Best places to travel in 2026
From familiar European favourites to hot new destinations, this is where UK travellers are heading this year – and why. Here’s the holiday inspiration you need for 2026.
Published: 30 July 2026
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Key takeaways
- Experience-led travel is on the rise. Food tours, culture, and outdoor adventures are driving destination choices.Experience-led travel is on the rise. Food tours, culture, and outdoor adventures are driving destination choices.
- European destinations are more popular than ever. Travellers are choosing closer, tried-and-tested spots for 2026 holidays.European destinations are more popular than ever. Travellers are choosing closer, tried-and-tested spots for 2026 holidays.
- Italy, Spain, France, and Ireland remain firm favourites. Albania, Sardinia, and Madeira are trending as alternatives.Italy, Spain, France, and Ireland remain firm favourites. Albania, Sardinia, and Madeira are trending as alternatives.
- Budget-conscious families are finding excellent value in destinations like Turkey, Albania, and Portugal.Budget-conscious families are finding excellent value in destinations like Turkey, Albania, and Portugal.
What are the biggest 2026 travel trends?
A few patterns are shaping where and how people are travelling this year:
- Experience-led holidays are overtaking traditional fly-and-flop trips. Research shows that many UK travellers now prefer holidays with food, culture, or outdoor adventure rather than simply lying by a pool. Think cooking classes in Tuscany, wine tasting in the Douro Valley, or kayaking along the Albanian coast.Experience-led holidays are overtaking traditional fly-and-flop trips. Research shows that many UK travellers now prefer holidays with food, culture, or outdoor adventure rather than simply lying by a pool. Think cooking classes in Tuscany, wine tasting in the Douro Valley, or kayaking along the Albanian coast.
- Shorter breaks are booming too. We’re seeing the rise of the ‘mini sun-break’ of three or four nights rather than a full week. This means people are fitting in more trips per year, often booking last-minute when a good deal pops up. Destinations with easy budget airline connections, like Spain, Portugal, and Italy, are driving this trend.Shorter breaks are booming too. We’re seeing the rise of the ‘mini sun-break’ of three or four nights rather than a full week. This means people are fitting in more trips per year, often booking last-minute when a good deal pops up. Destinations with easy budget airline connections, like Spain, Portugal, and Italy, are driving this trend.
- And there’s a noticeable shift towards destinations that feel familiar, safe, and easy to reach. European holidays have surged as travellers prioritise comfort and convenience, choosing places where they know what to expect and can get there in under four hours.And there’s a noticeable shift towards destinations that feel familiar, safe, and easy to reach. European holidays have surged as travellers prioritise comfort and convenience, choosing places where they know what to expect and can get there in under four hours.
Where should I go on holiday in 2026?
Europe is coming out as the top choice this year. More UK travellers are booking closer-to-home destinations for short flight times and reliable weather. And add to that a huge choice of different ways to relax or have an adventure. But it’s not just the usual suspects – a handful of hot new destinations are climbing the rankings fast.
Why is Italy still so popular?
Italy has always been a crowd-pleaser, but 2026 adds a few extra reasons to visit.
- Northern Italy is very much on the map after the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in February. Cities like Milan, Verona, and the Dolomites region are seeing a surge of interest from travellers looking for culture, food, and mountain scenery.Northern Italy is very much on the map after the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in February. Cities like Milan, Verona, and the Dolomites region are seeing a surge of interest from travellers looking for culture, food, and mountain scenery.
- In the south, Sardinia is having a real moment. Research from Expedia showed a big jump in search interest this year. Travellers are seeing it as a stunning – and slightly quieter – alternative to Sicily or the Amalfi Coast. Think fresh seafood, turquoise water, and ancient ruins without the overcrowded beaches.In the south, Sardinia is having a real moment. Research from Expedia showed a big jump in search interest this year. Travellers are seeing it as a stunning – and slightly quieter – alternative to Sicily or the Amalfi Coast. Think fresh seafood, turquoise water, and ancient ruins without the overcrowded beaches.
Whether you’re after mountains and lakes, a city break in Rome, or a coastal drive through Puglia, Italy has so much to offer.
Get a feel for how far your travel money might go with our Euros currency information.
Why do so many Brits choose Spain?
Spain remains the number one overseas destination for UK travellers. We can’t get enough of reliable sunshine, affordable packages, and a great choice of direct flights from the UK.
- The Costa Blanca, Tenerife, and Barcelona continue to top the charts, but Andalusia is now more popular than ever. The Costa Blanca, Tenerife, and Barcelona continue to top the charts, but Andalusia is now more popular than ever.
