WHETHER you fancy a 2026 staycation or holiday across to Europe or further afield, we’ve got some incredible experience for you to consider.
We’ve been all over the world and have taken note of our favourite things to do, from guided tours to free hikes, getting our hands dirty at cooking classes or doing some daredevil stunts.
Secret Food Tour, UK
Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski said: “Exploring a city for the first time? Getting a flavour of the food scene is a priority for me whenever and wherever I travel. And a Secret Food Tour is just the way to do that.
“The several-hour experiences are bookable in over 70 major cities globally, and thanks to a knowledgeable local guide you’ll get a strong idea of where’s good to eat and which joints are tourist traps.
“I’ve been on several of these tours, but was most blown away by the Soho one in London, naively assuming I’d learn nothing new. How wrong I was.
“Did you know that Berwick Street market was the first place in London to sell tomatoes on the street? Or that Ronnie Scott’s jazz club is where Jimi Hendrix played his last ever gig in 1970?
“Of course there’s food, too. LOTS of it.“
You can enjoy six to seven food stops, including one ‘secret stop from £79pp in the UK. See secretfoodtours.com.
Walking Tour, Italy
Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding added: “Sardinia has been named several times as a top destination to visit this year and with that in mind one great thing to do on the Italian island is head on the Underground Cagliari Walking Tour.
“The tour takes between two and four hours and across that time you will explore three different underground sites. The sites include a limestone tunnel used by priests, a crypt and even underground Roman ruins.”
The tour costs from £26 per person with GetYourGuide.com.
Wine Tour, UK
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey said: “The UK wine is having a moment, even beating those in France – so why not go on a tour of some of the best vineyards in the country?
“Wine Tours of Kent takes you around two vineyards in the ‘Garden of England‘ and it includes vineyard tours, wine tastings, as well as lunch, with prices starting from
“I recommend pacing yourself, as I ended up buying perhaps too many bottles of the stuff, easily tempted after a glass of wine or two.
“Don’t worry about having to drive yourself home – you are even dropped at the train station at the end.”
Wine Tour of Kent starts from £129pp. See winetoursofkent.co.uk
Paragliding, Turkey
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey revealed: “What’s one of the best ways to see the beach resort of Fethiye? By the air.
“There are a number of paragliding experiences in Turkey, but the best ones are in Oludeniz.
“It’s certainly nerve-wracking to start – once attached to your guide, you have to throw yourself off the cliff edge like a lemming.
“But it’s worth it for the views alone, floating suspended in the sky with the gold sand beaches below… and even a few turtles swimming in the bright blue waters.”
Oludeniz Paragliding Fethiye Turkey from £90pp. See viator.com
Montmorency Falls Park Zip Line, Canada
Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding suggested something more thrilling, she said: “If you are a dare devil or adrenaline junkie then you must head to Montmorency Falls Park in Quebec, Canada.
“Here you will find a waterfall that is higher than Niagara Falls and you can zip line across it.
“The experience is both thrilling and mesmerising as you get to fly past the cascading water and see it from a different angle.
“Afterwards, you even get a video of your zip across the waterfall.”
Tickets cost £17.25 per person see sépaq.com for more.
Whiskey Tour, Ireland
Travel Writer Jenna Stevens recommends a whiskey tour when you head to this specific destination. She said: “Any trip to Northern Ireland is incomplete without a whiskey tour and tasting.
“Located in the old Victorian Crumlin Road Gaol, McConnell’s blends history, culture and deliciously distilled drinks all in one place.
“The tour starts with a history lesson on Irish whiskey and learning all about ‘Mother McConnell’, the widow who took over the McConnell business and made the drink what it is today.
“Next comes a true insight into the world of whiskey making, as you walk through the entire process – from grain to glass.
“After learning everything there is to know about Irish whiskey, you’ll be ready to taste some. Luckily with this experience, you get treated to three drams to enjoy in a group tasting.
The McConnell’s distillery experience, including a guided tour and three tastings, is £23pp. See mcconnellsirishwhisky.com.
Dolphin and Whale-Watching Boat Trip, Tenerife
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey said: “The Spanish island of Tenerife is known for its dolphin and whale-watching tours, thanks to its huge conservation drive.
“During my trip, I was lucky to see huge pods of dolphins swim right alongside the boat, playing with the sides.
“While shyer, we also spotted whales in the distance, with it being one of the few locations outside of the US and Japan where they can be seen.
“The trip even includes time for a dip in the water, as well as drinks and snacks.
Dolphin watching tours from £40pp. See whitetenerife.com
Victoria Tunnel Tour, UK
Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding says head underground: “Here in the UK, head on the Victoria Tunnel tour in Newcastle.
