Holiday Travel Chaos and 2026 Trends: From Winter Storm Disruptions to the Hottest Destinations for Next Year

The final days of 2025 are proving to be a perfect storm for American travelers, as severe winter weather wreaks havoc on holiday travel plans while industry experts look ahead to reveal the hottest destinations and emerging trends for 2026. With over 122 million Americans projected to travel during the year-end period, the intersection of current chaos and future planning offers crucial insights for anyone with wanderlust. Winter Storm Creates Travel Nightmare More than 30 million people are under winter weather alerts across the Midwest and Northeast as a powerful winter storm disrupts what was expected to be one of the busiest travel days of the holiday season. The severe weather has created a cascade of problems for travelers trying to return home after Christmas celebrations. As of Sunday, more than 9,000 flights within, into or out of the US were delayed, with over 700 cancellations according to FlightAware. The disruptions have been particularly severe at major hubs, with Chicago O'Hare International Airport issuing a ground stop Sunday evening due to thunderstorms. At least 2 million people are under blizzard warnings in the Midwest, where winds could gust from 40 to 60 mph. These powerful wind gusts are blowing heavy snow around, reducing visibility to less than a quarter of a mile in many warning areas, creating dangerous whiteout conditions that make travel nearly impossible. The National Weather Service office in Des Moines, Iowa, discouraged travelers from attempting to drive Sunday into Monday, warning that dangerous travel conditions are expected for much of the next 24 hours. A long stretch of I-35 has been closed from Ames, Iowa, up through the Minnesota border, with Minnesota portions of the interstate listed as "Travel Not Advised." The weather has delivered more than just snow and wind. A tornado watch was issued for parts of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Missouri, with Tazewell County in Illinois suffering significant damage to property, trees and power lines as strong thunderstorms, including a confirmed tornado, rolled through Sunday afternoon. TSA Projects Record-Breaking Holiday Travel Despite the weather chaos, the Transportation Security Administration is gearing up for what may be record-breaking passenger volumes. TSA is fully staffed and ready to screen a projected 44.3 million travelers at the nation's airport security checkpoints between Friday, December 19, 2025, through Sunday, January 4, 2026. The agency expects the heaviest traveler volume will be about 2.86 million on Sunday, December 28, followed by December 19, 20, 21, 27, and 29. The busiest day last year was Friday, December 27, when TSA screened just under 2.85 million travelers, meaning this year is poised to set new records. TSA Senior Official Adam Stahl noted that 2025 is expected to be another record setter following major improvements this year to make airport security more seamless and secure. Key changes include the implementation of REAL ID, the launch of family and military lanes, and perhaps most notably, ending the shoes-off requirement at checkpoints. Secretary Noem announced a new policy this past summer allowing passengers traveling through domestic airports to keep their shoes on while passing through security screening at TSA checkpoints. This change, combined with the "Families on the Fly" campaign that includes dedicated family lanes at select airports nationwide, aims to enhance the overall travel experience. AAA Predicts Record Road Travel While air travel grabs headlines, the roads will see the most dramatic increase in travelers. More than 109 million people are expected to travel via car for end-of-year trips according to AAA, representing a 2 percent increase compared to last year. This marks the first time on record that the number of domestic air travelers over the year-end holiday period exceeds 8 million. For travelers renting cars, Saturday, December 20 is expected to be the busiest pick-up day according to AAA's car rental partner Hertz. The top 5 markets with the highest demand are Orlando, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, and Phoenix, with small SUVs making up the most popular car rental class over the year-end holidays. Gas prices are providing some relief for budget-conscious travelers. For the first time in 4 years, the national average dropped below $3 a gallon this month, significantly lower than last holiday season when the national average was $3.04. Prices could continue dropping as 2025 comes to a close, making road trips more affordable. However, with record numbers of car travelers, AAA is urging drivers to prioritize safety. December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, serving as a timely reminder to make safe choices during one of the most dangerous times of year on the road. During 2024's year-end holiday period, AAA responded to more than 860,000 emergency roadside assistance calls to help stranded drivers. Big Sky Montana Tops 2026 Destination List Looking beyond the current travel chaos, industry analysts have identified the hottest destinations for 2026, and a surprising winner has emerged. Big Sky, Montana was named the top trending travel destination for 2026 according to a new report from Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo, with searches for flights and accommodations increasing by 92 percent over the past year. The mountain town's proximity to Yellowstone National Park, world-class skiing, and stunning natural beauty are