IN a few months, 2025 will come to an end, but you may already be looking to book your holiday for next year & we’re here to help with the most sought-after destinations of 2026.
has put together 12 destinations that we believe will be hotspots across the globe for next year, from to and even a stunning staycation right here in the UK.
Sun Travel has predicted the hottest places to visit in 2026
Some might not be where you think, like Sophie’s prediction of Iceland
Albania
The Sun’s travel editor, , says: “It may no longer be a secret, but will come to the fore in 2026 as a mainstream holiday destination.
“For the last couple of years, the country’s stunning coastline alongside the Ionian Sea has been attracting looking for the beauty of and without the price tag.
“And the big travel firms have taken note. Low-cost airlines including and Wizz Air have expanded the number of routes from the UK to the capital and the new Vlore International Airport is scheduled to be fully operational by March of next year, an even more convenient gateway to the Albanian Riviera.
“ launched its first package holiday program to Albania this and is expanding its offering in 2026, offering all-inclusive and half-board on the long, sandy beaches of the Durres Riviera from £356 pp.
“Both and holidays have also launched flights to Tirana and offer a range of city and beach breaks.
“While the tourism infrastructure may still be developing, the value for , beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters are a huge draw.”
Morocco
The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor, says: “As the cost of living crisis continues to affect Brits booking holidays, families want to find affordable destinations where their money goes further.
“And when it comes to cheap sun, without the long flight, is one of the biggest bargains out there.
And expect it to be even bigger next year, as the country hosts the 2026 World Cup.
“Airlines, including Ryanair, Jet2 and British Airways, are all launching more flights to Morocco next year as well.
“I personally go to every winter for a cheap, warm break. If you want the hustle and bustle and some early present shopping, I recommend Marrakesh.”
Kara thinks more people will be booking trips to Morocco
Kara continued: “Otherwise, some beach and surf time is best at , or some culture and peace in .
“You can still find cheap January holidays too, with seven nights for as little as £139 each with loveholidays .”
Glasgow, Scotland
The Sun’s travel writer , says: “The Scottish city of is having a bit of a moment, making it on to Time Out’s list of the best cities in the world, and for good reason. Plus you can fly there in just over one hour for £40.
“With an excellent arts and music scene, Glasgow is one of the best cities for a night out and is rich in culture with a wealth of museums, galleries and iconic .
“It’s affordable too, with plenty of excellent , pop-ups and street food vendors that give a taste of the city outside of the fried Mars bar.
“The trendy area of is the place to go. A former industrial area, these sprawling warehouses are now art spaces, music venues and hipster-fuelled .
“For something very cool to go, get a table at Trust. This cool spot was opened by renowned chef Modo Diagne, and you pay only £30 for five surprise courses. A foodie delight.”
Koh Samui rose to fame on The White Lotus and should still be popular next year
Koh Samui, Thailand
The Sun’s travel reporter, , says: “ has been huge since it was announced as the location for .
“Since the series aired in February of this year, the teasing of blue waters and white sand beaches will have enticed people to book a break next year.
“The island gives a taste of , which you’ll see on White Lotus, and while not many of us will be booking into the Four Seasons, you can still stay at incredible hotels for a lot cheaper than in parts of .
“If you book in advance, or out of peak season, you can get some great deals at beachfront that have infinity pools and pretty bars.
“With Expedia , you can find cheap deals like a five night stay at a The Bulin Residence, a three star self-catered apartment £95 for two people.
“ is considered one of the most budget-friendly holiday destinations, so it makes financial sense to eat outside of the hotel for authentic Thai meals that won’t break the bank – and lots of bars will have two for one happy hour too.”
“The only downside to Koh Samui is the journey – I went to the island recently and can concur that the flight is daunting and long, but it’s well worth it.”
Billund is home to the original Legoland theme park
Billund, Denmark
The Sun’s Head of Travel, , says: “Billund in has been on British families’ radars for years, thanks to the fact that it is the home of Lego.
“But it’s set for a big boost over the next 12 months, as Gatwick and both get budget Norwegian flights to Billund Airport.
“Gatwick’s flights launched in July of this year, and Edinburgh is getting theirs next summer – and they are delightfully short at around 1h40mins, which means it’s so quick that cabin crew don’t even bother doing a drinks round.
“Since the foot-busting plastic bricks were invented almost 80 years ago, the tiny town has mushroomed into a world-class holiday destination.
“ theme park, Lego House – where you spend all day building. Wow, adventure park, with acres and acres of high ropes courses, treetop nets, underground tunnels and more, and Aqualandia water park, means there is more than enough to fill a long weekend.
“A one-day ticket to Lego House costs £28pp and a ticket for both Lego House and Legoland starts at £72pp plus you can fly to Billund with BA which start from £130 return.
“And staying at Hotel Legoland costs from £157 per night, for two adults and two children and who the words we all love to hear – breakfast is included.