“The former Victorian wagonway was used to carry coal for the Tyne before it was later used as a shelter during bombings in World War II.
“There are two different tour types, either an hour and 15 minutes or two hours – opt for the latter for the full experience with an informative guide.
The tour costs from £7 per child and £14 per adult. See ouseburntrust.org.uk for more.
Pasta Making, Italy
Travel Writer Jenna Stevens explained: “If there’s anywhere to learn to make some great pasta, it’s in Italy’s capital.
“I came across this cooking class when browsing GetYourGuide for activities in Rome, and decided to try my hand at making some fettuccine.
“The class takes place in the main square of Piazza Navona, right in the heart of the city – perfect to drop into after a day of wandering the city centre.
“Here, you’ll meet strangers from all over the world, and together you’ll get stuck into mixing dough, sprinkling flour and rolling out sheets of fresh pasta.
“After you’ve made something that resembles fettuccine, pick between a range of Italian sauces, sit down with an (included) glass of wine, and let the chefs take care of the rest.
“Soon enough you’ll be served a plate of hot fresh pasta, with your nametag neatly stuck to the plate, so you know you’ve got the real deal.
“Eating something you’ve made yourself is a super rewarding feeling, and those fresh Italian ingredients make the dish taste extra special.”
Book a pasta cooking class in Rome on GetYourGuide for £35 per person.
Top of the Rock Observation Deck, New York
Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding said: “When visiting New York in America, people tend to beeline for the Empire State Building to see the city’s skyline.
“Though, the Empire State Building is an iconic part of the skyline itself and if you are inside it, you can’t see it.
“That’s what makes going to the top of the Rockefeller Center better – you see the entire skyline and can also enjoy access to The Beam Experience which feels like having lunch above the skyscraper.
Tickets cost £31.27 per adult and £26.80 per child see rockefellercenter.com for more.
TV Tours, UK
Travel Reporter Alice Penwill said: “If you’re a fan of soaps, then I’d recommend taking a tour of the Emmerdale village.
“Up in Leeds, you can a guided tour around the chocolate-box village which incredibly looks exactly like it does on TV.
“You can take Instagram-worthy pictures outside David’s Shop, Café Main Street, and the village church, which has seen many wedding disasters.
“Then of course there’s the iconic Woolpack pub which has picnic tables outside so you can have a relaxing sit down during the summer.
“Equally, I visited in November, and the village is beautiful when it’s covered in glittery frost.
“If you pay a little extra, then a cast member will make an appearance too.”
The Emmerdale Village tour starts from £40pp. See emmerdalevillagetour.co.uk.
Alcatraz, San Francisco
Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding said: “San Francisco is home to one of the most famous prisons in the world – Alcatraz.
“No longer operational, travellers can head to the prison island that inspired the Azkaban prison in Harry Potter and tour the buildings and grounds.
“To visit the prison, you have to head on a boat to the island from Pier 33, which is operated by Alcatraz City Cruises.
“Once on the island, there are regular boat trips back to the mainland.
It costs from £34.24 per person with cityexperiences.com.
Sidecar City Tour, Singapore
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey advises you to take to the roads, she said: “If you love a city tour and a vintage car, then a Side Car Tour of Singapore is the best.
“Book one for the middle of the week and enjoy much emptier roads as you whizz though the financial and art districts.
“Clad in a stylish helmet, my driver was both speedy and hilarious as we explored the street art and building history along the way.
“There are different themes, from night tour to Crazy Rich Asian tours, but I highly recommend the Singapore in a Nutshell.”
Singapore Sidecar Tours from £119pp. See sidecar.sg
Race Across the World, UK
Travel Reporter Alice Penwill recommended getting competitive with a game, she said: “You don’t need to literally Race Across the World for thrills as there’s an experience right here in the UK.
“With the interactive game you can run across the city of London, the West End or Manchester solving puzzles and hunting for clues, and it is competitive as you’re up against the clock.
“It’s a great day out with friends or family, and you get to take little breaks for refuelling along the way too.”
Tickets start from £50 (for two adults racing). For details, head to raceacrosstheworldexperience.com.
Hike to the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles
Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding can’t get enough to the US – and luckily, you don’t have to pay for everything. She suggested: “Los Angeles is expensive enough as it is, but there is an incredible, bucket list activity you can do for completely free – hiking to the Griffith Observatory and seeing the Hollywood Sign.
“The Ferndell to Observatory Loop isn’t for the fainthearted stretching 2.6 miles but you get to head through woodland before reaching the observatory.
