Our travel team’s top pick of the best holiday destinations for 2026 | Travel News | Travel

A new year means new opportunities to explore the world, and if you’re someone who likes to discover new destinations, our travel team may have the perfect pick for you. From staycations close to home, to far-flung destinations, these are the places our team of travel experts think you’ll love for 2026. 

Milo Boyd, Deputy Travel Editor

Salina, Sicily

You’ve got to go further and try harder to find even a relatively untouched part of Europe for a holiday these days. Salina, a volcanic island in Italy’s Aeolian Archipelago, is just that. It’s a small, rocky place that’s a bumpy, lengthy ferry ride north of Sicily. Finding a place to stay is challenging due to the complete lack of hotels. But that’s part of its charm. The island of 2,500 people has been described as ‘un-mass touristable’ due to its location and the unsuitability of its terrain for beachside accommodation. It’s a place of rocky coastline perfect for jumping off into the warm water; of freshly grown capers that are candied and eaten with granita; and of authentic Italian charm. When I visited this summer, I spent a joyous week sunning myself on and swimming around an island that feels like it’d slipped through the cracks of time.

Lindisfarme, UK

If you watched the film trailer for the apocalyptic thriller 28 Days Later last year, not only have you seen one of the best movie ads ever, but you’ve also had a good look at my UK destination pick for 2026. Holy Island, or Lindisfarne, provides a location for a group of hardened survivalists in the Danny Boyle flick. Its tidal causeway proves ideal for stopping the Infected. In real life, it lends a day out on the Northumberland island a real thrill. Stay too long on an island that was once home to holy hermit St. Aidan, and the rising tide will make it impossible to leave (that is, unless you’ve got a boat.) When I visited on midsummer last year, a choir of seals was singing over the bay as clouds of butterflies fluttered about. There isn’t a huge amount to do in Lindisfarne but walk and look at the views, but its natural beauty means that’s plenty enough.

Mendoza, Argentina 

Located in the central west of Argentina, Mendoza is less visited than Salta, with its sunset orange cliffs in the northwest, or the 275 cascades of Iguazu Falls in the northeast. The two-hour flight from Buenos Aires to the regional capital may be one of the most turbulent in the world, but it is well worth braving for two reasons alone: the wine and the horses. Vineyards in Mendoza are planted at some of the highest altitudes in the world, yet produce two-thirds of all Argentine wine, with the pink-skinned grapes of Criolla Grande, and Cereza squished into famed vintages of Malbec. I’d recommend plantation tours in Uco Valley, where seemingly endless rows of vines create contour lines on the undulating hills, watched over by towering Christ statues on some of their peaks. If that’s not your thing, real-life, hardened gauchos are on hand to trot you, on horseback, up into the Andean foothills.

Amy Jones, Senior Travel Journalist

Lille, France 

The Eurostar has to be my favourite form of transport. Its super-efficient service that offers a relaxing start to any European trip. Yet, instead of heading to the touristy hotspot of Paris, I recommend a visit to Lille, an enchanting French city, just under an hour and a half from London St Pancras International. You can easily spend the day wandering around the winding cobblestone streets of Lille, lined with fairytale-esque architecture and charming French shops. There are pastries filled with freshly baked goods and welcoming taprooms, a testament to their close ties with Belgium. There’s even a beer and waffle house nestled next to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame, and the magnificent Église Saint-Maurice de Lille can be found in the city centre, with its Gothic features. There are dozens of eateries with outdoor seating, offering a true taste of French delicacies, while coffee shops in the square provide the perfect spot for people-watching and to soak up the laid-back atmosphere.

Stamford, UK 

The market town of Stamford has an allure that will tempt you back before you’ve even finished meandering around the cobbled lanes with its picture-postcard backdrop. It boasts 17th-century stonework and Georgian buildings, earning the nickname “mini Bath”, a Somerset city renowned for its comparable features. There are charming independent boutiques, welcoming pubs, and a flourishing culinary scene that contribute to its lasting appeal. A visit here isn’t complete without taking a leisurely walk to Burghley House, a magnificent stately home, described as “one of the grandest houses of the 16th century”. It has even served as a backdrop for Pride & Prejudice, The Da Vinci Code, and The Crown.

