lesservisited

GOZO Island, the Outer Hebrides, and Lapland in the summer are among the more unexpected hotspots Brits are planning to visit in 2026.

A poll of 2,000 adults found 43 per cent expect to visit somewhere that wouldn’t otherwise have occurred to them as a holiday destination, showing a growing appetite for more unusual destinations.

This seems to be a stronger trend among the younger generations, as 67 per cent of Gen Zs are specifically looking to go somewhere off the beaten track this year.

Although some are still hoping to jet off to up-and-coming, but slightly better travelled locations such as Sardinia in Italy (31 per cent) or Madeira, Portugal (26 per cent), the list of hot spots also includes lesser-known locales.

Including Tromsø in Norway, which is home to an array of arctic wildlife, the Faroe Islands in Denmark, characterised by its stunning landscape of steep cliffs, narrow fjords and volcanic terrain, and the autonomous region of Portugal, Azores.

But while many are searching for hidden gems to make their budget stretch further – with 24 per cent saying cost has inspired them to seek out lesser-known destinations – the research suggests Brits don’t necessarily want the cheapest trip, they want the most rewarding one.

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More than two fifths (44 per cent) are choosing a lesser-known location this year because they think it will lead to more memorable experiences, while 38 per cent believe it will feel like more of an adventure, not just a holiday.

While 50 per cent said overall price is something they prioritise when booking a holiday, 80 per cent confirmed they consider the value of a holiday to be about more than just the cost, but the experience, culture, and rewarding feeling they get in return.

For many, value is emotional as much as practical – with 43 per cent saying a holiday feels ‘worth it’ if it helps them escape everyday stresses and fully unwind and 42 per cent seeing value in the pursuit of a sense of joy.

And while many are still looking for trips that feel exciting and memorable, 46 per cent agreed people are increasingly choosing more affordable destinations – suggesting travellers want their money to go further without compromising on what matters most.

Adam Bullock, UK director at TopCashback, which commissioned the research, said: “Value is clearly important when booking a holiday, but it’s not always about finding the cheapest trip.

“For many people, value is about the joy and memories they get back from it – the kind of getaway that feels exciting and genuinely worth talking about when they return.

“And whether someone is looking for a hidden gem or a more familiar destination, they can put more of their budget towards the parts of the trip that matter most by going outside of the peak season, using cashback, or searching for the best deals far in advance.”

Indeed, after visiting a lesser-known gem, travellers are hopeful to describe their experience as authentic (35 per cent), enriching (29 per cent), and eye-opening (31 per cent).

And when looking back after they return to reality, the things they’re most likely to remember are the experiences or activities (31 per cent), people they spent time with (26 per cent), and the atmosphere of the destination (24 per cent).

The research, carried out via OnePoll.com, also revealed the evolving travel-style pattern for 2026.

With 44 per cent saying they would prefer to take a variety of shorter trips that are lower both in length and cost, with an aim to see more of the world, versus the 19 per cent who would prefer one larger holiday during the year.

This may explain the number of other more local European hotspots Brits are hoping to see with their own eyes this year, such as Latvia, which boasts medieval architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and natural hot springs.

As well as Montenegro, blending fascinating cultural influences with activities to appease any adventure sports enthusiast.

AN expert has revealed how you can plan a Cotswolds staycation without breaking the bank.

More than 23million tourists visit the Cotswolds every year, so its no surprise that includes a few celebrities along the way.

Beyonce, Kourtney Kardashian and even Kamala Harris have all been spotted in recent months, while the Beckhams are known for having a house there.

But despite this, there is still a way to do it on a budget as well as away from the crowds.

Local Amanda Stecker, who founded Unique Cotswold Cottages, explained: “There’s a perception that the Cotswolds is reserved for the wealthy.

“But you can stay in charming self-catering cottages or friendly B&Bs for a fraction of the cost of high-end hotels, and still enjoy the villages, countryside, and experiences that make the area so special.

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“Even smaller towns and lesser-known attractions have a charm all of their own, and often a story you’ll remember far longer than the postcard-perfect spots.”

Here are some of her top tips.

Stay in less well-known villages

She explained that while Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water are the popular spots, there are nearby villages that are just as beautiful but far more affordable.

Amanda said: “Look at towns such as Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold, or Chipping Campden.

“These locations still offer charm and convenience but at much lower rates.”

Not only did she say this could save as much as £300 for a three-night stay, but cottages mean you can head to the nearby deli for some groceries and cook yourself, saving you even more.