“On the way down from the observatory, make sure to head via Glendower Avenue to see Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ennis House and into Feliz, where there is a number of independent shops and restaurants including Skylight Books.”
Vatican and Sistine Chapel Tour, Italy
Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski suggested taking a tour of one well-known site, she said: “The famous Vatican City, sat within the Italian capital, is one of the most historically significant sites in not just Rome, but the entire world, and it’s still considered the heart and headquarters of Catholicism today.
“It’s also now one of the most overcrowded sites you could visit. That’s why a guided tour with queue jump, that lets you avoid those daily snaking lines, is the only way to do it.
“Even with queue-jump you’ll still have to wait a short while, but once you’re in your very knowledgeable guide will whisk you off to all the must-see places, pointing out the top photo spots as you go.
“Plus, you’ll learn things that the standard visitor won’t.”
A two-hour Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel tour costs from £53pp. See getyourguide.co.uk.
Hike to Arthur’s Seat, Scotland
Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding has top tips for anyone doing a staycation, she said: “Edinburgh is a fantastic city to visit, especially if you want a holiday but don’t want to leave the UK.
“And for those who like to keep active, head for hike up Arthur’s Seat – a dormant volcano with breathtaking views across the Scottish capital and the sea.
“What is even better is that it is free to hike – just note it isn’t for the fainthearted.”
Cooking Class, Thailand
Travel Reporter Alice Penwill cooked up a storm on a recent trip to Koh Samui, she said: “What’s one of the best things about going to Thailand? It has to be the food. From delicious curries to stir fry and of course, mango sticky rice.
“While I’m not a natural in the kitchen, Chef Lat made it very easy and soon had me chopping lemongrass and frying prawns.
“My new favourite, though is a massaman chicken curry. You eat everything you make, too.“
Book the Thai Cooking Class Farm to Table with Expedia for $82pp (£60.89). See expedia.com for more.
Traitors: The Live Experience, UK
Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding loved her experience as a Faithful, she said: “The new series of Traitors graced our screens last week and what could be a more perfect excuse to try out the live experience?
“Located in London, the Traitors live experience allows fans to actually play the game – albeit in a very shortened version.
“You get a host as well as gain an insight into what it actually feels like to be a Faithful… or perhaps, a Traitor.”
The experience costs from £39.50 for off-peak dates and time slots. https://www.thetraitorslive.co.uk/ticket-info
Dune Hiking Sunset Tour, Egypt
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey added: “If you want to feel like you’re on Mars without the 10-month journey, then desert hiking in Egypt is the next best thing.
“Just outside El Gouna, the drive into Wadi Bileh makes you feel like you are the only person on the planet.
“The sandy walk is best done barefoot, and head to the top to see towering dunes of red sand.
“It ends with a Bedouin bonfire and coffee when the sun goes down, making it a true, other-worldly experience.”
Wadi Bileh Sunset Experience from £47pp. See elgounamountaingoats.org
Go Ape, UK
Head of Sun Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire said: “Go Ape has taken over the UK with treetop rope courses in more than 30 inner-city and countryside locations.
“It also happens to be at some of the country’s top tourist attractions, like Leeds Castle, Bedgebury Pinetum and in Battersea Park, a stone’s throw from Battersea Power Station.
“The latter is where I took my five year old, during a day out at the power station, which has its own cinema, Lego store and holds special family events during school holidays.
“It was a brilliant experience as a bolt-on to a city day out, where my son was able to blow off steam and get plenty of fresh air, among the more cultural activities of the day.
“Yes, it’s not cheap, but the infrastructure, thought and care that has gone into these courses is not cheap. And there wasn’t a miserable child or adult among those I encountered on our afternoon in the trees.
“Go Ape has inspired several copycats, both here and abroad, but few work so cleverly with nature, which is what makes this experience, particularly in central London’s Battersea, so unique.”
Tickets start from £20.95pp. For more see goape.co.uk.
Mountain Coaster, Switzerland
Travel Writer Jenna Stevens has one of these activities on her own 2026 bucket list: “Switzerland is home to some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes. And what better way to see them than whizzing down a 1350m-long toboggan ride?
“The Fräkigaudi toboggan run in Hergiswil is the longest alpine coaster in Switzerland, and bends around vivid green mountain valleys.
“It’s a thrilling ride full of surprise twists, turns, and drops into “dragon holes”.
“You’re able to control the speed at which you ride, so whether you’re visiting for full-on adrenaline or a leisurely sightseeing slide, the choice is entirely up to you.
“At the top station there’s seating and a snack bar, and at the bottom a lift to transport you back up to the top to do it all over again. The toboggan run operates in the summer months from 10-4pm.”
