As holidaymakers begin their search for the best destinations to visit in 2026, experts at Holiday Extras – the UK’s market leader in holiday extras including airport hotels, airport parking, travel insurance and more – reveal the locations they believe will top UK holidaymakers’ wish lists next year.
2026 will see travellers going further afield, seeking Sri Lanka’s Jaffna peninsula, cosmopolitan Hong Kong, or the sun-soaked surfing hotspot of Avalon Beach, Australia. A new wave of intrepid adventurers will dial back the pace in slow travel havens, including Svalbard, Norway, and Guernsey in the Channel Islands. Families will look beyond Spain and Italy as destinations, to embrace Istria, Croatia, and Mytilini, Greece.
Together, these destinations show 2026’s travellers are chasing more than just sunshine – they’re seeking meaning, connection, and a little adventure.
Top 10 holiday destinations of 2026
Jaffna, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is one of the Holiday Extras Good Trips Index’s biggest risers of 2025, following a more liberal shift in its politics in the past few years. The northern paradise of Jaffna is lesser known than the typical tourist hotspots of Ella and Kandy. Expect a taste of local Tamil culture, colourful Hindu temples, and vibrant markets.
Istria, Croatia
Still more affordable than the hotspots of Dubrovnik and Split, the Istrian coast is perfect for a family trip. Pula, the largest city and main port at the southern tip of the Istrian peninsula, experienced a 47% rise in visitors from 2024 to 2025, according to Holiday Extras’ real-time destination leaderboard, and only looks set to become more popular in 2026.
Hong Kong
With the upcoming EU EES and ETIAS set to add more hassle to the European airport experience, British holidaymakers may look to far-flung destinations to avoid the added fuss. Hong Kong is an ideal option, as its unique blends of eastern and western culture, modern luxury and ancient temples, urban buzz and lush natural landscapes provide something for everyone.
Svalbard, Norway
Sitting in second place on the Holiday Extras Good Trip Index thanks to its stellar record for sustainability and quality of life – Norway is an obvious choice for values-led holidaymakers. Svalbard is only accessible by expedition cruise from Norway, Iceland or Scotland, making it the perfect slow travel escape. You can even witness the Midnight Sun during the summer months.
Avalon Beach, Australia
Sticking with the far-flung destination trend, Avalon Beach, a suburb of Sydney, is rising in popularity thanks to its surfing haven status. Even if you’re not confident on a board, this laid-back community offers the quintessential Aussie beach town experience. From golden sands to chill coffee shops and ice cream parlours, Avalon Beach is set to be promoted from daytrip to main destination in 2026.
Guernsey, Channel Islands
Guernsey has already proved the most popular destination of 2025 on Holiday Extras’ real-time destination leaderboard – rising by 106% between 2024 and 2025. With slow travel trending, Guernsey presents the ideal opportunity for a 2026 outdoor escape close to home. Combine that with its breathtaking natural scenery, including beaches that rival the Med, and you’ve got the perfect summer destination for all the family.
Kerkennah Islands, Tunisia
As travellers search for more unique destinations in 2026, hidden treasures like Tunisia’s Kerkennah Islands will come into the spotlight. Known for sustainable fishing techniques that preserve the delicate marine ecosystem, and delicious local seafood dishes – the five islands are rich with cultural history. Far from the mainland’s hustle and bustle, Kerkennah is lined with rugged sandy beaches rarely visited by tourists.
Mytilini, Lesbos, Greece
Every year sees a ‘new’ favourite Greek Island – this year, Lesbos and its picturesque capital, Mytilini is the front-runner. Visitors have already risen by 34% throughout 2025, gearing up to make 2026 the lesser-known island’s most popular year yet. Enjoy the wealth of historical sites, neoclassical architecture, and the surrounding unspoilt landscapes of the island, as well as that iconic sparkling blue Greek sea.
Salvador, Brazil
2026 is the perfect time to book a trip to Brazil. The country is benefiting from a more liberal regime and performing well on the Holiday Extras Good Trips Index. You may think of bigger, more famous cities like Rio first, but Salvador offers a unique Afro-Brazilian culture you won’t find elsewhere, influencing everything from its food to its vibrant music and dance scene.
Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Eastern European cities like Mostar offer something different from their Western counterparts. Mostar offers medieval charm, stunning architecture and colliding cultures. There’s never been a better time to book a short city break either – European airline baggage rules are set to change in early 2026, making small cabin luggage (up to 100cm and 7kg) a mandatory inclusion for all flights to, from and within the EU – even for budget providers.
Top 20 destinations for 2026
| # | Location | Country | Region | Time to Travel |
| 1 | Jaffna | Sri Lanka | Asia | March |
| 2 | Istria | Croatia | Eastern Europe | July |
| 3 | Hong Kong | Hong Kong | Asia | November |
| 4 | Svalbard | Norway | Northern Europe | February |
| 5 | Avalon Beach | Australia | Australasia | March |
| 6 | Guernsey | Channel Isles | Western Europe | August |
| 7 | Kerkennah Islands | Tunisia | Africa | April |
| 8 | Mytilini | Greece | Europe | October |
| 9 | Salvador | Brazil | South America | December |
| 10 | Mostar | Bosnia and Herzegovina | Eastern Europe | May |
| 11 | Palawan | Philippines | Asia | February |
| 12 | Colmar, Alsace | France | Western Europe | December |
| 13 | Brasov | Romania | Eastern Europe | September |
| 14 | Khiva | Uzbekistan | Caucuses | June |
| 15 | Genoa | Italy | Western Europe | September |
| 16 | Dominica | Caribbean | December | |
| 17 | Kotor | Montenegro | Eastern Europe | November |
| 18 | Kuélap | Peru | South America | August |
| 19 | Cashel | Ireland | Western Europe | March |
| 20 | Nepal | Asia | October |
Seamus McCauley, Head of Public Affairs at Holiday Extras, comments:
“If 2025 was about grabbing bargains and returning to old favourites, 2026 looks set to be more adventurous, more thoughtful, and more personal. Travellers are broadening their horizons – choosing places that reflect their values, their stories, and their families’ needs.
“We’ve put this list of top 2026 destinations to guide holidaymakers to make the decision best for them, whether it’s a slow travel escape to Svalbard or a three-generation family fortnight in Croatia.”
“Regardless of your motivations – from squeezing in a city break to dodging potential EES delays, we hope these 2026 travel trends help you book the trip you’re looking for.”
To see which destinations are the most popular in real time, visit Holiday Extras’s Real Time Destination Leaderboard: https://www.holidayextras.com/destination-leaderboard.html
Images courtesy of unsplash.com and pexels.com
