With the release of Wicked: For Good today, a travel company has named the top 10 most beautiful destinations to experience real-life Disney charm
A stunning little-known city just a stone’s throw from the UK is like stepping foot into a real-life Wicked movie. Travel company Omio released their findings in time for the release of smash-hit musical Wicked: For Good today (November 21).
Colmar in France is filled with Disney-inspired charm, pastel houses and stunning canals. To get there is easy too, requiring just a 1hr 30 flight from London to Strasbourg, before a 55 minute drive to the city. Other recommended destinations in the top 10 include Sintra in Portugal, Lake Bled in Slovenia and the UK’s very own Isle of Skye.
The list came as part of a new survey that found more than a third of Gen Z (36%) are more likely to travel with friends they “hold space” for in the year ahead compared to just 12% of Boomers.
The ‘holding space’ phrase – meaning to be emotionally present with who you are with – became a viral meme during Wicked’s press tour in 2024, but now fans are incorporating it into their holidays.
These friendship trips can lead to a deeper bond and create lasting memories according to travel company Omio, mirroring the evolving relationship between the characters Elphaba and Glinda.
More than a quarter of Brits (28%) quizzed in Omio’s latest ‘Now Next 2025-2026 Travel Report’ say they’re influenced by film and TV when choosing where to go. Despite Oz not being a viable destination for jetsetters, whimsical fairytale-inspired destinations are found to be on the rise.
The report also reveals that almost two-fifths (37%) of women internationally want to feel connected, with 44% planning family and friend reunions. Wellbeing-led escapes are found to be on the rise with more than half (59%) of travellers wanting to return from holidays feeling recharged.
The report also discovered that people are opting for unique travel plans, with 32% preferring under-the-radar locations that would make people green with envy. Veronica Diquattro, President of Consumer and Supply Business Europe, said: “Our extensive inventory makes finding the best route to niche destinations simple.
“Gen Z leads the charge. They are purposeful planners, determined to travel more, for longer, and sustainably. Omio meets their expectations with breadth, flexibility and digital-first solutions.
“Our report reveals a new age of smart, conscious and value-driven travel. The desire to explore is stronger than ever, and Omio is at the forefront, ensuring every trip is seamless.”
Omio’s top 10 recommended fairytale destinations
- Colmar, France: Disney-inspired charm, pastel houses and canals for cottage-core queens
- Schwangau, Germany: a village in Bavaria, southern Germany. It’s a gateway to the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, a magical hilltop fairytale castle that famously inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.
- Sintra, Portugal: Home to whimsical palaces and castles nestled in lush hills, plus candy-coloured palaces for the perfect girls’ trip.
- Hallstatt, Austria: a picturesque village nestled by lakeside magic, with mountain backdrop drama.
- Český Krumlov, Czech Republic: A small city with a large castle complex and a charming medieval old town.
- Isle of Skye, Scotland: A rugged and scenic island with dramatic landscapes.
- Lake Bled, Slovenia: A picture-perfect lake surrounded by forested mountains.
- Giant’s Causeway, Ireland: An iconic World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland, steeped in legend and folklore.
- Isola Bella, Lake Maggiore, Italy: A combination of grand architecture, vibrant floral displays, hidden grottoes, and the presence of white peacocks.
- Grindelwald, Switzerland: Stunning natural scenery featuring towering snow-capped mountains and lush valleys.