Amex Just Named 2026’s Trending Travel Destinations—and 2 U.S. Spots Make the Cut

Travelers are looking ahead to a thrilling 2026.

Amex just released its annual list of the top trending destinations based on member bookings and the company’s network of travel consultants. The only two U.S. locations that made the cut couldn’t be more different from each other—but they’re both all about giving travelers those awe-inspiring, adrenaline-pumping moments that become lifelong memories: Las Vegas and the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.

It’s no surprise that travelers are looking to the picturesque western mountain range as outdoor adventures continue to grow in popularity. Dubbed “the Switzerland of America,” the San Juan Mountains have one of North America’s highest concentration of peaks reaching over 14,000 feet in elevation. With the region offering four seasons of thrills— from hut-to-hut hikes and epic powder days to daredevil road trips—there’s really no bad time to visit.

In the fall, passengers see the peaks set ablaze with foliage on historic train rides to mountain towns with old-western charm. And come winter, the mountains have something to offer everyone, from the country’s best bargain skiing to luxury alpine resorts like World’s Best Award winner Madeline Hotel & Residences in Telluride. Springtime’s dazzling wildflowers are yet another allure, whether enjoyed from the scenic San Jaun Skyway or during challenging hikes in the San Juan National Forest. No matter what particular brand of adventures they get into, visitors can top them off with rejuvenating soaks in the area’s mineral hot springs. 

Heading southwest to the Silver State, Las Vegas’ ever-growing offerings continue to attract travelers looking for the crème de la crème in dining, entertainment, and general revelry.  

Since 2023, the Las Vegas Grand Prix has blended F1’s high-octane competition with the shimmering rush of nights on the strip. Sin City puts on its most spectacular show for the occasion, welcoming hundreds of thousands of guests to its grand stands, trackside casinos, and VIP suites.

Las Vegas hotels will also head into the new year with a refresh: the MGM Grand capped a $300 million renovation in 2025, while the FountiaineBleu expanded its LIV beach club into 80,000 square feet of revelry. The Venetian completed the first phase of its $1.5 billion remodel, adding several new dining concepts and opulent suites. Meanwhile, the city’s reigning World’s Best Award titleholder, Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas, unveiled two new elaborate bars with panoramic views.  All this as the desert oasis maintains its position as a world leader in adult revelry; it claimed the title of no. 1 nightlife destination in the world in a summer survey from Time Out.

Although legions of tourists famously part with their money in Sin City, visiting the Nevada mecca doesn’t have to mean splurging on glamorous digs and high-stakes bets. Just walking on the city’s extravagant streets is a feast for the eyes, and you can see everything from circus acts to a flamingo habitat free of charge.

As for international destinations, Amex’s data shows skyrocketing interests in destinations known for their rich cultural, culinary, and environmental offerings. The top destinations include the Indian Himalayas; Kellarney, Ireland; Marrakech, Morocco; Marbella, Spain; Okinawa Islands, Japan; Panama City, Panama; Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica; and St. Julian’s, Malta.