Summer is coming before we know it — and that means travelers are already planning summer vacations. According to Chase Travel data, a few notable trends are surging, such as a rise in cooler, less-obvious summer destinations and rising interest in nature-led travel. Cities like Kauai, Hawaii, Budapest, Hungary, and Santa Fe, New Mexico, are just a few of the growing summer 2026 travel destinations, according to Chase Travel booking data.
To learn more about where travelers are headed this summer, we chatted with Rena Shah, Managing Director and Head of Chase Travel Group Lodging & Experiences. Here’s what she shared.
Emerging summer destinations
While classic summer destinations will always remain hotspots, this year, data suggests travelers are becoming interested in cities that are not often thought of as summer vacation spots. “You’ll always have the Londons, Parises, and Romes of the world performing well, but what’s exciting is the growth in places like Bilbao, Bologna, and Ljubljana,” says Shah. “That tells us travelers are actively looking beyond the traditional summer hotspots.”
“A big part of that is people wanting to get away from the crowds. These secondary cities offer a slower pace and a more authentic experience. You can interact with locals, immerse yourself in the culture, and feel like you’ve discovered something new,” she shares. One example of this is Bilbao, where travelers can find incredible architecture, an amazing food scene with pintxos culture, and a spot near the coast.
“This summer in particular, it’s even more compelling because it sits directly in the path of the August 12 total solar eclipse. We’re seeing more travelers plan trips around moments like that. These nature-driven, once-in-a-generation experiences are becoming real travel drivers,” Shah says.
Expert support & travel advice
Chase Travel data also indicates that travelers are feeling planning fatigue more now than ever before. “Travel planning fatigue is very real right now, especially in the summer. Travelers are dealing with peak demand, higher prices, and more moving parts across flights, hotels, and ground transportation. It can get complicated quickly.”
As a result, travelers are looking for a trusted partner in travel. This means they want more than just recommendations — they seek someone who can actually help them plan and manage their trip, end to end.
“That’s where having access to Reserve Designer Designers or advisors through FROSCH and VWT by Chase Travel really makes a difference. It is not just about building a great itinerary; it is about making sure it is tailored to what you want and that you are getting the most value out of your trip. There is also a level of confidence that comes with knowing you have support if plans change,” Shah shares.
Maximizing travel value
While planning a trip, Shah shares that travelers are increasingly trying to maximize value. This means they aren’t just seeking cheap options. Instead, they are carefully and strategically using travel points to book travel that brings them optimal value. This mindset is expected to continue beyond the summer and into the second half of the year, especially as we get closer to the holidays when travel becomes more expensive.
“We see that clearly in where people are redeeming. Top international destinations booked with points include places like London, Tokyo, Paris, Rome, and Athens. These are meaningful, long-haul trips that people are intentionally saving toward. Points have become a core part of how people make those trips happen.”
“At the same time, [Chase Travel] is continuing to expand how cardmembers can get value like Points Boost, which also gives people more flexibility, with rotating offers across flights and hotels, so there are always new ways to maximize value.”
Travel booking advice for summer 2026
When asked about practical booking advance for those planning to travel in summer 2026, Shah shares a few key tips:
- If you can, booking early definitely helps, especially for high-demand destinations. Even if you are planning later, there are still ways to have a great trip.
- Book your accommodations first, especially for popular destinations. There’s a common assumption that you should book flights first, but where you stay is often the most important part of your trip, since that’s where you’ll spend the most time.
- Don’t hesitate if you see a good deal. If something fits your dates and budget, it’s worth locking in. Chase Travel gives you flexibility and a wide range of options through programs like Points Boost, so you don’t have to wait for the “perfect” flight deal or transfer bonus.
- She also recommends checking out the top 10 growing summer 2026 destinations, listed below.
Top 10 Growing Summer 2026 Destinations, According to Chase Travel Booking Data
- Bilbao, Spain (+149%)
- Richmond, Canada (+146%)
- Québec City, Canada (+134%)
- Kauai, HI (+128%)
- Budapest, Hungary (+123%)
- Bologna, Italy (+118%)
- Santa Fe, New Mexico (+116%)
- Ljubljana, Slovenia (+110%)
- Helsinki, Finland (+110%)
- Lexington, Kentucky (+108%)
