TripAdvisor, the global travel platform, has released its list of the world’s trendiest destinations for 2026, alongside its annual ranking of the best destinations overall. Portugal’s Madeira archipelago topped the trending list, while Indonesia’s Bali was named the world’s best destination for the coming year.
The rankings are part of Tripadvisor’s annual Travelers’ Choice Awards and are based on both the quantity and quality of traveler reviews submitted over the past year. This year’s results drew on more than 8 million reviews worldwide.
Portugal’s Madeira
(Video: Gilad Topaz)
In addition to trending and top destinations, Tripadvisor also published rankings in categories including food destinations, cultural destinations, solo travel and honeymoon spots. For another year, Israel did not appear in any of the lists.
Why Madeira topped the list
In its description of Madeira, Tripadvisor editors highlighted the island’s appeal to travelers seeking a quieter, family-friendly vacation.
“If you’re looking for a family-friendly getaway without heavy crowds, Madeira is the perfect choice,” the site wrote. “This lesser-known island is ideal for nature-loving families, offering whale watching, hiking trails through volcanic landscapes and plenty of natural pools to dive into.”
Located off the northwest coast of Africa, Madeira has gained attention in recent years for its dramatic scenery, mild climate and outdoor activities, while remaining less crowded than many European island destinations.
Tbilisi, Chicago and Vietnam follow
Second place on the trending list went to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. TripAdvisor described the city as “electrifying,” citing a surge in new cultural spaces, including the Art Foundation Anagi and the expansion of the Shalva Amiranashvili Museum of Fine Arts.
Historic buildings across the city have also been converted into boutique hotels, with the Telegraph Hotel singled out as an example of the city’s transformation.
Chicago ranked third, with Tripadvisor pointing to several major developments set to draw visitors in 2026. These include the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center, a colorful Pokémon exhibition at the Field Museum and celebrations marking 100 years of Route 66, centered along Michigan Avenue.
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The impressive waterfall at Levada do Caldeirão Verde, Queimadas, Madeira
(Photo: Unai Huizi Photography / shutterstock)
Fourth place went to Quy Nhon, a coastal city in Vietnam located about an hour’s flight from Ho Chi Minh City. TripAdvisor praised the destination for its largely uncrowded beaches and relaxed pace.
“Plan to spend about 80% of your time doing nothing,” the site advised, “and the remaining 20% wandering among ancient Cham temple towers and eating fresh seafood straight from the sea.”
Rounding out the top five was Puerto Escondido, a coastal town in Mexico. TripAdvisor described it as a hidden gem popular with both surfers and families, noting that its legendary waves, especially at Zicatela Beach, were recently recognized as a World Surfing Reserve.
Best destinations by category
While Madeira led the trending list, Bali took first place overall and was also named the top honeymoon destination, ahead of Mauritius and the Maldives.
London was ranked the world’s best food destination, finishing ahead of Dubai and Rome. In the culture category, Singapore, London, Krakow, Paris and Rome filled the top five spots.
For solo travelers, Dublin, Berlin and London ranked highest.
Despite the wide range of categories and destinations recognized, Israel once again did not appear in any of TripAdvisor’s rankings.