The best part of planning a new year isn’t the gym membership or the organisational spreadsheets. It’s deciding where to escape next. There’s something so freeing about anticipating a passport stamp, a beach towel, and a suitcase full of questionable summer clothing waiting somewhere in the calendar. Holidays, for many people, are more than breaks from the routine; they are the best times of the year. These are the things people will tell at a post-dinner session, looking through their photos on a hard Monday.
And if you’re already building a travel wishlist, we’ve rounded up the top popular travel destinations people are rushing to book for holidays in 2026, whether you’re after sunshine, city charm, culture, nightlife, or an off-switch from reality for a little while.
1. Spain
You could travel the world, and somehow Spain always finds its way back onto the list. It’s warm, familiar, and full of joy and has that easy holiday personality everyone loves. One minute you’re exploring Barcelona’s art scene or the cathedrals of Seville, the next you're stretched out on the Costa Blanca like it's your personal summer home. And don’t even get us started on the food; tapas tasting should honestly be a national sport. It is the sort of place where time goes slow in the most desirable manner. A vacation in Spain may not be a curveball, but it will always be a sure victory.
2. Amsterdam
In case you are a lover of urban escapes, Amsterdam is like the old sweater that fits into the sleeve. Easygoing, scenic, and cool unless otherwise. Mornings may be spent riding along small streets, afternoons by visiting museums, and evenings by taking wine in bars along the canals as boats slowly pass by. It has history, there is a certain element of quirkiness, and above all, a feeling that says, You can breathe here. Thus, it comes as no secret that 2026 Amsterdam is the next place to book a holiday in – a true mindset re-opener, mood-booster, and reminder that existence is not always so bad when taken slowly.
3. Thailand
Jaded are the land and the sunset that resemble movie scenes and make each meal taste much better than the previous. Thailand is a place that both budget travellers and luxury-seeking travellers cannot cease to be amazed by. Travel in 2026 makes spa retreats, floating markets, and crystal-clear seas even more accessible than before in the coming year. Elephants are housed in sanctuaries, and the warmth comes as much from the people as from the tropical weather.
Whether it's Bangkok's buzzing night markets, Chiang Mai's temples, or the beaches of Phuket and Krabi, Thailand has the world for everyone's prices on holiday packages. Long flight? Sure. Is it worth it? Always.
4. Portugal
Portugal is sunshine wrapped in coolness by the sea. Lisbon has colourful streets and pastries you'd dream about forever. Porto? Wine-tasting by the river, with boats bobbing on the Douro, and evenings that feel like poetry.
Porto, with its wine cellars, river views and charm of slow living. Surfing, golfing, exploring villages or beach-hopping, all packaged beautifully in relaxing and adventurous Portugal holidays, a warm embrace you did not know you needed.
5. Egypt
Some travel destinations make you feel alive. Egypt makes you feel human. Standing in front of the pyramids, cruising the Nile, exploring ancient temples — it’s like time travel but real. Add world-class resorts on the Red Sea, coral reefs for divers, and desert safaris for explorers, and suddenly you realise why a holiday to Egypt is going to be one of the most talked-about experiences of 2026. It’s history, adventure and luxury all fused together — and yes, it’s every bit as fascinating as people say.
6. Italy
Everything in Italy has the same rule: that which is beautiful must be splendid – cities that have been overflowing with masterpieces, coastal villages that shine under the sun, and food that changes your standards while living life. Rome? Eternal romance. Venice? Gondola-gliding daydreams. Amalfi? Drama in the best possible way.
Travelling to Italy means eating gelato at least twice daily and pretending carbs really don't count because well, you're on vacation. Whether you love fashion or food, history or beaches or even the dolce vita, Italy works with you there.
One big trend for the new year? There is a craving for long journeys and deep experiences. Long-haul holiday destinations are coming into play because travellers consider more than just relaxation: they search for renewal, enlightenment, and tales to tell.
The big thing here is undoubtedly the world, welcoming the hearty traveller in 2026. Well, let's face it: all great travels indeed begin with a great holiday deal, because nothing could be better than sun, peace, and saving while maximising pleasure.
Travel is not merely a tick on a long country list; in its broadest sense, it would refer to that first sight of the ocean from your hotel balcony or laughter when trying something completely new. For a brief moment, time will slow a little, growing kind and sweeter.
Travel for your life. Well, some of the things that give full happiness are sun-drenched days in Spain, rides in canals in Amsterdam, temple trails in Thailand, surfing breaks in Portugal, ancient wonders in Egypt, and carbohydrate-induced bliss in Italy – your next best memory is waiting.
Bag packed? Passport not out of date? Great.
Ready to make 2026 the year you finally see the world? Lock in your dream getaway now, and before you book, don’t forget to scoop up limited-time travel savings from CouponOrg. Your holiday memories will feel even sweeter when your wallet gets a little sunshine too.