Visit during shoulder season

If you try and visit the Cotswolds during the summer holidays, expect huge crowds.

The same is during school half terms as well, especially in the spring and autumn.

But the villages are just as beautiful off season, usually November, January and February.

Not only is accommodation cheaper but you won’t be stuck in queues at the car park or the cafe.

Make the most of the free attractions

Just walking through many of the villages and towns feel like they are from a postcard, which is a great free activity.

Not only that, but heritage trails and even attractions like Broadway Tower are free to visit.

The Oxford Museum, Witney Museum and Swinford Museum are just some that are free too.

Amanda advises checking some of the local stately homes which can be affordable especially with a National Trust or English Heritage membership.

Otherwise there are often farmers markets or fairs which you can explore without spending a penny.

According to Amanda, this could save as much as £50 per person during a long weekend.

Check the local transport

Many of the small villages have train stations so you can hop between many of them.

For example, try the Cotswolds Line, which runs from Oxford to Kingham, with stops in Hanborough, Finstock, Charlbury and Shipton along the way.

Otherwise bus routes connect many of them as well, saving you on expensive car parking.

Amanda suggests this could save as much a £30 a day.

Here are some of the Cotswolds pubs where you might bump into a celebrity.

And here are some other places to go away from the crowds.

“IF you go above 50mph, a monkey will jump out and give you a speeding ticket.”

I have been warned, but it certainly feels like I’m going that fast as I whizz through the jungle on a zipline.

Thankfully the monkeys keep to themselves, although you’ll often see them popping out from the trees while in St Kitts.

The Caribbean island is definitely one for the adventure-seekers. At least that’s what I’m told as I zoom down The Boss zipline, speeding through the tree canopies around me.

My grin is ear to ear as I throw my hands out, flying along like a bird. When I come back to earth with a massive spring cushioning my fast fall, I’m sad it’s over — but there’s so much more to come.

Next up is hiking the live volcano Mount Liamuiga. It’s not for the faint-hearted, as the six-hour trek is up 2,000ft, with the majority of it scrabbling up rocks and tree roots.

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Even as someone relatively fit, it was a battle of my will to get all the way up.

Thankfully, the view was worth it as I overlooked the grassy crater while perched on the edge of a rock. Even the hazy clouds covering the top couldn’t stop me feeling proud of the achievement.

But those clouds soon turned into some of the heaviest rain our guide said he’d seen outside of hurricane season.

Those tropical storms that just last an hour? Not this one.

The already treacherous walk down was made all the harder when the steep route was turned into a waterfall.

Soaked in minutes, it’s no surprise I walked (slid) down to the bottom in half the time it took to go up. I was only too grateful for the very deep tissue massage waiting for me at the beautiful Belle Monte Hotel at the end.

But if you are desperate for that knockout island view, there is a much easier way to get it.

At the very south of the island is Cockleshell Beach, home to all of the island’s top watersports. And it’s how I found myself 60ft in the air during my first attempt at parasailing.

The view from up there let me see both St Kitts and its neighbouring island, Nevis, uninterrupted, as my pro captain sped along the waves.
Evening smores

And I spotted his cheeky grin as he dunked us in the water “accidentally” when bringing us back to the boat.

Evening smores

Most of our travel went through the middle of the island, where the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea meet.

On the Atlantic side is the St Kitts Marriott Resort, which overlooks a sandy beach. The rooms are simple, but large, so more than enough room to spread out.

And the rest of the hotel will keep you occupied, with a huge central pool complete with swim-up bar, volleyball nets and enough sun loungers for everyone.

There’s also tennis courts, ice-cream parlours, shops and the island’s only casino.

Make sure to check the board for activities too — we missed the live bands but managed some evening smores over the outdoor fire pit.

While you can eat at the hotel restaurants, most resorts in St Kitts aren’t all-inclusive.

It’s a good thing, though, with amazing diners dotted throughout the island.

There is Shipwreck, a pirate-like bar on Frigate Bay that serves the best jerk chicken and rice I’ve ever had.

Or head to Rock Lobster for a beautifully rich lobster thermidor.

Or for something fancier there is Carambola, with a huge fresh sushi bar as well as delicious surf and turf.

But I barely scratched the surface when it comes to island thrills.

There’s snorkelling and catamarans, beach horse-riding, jet skis and even retro train rides.

“It’s an island where you can do something different every day,” my boat captain tells me during an impromptu sailing lesson.

After a week of ziplining, hiking and paragliding, it might just be the first holiday I came home fitter from than when I left.