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Many of us love a summer holiday – but this season’s popularity means that travel costs can quickly soar. So, to get the best travel deals and beat last-minute price hikes, it can help to start thinking about where you’d like to go well in advance.
So, even though the days are still cold and the nights are still long, we thought we’d offer some inspiration by pulling together a list of the best destinations for summer 2026.
Whether you fancy a European getaway or jetting off further afield, we hope one of these eight destinations takes your fancy. If you’re ready to book your next getaway, you can browse thousands of travel deals on our website using the button below.
1. Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia is a sun-soaked island off Italy’s west coast and a top holiday destination for summer 2026. You’ll find stunning beaches, rugged landscapes, and a rich blend of Italian and Mediterranean culture.
Known for having some of the cleanest beaches in Europe, Sardinia’s coastline is dotted with idyllic spots to unwind in warm, sparkling waters. The quieter, more secluded Cala Luna and Spiaggia della Pelosa beaches offer serene settings framed by cliffs, perfect for swimming or snorkelling.
Porto Cervo, a luxury hub on the island’s northern coast, beckons visitors with its boutique shops, elegant marina, and sophisticated dining, where you can sample the freshest Sardinian seafood. Tuna is a local staple here, as tuna fishing once played an important role in Sardinia’s economy. While most tuna processing facilities have closed in recent years, a love for the fish lives on.
Sardinia has plenty of history to uncover, too, with various archaeological sites dating back to the Bronze Age.
2. Tanzania
Perched on the eastern coast of Africa, Tanzania is one of the world’s top safari destinations. The dry season, between June and October, is the best time to enjoy a safari as temperatures are comfortable and wildlife gathers around watering holes.
Tanzania has many national safari parks. In the Serengeti, you can witness the Great Migration, as herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains, often shadowed by lions and other predators. For a quieter experience, Nyerere National Park is a great choice. It’s one of the best places in the world to see rare wild dogs, and you’re unlikely to bump into many other tourists.
As the home of Mount Kilimanjaro, the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, Tanzania is, unsurprisingly, a great destination for hiking. While summiting Kilimanjaro might not be everyone’s idea of a relaxing summer holiday, there are plenty of easier hikes to enjoy in the nearby Arusha National Park.
Coastal Tanzania also boasts pristine beaches, which are ideal places to relax in the sun or do some island hopping.
For more inspiration, check out our guide to African destinations for a life-changing adventure.
3. Space Coast, Florida, USA
The Space Coast stretches along hot and humid Florida’s eastern shoreline and gets its name from the NASA base stationed there.
Space enthusiasts might want to visit the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, which hosts interactive exhibits and sometimes offers the chance to witness live rocket launches.
Known for its surf culture, Space Coast’s surf schools offer something for everyone – from renting a board for a few hours to week-long surfing camps.
Cocoa Beach is the area’s buzzing hub, and local seafood specialities like jambalaya and catfish bites are popular. The friendly folks at Village Food Tours can guide you through the best of the area’s eateries.
The Space Coast also abounds in wildlife. The Banana River’s mangrove-lined waters are the ideal place to spot dolphins, manatees, turtles, and more – as is the nearby Manatee Sanctuary Park.
4. Lithuania
Lithuania is one of the three Baltic states of Northeastern Europe and has long been overlooked as a travel destination. However, this charming country has so much to offer – and 2026 is the time to visit before it no doubt grows in popularity over the next few years.
Lithuania’s white-sandy beaches are set behind rolling dunes and peaceful pine forests. The water might be chilly, but locals insist on swimming in the warmer summer months!
Some of the most beautiful beaches are on the Curonian Spit, set off from the mainland. This region is home to picture-perfect fishing villages, where the striking blue colour of wooden fishermen’s houses reflects in the still waters of the lagoon.
Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius, has been recognised as 2025’s European Green Capital. With beautiful green spaces covering over 60% of the city, it’s a fantastic benchmark for sustainability.
But Vilnius is full of urban charm, too; its picturesque UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, littered with Gothic churches and trendy restaurants, is a delight to wander through.