“Don’t forget to walk around the town, it’s so small that almost all of it is walkable, including the airport, but there’s also a free shuttle that takes you everywhere.
“Plus the Danes are a lovely bunch, who seem to think it’s essential to put very affordable pic n’ mix in every supermarket – which is almost enough of a reason to visit on its own.”
France
The Sun’s Assistant Travel Editor, , says: “ will most definitely be hot on jet-setters’ lists for next year.
“But where specifically? Well, that’s tricky to pinpoint, although I can hazard a few very accurate guesses and narrow it down to one of four regions.
“It was recently announced that the fourth series of , likely airing late next year, will be set in – and nothing gets travellers more enthralled about a destination than this thought-provoking TV show that follows the luxurious lives of several loathable characters.
“Thus far, every series has relied on a rather lavish Four Seasons hotel as its primary filming location, and bets are on that the producers will follow suit this year.
“There are four of these properties in France: one in Paris, one on the French Riviera and one on . But my prediction, on the back of the secluded and off-grid destinations featured in the last few series, is that they’ll be heading to the snowy Alps and the Megève property.
“I can see it now, fur-clad glamour, skis propped next to a roaring fire and plenty of icy mountain tops where a tragic tumble over the edge could create that dramatic finale the fans so desperately crave.
“I for one love the French Alps, even if you are a newbie to the slopes, there are beginners runs aplenty in Flaine or La Plagne, plus many snow-themed activities that don’t even involve a pair of skis or a snowboard. May I refer you to this ‘ski holiday without the skiing‘ piece that I wrote a couple of years back?
“After a day in the mountains, nothing feels better than popping into a local cafe for a cream-topped hot chocolate or stripping off out of your thermals and jumping into a wooden sauna (many chalets have their own).”
Ljubljana, Slovenia
The Sun’s travel reporter, , says: “It takes just over two hours from the UK to get to ‘s capital, , but for such a short flight and for as little as £33 with easyJet, the city has a lot to offer.
“With more travellers opting to prioritise intention over pace, Ljubljana is the ideal destination to explore one city but not run out of things to do.
“Set on the river, the city has many outdoor cafes and museums. From the Museum of Modern Art to the National Museum of Slovenia, visitors really can take their time delving into the of this beautiful country.
“For some time outside, there is also Tivoli Park, ideal for picnics and enjoying the sounds of the city. The bustling markets also make it the perfect city for genuine connections with the local community and culture.”
Who doesn’t want to take a trip to Sicily?
Sicily, Italy
– “I’ve just come back from a dreamy villa stay on northern coast and cannot speak highly enough of its dramatic scenery and astonishingly low prices.
“It’s my tip for 2026 as while the island has been a huge hit for years, it’s never been easier or more affordable to get there from the UK with a wide choice of direct flights from many UK airports into both Catania on the east coast and Palermo on the west.
“Of course, it’s still bathing in the glory of The White Lotus effect after the Four Seasons in was used as the location of the second series of the hit show.
“But what struck me was just how affordable a destination it is. We picked up beers in the local mini-mart in Finale close to our Wish Sicily villa for just 60p a bottle. A crisp bottle of Pinot Grigo was just £1.70.
“Huge takeaway pizzas set us back just £3.50 each and a meal in the lovely seaside town of Cefalu was just £30 for two, including drinks. For sheer value for money, it really is a great tip for 2026.
“Family holidays to Sicily cost as little as £179 per person. One great spot is the Hotel Villa D’Amato which for this price you can stay in for seven nights including flights.
“Luxury holidays then start from around £379 per person with loveholidays .”
Kara loved Seoul in South Korea – which is getting direct flights next year
South Korea
– “From Boots launching to the blockbuster success of the Netflix film , it’s no surprise South Korea is one expected to be a hit destination next year.
“Not only that, but is launching their first flights to Seoul in March, it’s expected to get even easier to travel to. I visited the country last year, going to it’s two biggest cities and which are just three hours away from each other.
“Seoul is certainly a city for night owls, where I found myself shopping for cheap clothes and beauty products at 2am, followed by a trip to the karaoke bar (called norebang in Korea).
“Or in Busan, head to Shinsegae Centum City, which is the world’s largest department store. I even managed to squeeze in both a KPop dance class and a taekwondo class as well.
“Even better? The country has extended the for tourists until the end of 2026. With lastminute.com , you can get a package holiday to Seoul from £474pp.”
Caroline’s neighbourhood is one of the trendiest places in the world
South East London
– “Forget East Vs West – South East London is finally having its moment.
“Long seen as the most overlooked corner of the capital, it’s now the most exciting – just this week, Time Out called the fourth coolest neighbourhood in the world, thanks to its amazing , bars and parks.
