From volcanic islands to alpine adventures, travel experts have revealed their guide to 2026’s most exciting travel destinations. Each location is chosen for its seasonal charm, cultural significance, or off-peak appeal, perfect for early planners looking to beat the crowds and secure better value.
“The end of the year is the best time to plan your next travel year,” says Gavin Lapidus, founder of tailor-made holiday specialists eShores. “With more travellers booking early, we’re helping them discover destinations that offer something truly special in each month.”
To help early planners make the most of 2026, eShores reveals its ultimate month-by-month guide to emerging destinations.
January: Marrakech, Morocco
Start the year with a sensory escape to Marrakech. January offers mild 18–20°C temperatures, fewer tourists, and vibrant souks, gardens, and palaces to explore. It’s the ideal time to experience Moroccan culture without the summer heat and enjoy day trips to the Atlas Mountains under crisp blue skies.
February: Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Host of the 2026 Winter Olympics, this Dolomite town offers world-class skiing, alpine charm, and Olympic buzz. February is peak season for snow sports and cultural festivities.
March: Seville, Spain
Hit up Seville in March. Spain’s cultural capital stuns during orange blossom season, with comfortable 20-24°C temperatures, fewer tourists than peak months, and quick, easy travel from the UK.
April: Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia
Discover Europe’s hidden lake paradise at Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia in April. This UNESCO gem offers crystal waters and heritage charm. Expect mild 18-22°C weather at a fraction of Lake Como costs.
May: Puglia, Italy
In May, the authentic Italian experience awaits in Puglia, with 22-26°C temperatures and beautiful coastal villages. This southern Italian region delivers sun, sea, and stunning cuisine while dodging Amalfi Coast prices.
June: Åland Islands, Finland
Scandinavia’s best-kept summer secret combines Nordic cuisine with island-hopping adventures. The Åland Islands are the perfect spot in June for crowd-weary travellers, with balmy 24°C days and 60 inhabited islands offering pure Nordic solitude.
July: Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Dry season and calm seas make July ideal for diving in this marine paradise. Explore coral reefs, limestone cliffs, and remote beaches, far from the Bali crowds.
August: Faroe Islands
Swap UK heatwaves for dramatic North Atlantic landscapes in the Faroe Islands. Hailed as Iceland’s affordable, less-crowded cousin, the Faroe Islands offers wildlife encounters and epic scenery at a cool 15°C, with direct flights from London and Edinburgh in August.
September: Lofoten Islands, Norway
September brings nature’s double feature to the Lofoten Islands, days painted in Arctic autumn colours and nights illuminated by the dazzling Northern Lights. With comfortable temperatures of 18°C, this archipelago offers perfect conditions for an Arctic adventure.
October: Naxos, Greece
October brings warm days (around 22–25°C), golden light, and peaceful beaches to Naxos. This Cycladic Island blends ancient ruins, mountain villages, and excellent hiking with authentic Greek hospitality, all without the crowds of Mykonos and Santorini.
November: Paynes Bay, Barbados
Located on Barbados’ west coast, this tranquil stretch offers 30°C warmth, soft white sands, and crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling with sea turtles. With fewer crowds than peak winter months, it’s a serene escape for beach lovers, complete with sunset catamaran cruises and fresh seafood by the sea.
December: Sal, Cape Verde
For those seeking out affordable tropical warmth in December, Sal in Cape Verde offers a Caribbean alternative just six hours from the UK. Think pristine, white-sand beaches and 27°C days without the long-haul price tag or jet lag.
