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TripAdvisor has published its Traveller’s Choice Awards for 2026, and this year’s trending destinations are as continent-spanning and culturally diverse as ever. From vibrant European cities to exotic South American resorts, their top destinations for 2026 provide wonderful inspiration for intrepid travellers.
And winter is a fantastic time to start making travel plans. Whether you plan on venturing abroad or travelling closer to home, it’s exciting to imagine the places you might touch down in, and the cultures, beaches, and sights you might see.
With that said, we’ve pulled together a shortlist of eight popular holiday destinations in 2026.
To plan your next trip, you can use our holiday itinerary helper, or use the button below to browse thousands of travel deals available through our website.
Note: It’s always worth checking the latest FCDO travel advice on GOV.UK before planning your trip.
1. Crete, Greece
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and an enduringly popular holiday destination. Just a four-hour flight from London, it’s a fabulous choice for anyone seeking sun, culture, beautiful landscapes, and incredible cuisine, without needing to travel too far.
The ancient Palace of Knossos in the lively capital, Heraklion, is probably the island’s best-known archaeological gem. Knossos was the political centre of the ancient Minoan civilisation and offers unique insights into the magic and mythology of ancient Greece.
Crete’s other popular cities, Chania and Rethymno, are worth a place on your itinerary, too. Chania’s postcard-perfect Venetian harbour is made for lingering over seafood and exploring winding lanes of pastel-colored buildings, while Rethymno delivers a similar old-town charm with the bonus of a sweeping beach right on your doorstep.
If you enjoy an active holiday, Crete is also a fantastic hiking island, with various trails spanning diverse, dramatic scenery, including the famous 16km Samaria Gorge. You can also trek through the wondrous White Mountains towards the Libyan Sea, or enjoy coastal routes on the former quarantine island of Spinalonga.
Water babies can enjoy swimming in the turquoise waters of Balos Lagoon, before drawing up a towel on the pink sands of Elafonissi Beach. Crete is also popular for its abundance of snorkelling spots, and there are plenty of opportunities to try scuba diving too.
And, when you’re not exploring or paddling, fresh seafood and Cretan specialities like boureki (zucchini/potato/cheese pie) and dakos (bread with tomato and cheese) await at simple tavernas, cafés and authentic kafeneions.
2. Bali, Indonesia
Beautiful Bali earned the top spot in the 2026 Traveller’s Choice Awards, and for good reason. This exotic Indonesian island combines lush tropical jungles with vast rice terraces, pristine white-sand beaches, and a vibrant spiritual culture.
Adventurists can sunbathe on paradisiacal beaches and surf in unforgettable waves in Uluwatu, explore Ubud’s emerald rice terraces and flamboyant artisan markets, and discover the colourful coral reefs off Nusa Penida. A sunrise hike up Mount Batur also rewards with panoramic views of volcanic craters, black lava fields, and soft, drifting clouds.
Meanwhile, Bali’s cultural focus on hospitality and wellness means there are plenty of opportunities to find peace and tranquillity. Enjoy beach life at Nusa Dua and Jimbaran Bay, watch the sunset in Seminyak, take a yoga class, or visit a traditional Balinese spa for revitalising massages and skin treatments.
The beautiful Gili Islands are also just a short ferry ride away; whether you want to snorkel with turtles in the crystal-clear waters of peaceful Gili Meno, enjoy the buzzing bars and restaurants on Gili Trawangan, or find a middle ground on Gili Air, where tropical relaxation and quiet nightlife meet.
To plan a trip here, you might be interested in our article: How to visit Bali on a budget.
3. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
If you’re after a beach holiday, the dramatically beautiful resort city of Cabo San Lucas might be up your street. Perched on the very southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas stands out for its golden sands, stunning rock formations, and crystal clear waters where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez.
Playa Medano (the main, most popular beach) buzzes with water sports, beach clubs, and restaurants, while Playa del Amor, accessible only by water taxi, is ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and lounging.
From here, you’ll also have fantastic views of the iconic Arch of Cabo San Lucas (El Acro), a stunning, three-story natural granite arch formed by wind and tidal erosion. The arch is more spectacular the closer you get, so many people enjoy renting kayaks to explore at their own pace. Dolphin, whale-watching, and sea lion tours are available, too.
Strolling around the marina, there are plenty of places to settle in for a hearty serving of fish tacos, smoked marlin, and grilled ‘chocolate’ clams. Cabo San Lucas might be known for being a lively party destination, but it’s definitely more laid back than you’d think, and there are plenty of quieter resort hotels if you’re seeking peace and serenity.
4. Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi’s inclusion in the top 10 destinations for 2026 shows just how many travellers are becoming increasingly drawn to the culturally rich, sensorial experiences of Vietnam. The capital, Hanoi, is a fascinating place: a heady blend of French colonial architecture, magnificent ancient temples, and vibrant city life.
In the bustling Old Quarter, narrow laneways abound with roadside vendors selling local delights like pho and egg coffee. And on Hanoi’s famous train street, you’ll find cafes that lie inches from active railway tracks. Meanwhile, the city’s collection of museums speaks to Vietnam’s fascinating history, and the serene Hoam Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple are perfect for walking – particularly at sunset.
