G Adventures’ Top Trending Travel Destinations for 2026 Are More About the ‘Why’ Than the ‘Where’

G Adventures has released its annual “Where to Travel” list, highlighting trending destinations for the year ahead.

Building on the company’s new “Travel Your Heart Out,” the list encourages travellers to think about “why” they travel vs “where.”

The findings highlight travel’s profound impact on long-term happiness. For many travellers, it’s less about the destination itself and more about the experiences and emotions along the way.

According to the study, 85% of Canadian respondents agree that travel contributes to their long-term happiness, while 78% say they feel happier in their daily lives when they have a trip planned.

The top insights are:

It’s not just where you go – it’s how you feel:
Travellers across generations are prioritizing emotional fulfillment over checking off bucket-list sites. 68% of Canadians say they choose trips based on experiences rather than destinations. That number rises to 75% among 34–44-year-olds and 77% among adventure travellers, signalling a shift toward purpose-driven exploration.

The power of connection and belonging.
The study reveals that shared experiences are the strongest contributors to happiness while travelling. More than half (52%) of respondents said quality time with family or a partner made them happiest on a past trip—underscoring the emotional value of connection.

Purpose, empathy, and ethical travel.
G Adventures’ research supports its long-held belief that travel can foster understanding and empathy. Eighty-two per cent of travellers say travel makes them more open-minded toward other cultures, while 68% feel it helps them better understand themselves and their purpose—particularly strong among 25–34-year-olds (79%).

Ethical considerations are also front of mind: 86% of travellers say they’re thoughtful about the companies they travel with and their values, 74% avoid experiences that don’t align with animal welfare, and 83% prefer to avoid overcrowded destinations in favour of off-the-beaten-path or off-peak travel.

Decompressing and rediscovering wonder:
In an always-connected world, travellers are seeking opportunities to pause. Nearly half (46%) say they travel to disconnect from work and life pressures, with Gen Z feeling this most strongly (52%).
Meanwhile, 71% are looking forward to longer holidays of two weeks or more, and nearly half (48%) want to be active and explore, while 40% want to feel a sense of wonder—reflecting a growing appetite for balance between rest, activity, connection, and reflection.

Not just a break, but a breakthrough:
For many, travel is becoming a catalyst for renewal. Thirty-seven per cent of respondents are seeking trips that offer something “new” and “different” from their everyday lives, and 43% say they want to feel alive and energized through their travel experiences.

Going local and tasting the destination:
Modern travellers want to live like locals, not visitors. Sixty-two per cent prefer experiences that immerse them in local life, while 86% value staying and dining in locally owned establishments that give back to the community. Sustainability is also key: 64% of travellers actively consider lowering their carbon footprint through rail or public transport.

And when it comes to happiness, food plays a starring role—52% cite enjoying local cuisine as a top source of joy on past trips, while 53% say great food and drink are essential to achieving happiness while travelling.

G Adventures’ 10 “Happiness List” Trips for 2026:

1. Beach time in Panama: When travellers were asked about their happiest travel moments, beach time came out on top, with city exploration landing in the top three. This brand new ‘18-to-Thirtysomethings’ trip perfectly balances both. 
2. Exploring new cities in the Stans: New cities, longer journeys, historical immersion, natural beauty and destinations that are far beyond the ordinary – this new 23-day journey through The Stans as part of the National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures collection ticks all the happiness boxes.
3. In the realm of the polar bear: Remote landscapes and time on the water were also among top happiness boosters, and there’s nowhere more profound to experience both than the Arctic. 
4. Trying new foods and wines in Moldova: For those who find happiness in the joy of new foods and beverages on the road, this new seven-day Moldova trip is a true celebration of culture through cuisine. 
5. Slow down and live like a local: in a world that’s always rushing, many travellers crave time to slow down, skip the obvious, and discover the world’s hidden corners. That’s the idea behind G Adventures’ Local Living trips in places like France, Italy, Morocco, and Iceland. 
6. A sense of wonder – ‘eclipse of the century’ in Egypt and Morocco: Few experiences evoke awe like a total solar eclipse and, in August 2027, travellers can witness six unforgettable minutes of celestial magic as the moon blocks the sun for the longest land-based time in decades. 
7. Connecting with family in Ecuador: Over half of travellers surveyed said time with family made them happiest and this new National Geographic Family Journey to Ecuador is sure to deliver treasured family memories. 
8. Supporting wildlife in Southern Africa: Ethical travel and supporting wildlife emerged as key considerations for travellers when surveyed and this trip delivers both in abundance. 
9. De-stress and relax with Sri Lanka sailing: Gentle rocking waves, sleeping under the stars, swimming in clear blue waters, enjoying fresh local dishes prepared by an on-board chef and watching the sunset over the ocean; it doesn’t get much more relaxing than this. 
10. Feel alive and energized in Guatemala: Sometimes a solo trip is just the thing to wake up the senses and remember just how big, diverse, welcoming and exciting the world can be.  On the brand new Solo-ish Guatemala trip, travellers will experience the thrill of discovery.