David Pettitt - December 17th, 2025
As we enter 2026, we have compiled the latest annual list of our favourite destinations for the year ahead. These destinations, some well-known and others less familiar, are all places to keep an eye on over the next twelve months. We hope this list will both inspire and show the multitude of travel options available.
1 India
A melting pot of languages, cultures, traditions and religions, India is a multifaceted country that is almost impossible to define. From the regal cities of Rajasthan and the wildlife reserves of central India to the wilds of remote northeast India and the tropical landscapes of Kerala, India offers something for everyone.
Places that we feel particularly enthused by for 2026 are Tamil Nadu with its astonishing temple towns, the mansions of Chettinad which was once home to some of south India’s wealthiest merchant families and the remote tropical paradise of the Andaman Islands. All three places are best visited between December and February.
2 Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an alluring blend of ancient sites, tropical rainforest and tea plantations. It is also blessed with a beautiful palm-fringed coastline. Highlights include the UNESCO world heritage sites of the ‘cultural triangle’ and the fortified city of Galle which serves as a gateway to the beaches of the south coast.
However, for 2026 we feel that wildlife will become a more prominent feature in holidays. Sri Lanka’s biodiversity is unrivalled and wildlife enthusiasts are spoilt for choice with excellent national parks including little-visited Wilpattu, Udawalawe, Gal Oya and famous Yala with its healthy leopard population. Wildlife viewing peaks from January to March.
3 Morocco
An intoxicating and diverse land of spice bazaars, souks, traditional riad hotels and white-washed coastal towns, the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas Mountains, atmospheric mud-brick Berber forts and rolling Saharan sand dunes, it seems remarkable that Morocco is less than a four-hour flight from the UK.
Marrakech is the traditional gateway to Morocco, however, for 2026 we recommend exploring the lesser visited north of the country, particularly between March and May when days are warm and the weather sunny. Highlights include the picturesque blue-washed town of Chefchaouen and the bustling historic medina of port city Tangier.
4 Oman
Oman is authentic Arabia and the perfect destination for those seeking year-round sun, first-class hotels, a beautiful coast, lush wadis and fascinating history. Often described as the Middle East’s best-kept secret, Oman’s surprisingly mountainous interior is majestic and home to the historic fortified cities and impressive forts.
Although Oman can be visited throughout the year, the early spring months of March, April and May are a great time with low humidity and comfortable temperatures. Highlights at this time of year include the shifting dunes of the Wahiba Sands and the less well-known southern city of Salalah which was once a centre in the historic incense trade.
5 Georgia
Nestled in the heart of the Caucasus, Georgia is a breathtakingly beautiful country of mighty mountain ranges, pretty villages and ancient monasteries, many of which are UNESCO protected. Georgia is also known for its food which shows Asian, European and Middle Eastern influences and wine where there are many fine vineyards.
Although Georgia continues to fly under the radar, we feel that with a direct flight linking London Heathrow with Georgian capital Tbilisi, this is a destination to watch in 2026. We recommended spring and early summer as a fine time to visit Georgia with wildflowers in full bloom throughout the country, warm weather and fewer visitors.
6 USA
Big, bold and beautiful, there really is nowhere quite like America. Whether undertaking a once in a lifetime road trip, exploring one of the larger-than-life cities, visiting a plethora of iconic landmarks, experiencing world-famous music scenes or discovering the ethereal landscapes of the nation’s many spectacular national parks, the options are endless.
In this World Cup year, America will be more popular than ever. The Pacific Northwest is an area we are particularly excited by with the region ideally visited between May and October. Highlights include Crater Lake National Park, the foodie city of Portland and wineries of the Willamette Valley, the peaks of Olympic National Park and cosmopolitan Seattle.
2 Uzbekistan
Located in the heart of Central Asia, Uzbekistan is a land of great antiquity that once occupied a key position on the trade routes that linked China with Europe. Known today as the Silk Road, the travelling merchants spread ideas, language and wealth, making the city states that lined this route some of the most cultured and educated of their era.
Uzbekistan is relatively well-connected with Europe and has good roads and an expanding high speed rail network making it easy to explore. The main reason to visit Uzbekistan is for the Silk Road cities of Samarkand home to iconic Registan Square, Bukhara, one of Central Asia’s most important religious centres and the UNESCO protected walled city of Khiva.
8 Canada
Second largest country in the world, Canada is renowned for its spectacular national parks, incredible wildlife, quaint coastal towns and cosmopolitan cities. However, for many it is the magnificent landscapes that draw them to Canada, from thundering waterfalls, turquoise blue lakes and evergreen forest to majestic peaks and temperate rainforest.
For 2026 we feel that Canada’s rugged Atlantic Coast is worthy of consideration. Relatively small and easy to explore, the regions of Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island boast stunning coastlines, quaint fishing villages, uncrowded beaches and world-class seafood. The region is at its best from June to August.
9 Switzerland
Set in the heart of Europe, Switzerland is dominated by the majestic Alps which run down the spine of the country. Combining captivating landscapes, pretty alpine villages, crystal-clear lakes and first-class walking with excellent food and drink, wine, chocolate and some of the most urbane cities in Europe, Switzerland is both fun and sophisticated.
Switzerland is noted as a fine destination for opera enthusiasts with both Zurich and Geneva home to well-respected opera houses both of which are renowned for their interpretations of German, Italian and French operas as well as contemporary works. Switzerland can be visited year-round but for clear skies and autumnal foliage travel in September and October.
10 Malaysia
Comprising two very distinct regions, Malaysia is divided between the Malaysian peninsula which borders Thailand and Singapore, and the northern half of the island of Borneo. With its modern cities and historic temples, varied cultures and towering mountains, rare wildlife, ancient tropical rainforest and a beautiful coastline, Malaysia is quintessential Asia.
Often overlooked in favour of its famous neighbours, Malaysia is one of our tips for 2026. For history and culture explore the mainland, best between December and March, and the cities of Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Penang. For wildlife head to Borneo home to endangered orangutan, gibbon and clouded leopard. Borneo’s season is between April and October.
11 Japan
A blend of the modern and ancient where futuristic cities stand alongside sacred temples, Japan is a land of tradition and home to a gracious, hospitable people. Zip across the country in comfort aboard high-speed bullet trains and indulge in cutting-edge cuisine, stay in traditional ryokans, explore astonishing cultural sites and discover Japan’s rural beauty.
Japan was extremely popular in 2025 and we feel this is set to continue in 2026. Part of the joy of Japan is travelling away from the main tourist centres which opens a whole new side to the country. One way to do this is to include the Kiso Valley to hike a section of the Nakasendo Trail as it winds its way through gorgeous scenery and picturesque villages.
12 Nepal
Nestled between the high Himalayas and the plains of India, Nepal’s diversity and range of habitats belies its size. A predominately mountainous land framed by the highest peaks in the world, Nepal is a pocket-sized, landlocked country of uncompromising beauty and staggering natural diversity home to one horned rhino, gharial crocodile and Bengal tiger.
Combining Nepal with India or Bhutan is an excellent option. By focusing on the Kathmandu Valley many of Nepal’s key cultural sites can be visited and a new idea for 2026 would be to base yourself in the charming medieval town Bhaktapur. October and November are ideal months to visit Nepal with blue skies, sunshine and fabulous views of the Himalayas.