Hanoi also serves as a superb gateway for exploring some of northern Vietnam’s natural wonders – including the iconic Ha Long Bay, Ban Gioc’s waterfalls, and the terraced rice fields of Sapa. The towering karst mountains, lazy rivers, and ancient temples of Ninh Binh also lie just two hours away.
Check out our article, 12 things to know before travelling to Vietnam, to learn more.
5. Hurghada, Egypt
The sunny resort of Hurghada on Egypt’s Red Sea coast is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs offering world-class diving and snorkelling opportunities. Once a small fishing village, Hurghada has transformed into a popular holiday destination, combining modern resorts with lively towns and desert adventures.
The Red Sea is one of the world’s most vibrant marine environments. Here, you can spot everything from turtles and stingrays to parrotfish, clownfish, and dolphins. And the warm, clear, and relatively calm waters make it ideal for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike.
On land, fine, soft-sand beaches, including those on the nearby Giftun Islands, are perfect for soaking up the sun. And in the Hurghada Desert, thrill-seekers can enjoy quad biking, dune buggying, camel rides, and jeep safaris. Day trips to Luxor and the Valley of the Kings also offer a taste of Egypt’s ancient history and archaeology.
Only a five-hour flight from London and with year-round sunshine, Hurghada is a reliable destination for a sunny escape. If you’d like to explore elsewhere, check out our article: 7 things to see and do in Egypt.
6. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a vibrant, fun, and fascinating city that effortlessly balances history and culture with a laid-back coastal lifestyle. Built across seven hills overlooking the Tagus River, the Portuguese capital is rich in character and, over the years, has emerged as one of the most popular destinations for a city break.
In the famous Alfama district, Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood, Grand squares and cafés contrast with the tiled façades and narrow lanes. Explore the district’s mighty cathedral and the extensive ramparts, towers, and grounds of São Jorge Castle before settling in for an authentic fado performance over a glass of Vinho Verde.
In Lisbon’s Belem neighbourhood, you’ll find some of the city’s architectural masterpieces, including the Jeronimos Monastery and the Tower of Belem, both UNESCO Heritage Sites. Pasteis de Belem, one of the most iconic places to pick up a pastel de nata, is also well-worth a stop. Then, of course, no trip to Lisbon is complete without a ride on the iconic 28 yellow tram, which has run since 1914.
Once you’ve had your fill of city life, golden Atlantic sands lie just half an hour away. Expect tranquil swimming spots, world-class surfing waves, and fresh seafood restaurants lining the shore.
For more inspiration, check out our articles: 10 of the best things to do in Lisbon and 8 towns and cities to visit in Portugal.
7. Istanbul, Turkey
Straddling two continents, Istanbul is a unique melting pot of European and Asian cultures. Here, a heady mix of bustling bazaars and Ottoman mosques contrast with Byzantine churches and vibrant modern neighbourhoods. It’s a city unlike any other.
In the Old City Sultanahmet district, the Hagia Sophia dominates with its 31-metre central dome, and the six-minaret Blue Mosque, a 17th-century Ottoman masterpiece, is adorned with 20,000 handmade tiles. Meanwhile, the Topkapi Palace and its four grand courtyards are an impressive and beautiful blend of Ottoman, Islamic, and European architectural styles.
Istanbul’s century-old mix of cultures has also had a huge impact on its cuisine, and it’s no secret that many people come here specifically for the food. After a day of sightseeing, savour the tastes of balik ekmek (a popular fish sandwich), simit (round pastry covered with sesame seeds), and the ever-famous baklava, the ultimate sweet-tooth satisfaction.
Beyond its cultural clout, Istanbul also delivers a surprising beach holiday feel, particularly during the warmer months. The city enjoys long, sunny summers, and its coastal location means plenty of access to swimming spots along the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara, and the Black Sea coast.
To explore elsewhere in Turkey, you might like to read our article: 10 of the most beautiful places to visit in Turkey.
8. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is one of Europe’s most dynamic and exciting cities. A real mishmash of architectural styles, the city blends its ancient Roman roots with medieval Gothic structures and modernist buildings. But it’s Antoni Gaudí’s architecture that Barcelona is most famous for. Take a tour of the one-of-a-kind Sagrada Familia with its tree-like columns, before wandering the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter.
For those who enjoy spending time on the beach during a city break, Barcelona is an ideal choice. With a 5km stretch of golden sand beaches, you can spend mornings exploring museums, markets, and galleries, and afternoons on the beach in this seaside city. Then, in the evenings, vibrant bars and restaurants specialising in paella and tapas await.
For a more classic beach holiday feel, nearby resorts like Salou, Sitges, and Costa Brava offer sandy bays, crystal clear waters, and a slower, more resort-focused vibe…all within an hour of the city.
Final thoughts…
This year’s most popular destinations span various continents and cultures. From culture-soaked capitals like Hanoi and Istanbul to the crystal clear waters of Hurghada and Crete, there’s a destination to suit every kind of traveller.
For more holiday inspiration, head over to our travel section. If you’re ready to book an adventure of a lifetime, you can browse the latest deals using the button below.
Which of these destinations intrigues you the most? What are your travel plans for 2026? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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