Western Newfoundland, Canada 

This uncrowded paradise spans 750 kilometres, where you can experience four seasons in a day, all within its breathtaking beauty. Steeped in a vibrant heritage shaped by Indigenous, English, Irish and French influences, there are miles of untouched landscapes where moose and caribou thrive, along with towering mountain peaks and endless stretches of pristine wilderness. You can marvel at the glacier-carved fjords of Western Brook Pond, and in one of the rare places in the world, walk on the Earth’s mantle at The Tablelands in Gros Morne National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll be left in awe of the stunning scenes of the spectacular region in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, which both have undeniable warmth thanks to its kind residents. They told me: “It’s the people that you’re going to meet that will make your experience.”

Julie Delahaye, Travel Editor 

Porto, Portugal 

If you only do one city break in 2026, make it Porto. This underrated and effortlessly cool Portuguese city has something around every corner, thanks to its colourful tiled buildings, historic churches and cobbled streets. Take a ride on the vintage tram for an easy and quirky way to take in the sights, or stop off for a bite to eat at the ‘world’s most beautiful McDonalds’ complete with Art Deco features and chandeliers. Foodies can also get their fill at the countless bars and cosy restaurants with fresh seafood and the Pastéis de Bacalhau fritters you won’t want to miss. Meanwhile bookworms will want to while away an hour or so in the iconic Livraria Lello that looks like something directly out of a Harry Potter film. 

Middleham, UK 

You know that beautiful town in The Holiday where Cameron Diaz spends Christmas? Well, Middleham in Yorkshire massively gives off those vibes – beautiful countryside, stone cottages, heaps of scenic walking trails, and classic pubs with low beams and roaring fires. I stayed there in autumn and was instantly charmed, especially thanks to the antiques shops and tea rooms that leave this place feeling like it’s frozen in time (in the absolute best way). 

Disney Destiny cruise ship 

I was always skeptical about whether a cruise would be for me, but having ticked off not one but two Disney sailings, I’m converted. The cruise line’s new ship Disney Destiny has a fun heroes and villains theme, and sails from the USA on a host of sun-soaked itineraries to the Caribbean in 2026 after it made its official debut back in November. Expect great food, heaps of Disney magic including character appearances and Disney films being shown on the cinema screen above the main pool, as well as plenty of adults-only areas, elegant themed bars, and West End worthy shows.

Natalie King, Travel Journalist

Menorca, Balearic Islands

Menorca has been my family’s go-to summer destination for the past few years, as it ticks so many boxes for travelling with young kids. The flight is two and a half hours, there are loads of little sandy beaches with calm seas for safe swimming, and it’s not nearly as crowded as nearby Majorca, avoiding many of the anti-tourism protests. We particularly like Arenal d’en Castell in the north of the island, as it has numerous family-friendly restaurants overlooking the sea, and it’s easy to hire a car to explore. What many people don’t know about Menorca is that it has the ruins of many settlements from ancient times that you can visit, many of which are free or just a couple of euros to enter. Simply follow the purple road signs and you’ll find a wealth of historic sites. The entire island is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with a strong emphasis on sustainable travel and the preservation of its beautiful Mediterranean landscape.

Folkestone, Kent

I love a good seaside town, and Folkestone had the perfect balance of the traditional with a relaxed, arty vibe. Folkestone Harbour is home to the UK’s largest display of outdoor contemporary art, and as we took a stroll towards the lighthouse, we spotted works such as statues by Antony Gormley. The lighthouse itself is a champagne bar, and has tables outside with incredible sea views. Heading back to land, you can enjoy fish and chips on the pretty shingle beach, or wander The Old High Street full of colourful shops that sell works by local artists. 

Dallas, USA

Summer 2026 will see the World Cup hosted in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, with England’s first match taking the team to Dallas. Luckily, the state is already sports-obsessed and definitely used to groups of fans hitting the streets. Visiting earlier this year, I enjoyed the chaos of an NBA game and spotted many people in Dallas Cowboys merch when it was game day. We also saw some of the huge stadiums where England will make their bid for World Cup glory. And once the match is over, Dallas is a great place to stay with attractions from the Reunion Tower, which gives views across the city, to The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, where Lee Harvey Oswald took the fatal shot at JFK (or did he?). Those who want to experience the cowboy lifestyle should also head to nearby Fort Worth where you can see a daily cattle drive through the streets, visit the John Wayne museum, or enjoy a cold beer in a real-life honky-tonk.

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