Travel Top 10s

Travel giant Expedia has shared its top 10 destinations of the year, which are powered by real-time data from daily visitors to its site and app

If you fancy exploring hidden gems, these top 10 spots revealed by the travel giant might be perfect for your upcoming getaway. Expedia’s 2026 destinations of the year list draws on real-time data from daily visitors to its site and app.

The announcement coincides with the travel giant launching its Unpack ’26: The Trends in Travel report. It showcases where worldwide interest is surging rapidly.

This year’s selection features France, Italy, alongside more distant locations in Canada and Mexico.

Six of these emerging hotspots also satisfy the requirements for Expedia’s fresh Smart Travel Health Check, which acknowledges destinations that actively manage tourism sustainably, reports the Express.

Ariane Gorin, CEO of Expedia Group, said: “Some of my most unforgettable travel moments come from immersing myself in local cultures, supporting local economies, and exploring less-travelled destinations.

“With one billion average monthly travel searches, Expedia Group isn’t just a travel marketplace, we’re a catalyst for positive change.

“We have a responsibility to shape the future of travel: one that’s smarter, more sustainable, and deeply respectful of the places we go.”

Big Sky, Montana, U.S.

Nestled within the Rocky Mountains’ core, Big Sky in Montana provides year-round activities.

During winter months, the area becomes a snow enthusiast’s haven, whilst summer brings spectacular walking routes.

Okinawa, Japan Okinawa

Japan’s southernmost island chain, offers a blend of turquoise waters, coral reefs and a unique Ryukyuan heritage. Once a kingdom in its own right, the region now provides a mix of hospitality, history, and a relaxed island lifestyle.

Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia is a hidden jewel in the Mediterranean, offering crystal-clear waters, ancient history and untouched landscapes. From glamorous beaches to a bustling city, Sardinia provides an Italian getaway without the crowds.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Located off the southwest coast of Vietnam, Phu Quoc Island boasts white sandy beaches and emerald waters. Once a tranquil fishing hub, it’s now a fusion of beach resorts and night markets.

Savoie, France

Tucked away in the French Alps, Savoie is home to world-class ski resorts, making it perfect for a winter holiday. In summer, anticipate hiking, cycling and sailing, as well as indulging in cheese fondue and alpine wines.

Fort Walton Beach, Florida, U.S.

North Florida’s Gulf Coast is a region of exceptional natural beauty, with picturesque beaches and nature walks where you can explore the state’s native parks. It’s the ideal spot for those who love the outdoors, with activities such as snorkelling, hiking and dolphin watching.

Ucluelet, Canada

Visitors to Ucluelet can enjoy surfing, kayaking, and spotting whales and sea lions just offshore. There are also plenty of land-based activities like rock climbing, ziplining, biking and wildlife watching.

Or, if you prefer to relax, there are numerous top hotels and holiday rentals available.

Cotswolds, UK

The Cotswolds, one of England’s most scenic regions, is home to quaint towns like Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold. Here, you can wander through historic gardens, savour a pint in traditional English pubs and tearooms, and admire the iconic Cotswold stone.

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Tucked away in Mexico’s central highlands, San Miguel de Allende is a compact city boasting stunning architecture, ancient religious structures and cobbled streets. It’s renowned for its community of artisans and artists, with some of their finest works on display at the Fabrica La Aurora galleries and studios.

Hobart, Australia

Once notorious as a penal colony, this harbour city has transformed into Tasmania’s cultural heart, drawing food enthusiasts and nature buffs from around the globe. Hobart serves up some of the country’s most inventive cuisine, and its beer, wine and produce are celebrated across Australia.

The Global Retirement Report has named the best country for pensioners in 2025, with Europe coming first in quality of life and healthcare

New research from The Global Retirement Report has unveiled the top destination for pensioners in 2025. The comprehensive study assessed 44 nations across the globe that provide passive income visas or retirement residence permits, examining key elements including economics, taxation, quality of life, safety and integration.

Whilst European nations dominated in quality of life and healthcare provision, American countries proved strongest for tax efficiency. Meanwhile, Asian destinations earned praise for their warm climates and budget-friendly cost of living.

Patricia Casaburi, CEO at Global Citizen Solutions, commented: “This year’s ranking is led by Portugal, Mauritius, Spain, Uruguay, and Austria, countries that excel across our six sub-indexes and set the gold standard for international retirement migration”, reports the Express.

10. Chile

Chile has incredible natural beauty and an immersive culture, which makes it an attractive option for many pensioners. The country is also considered one of the safest in South America and has low levels of corruption.

