Predictions: The Best New Holiday Destinations for 2026

Travel is changing faster than ever. New flight routes are opening. Once-overlooked regions are stepping confidently into the spotlight. And travellers are no longer just asking where’s popular — they’re asking where makes sense next.

That’s why planning ahead matters. If you’re researching the best new holiday destinations for 2026, this guide is designed to help you travel smarter, not just further. We’ve combined global travel trends, airline access, infrastructure investment, and real booking insight to predict where 2026 will deliver the best experiences — before the crowds fully arrive.

This isn’t a recycled list of classics. It’s a forward-looking, UK-first guide to emerging travel destinations for 2026, built for travellers who want timing, value, and originality.

Why 2026 Will Be a Standout Year for Travel

Several forces are converging to make 2026 a pivotal year:

• New and restored air routes from UK airports are opening access to less obvious destinations
• Major tourism investment cycles (paused earlier in the decade) are now complete
• Overtourism pressure is reshaping demand towards secondary regions
• Traveller behaviour is shifting towards slower, more meaningful experiences

According to outlooks from the UN World Tourism Organisation, growth through 2026 is being driven by experiential travel, secondary destinations, and sustainability-led decision-making — exactly the trends shaping the destinations below.

If discovering places that still feel authentic matters to you, learning how to avoid the crowds can transform how you travel in 2026

How We Chose the Best New Holiday Destinations for 2026

Rather than guessing, we used a clear prediction framework:

• Access: new or expanded routes from the UK
• What’s genuinely new: hotels, rail links, restored cities, or infrastructure
• Value window: destinations likely to rise in price after 2026
• Crowd balance: alternatives to saturated hotspots
• Traveller fit: couples, families, explorers, or luxury travellers

This approach explains not just where to go in 2026, but why now is the right time.

If you’re planning ahead, understanding how to travel smart during peak season can help you enjoy 2026’s most exciting destinations without the stress

The Best New Holiday Destinations for 2026: Our Predictions

Southern Albania (Ksamil & the Albanian Riviera)

Why it’s new for 2026:

Southern Albania is nearing its tipping point. Coastal infrastructure has improved dramatically, boutique hotels are opening quietly, and international awareness is accelerating — but prices remain refreshingly grounded.

Best time to go: May–June, September

Who it suits: Couples, beach lovers, culture seekers

Signature experiences:

• Swimming in crystal-clear Ionian waters
• Exploring UNESCO-listed Butrint
• Exceptional seafood at local prices

This is Mediterranean travel before the mass-market wave.

Jamie Wake Travel can build relaxed Albanian Riviera itineraries paired with inland culture for balance.

Uzbekistan (Samarkand, Bukhara & Tashkent)

Why it’s new for 2026:

Visa-free travel for UK passport holders, high-speed rail between historic cities, and a fast-growing boutique hotel scene make Uzbekistan one of the most compelling future travel destinations.

Best time to go: April–May, September–October

Who it suits: History lovers, cultural explorers

Signature experiences:

• Walking the Registan at sunset
• Silk Road markets and madrasas
• Seamless city-to-city rail journeys

Few destinations deliver this level of impact with so few crowds.

Our specialists create smooth Silk Road journeys with expert guides and handpicked stays.

Japan’s Alps (Takayama & Kanazawa)

Why it’s new for 2026:

As Kyoto and Tokyo struggle with overtourism, Japan’s alpine heartland is emerging as a calmer, deeply authentic alternative.

Best time to go: April–June, October

Who it suits: Slow travellers, food lovers

Signature experiences:

• Traditional ryokan stays
• Farm-to-table kaiseki dining
• Samurai districts and pristine gardens

This region shows why Japan remains one of the top travel destinations for 2026, beyond the obvious.

Mozambique (Quirimbas Archipelago)

Why it’s new for 2026:

Mozambique is quietly becoming the Indian Ocean’s most exciting luxury alternative, with eco-lodges and conservation-led tourism driving demand.

Best time to go: June–October

Who it suits: Honeymooners, luxury travellers

Signature experiences:

• Barefoot island stays
• Snorkelling untouched reefs
• Safari-and-beach combinations

Still underbooked compared to its neighbours — for now.