driving interest. Located in southwestern Montana, Big Sky offers visitors access to both alpine adventures and the iconic national park, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. The shift toward mountain destinations reflects broader trends in travel preferences. Travelers are increasingly seeking nature-focused experiences and smaller, less crowded cities that offer authentic connections to local environments. This movement points to a growing interest in sustainable travel that supports local communities while preserving the character and charm of visited destinations. Okinawa Japan Emerges as Second Hottest Destination Okinawa, a chain of islands with a subtropical climate in southern Japan, claimed the number two spot for trending destinations in 2026. Travel to Japan surged in recent years thanks to a weak yen and lifted Covid restrictions, but some cities like Kyoto have introduced tourist taxes to curb overcrowding. Expedia recognized Okinawa for meeting its "Smart Travel Health Check" framework, aligned with World Travel and Tourism Council principles, for the region's efforts to offer cultural and natural experiences without the overcrowding seen in many major global cities. The subtropical islands offer a distinct experience from mainland Japan, with unique culture, pristine beaches, and rich history. The emphasis on Okinawa reflects a broader trend of travelers seeking alternatives to traditional tourist hotspots. While Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka remain popular, more travelers are heading into Japan's quieter corners, exploring deeper into regional traditions and experiences that haven't changed in generations. Sardinia and Secondary European Destinations Rising Sardinia, the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, has seen a 63 percent increase in searches for travel and stays, making it one of the top destinations for 2026. The Italian island offers extensive coastline and stunning turquoise seas ideal for swimming and sunbathing, along with the Maddalena archipelago, a protected national park with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. What makes Sardinia particularly appealing is its accessibility to travelers on various budgets. While the Sardinian coast has been a top destination for high-profile celebrities since the 1960s, the island offers plenty for budget-conscious travelers. Sardinian food is distinct from mainland Italy, heavily influenced by pastoral traditions and a mixture of Spanish and Arab flavors. The rise of secondary European destinations extends beyond Sardinia. Eastern Europe is experiencing a surge in interest, driven by two key factors: access and affordability. Airlines are opening up more nonstop routes to destinations in the area, while new boutique hotels are emerging. Searches for Bulgaria are up nearly 50 percent, while searches for destinations in the Middle East like Jordan and Egypt are also climbing significantly. Five Major Trends Shaping 2026 Travel CNBC analyzed 25 year-end travel reports and identified five significant trends that will shape travel in the coming year, each reflecting fundamental shifts in how and why people travel. 1. Less-Traveled Destinations and Off-Peak Travel To better experience local culture, avoid contributing to overtourism, and potentially save money, travelers are increasingly avoiding peak seasons and heavily visited destinations. Forty-five percent of advisors from travel agency Virtuoso say their clients are adjusting plans due to climate change, with 76 percent reporting increased interest in shoulder-season or off-peak travel. Online travel platform Agoda found that accommodation searches in Asia's secondary destinations are growing 15 percent faster than in traditional tourism hubs. Governments are catching on to this trend, with Indonesia rolling out its "Tourism 5.0" strategy to develop five "super priority" secondary destinations designed to shift tourism beyond Bali. Japan is also implementing regional campaigns to steer visitors away from Tokyo and other major city centers. 2. Decision-Free Planning and All-Inclusive Experiences Traditionally, all-inclusive travel was about efficiency, with travelers planning itineraries to maximize holiday time. But today, travelers are mentally exhausted before going on trips and increasingly outsourcing planning to agencies or hotels offering all-inclusive packages. This shift reflects a broader desire to reduce decision fatigue and simply show up to enjoy experiences without the stress of constant planning and coordination. Hotels and travel providers are responding with more comprehensive packages that handle every detail from arrival to departure. 3. Nostalgia Trips and Golden Gap Years Younger travelers are seeking vacations that take them down memory lane. Nearly 8 in 10 Americans under the age of 35 say they either have or want to recreate a childhood trip. This nostalgia-driven travel taps into emotional connections and family histories, creating deeply meaningful experiences. Meanwhile, new retirees, including the oldest members of Gen X, are embracing their newfound freedom through "golden gap year" trips. With no bosses to report to and no kids in tow, they're taking extended trips, both overland and via cruise ship, that are more adventurous than retiree trips of the past. Nearly 25 percent of retirees have traveled for a year or would consider doing so. 4. AI-Powered Hotel Stays and Smart Technology While more travelers are turning to artificial intelligence to book trips, hotels are also using it to better understand their guests. AI technology is enabling personalized experiences, from customized room preferences to predictive service that anticipates guest needs before they're even expressed. This technological integration extends beyond booking to the entire travel experience, with smart hotel rooms, AI concierges, and data-driven recommendations creating more seamless and personalized stays. 