Priceline, the online travel agency and booking platform, recently released its annual Travel Trends report for 2026, highlighting trending travel styles. One of the most intriguing is “Expedition Beach” travel, which refers to the nearly three-quarters of the travelers they polled who said they’re seeking beaches that offer more than just the sand and the sea to focus their trips around.
This growing trend reveals increased interest in more immersive experiences, like watching wildlife and getting to know the local culture, while also allowing for time at the beach. Priceline has specifically seen an increase in bookings in Goa, India, Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam, and Kahuku, located on Oahu’s northern shore. Haven’t been on your radar? Here’s what you should know.
Goa, India
Goa is renowned for its beaches with a stretch for everyone, whether you’re looking for a lively place for barefoot partying or to cozy up with the one you love in a secluded cove. In South Goa, Agonda is a tranquil two-mile span perfect for relaxation, with no hawkers in sight. Palolem at the south end is where to go for nightlife, particularly its unique silent discos, moonlit yoga sessions, and beach bars.
The scenery beyond the beach includes inland areas with lush mountains and waterfalls like Kuskem, Bamanbudo, and Dudhsagar. Goa also has a unique culture with a mix of Indian, Portuguese, and Islamic influences. Portuguese occupancy in the 16th century is revealed in its magnificent colonial architecture, but you can also find many Indian temples and ornate churches.
Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
Phu Quoc Island is a nature lover’s paradise, named the World’s Leading Nature Island Destination by World Travel Awards 2024. It’s the largest island in Vietnam with 93 miles of coastline. Discover postcard-perfect beaches made up of white powdery sand fringed by vibrant coral reefs and clear cobalt water. Relax and soak up the incredible scenery, swim, snorkel, or take an island-hopping snorkeling tour that will bring you to some of the best places for snorkeling in the Phu Quoc archipelago.
A foodie’s delight, after any activity, sampling the many delicious local specialties is a treat. Find out more about them by taking a food tour that visits a plant that produces the island’s famous fish sauce, a pepper farm, or the Bittersweet Chocolate Factory. A street food tour is really a must, exploring local eateries and markets for samples of a wide range of regional specialties.
Kahuku, Oahu, Hawaii
While Haleʻiwa on the North Shore of Oahu has long been popular with tourists, if you drive further north, you’ll find Kahuku, nestled between Haleʻiwa and Laie. Once a thriving agricultural center home to a sugar mill, today, the main reason most come to this small town is to stay at the luxurious Turtle Bay Resort. But no matter where you stay, it’s worth visiting, with all sorts of colorful shops, local farms, and some famous shrimp trucks. Guided tours of Kahuku Farms will allow you to explore the lush fields where tropical fruits are grown and enjoy fresh samples.
Of course, there are beautiful beaches here too. Turtle Bay Beach offers calm waters protected from big waves, making it ideal for snorkeling. While you’re here, there’s a good chance you’ll see a Hawaiian green sea turtle too.