- Malaga is trending with its mix of city culture, golden beaches, and easy access to the wider region.Malaga is trending with its mix of city culture, golden beaches, and easy access to the wider region.
- Altea is where it’s at for travellers after somewhere a bit different. Named in the Airbnb ‘Dupe-It List’ 2026 as “the Santorini of Spain”, the small coastal town is gaining serious attention. With its whitewashed houses, cobbled lanes, and blue-domed landmarks, its just a short trip from Benidorm but feels a world apart.Altea is where it’s at for travellers after somewhere a bit different. Named in the Airbnb ‘Dupe-It List’ 2026 as “the Santorini of Spain”, the small coastal town is gaining serious attention. With its whitewashed houses, cobbled lanes, and blue-domed landmarks, its just a short trip from Benidorm but feels a world apart.
- Spain hits a sweet spot for families. All-inclusive deals are widely available and kids’ clubs are standard at most resorts. Added to this, with the euro weak against the pound, your spending money goes a bit further this summer.Spain hits a sweet spot for families. All-inclusive deals are widely available and kids’ clubs are standard at most resorts. Added to this, with the euro weak against the pound, your spending money goes a bit further this summer.
To find out more take a look at our guide - Spanish currency.
Is Albania a good budget-friendly option?
Yes, Albania is a budget-friendly option – and for more than one reason:
- Albania’s Riviera has gone from a well-kept secret to one of the fastest-growing destinations in Europe. The small coastal village of Ksamil, with its crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches, is nicknamed “the Maldives of Europe”. That’s why TripAdvisor named it one of the top trending European spots for summer 2026.Albania’s Riviera has gone from a well-kept secret to one of the fastest-growing destinations in Europe. The small coastal village of Ksamil, with its crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches, is nicknamed “the Maldives of Europe”. That’s why TripAdvisor named it one of the top trending European spots for summer 2026.
- Albania is both beautiful and affordable. Eating out, accommodation, and transport cost a fraction of what you’d pay in neighbouring Greece or Croatia. This makes it ideal for families or couples looking for somewhere different to go without breaking the budget.Albania is both beautiful and affordable. Eating out, accommodation, and transport cost a fraction of what you’d pay in neighbouring Greece or Croatia. This makes it ideal for families or couples looking for somewhere different to go without breaking the budget.
- Beyond the beaches, there’s plenty to explore. The UNESCO-listed town of Gjirokastër, the ancient ruins of Butrint, and Saranda’s lively seafront dining scene are well worth a trip.Beyond the beaches, there’s plenty to explore. The UNESCO-listed town of Gjirokastër, the ancient ruins of Butrint, and Saranda’s lively seafront dining scene are well worth a trip.
Why are France and Ireland still trending?
Quiet corners of France are attracting a new wave of curious travellers. Beyond the ever-popular Paris, UK visitors are discovering:
- Brittany’s rugged coastBrittany’s rugged coast
- The lavender fields of ProvenceThe lavender fields of Provence
- The vineyards of the Loire Valley The vineyards of the Loire Valley
- A short hop on the Eurostar or a budget flight makes France one of the easiest escapes from the UK.A short hop on the Eurostar or a budget flight makes France one of the easiest escapes from the UK.
Ireland is the place to go for slower, nature-focused travel.
- The Wild Atlantic Way is one of Europe’s great road trips.The Wild Atlantic Way is one of Europe’s great road trips.
- Cities like Galway and Cork are popular for their food scenes and live music.Cities like Galway and Cork are popular for their food scenes and live music.
- The Burren, County Clare is unlike anywhere else in Ireland, with it’s moon-like limestone landscape, dramatic cliffs, and wildlife.The Burren, County Clare is unlike anywhere else in Ireland, with it’s moon-like limestone landscape, dramatic cliffs, and wildlife.
- For a holiday that feels like a world away without the long flight, Ireland ticks every box.For a holiday that feels like a world away without the long flight, Ireland ticks every box.
What’s hot in Portugal and Madeira?
- Madeira was named the world’s top trending destination for 2026 by TripAdvisor. It’s easy to see why with the island’s dramatic mountains, lush green valleys, and year-round mild weather. With a growing food and wine scene, it’s a good choice for adventurous families and active couples.Madeira was named the world’s top trending destination for 2026 by TripAdvisor. It’s easy to see why with the island’s dramatic mountains, lush green valleys, and year-round mild weather. With a growing food and wine scene, it’s a good choice for adventurous families and active couples.
