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Holiday Trends For 2026

  • Overview
  • Travel Trends For 2025
  • Travel Trends Data 2025

Roundup: the top 20 destinations for 2026

 

 

We’ve been tracking where our travellers are heading this year. From seriously sweet St Lucia to honky-tonk US road trips and big-game Tanzania safaris, these are the in-demand destinations for 2026.

 

 

20. Japan: Shore thing

Japan has always been one of the world’s most intriguing places. But for 2026, it’s being sea-n from a new angle. Cruising is a winning way to experience the country, pairing neon-lit Tokyo with lesser-known ports and bucket-ticking views of Mount Fuji. All with the comfort of unpacking just once.

Make it your holiday: Our Japan Discovery Cruise & Stay




19. United Arab Emirates: reliable rays 

With the UK clocking up more grey days than golden ones, winter sun escapes aren’t going anywhere. The UAE continues to thrive, with Dubai upping the ante each year on headline-making attractions. But it’s Ras Al Khaimah that’s quietly catching attention, drawing sunseekers towards its golden sands and excellent-value hotels. 

Make it your holiday: Dubai & Ras Al Khaimah twin-centre

 

18. Australia: carpe diem 

If you’re going all in on a bucket-list adventure, it doesn’t get bigger, or further, than Australia. For 2026, we’re seeing solo adventurers ticking off the classic rock-and-reef route, milestone celebrations dialling up the romance aboard The Ghan and family adventures built around unforgettable wildlife encounters, from whale sharks off the west coast to quokkas on Kangaroo Island. 

Make it your holiday: Australia’s Ultimate Wildlife Safari



17. Seychelles: island hopping dreams 

Robinson Crusoe-style rest is nothing new, but the appetite is building for extended castaway time. The Seychelles is a natural playground for island hopping, with future stays split between big-on-beauty Mahé, rustic Praslin and sleepy La Digue. 

Make it your holiday: Our Mahe, Praslin & La Digue multi-centre



16. Greece: Well connected

Greece has a knack for feeling both familiar and endlessly absorbing. Ancient wonders, iconic villagescapes and seriously good food come as standard. Corfu, Crete and romance-ready Santorini form the backbone of bookings, while more travellers are mixing things up by pairing islands or adding a culture hit in Athens. Zante has just joined our Greek island collection – an Ionian gem dotted with covetable stays.

Make it your holiday: Our Athens and island twin centre



15. Indonesia: thrill & chill

Indonesia hits that sweet spot between switch-off and get-up-and-go. There’s the dreamy moments everyone’s scrolled – pool villas tucked into jungle valleys, yoga among rice paddies, oh-so-pretty floating breakfasts – but there’s adventure to be had too: volcano hikes, surf breaks and world-class diving. Factor in the bang for your buck – where you can eat for as little as $4 in local warungs – and it’s easy to see why Indonesia wins hearts.

Make it your holiday: Our Bali Explorer trip



14. St Lucia: wild romance 

Ah, St Lucia. One look at the pin-worthy scenery and it’s obvious why bookings keep climbing. Here, one-of-a-kind resorts land on magazine covers, volcanic peaks and rainforest trails are ready to roam and the interior hides some seriously sweet stays under wraps. When it comes to romance with a wild streak, St Lucia sets the bar high. 

Make it your holiday: Live like royalty at Jade Mountain



13. USA: holidays with soul 

Road trips and Disney theme-park thrills remain firm favourites for anyone heading across the pond. But for 2026, the focus is moving towards more characterful corners. We’ve introduced a new range of self-drive itineraries through the soulful Deep South, built around blues-filled towns, barbecue stops and river country detours. 

Make it your holiday: Our Music Roots road trip



12. Malaysia: anti-Instagram energy 

Malaysia sits right in the heart of Southeast Asia yet feels refreshingly low-key. It doesn’t quite command the airtime of its star-power neighbour (Thailand, we’re looking at you), and that's precisely why you should go. Expect cultural mash-up cities, highland tea gardens and feet-up beaches, all in one trip that rewards curiosity without the crowds. 

Make it your holiday: Our Essence of Malaysia multi-centre



11. Barbados, but offbeat 

Breaking into the top 10, Barbados proves that classics never really date. Beyond the pink-parasol shores, its creative dining scene, surf culture and live-like-a-local feel are tipping it ahead of its Caribbean peers. There’s a subtle shift away from all-inclusive, with rustic inns and family-run boutique hotels on the rise. 

