Travel trends may come and go, but some destinations have serious staying power. Over the past two decades, the places topping travelers' wish lists have evolved alongside changing tastes, technology, and global events. While iconic destinations like France, Spain, and the U.S. continue to draw millions of visitors, emerging hotspots have reshaped the travel landscape.
Let's take a look at how the world's most popular destinations have changed over the past 20 years—and where travelers are setting their sights next.
Top travel destinations of 2006
In 2006, travelers were all about classic sightseeing destinations. Think: the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Colosseum in Rome, and Buckingham Palace in London. Europe dominated global tourism, claiming six of the top spots (remember, this was pre-Brexit).
Meanwhile, China was beginning its rise as a global tourism powerhouse.
According to UN Tourism data, the top destinations of 2006 by international tourist arrivals were:
- France
- Spain
- United States
- China
- Italy
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- Mexico
- Austria
- Russian Federation
Destinations like Thailand, Japan, and Iceland had not yet hit their peak popularity. That would come later.
Related reading: From Paper Tickets to Pocket Tech: How Travel Has Transformed Since 2006
Top travel destinations now
Nearly 20 years later, the top three destinations remain unchanged. But some newcomers, like Türkiye and Japan, have cracked the top 10.
According to the latest annual data, the top destinations by international tourist arrivals* are:
- France
- Spain
- United States
- Italy
- Türkiye
- Mexico
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- Japan
- Greece
* Note: To make an accurate comparison, the above list is for 2025 tourist arrivals.
So what’s the deal with our newcomers? Türkiye, Greece, and Japan have risen in popularity for different reasons, but all three benefit from a combination of strong cultural appeal, relative value, social media exposure, and improved accessibility.
Türkiye has become one of the world's fastest-growing tourism destinations because it offers a rare mix of history, beaches, food, and affordability. It’s also a great value compared with Western Europe, especially for travelers from the U.S. and Europe.
Greece has benefited from travelers seeking a classic Mediterranean experience beyond Italy and France. Islands like Santorini and Mykonos are quintessential bucket-list destinations, but there’s more and more interest in the lesser-known islands, too.
Meanwhile, it might seem like everyone you know is going to or has recently visited Japan. A weaker yen has made Japan more affordable for international visitors. But more than that, travelers are increasingly prioritizing experiences—think: food tours, onsens, seasonal festivals, and cultural immersion—which align with what Japan offers.
Where travelers are going next
In 2026, travelers' interests seem to be continuing to shift away from traditional sightseeing destinations. Instead, they’re looking for experience-driven and social media-influenced locales. Asia, in particular, is having a moment.
While it’s too early to say what the most-visited destinations of this year will be (check back January 2027!), cities like Tokyo, Seoul, Melbourne, Shanghai, and Bangkok are among the hottest for travelers right now.
What destination are you most excited to visit this year? Tell us where you’re headed—and remember to take TripIt with you.
