As a new year rolls in, many Americans are making the familiar promise to work out more. In fact, according to a new YouGov survey, the number one resolution Americans are making for 2026 is to exercise more, with a quarter of the country resolving to bring fitness goals to fruition.
Eating healthier and improving physical and mental health are also among the top resolutions. As always, traveling more tops the list, as well.
So what if you could combine these resolutions? From craggy coastlines and sun-bathed beaches to rugged mountains and roaring rivers, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of active travel. And there are some seriously unsuspecting spots—off-the-beaten-path places all around the world—that are particularly abundant with activities that'll get your heart pumping.
These trending destinations aren’t just picturesque. They’re ideal for hiking, surfing, practicing yoga, white-water rafting, and every way you can move your body—trading the gym for a trail and a routine for real-world adventure.
Check out these five under-the-radar places poised to rise in popularity, and turn your 2026 resolutions into unforgettable experiences.
1. Ucluelet, Canada
Ucluelet, CanadaPhoto by davemantel on Getty Images
Perched on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, Ucluelet is one of Expedia’s top trending destinations for 2026 (with a 44 percent increase in interest)—thanks in part to a surge in travelers seeking nature-first escapes and active adventures.
Here, fitness doesn’t happen in gyms. It happens on windswept headlands and misty Pacific waters, whether that means hiking, kayaking, surfing, or simply clocking step counts along the shore. The iconic Wild Pacific Trail offers some of the most scenic hiking and walking in Canada, winding along cliff edges with crashing-wave views. Sea kayaking is another favorite, taking you through quiet inlets and around rocky islands. And surfing is big here, with nearby breaks drawing both beginners and seasoned surfers alike.
2. Big Sky, Montana, United States
Big Sky, MontanaPhoto by Krista Taylor on Getty Images
Also named one of Expedia’s top trending destinations for 2026, with a huge jump in traveler interest (92 percent), Big Sky is basically an outdoor playground. Set among the dramatic peaks of the Northern Rockies, it’s a dream base for hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and anyone who prefers workouts with sweeping alpine views.
Summer days invite white-water rafting along rushing rivers, while winter transforms the mountains into one of the premier skiing and snowboarding regions in North America. The best part? Everything here feels big—the sky, the mountains, the open space. Travelers seeking movement, nature, and a break from city routines will find it easy to log miles on foot or wheels.
3. Okinawa, Japan
Okinawa, JapanPhoto by @ Didier Marti on Getty Images
Okinawa has been highlighted as a trending destination for 2026 with a 72 percent uptick in interest, according to Expedia. The Okinawa islands have also landed a spot on the American Express Travel’s annual Trending Destinations list.
This subtropical island chain is famous as a Blue Zone, meaning locals tend to live longer, healthier lives. Movement here isn’t forced; it’s woven into daily life. Visitors can hike through lush subtropical forests, snorkel and dive among coral reefs, cycle quiet coastal roads, or simply stroll along seaside promenades surrounded by turquoise waters. The island’s gentle climate encourages outdoor activity year-round, while Okinawan culture emphasizes balance, community, and nourishment (think: fresh seafood, vegetables, and unhurried meals).
4. Rishikesh, India
Rishikesh, IndiaPhoto by anandoart on Getty Images
Rishikesh is trending with travelers seeking meaningful, healing journeys—highlighted in the recent American Express travel report—and it remains one of the world’s iconic spiritual and wellness destinations. Known as the “Yoga Capital of the World,” it attracts practitioners from every corner of the globe to study, stretch, and connect along the banks of the holy Ganges River.
But this isn’t only a place for meditation cushions. It’s also a hotspot for adventure. White-water rafting along the Ganges delivers heart-pumping thrill and cardio in equal measure, while nearby mountains offer hiking and outdoor exploration. Add in airy ashrams, daily yoga classes, vegetarian cafés, and a calm, reflective atmosphere, and Rishikesh becomes the ultimate place to reset body and mind.
5. Marbella, Spain
Marbella, SpainPhoto by Tu xa Ha Noi on Getty Images
Highlighted by American Express as another trending travel destination, Marbella blends Mediterranean luxury with easy access to some seriously active outdoor experiences. Sure, the golden beaches, palm-peppered promenades, and yacht-docked boardwalks are ideal for swimming, paddle-boarding, cycling, and long seaside jogs, but head inland, and the terrain becomes dramatically adventurous.
One of the region’s most stunning routes is the Caminito del Rey, a cliff-side walkway suspended hundreds of feet above a gorge. It offers breathtaking views and a thrilling fitness challenge. Hikers can also explore nearby mountain ranges such as the Sierra Nevada, where trails vary from gentle nature walks to full-day treks.
6. The Cotswolds, United Kingdom
The Cotswolds, United KingdomPhoto by George W Johnson on Getty Images
The Cotswolds—with its honey-stone villages, rolling hills, and postcard-perfect countryside—might seem like a sleepy English escape, but it has become one of Expedia’s trending destinations for 2026 with a 39 percent increase in interest. And for active travelers, it’s a dreamy destination that invites you to spend more leisure time outside and move your body at your own pace through breathtaking landscapes.
The region is home to miles of walking and hiking trails, including stretches of the famous Cotswold Way, where routes take you past woodlands, farm fields, market towns, and sweeping hilltop viewpoints. Cycling is another way to get around here, thanks to quiet country lanes and scenic winding roads (with plentiful pub-to-trail loops for those who enjoy a beer break, too).
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