Czech Republic and African Safaris Surge in Popularity as Summer 2026 Travel Season Heats Up

Summer 2026 is shaping up to be one of the busiest travel seasons on record — and travelers are going further off the beaten track than ever before. While traditional summer powerhouses like Italy (up 15%) and Portugal (up 29%) remain popular, the real story is the explosive growth of alternative destinations.

The Czech Republic has seen interest surge by 149% year-over-year, as travelers seek out the country's medieval architecture, vibrant food scene, and relatively affordable prices compared to Western European alternatives. Prague continues to draw visitors, but smaller cities like Český Krumlov, Olomouc, and Brno are increasingly appearing on itineraries.

Africa is experiencing perhaps the most dramatic growth. Tour operator Friendly Planet Travel reports that interest in its Kenya safari with a Victoria Falls extension has surged by 190.9% year-over-year. Kenya and Tanzania combined itineraries have also grown 63.2%, reflecting increasing appetite among travelers from North America and Europe for immersive wildlife and natural experiences.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is also reshaping travel flows in North America. With matches across 16 cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, football fans from around the world are booking trips to cities including Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Toronto, Mexico City, and Guadalajara. Los Angeles in particular has emerged as a must-visit destination for those combining the World Cup with broader California tourism.

Generationally, millennials and Gen Z are driving the summer travel surge. Nearly three-quarters of young adults are planning trips, though interestingly, 90% of millennials and 77% of Gen Z plan to stay within the United States for their holidays — favouring cities and domestic destinations over international travel.

Bosnia-Herzegovina, buoyed by its World Cup qualification, is also expected to see increased visitor interest this summer, with the country's natural beauty and historical sites gaining fresh international attention.