New flight routes, relaxed visa rules and shifting travel tastes are redrawing the world map. These are the nine destinations insiders say will define where we travel next.
Overtourism has decisively changed the way we travel. As once-beloved cities buckle under crowds, rising prices and diluted experiences, travellers are increasingly looking elsewhere — towards places that still feel undiscovered.
In response, a new wave of destinations is emerging — hidden gems benefiting from subtle but significant shifts in accessibility. As Sarah Findlay, travel expert at Total Travel Protection, explains, these destinations are being shaped as much by policy as by aesthetics. “Easier entry requirements and new air routes can completely transform how accessible a country feels,” she says, “and that’s often the catalyst for a surge in interest.”
The result is a shortlist of places poised to define travel in 2026: not untouched, but refreshingly under the radar, offering culture, landscapes and atmosphere without the weight of mass tourism.
By examining emerging travel patterns alongside policy changes, experts have identified the destinations most likely to boom, so you can book your holiday before the secret gets out.
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Vietnam
Vietnam’s ascent has been steady, but 2026 may be the year it truly arrives. In 2025, the country extended its visa exemption for British travellers to 45 days, valid until March 2028 — an administrative change with outsized impact.
“Removing the friction of visas gives travellers more freedom to plan meaningful, slower itineraries,” Sarah notes.
From limestone karst scenery as you drift through Ha Long Bay to lantern-lit evenings in Hoi An and the restless energy of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam rewards both first-timers and return visitors.
Unsurprisingly, Total Travel Protection reported a 161% increase in insurance policies taken out for Vietnam in 2025 — a clear signal of momentum.
Uzbekistan
Once the preserve of intrepid Silk Road obsessives, Uzbekistan is preparing for a broader audience. A new tourism development programme launching in 2026 aims to expand accommodation and attract international investment, positioning the country as Central Asia’s cultural cornerstone.
“Uzbekistan offers an authenticity that’s becoming harder to find,” says Sarah. “Travellers can explore Unesco-listed cities, intricate tilework and centuries-old trade routes, all without the crowds.”
Britons can also enter visa-free for up to 30 days, making the logistics refreshingly simple.
Morocco
Morocco may be familiar, but its evolution is far from over. Long loved for winter sun, souks and spice-scented riads, the country is investing heavily in improved air connectivity and tourism infrastructure ahead of 2026.
From the sensory overload of Marrakesh to the laid-back coastal rhythm of Tangier, Morocco remains one of the most compelling value destinations close to Europe. That appeal is only growing: Total Travel Protection data shows a 115% rise in policies for Morocco this year.
“It’s a destination that manages to feel both accessible and endlessly layered,” Sarah says.
Read more: The Moroccan beach town to visit before everyone else does
Chania, Crete
Crete is no secret — but Chania, in the island’s north west, still feels like a whispered recommendation. A new route from East Midlands Airport is set to change that, opening up a quieter, more atmospheric side of Greece.
Think Venetian harbours, pale-sand beaches and mountain villages where lunch stretches into late afternoon. “Chania offers everything people love about Crete, without the intensity of the busier resorts,” Sarah explains. “It’s ideal for travellers looking for beauty without bustle.”
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Skiathos, Greece
Another Greek island poised for a gentle glow-up is Skiathos. With new direct flights from London Luton, the pine-fringed island — famous for its role in Mamma Mia — is becoming easier to reach, without losing its low-key charm.
“Skiathos appeals to travellers who want Greece as it once was,” says Sarah. “Clear water, walkable beaches and a slower pace of life.” It’s the kind of place that turns casual visitors into loyal returnees.
Read more: Where to stay, eat and recharge in Crete’s most exclusive wellness spot
Bilbao, Spain
For those weary of Spain’s beach-centric narratives, Bilbao offers a compelling alternative. The cultural heart of the Basque Country blends industrial heritage with avant-garde architecture, anchored by the titanium curves of the Guggenheim Museum.
New flights from London Luton are expected to fuel interest, but Bilbao’s appeal runs deeper than convenience. “It’s a city for travellers who want food, art and identity,” Sarah says. “You come for a weekend and leave wanting to understand the region.”
La Palma, Canary Islands
Often overshadowed by its livelier siblings, La Palma is the Canary Islands’ quiet achiever. Volcanic landscapes, cloud-brushed forests and some of Europe’s best stargazing make it a haven for hikers and nature-lovers.
With new flights from London Stansted, accessibility is finally catching up to allure. “La Palma is perfect for travellers who want the Canaries without the crowds,” Sarah notes. “It’s dramatic, restorative and deeply underrated.”
Read more: 7 destinations for a budget-friendly winter break
Bermuda
Neither quite Caribbean nor conventionally North Atlantic, Bermuda occupies a category entirely its own — and that, increasingly, is part of its appeal. Long known for its pink-sand beaches and pastel-hued architecture, the island is enjoying renewed interest as travellers seek refined, low-friction escapes that still feel distinctive.
According to a joint British Airways and Globetrender report, searches for Bermuda rose by 38% in 2025, signalling a shift in how travellers are approaching island travel. Rather than chasing headline hotspots, many are opting for destinations that offer polish, ease and a sense of quiet sophistication. Bermuda delivers all three. Think coral reefs and cliff-backed coves, excellent seafood, golf courses edged by ocean views and — in Hamilton — a walkable capital that feels charming rather than commercial.
With direct flights from the UK, it’s appealing for travellers seeking long-haul sunshine without the logistical effort.
As island destinations worldwide grapple with overtourism, Bermuda’s controlled scale and emphasis on quality over quantity position it as a considered alternative — one that feels perfectly aligned with the way people want to travel in 2026.
Slovenia
If there’s one European country that consistently surprises those who visit, it’s Slovenia.
Tucked between Italy, Austria and Croatia, the country has quietly perfected the balance between Alpine drama, Adriatic ease and storybook charm — without the crowds that have come to define its neighbours.
After a recommendation from Living360’s Katie Sipp-Hurley, I travelled to Slovenia last year and was struck by its beauty and calm. It feels like a place that has everything — mountains, lakes, coastline, vineyards — but none of the chaos.
From the emerald waters of Lake Bled to the cafe-lined streets of Ljubljana and the wild terrain of Triglav National Park, Slovenia offers a slower, more soulful European experience.
The secret to travelling securely
As travel continues to rebound and reshape itself, security remains everything. As Sarah puts it: “No matter where you end up travelling to in 2026, make sure you’ve properly planned and taken out travel insurance. Problems can occur on any holiday, and being protected allows you to focus on the experience itself.”
Because the best trips, after all, are the ones where discovery feels effortless — even if a great deal of foresight went into getting there.
Feature image: Pexels
