TODAY is Sunshine Saturday – traditionally the busiest day for Brits to book their 2026 holidays.
But where to go? Travel association Abta’s research shows nearly half of us want to visit a country we haven’t been to before.
And today, with the help of their expert members, they’ve come up with a top 10 list of places to visit in 2026 .
Abta’s Graeme Buck says: “With a focus on countries or areas that may not immediately spring to mind, offering alternatives to more well-known destinations, there should be something for everyone.”
Lisa Minot looks at Abta’s lust list for 2026.
BORNEO: This island in South East Asia is home to unspoilt rainforests, enormous cave systems, imposing Mount Kinabalu and endless wild animal encounters.
Take a boat safari along the Kinabatangan River to spot crocodiles, proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants.
Head to the Danum Valley in Sabah to search for orangutans and clouded leopards.
Book with: Intrepid Travel, G Adventures and Travelbag.
COLOMBIA: With the latest series of Celebrity Race Across The World culminating in Colombia’s Peninsula de la Guajira, we’ve all been entranced by the beauty of this South American gem.
With idyllic beaches, historic cities, rainforests and, of course, great coffee, a tour is a great way to get a snapshot of its highlights, from the colourful colonial city of Cartagena to the Caribbean beaches of Tayrona National Park.
Book with: Exodus, G Adventures and Intrepid Travel.
EGYPT: The much-anticipated opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, on the outskirts of Cairo, makes Egypt a must-visit for 2026.
The museum houses more than 100,000 artefacts from Ancient Egypt, including the incredible treasures of Tutankhamun.
A river cruise along the Nile is a great way to take in all of the key sights, including the temples of Luxor and Aswan.
Sun-seekers will also appreciate the great value offered at Red Sea resorts, including Hurghada and Marsa Alam.
Book with: TUI River Cruises and Riviera Travel.
FRENCH POLYNESIA: With its palm-fringed beaches and dark blue lagoons, this vision of paradise is definitely worth travelling to the other side of the world for.
More than 100 islands make up this Pacific archipelago, so this is real bucket list territory.
Tick off as many sights as you can, from the busy markets of capital Papeete, on the island of Tahiti, to the honeymoon beaches of Bora Bora.
Book with: Scott Dunn, Kuoni and Trailfinders.
GERMANY’S BALTIC COAST: Miles of sandy beaches backed by chalk cliffs and beech forests make the German Riviera a favourite for locals – but few outsiders know it exists.
Easy to get to from Hambug or Berlin by train, head to Rugen, Germany’s largest island for fashionable Binz beach.
Hike or bike through the coastal countryside or discover Heiligendamm, known as the White Town by the Sea – the country’s oldest seaside resort with pretty neoclassical architecture and upmarket spas.
The area is also ideal for those looking for cooler summer temperatures.
Book with: Leger Travel, Riviera Travel.
GRENADA: A true taste of the Caribbean’s natural charms, Grenada is known as the Spice Island where its fertile soils produce nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, turmeric and vanilla as well as cacao for chocolate.
Summer is ‘Spicemas’ with parties and parades in the pretty capital, St George’s.
And get more nature in the Grand Etang National Park with its lake, lush vegetation and Mona monkeys.
Book with: TUI and Virgin Holidays.
ISLANDS OF THE GULF OF NAPLES: Just a short ferry ride from Naples, Capri is known as a celebrity magnet and prices can be dizzying in the chic shops and fancy restaurants.
But the neighbouring island of Ischia offers a very different experience — a green, wooded mountainous island with great hiking options as well as the chance to relax on pretty beaches or soak away your worries in the Poseidon Gardens thermal pools.
And little Procida, with its pastel-coloured fishermen’s houses and laid-back vibe, has provided the perfect backdrop for films including The Talented Mr Ripley.
Book with: Citalia and TUI.
LA RIOJA: Look north to Spain’s La Rioja wine region for a different taste of our favourite holiday destination.
The Basque country has been proving popular for Brits and with Rioja sitting the other side of the River Ebro, there’s even more to explore from the capital Logrono, with some of the best tapas in Spain to one of the many wineries like the Marques de Riscal and the cosy bodegas in the town of Haro.
Expect spectacular scenery in the Sierra de Cebollera with its mountains, forests and wildlife including boar and birds of prey.
Book with: Brittany Ferries for self-drive breaks and Travelsphere for tours.
LUXEMBOURG: The delightful European duchy of Luxembourg packs a great deal within its compact borders: historic towns, fairytale castles and beautiful countryside.
Visits have increased six per cent year on year.
Start your trip in Luxembourg City, on the banks of a dramatic river gorge, then hop on the free public transport to visit the old town of Vianden with its castles.
Nature lovers will adore exploring the Mullerthal woods with its stunning beech groves, streams, canyons and cave systems.
Book with: Just Go! for coach holidays and First Choice for packages.
SERBIA: From its hip and buzzy capital Belgrade to its spectacular national parks, Serbia is ripe for discovery by those seeking a lesser-known European destination.
Get a taste for the capital’s ancient past at the Kalemegdan Fortress and sip cocktails in the hip Dorcol quarter.
Further afield, cycle along the inspiring Iron Gates gorge, carved out over millenia by the mighty River Danube or go deep into nature in the Tara National Park with dense forests, deep canyons and two lakes popular with water sports.
Book with: Regent Holidays, Intrepid Travel.