Top things to do in Madeira
- Walk the levadas – ancient farm canals with stunning hiking trails through ancient laurel forests and hidden waterfalls. Walk the levadas – ancient farm canals with stunning hiking trails through ancient laurel forests and hidden waterfalls.
- Swim in volcanic rock pools at Porto Moniz, where natural lava formations create sheltered ocean pools right on the coastline. Swim in volcanic rock pools at Porto Moniz, where natural lava formations create sheltered ocean pools right on the coastline.
- Take a food and wine tour through Funchal to taste traditional espetada (beef on laurel skewers), fresh black scabbard fish, and the island’s famous fortified Madeira wine. Take a food and wine tour through Funchal to taste traditional espetada (beef on laurel skewers), fresh black scabbard fish, and the island’s famous fortified Madeira wine.
- Head to the peak of Pico Ruivo, the island’s highest point, for views that stretch across the Atlantic.Head to the peak of Pico Ruivo, the island’s highest point, for views that stretch across the Atlantic.
Mainland Portugal is still one of the best value places to visit in Europe.
- The Algarve continues to offer some of the cheapest holidays in western Europe for families wanting sun and sea.The Algarve continues to offer some of the cheapest holidays in western Europe for families wanting sun and sea.
- Lisbon and Porto deliver world-class culture at a reasonable price. Lisbon and Porto deliver world-class culture at a reasonable price.
- The Douro Valley remains really popular with Brits visiting the famous vineyard tours and river cruises. The Douro Valley remains really popular with Brits visiting the famous vineyard tours and river cruises.
- Portugal is a smart pick for anyone watching the pennies. To learn more take a look at our guide - helpful spending guide. Portugal is a smart pick for anyone watching the pennies. To learn more take a look at our guide - helpful spending guide.
What destinations are trending right now?
If you fancy heading somewhere fresh or a little off the beaten track:
- Croatia is still a massive holiday trend. Dubrovnik and Split draw the headlines, but the islands – Hvar, Brač, Korčula – offer quieter beaches and a more relaxed pace. It’s a destination where history, coastline, and incredible food all come together.Croatia is still a massive holiday trend. Dubrovnik and Split draw the headlines, but the islands – Hvar, Brač, Korčula – offer quieter beaches and a more relaxed pace. It’s a destination where history, coastline, and incredible food all come together.
- Malta is another rising star. Small enough to explore in a long weekend but with plenty to fill a full week. It offers ancient temples, harbour-side dining, and some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean – all with English widely spoken.Malta is another rising star. Small enough to explore in a long weekend but with plenty to fill a full week. It offers ancient temples, harbour-side dining, and some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean – all with English widely spoken.
- Montenegro and Macedonia are newly trending destinations. Often described as “Croatia but cheaper”, these small Adriatic countries are attracting travellers who want good holiday destinations in Europe that still feel undiscovered.Montenegro and Macedonia are newly trending destinations. Often described as “Croatia but cheaper”, these small Adriatic countries are attracting travellers who want good holiday destinations in Europe that still feel undiscovered.
How Tesco Travel Money can help with your holiday spending
Whether you’re heading to Lisbon for a city break or the Algarve for a summer holiday, sorting your euros before you go means one less thing to do when you get there.
Buy your currency easily online. Or pick up in-store when you’re doing the weekly shop.
- Competitive rates on over 50 currencies - Pick up popular notes like euros and US dollars, plus many more.Competitive rates on over 50 currencies - Pick up popular notes like euros and US dollars, plus many more.
- Clubcard Prices - Get a better rate with your Clubcard. T&Cs apply.Clubcard Prices - Get a better rate with your Clubcard. T&Cs apply.
- Buy online or in-store - Buy your currency online for Home Delivery or Click+Collect. Or buy in-store at a Tesco Travel Money Bureau. Fees may apply.Buy online or in-store - Buy your currency online for Home Delivery or Click+Collect. Or buy in-store at a Tesco Travel Money Bureau. Fees may apply.
- Price Match - at a Tesco Travel Money Bureau in-store. T&Cs apply.Price Match - at a Tesco Travel Money Bureau in-store. T&Cs apply.
- Multi-currency Cash Passport prepaid card - Add up to 22 currencies to our prepaid card for easy spending and ATM withdrawals abroad. Multi-currency Cash Passport prepaid card - Add up to 22 currencies to our prepaid card for easy spending and ATM withdrawals abroad.