Make it your holiday: Go deliciously off the beaten track at Atlantis Historic Inn



10. Canada: slow travel, supersized 

Canada is this year’s new addition to our wanderlist – and a telling one. As slower, more intentional travel gathers pace, it reigns as a destination where the journey is the headline act. Think road trips through the Rockies, travelling deep into grizzly bear country and city hopping by train between mountains or heritage-rich cities. 

Make it your holiday: Journey through the Clouds with Rocky Mountaineer



9. Vietnam: go with the pho 

Vietnam is a holiday where experience comes first. It’s getting gloriously lost in old quarters and markets, slipping through delta channels by sampan and walking imperial grounds shaped by dynasties. With welcoming locals, knockout flavours and a deep-rooted spa culture, it’s little wonder it resonates with those seeking depth and discovery. 

Make it your holiday: Our Best of Vietnam trip



8. Antigua: runway to relaxation 

More people are gravitating towards holidays where no agenda is the agenda. Antigua fits that brief perfectly. There’s a white-sand beach for every day of the year, warm seas on tap, soft adventures when you want them and plentiful choice of restful resorts. When it comes to switch-off stays, Antigua has it down to a fine art. 

Make it your holiday: Go boutique at Cocos Hotel Antigua



7. Kenya: the original safari kingpin 

Kenya is the original safari icon for good reason. Consistently rewarding wildlife sightings, strong value and the ease of pairing bush with beach underpin its appeal. Expect conservancy-led safaris, meaningful cultural encounters and Swahili-style coastal stays for post-safari perfection.

Make it your holiday: Pair safari and sands on our Kenya Bush & Beach Itinerary



6. Tanzania: nature in the spotlight 

One safari destination in the top 10 is notable. Two is a trend. Tanzania has climbed 11 places since last year, putting it firmly on the radar for 2026. With the pull of wilder, more immersive experiences growing, it more than delivers, from seeing the Great Wildebeest Migration sweep across the Serengeti to descending into the wildlife action of the Ngorongoro Crater. Scale and spectacle don’t come much bigger. 

Make it your holiday: Our Tanzania Explorer trip



5. South Africa: the sequel trip 

While first timers to SA beeline to Cape Town and Kruger, repeat visitors are branching out to more off-beat regions. One captivating corner that’s drawing big interest is KwaZulu-Natal, where the dramatic peaks of the Drakensberg meet wildlife-rich reserves and deeply rooted Zulu heritage, all close enough to explore in one well-paced trip. 

Make it your holiday: Our Kwazulu-Natal Zululand Safari



4. Sri Lanka: made to measure 

Interest-led travel is shaping how we plan trips, and Sri Lanka is a natural go-to. Some come for wellness retreats and boutique hotels, others for standout food or safari thrills. Many come for all of it. Travel north to south with your own driver, mix jungle stays with beach time or go all in on luxury. No two trips look the same, which is exactly the point.  

Make it your holiday: A taste of Sri Lanka



3. Mauritius: beach with benefits 

Mauritius is the ultimate tropical all-rounder. Horizontal days at polished hotel havens come as standard, but there’s plenty to tempt you out of the resort too, from spice-scented markets to Hindu temples and sugarcane-clad hills. It’s a beach holiday at heart, with more depth than you might expect.

Make it your holiday: Go from sky to sea on our Mauritius twin-centre



2. Thailand: variety & value 

If you like a holiday that packs in a lot for less, Thailand comes up trumps. High-energy cities, temple towns, jungles and island beaches all roll into one jaw-to-the-floor trip that’s refreshingly light on the wallet. Add world-class food, restorative spa retreats and locals whose smiles live up to the reputation, and it’s clear why Thailand keeps people coming back. 

Make it your holiday: Our Thai city lights & ocean nights trip



1. Maldives: power down 

The Maldives is our number one yet again and honestly, where else? Those castaway visuals never get old. Beyond the lure of guaranteed Insta-envy, it neatly fits the current travel mood. For many, the search in 2026 is for radical rest; a chance to disconnect from an always-on digital life. It’s the original ‘quietcation’, and it does it better than anyone. 