Colombia (Medellín & the Coffee Region)

Why it’s new for 2026:

Improved perception, strong air links, and a booming boutique hotel scene are transforming Colombia into one of South America’s most appealing destinations.

Best time to go: December–March

Who it suits: Culture lovers, adventurous couples

Signature experiences:

• Coffee farm stays in Salento
• Creative districts of Medellín
• Caribbean extensions to Cartagena

Colombia’s moment has arrived.

Jamie Says:

“The smartest trips for 2026 aren’t the loudest names — they’re the destinations just hitting their stride.”

Cape Verde (Winter Sun with Value)

Why it’s new for 2026:

Year-round accessibility and sustainable resort development are repositioning Cape Verde as more than a winter sun standby.

Best time to go: November–March

Who it suits: Winter sun seekers, couples

Signature experiences:

• Long sandy beaches
• Creole culture and music
• Consistent sunshine without long-haul fatigue

For travellers prioritising warmth and value, these emerging destinations sit naturally alongside classic winter sun holidays that remain popular with UK travellers.

Slovenia (Family-Friendly Europe)

Why it’s new for 2026:

Slovenia combines lakes, mountains, and charming cities in a compact, easy-to-navigate country — perfect for families seeking something different.

Best time to go: June–September

Who it suits: Families, nature lovers

Signature experiences:

• Lake Bled boating
• Alpine hikes
• Traffic-light capital city Ljubljana

Saudi Arabia (Cultural Frontier)

Why it’s new for 2026:

Saudi Arabia is opening carefully but confidently, offering archaeological wonders and cultural depth few travellers have experienced.

Best time to go: October–March

Who it suits: Culture-focused explorers

Signature experiences:

• AlUla’s rock formations
• Diriyah’s heritage districts
• Curated cultural itineraries

Portugal by Rail (Rail-First Europe)

Why it’s new for 2026:

Rail-first itineraries are becoming a defining travel trend for 2026, and Portugal is leading the way.

Best time to go: April–June, September

Who it suits: Sustainable travellers

Signature experiences:

• Lisbon to Porto by train
• Car-free city stays
• Coastal rail journeys

Tanzania (Family Safari Evolution)

Why it’s new for 2026:

Safari is no longer just for couples. Tanzania’s family-friendly lodges and flexible itineraries are opening wildlife travel to new audiences.

Best time to go: June–October

Who it suits: Families, wildlife lovers

Signature experiences:

• Guided family safaris
• Zanzibar beach time
• Educational conservation experiences

Destinations like Tanzania also reflect a broader shift towards responsible travel, with growing interest in a more sustainable safari experience.

Which of the Best New Holiday Destinations for 2026 Suits You?

• Winter sun without crowds: Cape Verde, Southern Albania
• Culture & history: Uzbekistan, Japan’s Alps, Saudi Arabia
• Families: Slovenia, Tanzania
• Luxury escapes: Mozambique, Japan
• Best value: Albania, Colombia
• Sustainable travel: Portugal (rail-first), Slovenia

If you’re still weighing up where to go, creating a travel vision board can help clarify which of these new holiday destinations for 2026 truly fits your style.

What We’re Seeing in Enquiries

Planning patterns for 2026 are already emerging. We’re seeing earlier-than-usual interest in long-haul travel, especially Japan, safari destinations, and multi-centre itineraries. At the same time, demand for lesser-known European destinations offering value and crowd relief is rising sharply. Winter sun searches are shifting away from traditional hotspots towards places that feel new but accessible — reinforcing why these are among the best new holiday destinations for 2026.

Booking with Confidence for 2026

Every holiday booked with Jamie Wake Travel includes ATOL protection where applicable and Supplier Failure Insurance, giving you peace of mind when planning ahead.

Why Book Your 2026 Holiday with Jamie Wake Travel

We don’t sell templates. We design holidays as unique as you are, backed by expert knowledge, personal service, and full financial protection.

Call 01495 400005, use our enquiry form, or explore ideas with our website search tool.

Frequently Asked Questions: Best New Holiday Destinations for 2026