Best Holiday Destinations 2026 Edition is meant to inspire you for your next adventure – from climbing peaks to exploring historic cities to lying on sandy beaches – pick your next adventure.
French Riviera and Monaco
The French Riviera has been an inspiration to many artists. Nice, for example, has one of the most famous promenades in Europe and this is for a good reason – it offers a beautiful view at sunset and allows you to enjoy the beach and the city at the same time.
You can get a train from the airport in Nice to Monaco and soak into the view of green forests meeting the sea. Monaco is the second smallest country in the world but it’s very lively and full of colours. Climb up to the Prince’s Palace for the best views over the city or walk down to Monte Carlo Casino and appreciate the level of detail in the building’s architecture.
Canary Islands
Tenerife is known for its party scene and stunning landscapes, but there is so much more these islands can offer! With sun and warmth all-year-round, the Canary Islands are the perfect escape whenever you need your travel fix.
I visited Lanzarote recently to find it very calm, offering laid back atmosphere and endless sandy shores. This volcanic island offers views that will make you feel like you are on another planet.
Istanbul
This colourful city is a living history museum. The only city spanning two continents offers stunning views you don’t need to pay for or climb up for hours; reasonably priced delicious food; and culture that keeps your attention engaged at all times.
Istanbul is one of my favourite cities and I keep returning there, because it feels endless – every time I visit, I find more things to love about it. From the colourful houses of Balat to the İznik tiles of the Blue Mosque, from the majestic spirit of Hagia Sophia to the little red tram traveling along İstiklal Street – everything in Istanbul makes you fall in love with it.
The city is also a paradise for food lovers and shopaholics alike. The local food is delicious with plenty of healthy options and shops are open until late at night.
The city is very safe for solo travellers and the locals are friendly and happy to have a genuine chat with tourists.
Here you can find some of the best attractions in Istanbul and here are all must-see landmarks.
Advice: Book a Bosphorus Cruise – it’s only £10 and the views are worth your time!
Malta
O ne of my favourite things to do in Malta is to go at Tigné Point at sunset and watch Valletta’s buildings bathe in the sunlight. White there are famous beaches like the Blue Grotto, Malta also has some of the most beautiful cities and towns I have seen. Once you visit, you will know why it was chosen for the filming of Game of Thrones.
Something that surprised me was the booming nightlife in St. Julien where I was staying, so this definitely is the place to be if you like a good party. Malta’s promenade is one of my favourite running places with many runners sharing this sentiment. The mild climate and sunny days, this little island is a great place to have a break – long or short.
Athens & the Greek Islands
While many flock to Santorini, there are about 6,000 Greek islands and islets, with over 220 of them being populated – there is plenty of choice to avoid the crowds and enjoy exploring history and nature.
Athens is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world (with over 3,000 years of history) and it prides itself with being the birthplace of democracy. Beyond the famous sites, you can also enjoy delicious healthy food, and a sandy beach surrounded by tall palms.
Southern Spain
While this has been a popular destination amongst Brits for years, there is always more to discover.
I was cautious about including Southern Spain in the list, as many locals express their unhappiness with the impact overtourism has on their livelihoods. However, there seems to be a high concentration of tourists only in specific areas, such as Barcelona. When I visited Valencia, most of the tourists I saw were children on school trips.
I would recommend Southern Spain as a destination with the note to try new places and to be respectful to locals. Try local foods and most of all – local fruits and olives! There is something special about fresh oranges that have grown nearby to where you are exploring.
Brecon Beacons
Just look at the shades of green in the photo above! Brecon Beacons is a national park that hugs you with the arms of nature and makes you forget all your worries. Not many know that this is also one of the best places for stargazing in the UK with its Dark Sky Reserve.
Pen y Fan, located in the Beacons is the highest peak in southern Britain – climbing it is not hard at all and the views you will see from the top will be imprinted in your mind forever.
I hope you feel inspired to book your 2026 adventure – let me know where you are going in the comments!