Make it your holiday: Live the island fantasy at Ananea Madivaru Maldives


Travel Trends For 2025

Wondering where your next getaway should be? Here are our top 10 destinations for 2025, based on where travel is on the rise and what’s shaping the year’s adventures.

10. Aruba: soft is the new slow


Soft travel is one of 2025's top trends, inspired by TikTok's #softlife movement that's racked up over 81.6 million posts. This concept is about unhurried, keep-it-simple holidays that leave space for spontaneity. Enter Aruba, a characterful Caribbean island just off the coast of Venezuela, brand new to our trends list. With its laid-back vibe, year-round sunshine and dazzling beaches, it's clearly winning over our travellers looking for island escapism at its best.

Suggested holiday: Spend time soaking up the sun at Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa, then switch things up with a UTV adventure through Arikok National Park's rugged landscapes.

Find out more about our Aruba holidays


9. Mexico: food, glorious food


Foodie travel isn’t new, but it’s still the main event for many of our travellers. A recent Hilton Hotels survey found that 60% of holidaymakers prioritise stays with great restaurants – and Mexico’s resorts deliver this in style. Their extravagant, all-inclusive havens are home to an array of à la carte eateries, meaning you can sample world flavours without setting foot outside your resort. For a change of pace, round off your trip with a few relaxed days on Isla Holbox, enjoying fresh seafood and the island’s easy-going charm.

Suggested holiday: New to our line-up, adults-only Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen sets the bar high with 11 unique restaurants serving culinary art on a plate.

Find out more about our Mexico holidays


8. New Zealand: stargaze and step out


Astro tourism and walking holidays are big trends for 2025, fuelled by a renewed love for the great outdoors. A National Geographic report highlights the rise of ‘outdoor therapy’ as more travellers look to reconnect with nature. When it comes to looking up and lacing up, few places rival New Zealand. The Mackenzie region in particular has some of the clearest night skies on Earth and is recognised as an International Dark Sky Reserve. And by day, iconic trails like the Tongariro Crossing put New Zealand firmly on every hiker’s bucket list.

Suggested holiday: Our Landscapes of New Zealand Self-Drive takes you through exquisite scenery, with the chance to experience cosmic skies and legendary walking trails along the way.

Find out more about our New Zealand holidays


7. Greece: trips for two (or three, or four)


Our travel experts have spotted a growing trend: our travellers are mixing up who they holiday with. Mum-and-daughter getaways, best-friend escapes and grandparents taking the grandkids are rising in popularity alongside classic couples’ and family holidays. Greece fits the bill for this type of trip – the short flights make it a stress-free option for multi-generational groups and the easy-to-navigate islands mean everyone can enjoy the break at their own pace. Opt for a fly-and-flop stay at an all-inclusive resort, turn it into an island-hopping adventure or pair a beach escape with a cultural hit in Athens.

Suggested holiday: The Sporades Islands make a great duo, combining Skopelos’ serene beauty with Skiathos’ lively beaches and charming villages.

Find out more about our Greece holidays


6. Australia: find the road less travelled


A YouGov survey found that 47% of Brits prefer to go off the beaten track on holiday, and the vast size of Australia makes it easy to do just that. Its remote landscapes and wild beauty are a dream for intrepid adventurers. In Western Australia, you’ll find experiences like swimming with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef or walking among the ancient forests of the Valley of the Giants. Elsewhere, Tasmania’s temperate rainforests and the red rock scenery of the Outback showcase Australia’s wilder side in all its glory.

Suggested holiday: Our Australia’s Ultimate Wildlife Safari is designed for wildlife and wine lovers. Meet quokkas on Rottnest Island, sample the Barossa Valley’s finest reds and rest your head at Sal Salis, an eco-glamping paradise in Cape Range National Park – as off-the-map as it gets.

Find out more about our Australia holidays


5. Malaysia: stack your adventure


Our travellers are upgrading their holidays by adding mini-adventures for a hit of something different – especially in Southeast Asia. Malaysia is a top pick, with one of our favourite add-ons being the three-day Cameron Highlands adventure, offering a tea-themed twist between a city stop in Kuala Lumpur and beach time in Langkawi or Penang. For something wilder, the three-day Borneo Rainforest Experience takes you deep into the Danum Valley, where you’ll spot creatures of all shapes and sizes from a rustic jungle lodge.

