Birmingham, Alabama has been named the No. 1 trending domestic destination for 2027 by booking platform Priceline, which based the ranking on year‑on‑year growth in searches between May 2025 and May 2026. The report highlights affordability, a rich cultural history and a vibrant culinary scene as the main draws for travellers.
Why Birmingham is climbing travel wishlists
The city’s recent surge in interest is partly credited to the opportunity to combine history and food in a compact visit. Priceline points to the Birmingham Civil Rights District — home to the 16th Street Baptist Church Education and Visitor Center and Kelly Ingram Park — as key cultural attractions that sit alongside celebrated restaurants and evolving dining scenes.
This mix makes Birmingham appealing to travellers who want meaningful experiences without long transfers between sites, and for those looking for value when budgeting a trip. Priceline’s methodology for the list measured the increase in search activity over a 12‑month period, rather than total bookings or absolute visitor numbers.
Other places to consider — domestic and international picks
Priceline’s report highlights a variety of destinations in the United States that are gaining traction for different reasons: small‑town charm, outdoor activities and arts scenes. The domestic top five for trending searches are:
- Birmingham, Alabama (No. 1)
- Block Island, Rhode Island — known for windswept beaches and historic lighthouses
- Beacon, New York — galleries, antiques and the Dia contemporary art collection
- Snoqualmie, Washington
- Bayfield, Wisconsin
Internationally, Priceline lists a diverse set of destinations that reflect varied travel interests — from historic medinas to Alpine scenery and coastal cuisines. The international trending spots named in the report are:
- Fes, Morocco
- Innsbruck, Austria
- Miches, Dominican Republic
- Adelaide, Australia
- Da Nang, Vietnam
| Category | Top pick |
|---|---|
| Top trending US destination | Birmingham, Alabama |
| Top trending international picks (sample) | Fes; Innsbruck; Miches; Adelaide; Da Nang |
"TripMaxxing"
The report also notes a shift in traveller behaviour that Priceline labels “TripMaxxing” — the idea of saving on some parts of a trip to splurge on others. This reflects a broader trend among travellers who are more deliberate about where they allocate budget, favouring experiences that deliver the most value or the most memorable moments.
How South African travellers might use the list
For South Africans weighing up international options, the list offers practical inspiration rather than a checklist of must‑do experiences. If you’re planning a US itinerary, Birmingham presents a compact, value‑focused stop where civil rights history and contemporary food culture are easily combined. For longer journeys, the international picks cover a spectrum of landscapes and cultural experiences — from the deserts and medinas of Fes to the beach and food culture of Da Nang.
As always, when considering international trips, check visa requirements and health advice for your nationality, compare fares and accommodation options, and think about how you want to spend your time and budget. Priceline’s trending list is a useful prompt for destinations you might not have considered — and might be exactly what you need if you’re after something off the usual radar.
The Where to Next? Travel Trends Report uses search growth as its barometer, so these destinations reflect rising interest rather than absolute popularity. That means they can be good bets for travellers who like to explore places gaining momentum before they become crowded.