5. Wellness Retreats and Immersive Experiences Wellness travel continues to grow, with travelers seeking retreats that offer mental and physical rejuvenation. These experiences go beyond traditional spa vacations to include mindfulness programs, fitness challenges, and holistic health approaches. Culinary travel is also heating up in 2026, with bakery classes and wine regions stealing the spotlight. Food and drink experiences are among the most-booked activities, including croissant baking classes in Paris and mochi-making in Tokyo. Wine tourism is simultaneously rising, as travelers flock to up-and-coming and hidden gem wine regions. National Parks See Surge in Interest While embracing nature was a top trend in 2025, there's a remarkable surge in searches and interest for national parks across the globe in 2026, with US parks especially in the spotlight as the country celebrates its 250th anniversary and landmark centennials for iconic parks like the Great Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah, and Grand Teton. The Great Smoky Mountains is one of the top trending destinations globally in 2026, with searches trending over 135 percent among solo travelers. Nature and outdoors experiences have become the top-booked experience category, reflecting a broader social movement to reconnect with natural spaces. The "touch grass" movement has over 85,000 posts with the #touchgrass hashtag on TikTok, illustrating the cultural push to spend more time outdoors. Event-Driven Travel Dominates Planning Sixty-five percent of the top-searched dates and cities for next year coincide with major cultural, sporting, and music events such as the Winter Olympics, FIFA World Cup, Carnival, and Coachella. Travelers are prioritizing these experiences, turning tickets into passports and seeking their own "mainstage" moments through unique adventures and global journeys. This event-driven approach to travel planning represents a shift from traditional destination-first thinking to experience-first planning. Travelers are building entire trips around specific events, treating them as anchor points for broader explorations of regions and cultures. Solo Travel Experiences Renaissance Solo travel is experiencing a renaissance, fueled by online conversations that encourage self-discovery over relationship status. The cultural shift has normalized and even celebrated traveling alone, with social media communities offering support, advice, and inspiration for solo adventurers. This trend is particularly strong among younger travelers who view solo trips as opportunities for personal growth and self-reflection. Destinations and travel providers are responding with solo-friendly accommodations, tours designed for individual travelers, and safety features that make traveling alone more accessible and appealing. Practical Tips for 2026 Travel Planning For travelers looking to capitalize on these trends and navigate the evolving travel landscape, several practical strategies can enhance planning: Book Early for Popular Destinations: With record travel volumes expected, securing accommodations and flights well in advance is crucial, particularly for trending destinations like Big Sky and Okinawa. Consider TSA PreCheck: The TSA is offering a BOGO deal through December 31, 2025, allowing two people to save $15 on the second enrollment when signing up together. With no shoe removal requirement and dedicated lanes, PreCheck can significantly reduce airport stress. Embrace Shoulder Seasons: Travel during off-peak periods to avoid crowds, save money, and enjoy more authentic experiences. Many destinations offer their best weather and lowest prices during shoulder seasons. Research Secondary Destinations: Look beyond traditional tourist hubs to discover emerging destinations that offer similar experiences with fewer crowds and lower costs. Plan for Weather Disruptions: Travel insurance that covers weather-related cancellations and delays can provide peace of mind, particularly during winter travel periods. Looking Ahead As the travel industry continues its post-pandemic evolution, 2026 promises to be a year of exploration, innovation, and record-breaking travel volumes. The combination of pent-up demand, new destination trends, and technological enhancements is creating unprecedented opportunities for meaningful travel experiences. Whether navigating current winter weather disruptions or planning future adventures to Montana mountains or Japanese islands, travelers have more options and resources than ever before. The key is balancing the desire for unique experiences with practical considerations like sustainability, budget, and timing. The 122.4 million Americans traveling during this holiday period represent a 2.2 percent increase over last year, surpassing previous records and demonstrating that despite challenges like weather disruptions and occasional travel chaos, the fundamental human desire to explore, connect, and experience new places remains stronger than ever. As we close out 2025 and look toward 2026, one thing is certain: the future of travel is bright, diverse, and full of possibilities for those willing to venture beyond the familiar and embrace new destinations, technologies, and approaches to experiencing our world.