta offers floating markets, lush canals, and fruit orchards that feel worlds away from the city’s buzz. Beyond the usual highlights, step into the Jade Emperor Pagoda, one of the most atmospheric temples in the city, or wander hidden specialty cafés that make Ho Chi Minh a paradise for coffee lovers. From frothy egg coffee to refreshing coconut coffee and bold Vietnamese cold brews, every sip tells a story of local flavour. (Image: Pexels)

Port Louis, Mauritius (+93‏%) – Creole culture, markets and beaches perfect for New Year downtime: Begin your day in Port Louis at the lively Central Market, where fresh produce, spices, and local crafts capture the city’s vibrant pulse. Step into the Blue Penny Museum to explore rare postal artefacts, or soak up the art and café culture along the Caudan Waterfront. For a quieter, more reflective experience, visit Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage site that tells the story of indentured labourers and offers a window into Mauritius’s multicultural identity. From the capital, scenic drives, coastal hikes, and day trips to pristine lagoons are all within easy reach, making Port Louis a perfect base for exploration. And when it comes to finding the right place to stay, Skyscanner’s interactive Hotel Map makes it simple. Zoom into the harbour or waterfront, use quick‑select filters like Best, Top Reviews, or Nearest First, and refine further with amenities and ambience options to match your travel style. (Image: Pexels)