5. Kanazawa, Japan
Kanazawa is a beautifully preserved city on Japan’s west coast that offers a glimpse into the country’s feudal past. Less visited than the nearby Kyoto, Kanazawa is a fantastic choice for the summer, especially if you’re looking to beat crowds of tourists.
The city is one of the few in Japan that remained untouched by wartime bombings, which has left its beautiful historic districts intact. Kanazawa Castle stands as a symbol of the region’s rich samurai heritage, and history lovers will enjoy exploring the old samurai houses and museums of Nagamachi.
Japan is renowned for its unique approach to landscaping, and Kanazawa’s Kenrokuen Garden is considered one of the country’s top three most beautiful gardens. Teahouses and pagodas sit atop elegant ponds, and the flowering plants are spectacular in the summer.
For a change of scenery, a day trip to Shirakawa-go – a mountain village with centuries-old thatched houses – offers a unique look at the rural settlements of old Japan.
Check out our guide to travelling in Japan for more tips.
6. Transylvania, Romania
Transylvania is quickly becoming Romania’s most visited destination. With its mix of history, natural beauty, and adventure, this Eastern European region is a great, affordable choice for summer 2026.
Brașov is a fantastic base for exploring the various Gothic towns and castles that Transylvania is known for – including the famous Bran Castle. Perched dramatically atop a hill, this legendary fortress is said to have been the home of the (fictional) Count Dracula.
The surrounding Carpathian Mountains offer some of Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes and are home to the continent’s largest population of brown bears. Hiking enthusiasts can explore the new Via Transilvanica trail, a long-distance route that weaves through forests, hills, and villages.
If you’d prefer to take in the scenery without getting your heart rate up (and risking bumping into a real-life Paddington), the Transfăgărășan road has been hailed as the world’s best drive by Top Gear. Although, thanks to the hairpin turns, the heart rate might rise a little…
7. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo, the charming capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a top destination for travellers seeking culture, history, and natural beauty.
This city is known for its unique blend of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian architecture and offers a rich cultural experience. In July, the Baščaršijske Noći festival brings the city to life with music, theatre, and dance performances – filling Sarajevo’s centre with artistic energy. Meanwhile, the Sarajevo Film Festival in August attracts film lovers worldwide.
Sarajevo’s heart, the Baščaršija district, is perfect for a stroll – and free walking tours offer the chance to learn a little more about the city’s history. Baščaršija is also one of the best places to enjoy Bosnia’s relaxed café culture and try local dishes. Stuffed peppers are a popular choice, and locals swear by Ćevapi – Bosnia’s beloved take on kebabs.
The city is also surrounded by the Dinaric Alps, providing great opportunities for active getaways with dramatic views of the valley below.
8. Greenland
Greenland is the world’s largest island. But with few flights to this arctic wonderland, it’s long been a remote destination for travellers. However, new direct flights from Europe are making it a more accessible destination, so it’s worth considering if you fancy a more original summer holiday destination.
Greenland’s natural beauty is unparalleled. Seeing the midnight sun during summer is a unique experience, and plenty of light means more time to explore the island’s beauty.
Hikers will find breathtaking views of fjords and glaciers along the Arctic Circle Trail. Though if you’d prefer to skip the physical challenge, the coastal ferries that connect towns are an excellent way to explore Greenland’s stunning coastline.
The capital city, Nuuk, is the cultural centre of Greenland and a great place to learn about Inuit culture. For an insight into the history and the islanders’ ways of life, the Greenland National Museum has comprehensive exhibitions. If you’re feeling adventurous and ready to immerse yourself in the local culture, you might like to try the unique Inuit cuisine. Suaasat, for example, is a traditional soup made from seal meat and blubber!
Final thoughts…
Whether you’re drawn to the serene beaches of Lithuania, the historic charm of Kanazawa, or the wildlife wonders of Tanzania, we hope this article has given you some inspiration for your next getaway!
For more ideas, head over to our travel section.
What are your holiday plans this summer? Have any of the destinations on our list sparked your interest? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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