- Currency Buy Back - Sell your leftover holiday money to us. Plus, add our Buy Back Promise when you buy your travel money, for peace of mind. T&Cs apply.Currency Buy Back - Sell your leftover holiday money to us. Plus, add our Buy Back Promise when you buy your travel money, for peace of mind. T&Cs apply.
To learn more about taking cash abroad, take a look at our guide - Why you still need travel money abroad.
Exchange rates may vary during the day. Rates will vary whether you're buying in-store, online or over the phone. They'll also vary depending on whether you're buying cash or a pre-paid currency card.
We buy back most currencies we sell in most banknote values. Excludes closed currencies.
Travel Money with Clubcard Prices
Buy Travel Money online or in-store and get a better rate with your Clubcard. Choose from up to 50 currencies in cash or add up to 22 currencies to a Multi-currency Cash Passport.
Key Product Information
Tesco Travel Money ordered in store is provided by Travelex Agency Services Limited. Registered No. 04621879. Tesco Travel Money ordered online or by telephone is provided by Travelex Currency Services Limited. Registered No. 03797356. Registered Office for both companies: Worldwide House, Thorpewood, Peterborough, PE3 6SB.
Multi-currency Cash Passport is issued by PrePay Technologies Limited pursuant to license by Mastercard® International. PrePay Technologies Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900010) for the issuing of electronic money and payment instruments. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
Additional information
Clubcard Prices
Clubcard Prices are available on the sell rate of a currency and only for currencies in stock online on the day you buy. The Clubcard Price will be better than the standard rate advertised online.
When buying online, you must enter a valid Clubcard number to get the Clubcard Price rate. Exchange rates may vary depending on whether you’re buying in-store, online or over the phone.
Clubcard Prices apply to the sell rate on foreign currency notes. The Clubcard Price will be better than the standard rate advertised online. Clubcard data is captured by Travelex on behalf of Tesco Travel Money.
See our privacy policy to find out more.
Buying currency using your credit or debit card
We won’t charge you a card handling fee, no matter how you buy your travel money - whether it be in-store, online or over the phone.
However, your credit or debit card provider may charge fees for currency transactions - for example, cash advance or other fees. So, if you’re not sure, it’s best to check with them before you buy.
Click+Collect cancellations
You can cancel a Click+Collect order any time before your collection date. We'll refund the full amount you paid in Pounds Sterling.
However, if you cancel less than 24 hours before your collection date, we'll charge you a £10 late cancellation fee and deduct this from your refund.
We can’t refund any fees charged by your card provider, so please contact them if you have any questions about that.
We'll buy back your unspent travel money
It couldn’t be simpler. Just pop into one of our in-store Travel Money Bureaux when you get home.
We buy back:
- most foreign banknotes in the currencies we sell*most foreign banknotes in the currencies we sell*
- the Multi-currency Cash Passportthe Multi-currency Cash Passport™
It doesn't matter where you bought your travel money - even if it wasn’t from us - we'll still buy it back.
Please note:
- buy back rates may vary during the daybuy back rates may vary during the day
- *we don't buy back Moroccan Dirham (MAD)*we don't buy back Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
How does our Price Match work?
If you find a better exchange rate from another provider, we'll match it at a Travel Money Bureau in-store. As long as it’s:
- within 3 miles of your chosen Tesco Travel Money Bureauwithin 3 miles of your chosen Tesco Travel Money Bureau
- available on the day you buy your currency in-storeavailable on the day you buy your currency in-store
Price Match only applies in-store on a like-for-like basis on sell transactions. It doesn’t apply to exchange rates advertised online or by phone.
This is not available in conjunction with any other offer. We reserve the right to check the rate you’ve found and the 3-mile distance from our store (using a standard route planning tool).
Price Match - terms and conditions
Tesco Travel Money is provided by Travelex.
Tesco Travel Money ordered in store is provided by Travelex Agency Services Limited. Registered No. 04621879. Tesco Travel Money ordered online or by telephone is provided by Travelex Currency Services Limited. Registered No. 03797356. Registered Office for both companies: Worldwide House, Thorpewood, Peterborough, PE3 6SB.
Multi-currency Cash Passport is issued by PrePay Technologies Limited pursuant to license by Mastercard® International. PrePay Technologies Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900010) for the issuing of electronic money and payment instruments. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
Tesco Travel Insurance is arranged and administered by Rock Insurance Services Limited and underwritten by AWP P&C S.A.