These US Destinations Will 2026's Next Luxury Hotspots

Internationally, luxury travelers are heading toward reliable, always-popular picks, including Italy, Greece, Japan, Portugal, France, and Croatia — a country quickly becoming a known alternative to crowded Mediterranean destinations. But it’s the domestic destinations luxury traveler advisors see growing in popularity that may be the most interesting travel destinations of 2026.

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According to Classic Vacations, the top destinations for luxury travelers are Hawaii, Florida (Keys), California (Napa/Sonoma), New York City, and Arizona (Scottsdale). Hawai’i is no surprise, as it offers natural beauty, easy access from the US, and tropical draws that offer the feel of an international destination with the convenience of staying within the US. In some ways, the Florida Keys are similar, offering a sun-soaked escape that feels unique in the US, reachable without a long-haul flight.

For West Coasters, California’s wine country around Napa and Sonoma is a logical draw, sitting an hour by car from airports in both Oakland and Sacramento. Its decades-old reputation for wine tastings has evolved into a reputation as a culinary and gastronomic destination, and its location ties it into another trend recognized in the report: a tendency toward short “micro-cations” that pack unique experiences into a short amount of time.

New York City will probably be a perennial favorite, especially as the region’s three airports make for easy gateways into the US from Europe. According to Classic Vacations CEO Melissa Krueger, NYC’s reputation as “the city that never sleeps” supports a theme she’s seeing in travel trends: “domestic destinations that offer a true sense of escape and immersion.” “Interest in New York City remains strong,” she told Matador Network, “as travelers who adopt the ‘live like a local’ mindset set out to explore the deeply rooted culture of the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, rather than typical ‘checklist’ sightseeing.”

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Perhaps the most unexpected location on the list is Scottsdale, Arizona. However, the report notes a rising interest in restorative travel, with advisors reporting a “strong interest in low-stimulus escapes” and trips that “emphasize peace, nature, and mental restoration.” Sedona is becoming a well-known destination for that style of travel, with nearby resorts like Castle Hot Springs and CIVANA Wellness Resort offering amenities like arrival by helicopter, private wellness coaching, and custom wellness retreats. Scottsdale also offers easy access to outdoor activities in the desert, ranging from ATV tours and hiking to stargazing and medicinal plant walks.

Many of the most popular locations also lend themselves to the motivations driving travel in 2026. In the report, advisors cite that milestone celebrations are the leading reason clients book trips, and destinations like Italy, Hawaii, and Napa Valley have long been positioned as special-occasion, indulgent trips. Overall, says Krueger, luxury travelers are gravitating toward “intentional travel that rewards slowing down and engaging more deeply with the destination.”