Top trends and destinations for 2026

From headline-makers to under-the-radar gems, these are the top 10 destinations to watch – and book now – for 2026.

Italy, off script

Italy never goes out of style, but in 2026 the lens is widening. A new tourism push is encouraging travellers to explore the ‘99% of Italy’ most people miss – think vineyard-hopping in Puglia, hiking to crater rims in the Aeolian Islands or slow days by the quiet shores of Lake Orta. The classics like Venice and the Amalfi Coast are still top of wishlists, but more travellers are timing their visits outside the summer rush.

Make it a holiday: Our Tuscany self-drive takes in Florence, Siena and Viareggio, with plenty of chances to veer off track.

Zanzibar: soft landings

Zanzibar’s so much more than a beach bolt on – its crown as Africa’s Leading Beach Destination 2025 proves it. Expect spice tours through palm-lined plantations, lazy sails on traditional dhows and snorkelling straight off the ivory sands. Standout stays like Matemwe Attitude, a B Corp beauty, are giving the beach break fresh appeal.

Make it a holiday: Go from the wilds of the savannah to the calm of the coast on our Serengeti Fly-in & Zanzibar escape.

Florida in full swing

Florida is still the ultimate family playground. Universal’s Epic Universe has burst onto the scene, adding five immersive new lands packed with blockbuster rides and big-name worlds from Super Mario to Harry Potter. It’s a cast-iron reason to revisit Orlando even if you’ve experienced the magic before, with early-booking perks like free Disney dining plans giving families more bang for their buck.

Make it a holiday: On our Florida family road trip, meet Mickey, ride coasters then roll south to Miami.

Sushi and smart tech: Japan

Robot hotels, whooshing bullet trains and vending machines dishing out hot ramen: Japan’s the ultimate high-speed, high-style escape. With visitor numbers climbing and hidden regions becoming easier to reach, 2026 is the smart window to see the icons before the country hits peak popularity.

Make it a holiday: Hit the bright lights of Tokyo, see geishas in Kyoto and top if off with off-the-beaten-track explorations on our Highlights of Japan small group tour.

It's all Greek

Greece remains the Med’s golden child, and its only getting brighter. Extended summer seasons are stretching the sunshine window, big-name resorts are dialling up the luxury (hello, Ikos) and lesser-known spots are stepping into the spotlight. One we love is Elix, Mar-Bella Collection, a tranquil hillside hideaway not far from laid-back Parga, where you’ll find private pools and pine-scented air.

Make it a holiday: Crete’s hottest new stay lands in summer 2026: meet Ikos Kissamos.

Your wildest holiday yet: Canada

Big skies, bucket-list trains and views that stop you in your tracks. A holiday in Western Canada is the ‘now or never’ trip to plan ahead for – and one you’ll talk about for years. Soak in hot springs under the Rockies, hike past glacial lakes straight off a postcard, then switch it up with high tea and skyline strolls in Vancouver.

Make it a holiday: Book a front-row seat on the Rocky Mountaineer. Our First Passage to the West rail journey pairs knockout views with next-level service.

Sri Lanka in bloom

Tourism is rebounding in Sri Lanka with real momentum. This is an island of misty peaks, rainforest trails and wildlife-rich parks, ideal backdrops for the growing nature-led travel trend that’s here to stay. Beyond the well-trodden paths, emerging off-beat safari hotspots like Gal Oya offer boat safaris among wild elephants, while Wilpattu is a lesser-visited leopard refuge with shimmering lakes and forested tracks. Sri Lanka’s hospitality scene is also stepping up – Uga Escapes’ is rolling out characterful stays like the just-opened Uga Halloowella in Hatton’s tea hills.

Make it a holiday: Tune into nature’s rhythm on our Wild Sri Lanka itinerary: sacred cities, bird-watching lagoons and national parks teeming with wildlife.

Vietnam, all in

Vietnam delivers historic cities, golden beaches and knockout flavours, but it’s the scope for side quests that take a holiday here to the next level. Sail through Halong Bay on a starlit junk boat, cruise the Mekong to floating markets, trek misty rice terraces in Sapa or add Luang Prabang to the mix, a UNESCO gem with temples and timeless charm. Add scenic contrast and sensational value, and you’ve got a taste of South East Asia that hits every high.

Make it a holiday: Our Best of Vietnam itinerary checks off the country's highlights in a jam-packed nine-night itinerary.

Mauritius: the beach break with substance

Timeless, tropical and endlessly tempting, Mauritius continues to draw in honeymooners, families and adventure seekers. Beyond the powdery shores and blissful coastal hotels, there’s Creole culture, forested peaks and green landscapes inland. More travellers are pairing beach with the mountains on twin-centre holidays, swapping sun loungers for hiking trails in Black River Gorges National Park.

Make it a holiday: Start in the peaks at Lakaz Chamarel, then switch to sands on this twin-centre escape.

Namibia: written in the stars

If wide-open space is the new luxury – and for many travellers it is – Namibia’s leading the way. It’s got dune-scaling adventures and elephant-tracking safaris by day and star-splashed skies by night, thanks to some of the darkest skies on the planet. With renewed interest in astro-tourism and next-gen desert lodges raising the bar, 2026 is the year to experience this raw, remarkable land.

Make it a holiday: On our Namibia Explorer small group tour, climb the world’s highest sand dunes, pose beside skeletal trees in Sossusvlei and encounter abundant wildlife in Etosha National Park.

This article was created on 8th July 2025. The information is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. Feature by Heather Flanagan.