Amex Just Named 2026's Trending Travel Destinations-and 2 U.S. Spots Make the Cut

"It's no surprise that travelers are looking to the picturesque western mountain range as outdoor adventures continue to grow in popularity. Dubbed "the Switzerland of America," the San Juan Mountains have one of North America's highest concentration of peaks reaching over 14,000 feet in elevation. With the region offering four seasons of thrills- from hut-to-hut hikes and epic powder days to daredevil road trips -there's really no bad time to visit."

"In the fall, passengers see the peaks set ablaze with foliage on historic train rides to mountain towns with old-western charm. And come winter, the mountains have something to offer everyone, from the country's best bargain skiing to luxury alpine resorts like World's Best Award winner Madeline Hotel & Residences in Telluride. Springtime's dazzling wildflowers are yet another allure, whether enjoyed from the scenic San Jaun Skyway or during challenging hikes in the San Juan National Forest."

"Heading southwest to the Silver State, Las Vegas' ever-growing offerings continue to attract travelers looking for the crème de la crème in dining, entertainment, and general revelry. Since 2023, the Las Vegas Grand Prix has blended F1's high-octane competition with the shimmering rush of nights on the strip. Sin City puts on its most spectacular show for the occasion, welcoming hundreds of thousands of guests to its"

American Express' annual trending-destinations data highlights two U.S. locales poised for strong interest in 2026: the San Juan Mountains in Colorado and Las Vegas, Nevada. The San Juans feature one of North America's highest concentrations of 14,000-foot peaks and offer four seasons of outdoor activities, including hut-to-hut hikes, epic powder skiing, scenic road trips, and historic train rides through fall foliage. The region provides bargain skiing, luxury alpine resorts such as Madeline Hotel & Residences in Telluride, spring wildflower displays along the San Jaun Skyway, challenging national-forest hikes, and mineral hot springs. Las Vegas continues to expand high-end dining and entertainment and now hosts the Las Vegas Grand Prix, blending Formula 1 racing with nightlife and drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors.

Read at Travel + Leisure