Hot destinations and travel trends 2026 from Travel PR

Travel PR’s clients’ predictions for the hottest destinations and travel trends for 2026 - plus the expert/specialist know-how behind them.

 

ASHDOWN FOREST, EAST SUSSEX

Rationale: Celebrate 100 Years of Winnie-the-Pooh with a storybook stay in Ashdown Forest. Next year marks the centenary of Winnie-the-Pooh, and Ashdown Forest – the real-life inspiration for A.A. Milne’s Hundred Acre Wood – is set to come alive with themed events and celebrations. To mark this special milestone, Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club will be hosting a range of Pooh-inspired experiences and packages throughout 2026, inviting guests to step into the world of Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore and friends while enjoying the hotel’s refined country charm. Set within 186 acres of landscaped parkland and forest, Ashdown Park is perfectly placed for exploring the woodland that inspired Milne’s stories. Guests can enjoy woodland walks to Poohsticks Bridge, themed afternoon teas, and special events celebrating the bear’s enduring legacy – all from the comfort of one of Sussex’s most charming country hotels.

Sample trip: A two-night stay starts from £297.50 pp (based on two sharing), including breakfast, full use of the spa and leisure facilities, and optional afternoon tea overlooking the lake.

To book or to earn more about upcoming Winnie-the-Pooh centenary events, visit Elite Hotels.

GOTHENBURG, WEST SWEDEN

Rationale: Named the UN’s new Global Hub for Sustainable Lifestyles in late 2025, unpretentious Gothenburg is a testament to responsible urban living, sustainable tourism and innovation. Sweden’s second-largest city is now home to Karlatornet, the tallest building in the Nordics, which will open its spectacular 220-metre-high observation deck in 2026, offering visitors panoramic, far-reaching views. A new Central Station, complete with rooftop park and sustainable design, will also open next year. Gothenburg is an exciting, green and growing city that offers vintage shops, cosy cafes, cultural attractions, no less than six Michelin-starred restaurants and a wild, beautiful island archipelago on its doorstep.
Sample package: Combine Gothenburg with pretty, car-free island Donso on Sunvil’s two-centre Gothenburg & her Archipelago tour costing from £1,329 pp (two sharing), including a 48-hour enburg Pass to the main attractions, B&B accommodation, flights and private transfers. Visit westsweden.com for more information.

UBUD, BALI

Rationale: 2026 is set to be a hot year for Bali, with the island’s vibrant cultural, and creative scene taking centre stage. In April, the Bali Spirit Festival (22-26 April 2026) will draw global energy to Ubud with yoga, dance, wellness and world music, attracting travellers seeking a soulful recharge. Just weeks later, the Bali International Film Festival, Balinale, (1-7 June 2026) heats up the island’s creative credentials, bringing together international filmmakers and cinephiles for screenings and industry talks under Bali’s tropical skies. In June/July, the Bali Arts Festival will bring Denpasar to life with a month-long celebration of traditional dance, music, theatre and crafts, making it the island’s biggest cultural showcase. With this dynamic trio of festivals, Bali in 2026 will be buzzing with artistic fire, spiritual discovery, and cultural passion – the perfect moment to experience the island at its most vibrant.

Sample trip: Make your base the serene HOSHINOYA Bali, a unique retreat in Ubud where traditional Balinese beauty meets Japanese elegance. Surrounded by jungle valleys and flowing water gardens, the resort offers immersive cultural experiences, from Balinese cooking classes to guided temple visits, alongside tranquil spa rituals and herb-infused baths. Staying here places you at the heart of the action: close to the Bali Spirit Festival, within easy reach of the vibrant Balinale screenings, and perfectly positioned for excursions to the Bali Arts Festival. At the end of each exhilarating day, return to your private villa to soak up the sounds of the jungle – where Bali’s cultural energy meets HOSHINOYA’s restorative calm. Stay at HOSHINOYA Bali from £500 per room per night (room only). Contact https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/hoshinoyabali/

DOMINICA, THE NATURE ISLAND, CARIBBEAN 

Rationale: Dominica (pronounced Domin-eek-ah) is a friendly, English-speaking British Commonwealth country – located between Antigua and Barbados – which offers a multitude of adventures and unique cultural experiences, whilst being both safe and affordable. Dominica will be in the spotlight early next year as it launches its new cable car, the longest detachable cable car in the world. This 6.6km cable car will turn an arduous four-hour plus trek through the Roseau Valley to Boiling Lake – the second-largest hot water lake on the planet – into a scenic 20-minute ride. Boiling Lake itself is a sight to behold, sitting in a 60-metre-wide fumarole, with waters hitting a sizzling 95°C. Dominica is a natural playground, with waterfalls, rivers and hiking routes through pristine rainforests (with no deadly animals which is a real bonus!) and incredible cultural experiences, why not spend a day with the indigenous Kalinago people, admiring their basket ware and art?

