Cork: KAYAK’s Top Emerging Travel Destination for 2026
Cork, Ireland has been named the number one emerging travel destination for 2026 according to KAYAK’s latest ‘What the Future’ (WTF) report, released on January 20, 2026. The travel search engine analyzed data from billions of searches and surveyed over 14,000 Gen Z and Millennial travelers to identify the year’s hottest up-and-coming destinations.
Cork, Ireland’s second-largest city, topped the list as travelers increasingly seek undiscovered destinations away from social media hotspots. The report found that 71 percent of Gen Z and 75 percent of Millennials are craving ‘undiscovered destinations,’ with 69 percent of Gen Z and 66 percent of Millennials preferring places not widely covered on social media feeds.
The Irish city is gaining recognition for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, vibrant food scene (unofficially known as Ireland’s culinary capital), and authentic charm. Other emerging destinations in KAYAK’s top 10 include:
- Chongqing, China
- Harbin, China
- Zakynthos, Greece
- Shenzhen, China
- Almaty, Kazakhstan
- Hilo, United States
- Noumea, New Caledonia
- La Romana, Dominican Republic
- Luxembourg
The report also reveals that 84 percent of travelers prefer smaller towns for 2026 travel, citing lower prices, fewer crowds, and more authenticity as key factors driving their destination choices.
Source: TimeOut