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Berlin tops KAYAK's trending destinations for Canadians
Canadians are planning more trips for 2026, with domestic flight interest up 12% compared to this year, according to KAYAK's annual travel forecast analyzing search data from April through September 2025.
Domestic flight interest is up 12% year-over-year, while domestic airfare remains flat.
International airfare is dropping 10%.
Hotel prices are holding steady domestically but up 6% internationally.
Despite overall rental car interest declining 4%, domestic rental car searches are up 16%.
Europe leads as the top trending region with a 24% increase in flight interest.
Berlin, Milan and Zurich saw the strongest year-over-year growth, up 228%, 107% and 100% respectively.
The Caribbean follows with a 21% increase in flight searches, while South Pacific searches are up 16%.
Top trending destinations for Canadians in 2026 include Berlin (search interest up 228%, average airfare $1,144), Milan (up 107%, $1,062), Zurich (up 100%, $1,160), Bridgetown, Barbados (up 96%, $826) and Castries, St. Lucia (up 91%, $1,079).
Top Trending Destinations for Canadians in 2026 | ||
Destination | Change in search interest (year-over-year) | Average airfare cost |
Berlin, Germany | 228% | $1,144 |
Milan, Italy | 107% | $1,062 |
Zurich, Switzerland | 100% | $1,160 |
Bridgetown, Barbados | 96% | $826 |
Castries. St. Lucia | 91% | $1,079 |
Madrid, Spain | 76% | $1,004 |
Port Louis, Mauritius | 71% | $1,935 |
Funchal, Portugal | 71% | $972 |
Reykjavik, Iceland | 70% | $919 |
Edinburgh, Scotland | 68% | $1,139 |
Asia is seeing the largest airfare decrease at 10% year-over-year.
Phuket leads deal destinations with fares down 24%, followed by Beijing (down 21%) and Honolulu (down 20%).
Best Deal Destinations in 2026 | ||
Destination | Change in airfare (year-over-year) | Average airfare cost |
Phuket City, Thailand | -24% | $1,506 |
Beijing, China | -21% | $1,519 |
Honolulu, Hawaii, US | -20% | $588 |
Istanbul, Turkey | -19% | $1,166 |
Hong Kong | -18% | $1,353 |
Bengaluru, India | -18% | $1,439 |
San José, Costa Rica | -17% | $746 |
Mexico City, Mexico | -17% | $858 |
Shanghai, China | -17% | $1,466 |
Eastern European destinations dominate KAYAK's trending list, with Prague, Sofia, Krakow, Budapest, Tirana and Sarajevo among the top 10.
The search platform attributes the interest to a combination of lower airfare, rich history and growing connectivity from North American gateways.
Most affordable domestic destinations include Edmonton ($357 average airfare), Toronto ($393) and Vancouver ($439).
Top affordable international destinations include George Town, Cayman Islands ($674), Nassau ($721) and Cancun ($724).
Most Affordable Destinations in 2026 | |||
Domestic Destinations | International Destinations | ||
Destination | Avg. airfare | Destination | Avg. airfare |
Edmonton, AB | $357 | George Town, Cayman Islands | $674 |
Toronto, ON | $393 | Nassau, Bahamas | $721 |
Vancouver, BC | $439 | Cancún, Mexico | $724 |
Calgary, AB | $452 | Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | $736 |
Halifax, NS | $469 | San José, Costa Rica | $746 |
Montreal, QC | $535 | Belize City, Belize | $775 |
Kelowna, BC | $577 | Liberia, Costa Rica | $776 |
St. John's, NL | $581 | Lisbon, Portugal | $7 |
Sports and pop culture driving destination interest
Fandom is influencing travel patterns, with Kansas City seeing a 14% increase in flight searches and ranking among the top 50 trending U.S. destinations.
The search platform attributes the growth to multiple factors including the city's football team success, a high-profile celebrity engagement and its upcoming role as a host city for a major soccer tournament.
Milan is seeing a 15% increase in flight interest ahead of February's Winter Olympics.
Las Vegas is rebounding after reports of cooling demand in 2025, with flight interest up 18% year-over-year.
Summer 2026 outlook
Early summer 2026 data shows flight searches up 9% year-over-year, with travellers booking earlier and in larger numbers.
The Middle East is seeing a 35% increase in summer searches, while the Caribbean is up 15%.
Europe summer airfare is down 14% and Asia is down 16% year-over-year, making both regions strong value picks for long-haul travel.
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