Sample trip: Stay at Jungle Bay, Dominica’s first ‘edible resort’, where guests are free to pick over 100 varieties of fruit and vegetables from the gardens. With panoramic views of Soufriere Bay, there is an infinity pool, restaurant serving freshly-foraged Caribbean dishes, yoga studio and spa. Excursions (charged extra), include hiking, sea kayaking, birdwatching, whale watching, and river tubing. Rooms at Jungle Bay are from $258 /£192 per night /£96 per person. Flights with BA via Antigua start from £808 pp. Contact AITO* member Discover Dominica (www.discoverdominica.com) for more information on the island of Dominica, the Nature Island.

NARA, JAPAN

Rationale: Looking for a different side of Japan in 2026? Step off the well-trodden paths of Tokyo and Kyoto and discover Nara – a place where ancient history, natural beauty, and peaceful charm come together. Once the capital city of Japan, Nara is packed with cultural treasures and UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Tōdai-ji, the lantern-lined paths of Kasuga Taisha, and Kōfuku-ji, set amidst serene parks with freely-roaming sacred deer. Seasonal highlights include the Omizutori fire ceremony in early spring and the atmospheric Tokae Lantern Festival in August – immersive cultural experiences unlike anywhere else in Japan. Nara’s calm pace, deep spiritual heritage, and easy access from Kyoto or Osaka make it a hidden gem poised for discovery in 2026.

Sample Trip: HOSHINOYA, the iconic luxury brand from Hoshino Resorts, unveils its latest property with the opening of HOSHINOYA Nara Prison in spring 2026. Set within the iconic red-brick former Nara Prison, built within the Meiji-era in late 19^th century, this one-of-a-kind property blends historical architecture with modern luxury. The thoughtfully-restored former prison building will be reimagined with tranquil, design-led suites that honour the site’s heritage, whilst offering HOSHINOYA’s signature style of refined Japanese hospitality. More than just a hotel, HOSHINOYA Nara Prison is a cultural landmark – an immersive hotel where history and design converge – with an adjoining museum (the Nara Prison Museum) which aims to educate guests and visitors about the history and significance of the former prison. This bold new opening makes Nara 2026’s most anticipated destination for travellers seeking authenticity, elegance, and the unexpected. https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/

LAOS, SOUTH-EAST ASIA

Rationale: With the China-Laos Railway now fully operational and the ASEAN Rail Tourism Corridor gaining momentum, overland travel through Southeast Asia has entered a new era. On Adventures By Train’s 16-day  ‘Shanghai to Bangkok Rail Adventure’, Laos lies at the heart of this transforming network – a seamless link between the dynamic cities of China and the cultural riches of Thailand. Travel from Shanghai’s futuristic skyline through southern China into the golden serenity of Luang Prabang, where saffron-robed monks and shining stupas define the rhythm of daily life. Continue to Vientiane in Laos, tracing the course of the Mekong River and exploring the delightfully quaint city by tuk tuk, before crossing into Thailand aboard a comfortable overnight sleeper to vibrant Bangkok. This journey captures the very essence of slow and sustainable exploration.

Sample package: Departing 21 October 2026; and 18 October 2027, prices for the ‘Shanghai to Bangkok Rail Adventure’ start from £5,490 pp (two sharing), including transport, 15 nights’ accommodation (including one overnight sleeper train), most meals, entrance fees, and expert local guides. Single room supplement £1,350. Maximum group size 12. Call AITO* member Adventures By Train on 0191 389 6495 (www.adventuresbytrain.com).

GUINEA BISSAU, WEST AFRICA

Rationale: From March 2026, Turkish Airlines will operate direct flights from Istanbul to Bissau, making this remote and little-visited nation more accessible than ever before. Undiscovered Destinations’ Archipelago Adventure explores the UNESCO-listed Bijagós Islands, where saltwater hippos swim between mangroves, turtles nest on deserted beaches, and local traditions thrive, largely unchanged. Genuine, off-the-map and culturally rich, Guinea-Bissau is set to become one of West Africa’s most rewarding new frontiers. Blending wildlife encounters, river journeys and authentic cultural immersion, this itinerary reveals a side of West Africa few travellers ever see.

