These 10 underrated holiday spots should be on your radar for 2026, according to travel experts.

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It seems we've all been bitten by the travel bug – and honestly, we're having a full-blown allergic reaction.

The wanderlust is real, and we simply can't get enough of planning our next escape. But here's the thing that makes us want to scream into our passport covers.

There's nothing worse than saving every penny for that dream trip, enduring questionable airline food and airport queues from hell, only to arrive at your "paradise" and find it's basically a human traffic jam.

Watch: Our ultimate Sri Lanka travel guide. Post continues below.

Expedia has just dropped their annual crystal ball report, revealing exactly where we'll all be desperately trying to book flights in 2026.

The travel giants predict that Japan, Italy, the US, and Vietnam will keep their crown as our collective obsessions – but here's the plot twist: we're all officially over fighting for elbow room at the Trevi Fountain.

The new travel mantra? "Beyond the crowds, please and thank you.".

Places where you can actually breathe, explore, and take that perfect selfie without someone's selfie stick in the frame.

Here are the 10 hidden gems Expedia predicts you should visit in 2026. They offer all the adventure and beauty of their famous counterparts, just without the tourist overwhelm.

10. Hobart, Australia.

Derwent River and Mount Wellington, Hobart. Images: Supplied, Expedia.

Hobart has had the ultimate glow-up. This isn't just Tasmania's capital anymore – it's a chic blend of maritime charm and quirky art (thanks to MONA) that'll make you forget all about the mainland madness.

Think Melbourne's vibrant gallery scene and a dash of Sydney's harbour vibes, but with actual breathing room and locals who have time for a proper chat.

The hidden laneways are adorned with incredible murals, the seafood is so fresh it practically jumps from dock to plate, and the laid-back Tassie spirit lets you properly unwind.

9. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

San Miguel de Allende. Images: Instagram/@frankvanderheijden, Expedia.

This colonial jewel is what happens when you take Mexico City's artistic soul and cultural richness, then dial down the chaos to a gentle hum.

Cobblestone streets whisper centuries-old stories, colourful façades practically beg for your camera, and the festivals have all the fiery passion without the overwhelming crowds of Cancún.

It's intimate, authentic, and absolutely magical.

8. Cotswolds, U.K.

Cotswolds. Image: Instagram/@the_cotswolds.

Picture the Lake District's rolling green hills and storybook charm, but with even prettier villages and way more accessibility.

The Cotswolds delivers all that pastoral English countryside magic – stone cottages, dew-kissed meadows, cosy pub meals – without the tourist buses clogging up the Scottish Highlands.

Every village feels like you've stepped into a Jane Austen novel.

7. Ucluelet, Canada.

Ucluelet. Images: Instagram/@tourismucluelet.

Think of Tofino's rugged Pacific coastline and world-class surfing, but imagine actually finding a quiet spot on the beach.

Ucluelet offers that same raw, humbling beauty where thunderous waves meet ancient indigenous heritage, minus the commercial buzz.

Here you can venture through misty temperate rainforests, kayak the calm waters of Barkley Sound, or paddleboard through Clayoquot's pristine channels. It's authentic, peaceful, and absolutely soul-stirring.

6. Fort Walton Beach, Florida, U.S.

Fort Walton Beach. Images: Instagram/@theislandfl, @mary.keevers.

All the soft white sands and crystal-clear waters of Destin or Miami, but without the spring break chaos or flashy party scene.

This Gulf Coast gem is where you can actually hear yourself think while beachcombing, discover unmarked trails, and savour incredible Gulf-to-table dining that doesn't require a reservation made six months in advance.

Caveat: Avoid Spring Break (Mid-March to Mid-April). Unless you want to party with the cool kids, no judgement.

5. Savoie, France.

Savoie, France. Images: Expedia, Instagram/@chamberycommunaute.

Imagine Chamonix's alpine scenery and world-class skiing, but in a setting so tranquil you can actually hear the mountain air.

Savoie's village life follows ancient rhythms, the fondue is life-changing, and every trail leads to vistas that haven't been Instagrammed to death.

It's intimate mountain magic at its finest.

4. Phu Quoc, Vietnam.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam. Images: Instagram/@phuquocist, Expedia.

This tropical paradise delivers all of Phuket or Bali's white beaches and coral reefs, but feels genuinely untouched.

Lantern-lit fishing villages, farm-fresh peppercorns, and diving spots that feel like your own private aquarium.

It's the authentic island escape we're all desperately seeking. And in the right light, you can even get a Tuscan vibe!

3. Sardinia, Italy.

Sardinia. Images: Instagram/@kekko_ortu_, @gianlucanonnis_.

Picture the Amalfi Coast's dramatic turquoise waters and charming coastal towns, then remove a chunk of the foot traffic.

Sardinia's wild romance between mountains and sea includes secluded white-sand coves that feel like private sanctuaries, ancient Nuragic stones with stories older than Rome, and vineyards that time forgot.

Caveat: This one can still heat up with tourists in peak summer time (June - August) so the best time to visit is outside of the peak periods.

2. Okinawa, Japan.

Okinawa, Japan. Images: Instagram/@vidanailha_okinawa, Expedia.

While Tokyo and Kyoto buzz with urban intensity, Okinawa offers tropical beaches and a unique culture that feels like Japan's best-kept secret.

This isn't just about longevity being a lifestyle (though the locals definitely know something we don't) – it's about finding that perfect balance of ancient wisdom and island vibes.

1. Big Sky, Montana, U.S.

Big Sky, Montana. Images: Expedia, Instagram/@aspectsbigsky.

The number one ranked and searched city for 2026 is… Big Sky, Montana. Think: big landscapes, big relaxation, even bigger hats.

You get Aspen's alpine adventure and ski slopes, but with actual room to breathe and wilderness that stretches beyond the horizon.

This is where you can chase sunsets on horseback, watch elk wander at dusk, and experience the kind of silence that makes you remember what peace actually feels like.

So, what are you waiting for? Book that trip and get in early – because let's be honest, once word gets out about these gems, they'll be just as packed as everywhere else.

Your future self (and your peace of mind) will thank you.

Where are your favourite crowd free spots to visit? Share in the comments below!

Feature Image: Instagram/@phuquocist.