9. Latvia

Latvia is an increasingly popular destination for British expats due to its affordable cost of living and healthcare system. The country offers beautiful coastal towns, historic cities and gorgeous natural landscapes.

8. Malta

Retiring in Malta is a popular choice for those looking for a peaceful and beautiful place to enjoy their retirement. Malta offers cheap property prices, friendly locals and a warm climate.

7. Slovenia

According to International Living, Slovenia is a hidden gem in Europe. It offers a fantastic balance of affordable living, stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and welcoming people. The country has “everything an expat could want at a price that won’t break the bank”.

6. Italy

Italy is also a popular country for British expats, with warm weather, delicious food, and excellent healthcare. Pensioners looking for a slower pace of life will find it in some of Italy’s most stunning regions, which offer a relaxed and balanced way of life.

5. Austria

Experts at Expatica explained: “With its high quality of life, low crime rate, and excellent social security system, it’s hardly surprising that nearly a third of expats living in Austria consider staying there for life and spending their retirement there. All in all, for those retiring in Austria, life is pretty sweet.”

4. Uruguay

Uruguay has a wonderful culture, beautiful beaches, an affordable cost of living, and a subtropical climate, making it an attractive destination for thousands of expats who choose to retire there every year.

3. Spain

Spain often ranks among the top five international retirement spots. Experts at Immigrantinvest explained: “Its warm climate, rich culture, affordable cost of living, and high-quality healthcare system make Spain an attractive option for retirees.”

2. Mauritius

According to the Global Retirement Report, Mauritius is the second-best country to retire abroad, with a score of 89.24.

Dr Laura Madrid Sartoretto, Research Lead at GCS’ Global Intelligence Unit, said: “Mauritius has a very reliable procedure. It’s fast, transparent, and one of the countries that has the best options for tax optimisation. People who don’t want to have any fiscal risk when moving abroad with their pensions choose countries like Mauritius because it doesn’t have a worldwide tax system.”

1. Portugal

Portugal has been crowned the most attractive destination in the world for retirees, offering “high standards of living and quality healthcare with relatively low day-to-day expenses”.

Portugal has a pleasant climate, charming cities and idyllic rural and coastal scenery. Christina Hippisley, General Manager of the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK, said: “Portugal is an outstanding destination for retirees and well-deserving of being crowned the world’s top retirement location.”

There are hundreds of places to explore in Europe, from quaint seaside towns to medieval cities – but which is the safest to visit? A travel expert has ranked them and revealed their top 10

An avid traveller has revealed the safest places to visit in Europe – and it might not be where you’d expect.

When looking for the next getaway or city break, it can be hard to narrow down the ideal location, especially if you’re looking for somewhere new to visit. A key factor that many consider is how safe the location is – so they can wander around the foreign streets freely without the extra stress of looking over their shoulder.

In a bid to help others book their dream vacation, solo traveller and European expert, Luke Patrick Hoogmoed, curated a list of European capitals that were dubbed the safest, with the lowest level of crime. Sharing a video on his Instagram account, which boasts over 500K followers, he revealed the list, counting down from 10 to number 1. Here’s what the traveller expert said…

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10. Copenhagen, Denmark

The capital of Denmark is a charming and modern city, known for its biking culture and brightly coloured buildings with Scandinavian designs. The expert said, “People trust each other and follow the rules. The streets are well-lit and easy to walk at night. Visit Nyhavn for colorful views by the water.”

9. Prague, Czech Republic

Often called the ‘City of a Hundred Spires’, the capital of the Czech Republic boasts cobbled streets, medieval bridges and fairy-tale-like churches with a vibrant yet welcoming feel. The traveller noted, “The city is full of life but feels calm. Police are present and public spaces are kept safe. Don’t miss Charles Bridge at sunrise.”

8. Bratislava, Slovakia

It may be small, but the capital of Slovakia is filled with character, with lively squares that go uncrowded and a relaxed vibe for an easy getaway. “It’s small and easy to get around. Most areas are quiet and crime is rare. Bratislava Castle has the best views of the city,” the expert revealed.

7. Warsaw, Poland

Blending history and modern energy, the capital of Poland has riverside parks, baroque churches, historic landmarks and an Old Town that was reconstructed. Luke shared: “The city is busy but well-organised. Public transport and streets are safe to use. The Old Town Market Square is a must-see.”

6. Helsinki, Finland

The capital of Finland has been described as modern yet serene, with maritime beauty and an urban blend. “People look out for one another. It’s clean, peaceful, and safe to walk anywhere. Visit Suomenlinna island for a nice getaway from the busy city centre,” the expert noted.