Sample package: Departing 8 March, 10 May and 27 December 2026, the eight-day Archipelago Adventure is priced from £3,295 pp (two sharing), including transport, accommodation, most meals, entrance fees, and expert local guides. Single room supplement £765 – £905. Flights extra. Maximum group size 12. Call AITO member* Undiscovered Destinations on 0191 296 2674 or visit (www.undiscovered-destinations.com).

CAIRO

Rationale: In 2026, after many years of delays, the Grand Egyptian Museum will finally open – a colossal 500,000-square-metre tribute to the world’s oldest civilisation. Located in Giza, just outside Cairo, the museum reunites over 100,000 artefacts, including every glittering relic of Tutankhamun. Cairo dazzles in contradiction – chaotic yet captivating, ancient yet ever-alive. Sprawled along the Nile, the city hums with millennia of history, where pharaohs, caliphs, and conquerors still whisper through its streets.

Sample trip: Kirker offers three nights at the Crowne Plaza West Cairo Arkan from £1,479 pp (two sharing), including return flights, accommodation with breakfast, return private transfers, a half day private tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum, and the services of the Kirker Concierge. Call AITO* member Kirker on 020 7593 2288 (www.kirkerholidays.com).

“NOT HOT”, WORLDWIDE

Rationale: One of the most talked-about issues in travel today is over-tourism. In its wake, the rise of “Not Hot” destinations – remarkable, under-the-radar places offering authentic experiences without the crowds – is gathering serious pace. At Sunvil, however, this isn’t a new direction; it’s been Sunvil’s compass for over half a century. Looking ahead, Sunvil sees places like Castilla y León, Dominica, and the quieter Cycladic islands – Sifnos, Serifos, and Folegandros – coming into their own. For travellers craving culture without the crush, Girona makes a captivating alternative to Barcelona, complete with easy rail access from the UK.

Sample package: Sunvil’s seven-night Girona by train independent holiday begins with breakfast in London, lunch in Paris, and dinner in Spain. In under ten hours, arrive in Girona’s medieval heart and stay at the historic Hotel Peninsular, perfectly positioned for exploring Girona’s riverside charm, Gothic cathedral, and vibrant old town. The cost is from £1,422 pp (two sharing), including return travel by train from London St Pancras Station via Paris Gare du Nord to Girona, accommodation with breakfast, a half-day walking tour of Girona – plus, for those making the most of onward rail services, entry tickets to the Dali Museum in Figueres and to the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Call Sunvil on 020 8758 4722 (www.sunvil.co.uk).

TRAVEL TRENDS

Seeking something different? Second-tier city breaks – with Kirker Holidays

Expert: Patrick Millar, Marketing Manager
Forecast: “Travel trends show the second-tier city break surging, with overlooked destinations among the fastest risers this year. Lisbon (+46%), Milan (+60%) and Verona (+92%) are giving Barcelona, Rome and Venice a run for their money. Smaller cities have seen even bigger jumps – Riga (+151%), Munich (+149%), Ravenna (+117%) – and bookings to Beaune, Perugia, and Matera have more than tripled. Growth is driven by better flight connections, travellers avoiding the crowds, and a focus on unique local experiences – from Ravenna’s mosaics and Matera’s cave dwellings to world-class but under-visited art galleries in Milan and Munich, which offer excellent weekend value with abundant flights and hotels.”

Sample trip: A three-night trip to Verona costs from £598 pp (two sharing) with AITO* member Kirker Holidays* (020 7593 2283; www.kirkerholidays.com). This includes flights (London), accommodation with breakfast, private transfers, and the Kirker Concierge service to pre-book tickets and restaurants.

Decision-free holidays – The joy of letting go in the Faroe Islands

Expert: Súsanna E. Sørensen, Marketing Manager of Visit Faroe Islands

Forecast: The ‘Decision Detox’ is one of the defining travel shifts of the year. With digital saturation and constant choice fatigue shaping behaviour, holidays that prioritise ease, restoration and spontaneity are in high demand. “We’re seeing a growing trend – travellers moving away from meticulously planning every aspect of their holidays”, says Súsanna E. Sørensen. The desire for simplicity (and surprise) – is recognised by Skyscanner on road trips, with 79% of travellers drawn to road trips that offer more spontaneity and flexibility. This mindset lies at the heart of Visit Faroe Islands’ new Self-Navigating Car Adventures, launched in partnership with local operator 62N. Travellers rent a car and scan a QR code to receive a curated route on Google maps, which is revealed one stop at a time – the final destination is kept secret until arrival. Each route is locally curated, spanning four to six stops that highlight the hidden corners of the archipelago: turf-roofed churches, cosy cliffside cafes, and quiet fjord villages far from the usual tourist trail. This is the answer to relieving decision-fatigue, Sørensen claims, “Travel experiences that foster meaning and connection, allow travellers to simply enjoy the journey – minus the mental load.”

