The long-distance travel market is undergoing a rapid restructuring. Between the dramatic decline of certain historical destinations and the rise of previously less-visited countries, the world travel map is being redrawn. Recent data shows significant shifts in traveler preferences, with direct consequences for the itineraries to consider.
Destinations Losing Popularity and Shift in Tourist Flows
The notable event in recent times concerns the United States. According to data from the Vakantio platform, the share of travelers reporting they plan to go there dropped from one in ten to just over 2% between 2025 and 2026. This represents a decrease of about four-fifths in just one year, described as an unprecedented drop for any other destination.
This massive decline is causing a shift in travel patterns. Countries like Japan, Malaysia, and Portugal have more than doubled their market share during the same period. For travelers planning a round-the-world trip, this redistribution alters the logic of itineraries: North American stopovers, long considered a must, are losing their centrality in favor of Southeast Asia and Southern Europe.
Travelers looking to compare circuits tailored to these new dynamics can visit the travel page of Pop Voyages to evaluate available options.
Thailand 2026: New Tourist Visa Regulations
Thailand remains one of the most popular destinations for a round-the-world trip, but entry conditions are changing. A revamp of visa exemption measures was published in the Thai official journal on August 31, 2026, with an effective date of September 15, 2026.
The changes are substantial. The 60-day visa exemption scheme is being abolished. In exchange, a 30-day exemption scheme is being extended to 60 countries and territories. For travelers planning an extended stay in Thailand as part of a round-the-world trip, this halving of the visa-free duration requires rethinking their planning.
On-the-ground feedback varies on this point: some travelers feel that 30 days is more than enough to explore the country, while others, accustomed to two-month stays combining the southern islands and mountainous north, will need to either apply for a regular visa or split their visit.
Southeast Asia and Japan: Destinations Capturing Tourist Flows
Japan is capturing an increasing share of international travelers’ attention. Its growth in the Vakantio data confirms an underlying trend. Several factors explain this appeal:
- A rich cultural offering that combines ancient temples, contemporary architecture, and world-renowned cuisine, all accessible via a highly efficient rail network.
- Malaysia, cheaper and less saturated, attracts travelers seeking tropical nature and cultural diversity, with landscapes ranging from the skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur to the primary forests of Borneo.
- Sri Lanka, mentioned among the favored destinations by the French according to Yonder, combines archaeological sites, beaches, and natural parks on a modestly sized island, making it an efficient stop on a global itinerary.
These three countries allow for the construction of a coherent Asian segment over four to six weeks, with affordable domestic flights and tourist infrastructure suited for independent travelers.
The Case of Peru and Portugal
Peru is among the destinations favored by the French for its authenticity, according to a survey reported by Yonder. The country offers a geographical variety that is hard to match: Pacific coast, Andes, Amazon. For a round-the-world trip, it serves as a South American stop that justifies the detour to the continent.
Portugal, on the other hand, benefits from an atypical positioning. As a relatively low-cost European destination, it captures some of the travelers who would have chosen the United States. Lisbon and Porto offer a convenient entry or exit point for a global itinerary, with flight connections to Africa, Brazil, and Asia.
Traveling in Autumn: An Underestimated Lever for a Round-the-World Trip
According to Expedia, reported by Euronews, traveling in autumn can be significantly cheaper than in summer if the destinations are well chosen. For a round-the-world trip, this means that departing in September or October allows travelers to take advantage of lower prices on long-haul flights while arriving in Southeast Asian or Latin American countries during climatically favorable periods.
This seasonal logic changes the game for travelers with flexibility. An itinerary designed to follow the shoulder seasons in each hemisphere reduces costs and avoids peak crowds. Spring in Japan, autumn in Portugal, southern winter in Peru: each stop enhances the quality of the experience when it coincides with the right window.
Entry Constraints in Europe: What Changes for Non-Europeans
Non-European travelers incorporating Europe into their round-the-world trip face new requirements. New visa and travel authorization systems are being rolled out in the Schengen area, complicating planning for nationals of third countries.
For French travelers, these changes have no direct impact. However, they influence the composition of groups in popular European destinations and may alter the crowding at certain sites. The available data does not yet allow for measuring the extent of these effects on the 2026-2027 season.
The round-the-world trip of 2026 no longer resembles that of 2019. The rising destinations (Japan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Peru) share a common point: they offer a high density of experiences in compact territories. Travelers who adjust their itineraries to these new realities, taking into account regulatory changes and seasonal windows, are building more coherent and less costly routes than those dictated by habit.