5. Tallinn, Estonia

The small capital of Estonia is a preserved medieval city where you can walk the streets filled with character and experience its contemporary edge. “The old town is well-lit and lively. Crime levels are low and people feel secure. Toompea Hill offers great city views,” Luke said.

4. Reykjavik, Iceland

A small yet vibrant and picturesque city, with a lively cultural scene, surrounded by majestic mountains. The expert revealed: “Almost everyone knows each other. Violence and serious crime are very rare. I filmed the clip from the top of the Hallgrímskirkja Church.”

3. Zagreb, Croatia

With an Upper and Lower Town to be explored, the capital of Croatia has a charming feel with a warmth and elegance that runs through to its residents. “It’s relaxed and friendly. The police are active and keep the streets safe. The Upper Town is perfect for a peaceful walk,” the traveller said.

2. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Intimate and walkable, the capital of Slovenia is known for its modern architecture, outdoor living and fairytale-like backdrop. Luke noted, “The city is small and welcoming. It’s easy to walk around without worry. Ljubljana Castle overlooks the whole city.”

1. Bern, Switzerland

With medieval buildings, arcaded walkways and cobbled streets, the Swiss capital is filled with history and beauty around every corner. Ranked as the safest, the expert said: “Calm streets and orderly life. Safety is part of everyday living here. The Rose Garden has the best view of the old town.”

From its bargain beaches to its variety of experiences and relaxed charm, the country is an affordable gem for those looking to holiday in Europe

When planning a European getaway, Bulgaria may not be the first destination to come to mind, but that’s exactly why it’s becoming a top pick for savvy travellers, according to travel specialists. Tucked along the Black Sea coast, this “Eastern European gem” offers far more than its modest profile suggests.

According to Daniel Howick, Travel Manager at Your Co-op Travel branches, Bulgaria continues to excel in terms of value, natural beauty, beaches and family-friendly experiences. Located in southeastern Europe, Bulgaria is generally considered a good place to visit for people interested in history, nature, and affordability.

It offers a blend of beautiful landscapes, ancient ruins, vibrant cities, and a rich cultural heritage. Below, Daniel has shared five reasons why British holidaymakers are setting their sights on Bulgaria this year – from unbeatable prices to a surprisingly rich cultural offering.

Bargain beaches without sacrificing quality

Daniel says Bulgaria’s headline attraction is its prices, which he says are hard to beat. He adds: “Whether it’s a getaway with friends or a sunshine-soaked family escape, the country routinely comes out as one of the most affordable beach destinations in Europe.

“We’ve found holidaymakers love that they can book an entire beach holiday – flights, hotel, food, and drink – for a fraction of the cost they’d pay in Spain, Portugal or Greece. Sunny Beach is a standout resort in Bulgaria that boasts a Blue Flag-awarded beach, golden sands, and a vibrant nightlife scene, as well as family-friendly amenities.”

All-inclusive comfort at self-catering prices

The travel manager says one of Bulgaria’s major appeals is how far your money goes. Holidaymakers can enjoy all-inclusive hotels for the prices typically associated with self-catering stays elsewhere in Europe.

Even those who opt to dine out will find the costs “refreshingly low”. He explains: “Because Bulgaria isn’t in the Eurozone, the cost of living is significantly lower, which means meals, drinks, and taxis are incredibly affordable.”

Experiences to suit everyone

Beyond its golden coastlines, Bulgaria often surprises visitors with its cultural and historical depth, according to Daniel. A “must-see” is Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, he says. This ancient town features cobbled streets, Byzantine churches, and Roman ruins. He adds: “Whether you’re a history buff or just looking to explore Bulgaria beyond your sun lounger, Nessebar adds an unforgettable layer of magic to your stay.”

Charm that’ll have you coming back for more

Bulgaria draws a diverse crowd, including families looking for hassle-free fun in the sun, younger groups seeking nightlife on a budget, and couples enjoying a quiet escape. But what’s especially notable, according to Daniel, is the high number of repeat visitors.

“Many travellers who take a chance on Bulgaria return again and again,” he says. “It is proof of its lasting appeal. With a variety of things to see and do, each trip to the country reveals something new.”

A hidden gem that’s easy to reach

Daniel claims that one of Bulgaria’s greatest strengths is its accessibility. Direct flights from the UK to coastal cities like Burgas are “frequent and inexpensive,” even during peak summer months.

The relatively short flight time (around three hours) adds to its “convenience”, making it ideal for long weekends or quick getaways. He said: “Add to that the low cost of airport transfers and hotel shuttles, and it’s no wonder many travellers find the overall travel experience refreshingly simple and affordable.”