Sample trip: Self-Navigating Car Adventures start from DKK 600-980 per day (£69-£112), including insurance, available from 62N at Vagar Airport or in Tórshavn. Stay at Hotel Føroyar, the grass-roofed hillside hotel overlooking the capital Torshavn, from £104 pp per night (two sharing). Flights with Atlantic Airways operate twice-weekly from Edinburgh to Vagar (April-October) from £116 pp one way, and from London Heathrow (via Copenhagen with SAS) all year round from £118 pp one way. See AITO* member Visit Faroe Islands (www.visitfaroeislands.com) for more information.

Silent travel – serene escapes amid unspoilt nature in wild West Sweden

Expert: Emelie Jahnke Persson, Marketing & Communication Manager, West Sweden Tourist Board
Forecast: “Silent travel – the movement toward quiet, mindful, low-stimulus holidays – is rapidly gaining ground, and is poised to shape travel in 2026. The Global Wellness Institute reports that wellness trips accounted for 19% of global tourism spending in 2022, and this sector is projected to more than double by 2027. On Sweden’s peaceful West Coast, this trend is being met with a wide range of offerings, from silent retreats and detox cabins to tranquil kayoga (kayaking and yoga) and forest bathing – providing travellers with calm, quiet, restorative holidays amid pristine nature.”
Sample trip: In a peaceful rural setting by the sea, Tofta Retreat hosts a three-day yoga, meditation and breathing weekend in partial silence costing from £399 pp, including all classes, accommodation with breakfast, 2 lunches and 2 light evening meals. For more information on wellness holidays in West Sweden, visit AITO* member  westsweden.com.

Continued rise of empowered, adventurous solo female travel – Undiscovered Destinations

Expert: Jim Louth, Managing Director, Undiscovered Destinations

Forecast: “We’re seeing more women choosing to travel independently, looking for experiences that boost self-discovery while also offering safety and authenticity. Solo travellers already make up around 60% to 70% of our bookings and within that group, female travellers are a growing proportion year on year. Many are choosing small group tours in destinations such as Pakistan, Madagascar, or Central Asia — adventurous locations where the reassurance of a trusted operator, and the companionship of like-minded travellers, makes all the difference.”

Sample trip: Discover the true essence of Central Asia on the fascinating 15-day Heart of the Silk Road journey through Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan, costing from £3,475 pp, including transfers & transport, accommodation, most meals, expert guide/tour leader and entry fees. Flights extra. Departs 12 Apr & 6 Sep 2026, and 11 Apr & 5 Sep 2027. Maximum group size 12. Call AITO* member Undiscovered Destinations on 0191 296 2674 or visit www.undiscovered-destinations.com.

Nature and mountain escapes on the rise – with Sunvil

Expert: Rachel Jelley, Sales and Marketing Manager
Forecast: “Nature and mountain escapes are surging in popularity – a trend that shows every sign of continuing. Our programmes in the Azores and Norway have seen exceptional growth in 2025, with advance bookings pointing to an equally strong 2026. Travellers seem increasingly drawn to places where nature feels raw, restorative and real – the kind of beauty that resets your perspective.”

Sample trip: Discover three of the nine Azorean islands on this multi-centre independent trip. São Miguel, the Green Island, offers lush mountains, huge crater lakes and fertile landscapes; Santa Maria, the Yellow Island, basks in sun and dramatic cliffs; and Terceira, the Lilac Island, invites exploration of rural life, UNESCO heritage, volcanic pools, and delicacies of local cheese and wine. The cost is from £2,536 pp (two sharing), including return flights from Heathrow (via Lisbon), 23kg pp luggage allowance, all transfers and inter-island flights, ten nights’ accommodation with breakfast, guided excursions, and two lunches.

Press:  Travel companies marked “AITO* member” are members of The Specialist Travel Association, AITO (www.aito.com) – a guarantee of both high standards and financial protection.

Please call Sue Ockwell, Gemma Minto, Jane Collyer, Julia Farish or Mischa Mack, at Travel PR, on 020 8891 4440, or email initial.surname@travelpr.co.uk for further information.