This Hidden U.S. Mountain Town Near Yellowstone National Park is the World’s Top Travel Destination for 2026

The mountains are calling — and this time, they’ve officially taken the top spot. According to a new study from Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, Big Sky, Montana has been named the No. 1 trending travel destination in the world for 2026 , beating out global hotspots like Okinawa, Sardinia, and the Cotswolds. Searches for flights and accommodations in Big Sky surged 92% year-over-year , according to Expedia’s data from 24,000 global travelers. And while it might feel like this Rocky Mountain gem “came out of nowhere,” the truth is—it’s been quietly perfecting the art of the great outdoors for decades. “Big Sky has long been known for world-class outdoor recreation, skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and hiking, mountain biking and rafting in the summer ,” says Melanie Fish , travel expert for Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo. “Also adding to its charm are an evolving dining scene, growth in family-friendly offerings, community events, and cultural activities.” Why Big Sky is 2026’s hottest travel spot ----------------------------------------- Just an hour’s drive from Yellowstone National Park , Big Sky is a gateway to some of the most spectacular wilderness in America. It’s home to Lone Peak , an 11,000-foot summit with jaw-dropping views, and Big Sky Resort , one of North America’s largest ski areas—with 5,800+ acres of terrain , a new Explorer Gondola , and a high-speed tram to the top of Lone Mountain. Come summer, the snow gives way to alpine meadows and fly-fishing streams, with zipline tours, hiking, and whitewater rafting through the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem . Add in luxury mountain lodges, cozy après-ski spots, and a fast-growing culinary scene , and it’s no wonder travelers around the world are eyeing this western wonderland. Of course, there’s also what locals call the **“*Yellowstone* effect.” The hit Paramount series has put Montana’s dramatic landscapes in the global spotlight, inspiring more travelers to trade city skylines for rugged peaks. Getting there from NYC ---------------------- From New York City, travelers can reach Big Sky with a direct flight to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), followed by a scenic hour-long drive through the mountains. So if you’ve been dreaming of an escape that blends untamed wilderness with luxury comfort, Big Sky might just be your next bucket-list trip for 2026. The top 10 travel destinations in the world for 2026, according to Expedia -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Big Sky, Montana, USA 2. Okinawa, Japan 3. Sardinia, Italy 4. Phu Quoc, Vietnam 5. Savoie, France: 51% increase 6. Fort Walton Beach, Florida, USA 7. Ucluelet, Canada 8. Cotswolds, U.K. 9. San Miguel de Allende 10. Hobart, Australia** 🌍 Learn more about each of the 10 best travel destinations for 2026 here! Source: https://secretnyc.co/top-travel-destination-for-2026-expedia-big-sky-montana/