“But that’s not all – Brixton, with its village market featuring some of the city’s best small restaurants, the newly reopened Brixton Academy and Brockwell lido (London’s coolest lido) has been on buzz lists for years now.
“Plus Peckham, with the OTT Franks rooftop bar, Forza (also rooftop bar), very affordable Peckhamplex cinema where tickets still cost £5, is the perfect place to spend a Friday or Saturday night.
“And earlier this year, The Times named nearby Telegraph Hill one of the country’s coolest places to live – home to London’s best pub on – Skehans.
“Then there’s the quaint Dulwich Village, which is in zone 2 with its own huge art gallery, but feels more like a rural outpost in the home counties.
“Oh, and arguably London’s best and biggest pub garden – The Fox on the Hill in Denmark Hill. A Wetherspoons pub with a grassy garden and very affordable pints.”
Sophie believes people are looking for ‘coolcations’ in 2026
Iceland
– “Travellers are sick of scorching summer in their favourite beachy holiday spots and studies show that coolcations (holidays in colder climates) are continuing to fly off the shelves.
“ saw a staggering 624 per cent rise in searches for cooler getaways this year and as a consequence, Nordic destinations are surging in popularity.
“Fancy bathing in chalky hot springs, where the water is heated by nothing other than nature itself? Or what about hiking through some of the most scenic landscapes where hills tumble into limitless horizons? And have you ever wanted to travel into the scarred belly of a dormant volcano?
“If all that sounds appealing, is the place for you. As more and more Brits seek to swap fly-and-flop for adventure, this country offers adrenaline in large quantities.
“Visit during summer solstice, when the sun never sets, and that adrenaline gets ramped up to a whole new level.
“During my summertime visit a few years back, I went on a midnight quad bike tour ripping my way through vast mountains and chowed down on homemade rye bread that had been cooked underground for 24 hours by the geothermal volcanic heat.
“Return flights to Reykjavik cost as little as £49 return in January 2026.
“Just 10-minutes form the airport, you could stay at Hilton Reykjavik Nordica which features its own restaurant and spa – a room costs from £160 per night for two people.”
Quebec has beautiful scenery and isn’t as far away as you might think
Quebec, Canada
– “As for long-haul destinations, I will never stop recommending Quebec in .
“This unique city sits in the French region of and idyllically blends European and Canadian culture. Think – holidaying in a fairytale, and that is Quebec.
“It also offers a different experience depending on what time of year you visit, with warm summers ideal for hiking and icy cold winters perfect for ice picking up a waterfall – if you’re brave enough!
“Definitely stay at Le Chateau de Frontenac – it offers a dreamy experience with great facilities and views and some of the best food I have ever had in a hotel.
“I don’t think it will be long before people start discovering Quebec more and start flocking to the scenic city.
“Staying in Quebec City can cost as little as £50 per night and you get lots of options through Expedia . Air Transat runs direct flights from May through to October costing from £550 for a return flight.
“If you want to stay at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac like Cyann, it costs from £209 per night, for two people.”
Sitges, Spain
– “The colourful and charming city of Sitges is a short train ride from but has a completely different feel and .
“Go for a wander around the ornate, Catalan streets, stopping at quaint, local cafes and bars for tapas and a tipple when you fancy a break from the sun. If you want to top up your tan, Sitges has a long coastline of beautiful, sandy beaches that are far more chilled and laid-back than Barcelona’s busy city beach.
“Known for its LGBTQ+ inclusivity, this city is colourful year-round and has a very lively nightlife. In fact, it was the location of the first Pasha nightclub and this place still knows how to party.
“As well as clubs and bars, there is a wild Mardi Gras carnival here, which is arguably one of the best times to go.
“If you’d prefer a calmer, more chilled out visit, go for the Corpus festival in May. A carpet of flowers is laid out around the city and the effect is as stunning as the incredible scent.
“The best way to get there is flying to Barcelona which costs as little as £35 and then driving to Sitges which is just an hour down the coast.”
The Therme Resort in Bucharest is becoming increasingly popular
Bucharest, Romania
– “Have you seen all the pictures and videos of the beautiful Therme Spa in Bucharest? So have I.
“It’s known as Europe’s largest and most affordable wellness centre; inside are 10 pools, ‘s largest complex of saunas and Europe’s biggest urban beach.
“It’s becoming increasingly popular, especially because the ginormous spa is all over .
“Some and travellers alike have even flown there and back in a day just to make use of it, as flying there and back, along with spa entry, can work out cheaper than going to one in the UK.
“With Wizz Air, you can fly to Bucharest for as little as £13 and get a day pass to the spa for €36 (31.40). Package holidays won’t cost a lot either – loveholidays have offers from £129pp including flights.
“Not to mention itself is considered a cheap place to holiday – so for more than one night visitors will be able to check in at an affordable hotel with great food too.”
Sun Travel reveals the 12 destinations that we believe to be trending for 2026 
