Top 10 Holiday Destinations for 2026

Japan fully reopened to independent tourists in late 2022 and has since seen record visitor numbers. The weak yen has made Japan significantly more affordable for Western visitors — a double benefit alongside the country's unique cultural experiences. Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and the Japanese Alps all deserve extended visits. For 2026, consider the lesser-visited Tohoku region in spring for cherry blossoms without the crowds, or Hokkaido in winter for world-class skiing and extraordinary snow landscapes.

Portugal continues to offer remarkable value by European standards. Lisbon's historic neighbourhoods, Porto's wine culture, the Alentejo's cork forests and megalithic monuments, and the Algarve's dramatic coastline are all world-class attractions at prices well below comparable destinations in France or Italy. The country has invested heavily in tourism infrastructure while maintaining authentic local culture — a combination increasingly rare in Europe's most visited cities.

Colombia's dramatic improvement in safety and its extraordinary geographical diversity — Caribbean beaches, Amazon rainforest, Andean coffee country, and colonial cities — have made it one of South America's fastest-growing destinations. Cartagena's walled colonial city, Medellín's transformation story, and the Cocora Valley's towering wax palms are must-see highlights. Visit in December–March or July–August during the dry seasons.

Vietnam stretches over 1,600 km from north to south, offering dramatically different landscapes and cultures within a single country. Ha Long Bay's karst seascape, Hoi An's atmospheric old town, Ho Chi Minh City's energy, and Sapa's rice terraces provide variety rarely found in one destination. Consistently affordable even by Southeast Asian standards, excellent food, warm hospitality, and improving infrastructure make Vietnam one of the best value long-haul destinations in 2026.

Morocco's accessibility from Europe and its extraordinary cultural richness — ancient medinas, Sahara dunes, Atlas Mountain villages, and Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines — make it a compelling destination. Marrakech's medina remains one of the world's most immersive urban experiences. Train travel between major cities is comfortable and affordable. For 2026, the Dra-Tafilalet region near Zagora offers the desert experience with far fewer tourists than the over-visited Merzouga dunes.