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Americans planning international trips for 2026 are setting their sights on new destinations as Europe prepares to introduce ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) entry rules and faces rising costs in major cities.
Travel operators and search data show a clear movement toward Türkiye, Egypt and several emerging destinations in Eastern Europe.
A new forecast from One Nation Travel, a Princeton based agency that specializes in the Eastern Mediterranean, reports a double digit jump in demand for itineraries that combine Türkiye and Egypt.
North American travelers want deeper cultural experiences and routes that avoid the heavy crowds they now associate with London, Paris and Rome.
Founder Bilal Dilsiz describes 2026 as “the year of the Grand History Tour.” He says travelers want meaningful contact with ancient sites without the stress of complicated planning.
His agency now offers multi country packages that link İstanbul, Cappadocia, Cairo and Luxor in a single trip. These packages include domestic flights, private Nile cruises, balloon rides at sunrise and boutique cave hotels.
One Nation Travel says these trips offer five star accommodation at prices more competitive than many major European destinations. Analysts expect multi destination itineraries to dominate long haul travel trends next year.
Fresh numbers from Kayak also show that American travelers are widening their options.
Search interest for flights to the Czech Republic rose nearly 180% for 2026 compared with 2025. Bulgaria searches rose almost 140%. Hungary jumped nearly 90%. Albania increased more than 65%. Jordan and Egypt saw almost 50% growth.
Prague ranks second among trending global cities for U.S. travelers next year. Sofia and Krakow follow as Americans look for places that offer what Kayak describes as “affordability, fewer crowds and a quintessential European experience.”
Kate Williams, Kayak’s travel trends expert, says new nonstop routes and a wave of boutique hotels help explain the rise in Eastern European searches. She also notes a shift in traveler expectations as Americans look for alternatives to busy post pandemic hot spots.
Kayak’s list reflects search behavior rather than bookings, yet the growth is strong enough to point to changing habits. Residents of some European cities have pushed back against over tourism, which has also contributed to the search for new routes and destinations.
Travel operators say Americans want trips that mix cultural immersion with convenience.
Agencies like One Nation Travel now package major sites into one streamlined route. These trips allow travelers to see Hagia Sophia, the rock formations of Cappadocia and the Great Pyramids without arranging separate regional flights.
Key elements of these curated routes include:
Travel platforms expect more innovation in 2026. The Points Guy forecasts growth in up and coming destinations, new flight routes and unusual accommodation options. Loyalty programs and one of a kind stays are expected to influence American travel planning as well.
Kayak recently introduced an AI mode that helps travelers plan trips using natural language. This tool offers an early look at how Americans may build more complex itineraries in the next few years.
The combined trends suggest that 2026 will be a year when Americans look beyond Western Europe and seek routes with more flexibility and cultural depth.
Türkiye and Egypt stand out as two of the main beneficiaries. Eastern Europe is also gaining momentum as travelers look for better value and less crowded urban centers.
6 min read
