New Travel Destinations for Gen Z and Millennial Travelers in 2026

January 22, 2026 | 10:32 am

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Travel trends have shifted from seeking iconic destinations, like the Eiffel Tower or the Colosseum, to undiscovered destinations. This is according to travel engine KAYAK's annual report, "What the Future 2026," which is supported by data and insights from the TikTok community.

According to the report, 71 percent of Gen Z travelers and 75 percent of millennials want unvisited destinations. TikTok posts using the hashtag #hiddengems have seen a more than 50 percent increase. Meanwhile, more than 1 in 5 travelers surveyed are actively seeking out lesser-known destinations.

Carolina Montenegro, KAYAK SVP Global Brand & B2B Marketing, said travelers want to prove they can choose amazing destinations, at the least crowded times, at the best prices. "Because that's what winning is all about," she said.

Destinations to Emerge in 2026

The report ranked first in Cork, Ireland's second-largest city. Cork is known as Ireland's culinary capital. The main attraction lies in The English Market, a legendary 18th-century market that offers everything from local artisans to fresh seafood, as reported by DiscoverIreland.

Travelers can also enjoy the Cork Fringe Festival on May 8-10, 2026, to enjoy all the theater and comedy performances taking place throughout the city, as well as a number of authentic Irish pubs.

Meanwhile, the second and third places are dominated by the Chinese cities of Chongqing and Harbin. Chongqing is a metropolis that has gone viral due to its unique topography. The city is a vertical labyrinth; a place where metro trains pass through apartment buildings and highways run atop rooftops, as reported by The Guardian.

This destination is a magnet for visual content seekers thanks to Hongya Cave, a complex of buildings on the banks of the River that, according to EasyTourChina, lights up at night like the set of the film Spirited Away. Beyond its visuals, Chongqing is a paradise for spicy food lovers, with authentic hot pot (mala) that challenges culinary adventures, according to a report by dreamingholidays.

Rounding out the top three, Harbin in northeastern China offers a "hidden Europe" experience. The city is famous for Harbin Ice and Snow World, the world's largest ice sculpture festival featuring replicas of majestic palaces made from river ice.

However, Harbin's allure extends beyond the cold. The city's beauty transports travelers to a medieval atmosphere, particularly at Saint Sophia Cathedral. Through its array of European and Oriental-style buildings, travelers can see the city's distinctive architectural styles. Don't miss out on the city's top souvenirs, including ginseng, Chinese spices, and even Russian dolls, as reported by ChinaHighlights.

Besides the top three destinations, several other cities are gaining traction with Gen Z and millennial travelers. Almaty in Kazakhstan offers the mysterious charm of Central Asia, while Hilo in Hawaii is an ideal destination for travelers seeking serenity in the Pacific Islands. According to TimeOut, here are 10 emerging destinations, according to KAYAK, that are predicted to become new tourist magnets by 2026:

1. Cork, Ireland

2. Chongqing, China

3. Harbin, China

4. Zakynthos, Greece

5. Shenzhen, China

6. Almaty, Kazakhstan

7. Hilo, Hawaii, USA

8. Noumea, New Caledonia

9. La Romana, Dominican Republic

10. Luxembourg

Imanda Zahwa Priyankany contributed for this article.

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