Best holiday destinations for 2026

1. New York – USA

Best for… If you thrive on high living

Bright lights in the big city – we love New York. You’ve heard the songs, seen the films and now it’s time to experience it for yourself. NYC is bound to knock your socks off, so start planning your New York holidays now. Your first glimpse of the skyline will be unforgettable. For sweeping views, head to One World Observatory – from dizzying heights, you’ll see Manhattan, Brooklyn, the River Hudson and beyond. Look out for the Statue of Liberty on one side, and the Empire State Building on the other. For a closer view of the Statue of Liberty, hop on the Staten Island Ferry or venture further to Liberty Island itself. 

2. Orlando – USA

Best for… If you're thrillseeking  

Orlando, Florida, is perfectly primed for lovers of adrenaline-boosting theme parks, relaxing beach days and epic road trips. Orlando is still reeling from the opening of Universal’s latest thrilling theme park, Universal's Epic Universe, which paves the way for no fewer than three new hotels, including Universal Stella Nova with its cosmic-inspired rooms, Universal Helios Grand Hotel with unique views of the park and Universal Terra Luna Resort with unparalleled facilities for families.

3. Dubai – UAE

Best for… If you love the glitz and glamour

Famous for its mega-architecture, man-made islands and upscale shopping, Dubai has become a byword for effortless glamour in recent years. At its most romantic, Dubai can offer pale red deserts, at its most traditional, it can show you an old creek running through its heart. At its most decadent, Dubai shows off the Burj al Arab: a hotel plastered in gold leaf. It’s the kind of city that needs to be seen to be believed, but even if you’ve been before, there’s always something new happening in Dubai. 

4. Maldives – Indian Ocean

Best for… If you're looking for Paradise found

Believe everything you hear. The Maldives really might be heaven on earth. Each iridescent island, each crown of coral, each limpid lagoon falls on the eyes like a blessing. It’s no wonder a holiday here can provide a lifetime of memories. The beautiful ocean is as much a part of these islands as the land. Forget roads, your transport is now a seaplane or a speedboat. And what splendour: most hotels in the Maldives are set on their very own island, complete with empty beaches, overwater villas and sunset spots for spying dolphin pods. In between the islands, manta rays, whale sharks and hammerheads own the waters. On land, you’ll share your quiet paradise of sprawling banyan trees with hummingbirds and lizards. Come nightfall, a few bats might black out the sky at night, but otherwise all is still. Discover earthly pleasures and otherworldly beauty. With our year-round flights to the Maldives paradise is closer than ever.

5. Barbados – Caribbean

Best for... If you like it tropical

Barbados is the quintessential Caribbean destination. The sandy beaches in the east are so beautiful they’ll make your eyes water and the rocky western shores are well worth an expedition. When Happy Hour – which normally rolls into Happy Evening – rolls around, enjoy Planter’s Punch sundowners and calypso music. Soon you’ll be swaying like a palm tree. 

6. Las Vegas – USA

Best for… If you’re after a blowout break

Despite the saying, everyone knows what happens in Vegas. A revolving door of entertainment: blackjack tables, nightclubs, 24-hour dining and stage shows from the Cirque du Soleil to Celine Dion It’s possible to spend the nights in a neon twilight – but don’t think the fun’s only for grown-ups. High-tail it out of the city in a hire car and you’ll be able to swap mojitos for the Mojave Desert. Road-trippers can be at the Grand Canyon in half a day. 

7. Cancun – Mexico

Best for… if you’re all about the beach

Cancun enjoys one of the best situations in the Caribbean Sea. The city’s Hotel Zone is truly enormous – stretching far along the coast to make the most of 14 miles of sandy beaches. There’s nightlife, wildlife, and world-famous Mayan ruins just outside the resort area. Chichén Itzá is worth a day trip away from the beach to see the archaeological site’s star attraction: a famous step pyramid. South of the city you’ll find the Riviera Maya, a coastline known for its all-inclusive resorts. Now, who’s mixing your margaritas?

8. St Lucia – Caribbean

Best for… If you're seeking a Caribbean hideaway

The lovely island nation of St Lucia resembles an emerald teardrop, hanging in between Martinique and St Vincent and the Grenadines in the Windward Isles. It’s one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. Unlike some tropical islands, which offer little beyond the beaches, St Lucia has hidden depths (and heights). Not only is it one of the Caribbean’s more mountainous islands, but it even has a ‘drive-in’ volcano and the UNESCO-listed Pitons, twin peaks that dominate the west coast’s shore. If you turn to the towns, Castries, the capital, has a lively outdoor market, whilst Soufrière has a botanic garden with mineral baths. All told, St Lucia is pretty much the perfect place for a Caribbean holiday, whether you’re taking the kids on a catamaran cruise or having an adults-only retreat at an exclusive all-inclusive hotel. 

