Travelling with friends? These are the most popular cities for group holidays in 2026

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-27T07:38:50.331Z • Permanent link

Kayak's latest data has revealed the most searched destinations for group holidays in 2026, and London, Paris, and Marseille have taken the top spots. The search data, which spans multiple countries and regions, paints a picture of a traveler's desire for urban exploration and cultural immersion. According to data from Google, these three cities are consistently among the most searched destinations for group holidays, with London being the most searched city in Europe.

Kayak's data also highlights the growing popularity of travel to Western European cities, driven in part by the relaxation of travel restrictions and the increasing availability of affordable flights and accommodations. This trend is expected to continue throughout 2026, with many travelers opting for city breaks that offer a unique blend of culture, history, and entertainment. In fact, a recent survey by the European Travel Commission found that 75% of travelers plan to take a city break in 2026, with Paris and London being among the top destinations.

London, Paris, and Marseille have also been boosted by the growing popularity of group holidays, with many travelers opting for multi-city itineraries that allow them to explore multiple destinations in one trip. According to data from Mastercard, the average group holiday costs around $2,500 per person, with many travelers opting for package deals that include flights, accommodations, and activities. As the travel industry continues to recover from the pandemic, these destinations are expected to remain popular, with many travelers opting for group holidays as a way to reconnect with friends and family.

Kayak's data has significant implications for the travel industry, with many companies looking to capitalize on the growing demand for group holidays. Companies such as Expedia and Booking.com are already investing heavily in group holiday offerings, with many launching new products and services specifically designed to meet the needs of group travelers. According to a recent report by the International Air Transport Association, the global travel market is expected to reach $8.1 trillion by 2026, with group holidays being a key driver of this growth.

The impact of Kayak's data is also felt in the world of research and academia, with many scholars studying the trends and patterns in group holiday behavior. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have found that group holidays can have a significant impact on travel behavior, with many travelers opting for group holidays as a way to experience new destinations and cultures. As the travel industry continues to evolve, it's likely that researchers will continue to study the trends and patterns in group holiday behavior, providing valuable insights for companies and policymakers.

The growing popularity of group holidays is part of a larger trend in the travel industry, driven by changing consumer behavior and advances in technology. The rise of social media and online travel agencies has made it easier for travelers to plan and book group holidays, with many companies offering customized itineraries and packages designed to meet the needs of group travelers. According to a recent report by the World Tourism Organization, the global travel market is expected to reach $10.2 trillion by 2026, with group holidays being a key driver of this growth.