Suggested holiday: Our Highlights of Kuala Lumpur & Borneo itinerary includes an immersive rainforest stay for the chance to spot pygmy elephants, red leaf monkeys and orangutans in the wild.

Find out more about our Malaysia holidays


4. Vietnam: pack in the value


Our travellers are looking for more bang for their buck with a variety of experiences, which is why so many are choosing Vietnam. A holiday here is incredible value for money, best as a multilayered journey, snaking up or down the country from the buzzing streets of Hanoi and otherworldly Halong Bay to Hoi An’s timeless charm and the soft sand beaches of Mui Ne. This is another destination where we can include mini-adventures to level up your holiday – popular add-on tours include our Three-Day Culture of Sapa trip and our new Mekong River Cruise, where you’ll see rural Vietnamese life through a local’s eyes.

Suggested holiday: Our Best of Vietnam itinerary covers 9 nights across Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City, offering a mix of culture and scenic wonders.

Find out more about our Vietnam holidays


3. India: expanding minds & horizons


YouGov found that 65% of Brits want to return from holiday having learned something new – and India is the ultimate classroom. It’s a place that opens your mind, whether it’s uncovering the wisdom of Ayurvedic healing in Goa or hearing tales of life in Delhi from a charismatic local guide. Many travellers begin with a tour of the Golden Triangle, where you can cook up a spice-laden storm with a family in Jaipur and hear the love story that brought the Taj Mahal to life. And with India’s diversity of landscapes, it’s well worth extending your holiday north or south – gain insight into Tibetan culture high in the Himalayas or perfect your yoga flow on Kerala’s beaches.

Suggested holiday: Explore India’s Intriguing North from Delhi to Shimla, with the option to dive deeper into adventure with an add-on to the Maldives.

Find out more about our India holidays


2. Sri Lanka: family fun, redefined


Climbing up the charts to claim second place, Sri Lanka continues to bounce back and draws honeymooners and couples looking for romance, relaxation and cultural discoveries. But with more families swapping the typical beach break for a holiday with more substance, Sri Lanka is also our go-to recommendation for an all-ages trip packed with fun and meaningful experiences. On an independent chauffeur-guided tour, kids can learn about wildlife conservation during leopard-spotting safaris, walk in the footsteps of Sri Lanka’s ancient kings and still have time to build sandcastles under palms.

Suggested holiday: Our Sri Lanka: Safari, Adventure & Beach with Teens itinerary strikes the perfect balance between educational exploration and downtime on the East Coast’s beaches.

Find out more about our Sri Lanka holidays

Family inspiration: Where to go when in the school holidays guide.


1. Thailand: the all-rounder for 2025


Thailand holds onto its spot as our number one trending destination for 2025, and it’s easy to see why. The Land of Smiles has it all — value, adventure, wellness retreats, incredible food, and with ABTA reporting a growing demand for responsible travel, Thailand is making waves with eco-minded stays that prioritise sustainability. With so many experiences to mix and match, our travellers often return to explore different islands and hidden gems. Our new itineraries are proving a hit, like our Thailand Wellness Journey, which focuses on pampering me-time, and our Thailand Authentic itinerary which takes you to some of the country's under-the-radar pockets.

Suggested holiday: Our Thailand Positive Impact trip includes stays at eco-aware hotels and offers up-close encounters with wildlife at Elephant Hills, a pioneer in sustainable tourism.

Find out more about our Thailand holidays

Holiday Trends Data 2025

Kuoni has set the pace in premium travel for the past 55 years. Throughout that time, we’ve set out to be a leader of luxury. Each year we create our Worldwide Travel Report where we look back at the past 12 months and ahead to next year to see what’s shaping the way we travel. Find out more about the most interesting travel trends for the year ahead, what’s new in eco-tourism and the top 25 most-booked luxury destinations.

Take a look at our previous worldwide travel reports



Responsible Travel

The drive for customers wanting to travel responsibly has created incredible partnerships and initiatives. We want to keep the world beautiful for future generations to enjoy and, practising what we preach, Kuoni launched its partnership with Engage last year enabling us to promote featured hotel that have earned internationally recognised and independently verified sustainability certification. These hotels meet the strict criteria of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), which covers sustainable management, environmental protection, supporting local communities and promoting cultural heritage. When you stay in an engage hotel, you can rest assured that your stay is supporting positive action for our planet and worldwide communities. Find out more about what’s trending in eco-tourism.

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