9. Dominican Republic – Caribbean

Best for… If all-inclusive comes with peace of mind

Impeccable white beaches, crystal clear oceans and a sun-drenched tropical climate, Punta Cana is consistently a prime Caribbean destination. It’s famous coastline really is as beautiful as you’d expect, whether you head to the breath-taking beaches of Cortecito or Bavaro. Home to an infinite number of luxurious All Inclusive resorts and spas, you will find premier accommodation dotted along the enviable coastline. Yet Punta Cana is not only a sunseeker’s paradise; it possesses a rich cultural heritage which is discoverable on a fascinating daytrip to the capital, Santo Domingo, the oldest colonial city in the western hemisphere. Explore the colourful, traditional flea markets of El Cortecito and Bavaro, try local rum-infused cocktails (like mamajuana) or embrace adventurous activities such as white-water rafting or mountain range zip-lining. 

10. Antigua – Caribbean

Best for… If heavenly beach escapes are your go-to

Antigua offers classic Caribbean charms- stunning island coastlines, colourful colonial buildings, friendly local islanders and pure laid-back vibes.  With its wide variety of beautiful white beaches and enchanting underwater worlds, sailing remains a major pastime in Antigua. This tradition dates to Antigua’s unique colonial past when Admiral Horatio Nelson created a base on the island in the 1780s. Today you can visit Nelson’s Dockyard and the Dockyard museum, before taking a stroll to the famous former military lookout- Shirley Heights. From here, witness spectacular sunset views right across the harbour. Visit the bustling capital of St. John’s which offers luxury shopping and lively local markets or simply relax by the ocean, listening to the gentle lapping of waves and steel pan drums.

11. Mauritius – Indian Ocean

Best for… If adventure is calling you

Beach lovers will want to spend most of their holiday on the pristine white coasts, but the variegated sand dunes at Seven Coloured Earth are worth a visit, too. For the more adventurous, you can trek through the thickly forested hills within Black River Gorges National Park. Look out for the native pink pigeons and Mauritius fruit bats, also known as flying foxes. Make for the Central Market in Port Louis to see a mixture of Indian, Creole and Chinese cultures or relax at the verdant tea plantations atop the rolling hills of Bois Chéri. 

12. Tenerife – Canary Islands

Best for… If you’re shooting for the moon

The Canaries are their own little world swept off the coast of Africa. Tenerife, the central island, is dominated by Mount Teide, a massive, dramatic volcano. Near enough to be an easy, inexpensive trip for visiting Europeans, southerly enough to be pleasantly warm all year around, it’s no wonder. Plus, its high-altitude Mount Teide national park is great for cyclists – it’s where Olympic teams train. Tenerife is also fantastic for stargazing. If you visit in summer next year you might be around for the spectacular meteor showers.

13. Tokyo – Japan

Best for… If you're skyscape bathing

The world’s most populous megacity also has the most Michelin stars, and a culture that sits on a knife’s edge: with traditional tea houses and shrines on one side, and a high-tech future on the other. Don’t get so swept up in the city that you forget to browse: stopping in a Manga café or a unique boutique might be the highlight of your trip.

14. Crete – Greece

Best for… If historical sightseeing is a must

Heraklion is ideally situated to discover Greece’s largest island– the beautiful Crete. The picturesque coastal towns of Malia and Aghios Nikolaos are nearby– as well as Herkalion International Airport. The city itself enjoys a bustling port, rich history and a plethora of traditional Greek taverns and eateries. Its antiquity is evident in the Venetian harbour, byzantine churches and the 16^th century fortress walls of Koules in the old town. Browse Herkalion’s vibrant Mediterranean markets, sampling local island produce such as fresh olive oil, sweet honey and Vilana wine. Lying just outside of the city parameters, you’ll find the incredible Phaistos palace and the Palace of Knossos– two of the most important archaeological time capsules in Crete dating back to the Minoan civilization. At Knossos you’ll see the vivid frescoes and baths and you can take a trip to the Heraklion Archaeological museum to see original Minoan art. 

15. Corfu – Greece

Best for… If you're all about family-friendly relaxation

With its alluring sandy beaches, lapping cerulean waters and lush emerald mountainsides, it’s no wonder why Corfu remains a top destination. One of the most verdant islands in Greece, Corfu boasts an abundance of clifftop hiking trails. Mount Pantokrator is the highest on the island, affording mesmerising views of Corfu and its beguiling Ionian expanses. Expect mountain-top monasteries and traditional family-run tavernas. From the cobblestoned streets in the World Heritage capital to the traditional fishing village of Kassiopi, there’s plenty of excursion opportunity in Corfu. As you would expect, there’s also a wealth of relaxing beaches to escape to, including the island’s most treasured spot, Paleokastritsa. From sleepy and secluded villages to bustling towns, charming Corfu offers diverse experiences for all to enjoy. 

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