Tickets cost 9 CHF (£8.41) for adults, 7 CHF (£6.54) for ages 8-16 and 5 CHF (£4.67) for ages 6-7. See rodelbahn.ch for more.
Boat Tour around the Sirmione Peninsula, Italy
Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding added: “If you’re visiting Lake Garda in Italy this year, make sure to head to Sirmione – a picturesque town located on a narrow peninsula.
“The town is famous for its Roman ruins, medieval Scaligero Castle and thermal baths. But to catch the most spectacular experience of the town and Lake Garda, head on a boat tour.
“There are several from the town, but make sure to head off on one that explores Villa Maria Callas, Aquaria Thermal Baths, Catullus Grottoes, Giamaica Beach, Boiola Sulphur Spring and the partially-submerged Sirmione Castle.”
A boat tour that includes the above locations costs from £26.60 per person, but shorter 25-minute tours cost from £8.68 per person.
Hot Air Ballooning, Morocco
For incredible views, Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey says head up to the skies, she said: “One of Morocco’s most beautiful landscapes is the Atlas Mountains, and hot air balloon rides are one of the best ways to see them.
“Arriving in pitch black, I waited in darkness apart from the flame of the balloon, before piling into the basket and floating up to wait.
“There are few things as magical as seeing the sun peek over the mountains, with hues of red and pink.
“Most experiences come with a Berber breakfast afterwards too, so make the most of the breads and mint tea.”
Hot Air Balloon Flight over Marrakech from £74. See viator.com
Musée d’Orsay, France
Travel Reporter Alice Penwill said: “If you’re in Paris and looking for something to do, head inside the Musée d’Orsay and for a very informative experience, take a guided tour.
“Inside are lots of huge sculptures like ‘The Gates of Hell’ and beautiful pieces of art by the likes of Renoir and Monet.
“It also houses Van Gogh pieces like Starry Night Over the Rhône, and his Self-Portrait.
“The building itself is incredible too as it used to be a train station, it has a giant golden clock and beautiful views of Paris from the fifth floor.
“The gallery sits on the bank of the River Seine too so afterwards, you can take a stroll along the water all the way down to Notre Dame.”
Guided tours are €26 (£22.56) which include the tour, admission and activity. See musee-orsay.fr/en.
Paddleboarding, UK
When it comes to summertime, Travel Writer Jenna Stevens said to head to her home county: “It’s hard to pick between the beautiful beaches to explore in North Norfolk.
“Whilst Cromer is popular for crabbing and cool cafes, Wells-next-the-Sea is famous for its postcard-perfect beach huts. But the best way by far to explore any of these beaches is by paddleboard.
“Whether you pick up a cheap blow-up paddleboard from Lidl, or borrow one from the many rental shops along the coast, you should make paddleboarding your new best friend in 2026.
“I recommend heading to the marshes of Brancaster or Burnham Overy Staithe for gorgeous golden sunsets and still, quiet waters.
“These grassy areas are way quieter than their nearby sandy beaches, and if you time your visit just right you might even be able to pick some fresh samphire from the marshland to take home for dinner.
“And whether you choose to paddle out to the horizon, try out SUP yoga, or simply lay down and soak in the views – it’s an activity everyone falls in love with.
“You can grab a cheap paddleboard from Amazon for £89.99, or rent one for just £20 per hour at Brancaster Boards.”
Thriller Speedboat Adventures, Miami
Travel Report Cyann Fielding said: “The glamorous city of Miami is always in the headlines for the amount of celebs who live there or visit – but on dry land you can’t get a taste of what exactly their lifestyles look like.
“The Thriller Speedboat Adventure ride takes you directly past the houses of the rich including Oprah Winfrey and Will Smith.
“The boat itself is open-topped so you get to enjoy the heat and breeze of Miami too.
“The host is equally funny as they are informative, giving you a real glimpse into some of the luxury and scandal of the lives of the city’s residents.”
The experience costs £33.45 per person. https://www.thrillermiami.com/
Niagara Falls, New York
Travel Reporter Alice Penwill added: “If you’re heading to the US this year, there’s no way you can miss a trip to Niagara Falls in Upstate New York.
“Take the trails through the park, wander at your leisure at no cost as entering Niagara Falls State Park is completely free too so there are no fees necessary to see the impressive falls.
“If you want to get up close to the falls, either take a Maid of the Mist Boat across the waters, or walk The Cave of the Winds which takes you as close to the water as possible – and make sure to bring your waterproof for Hurricane Deck.”
Tickets for Maid of the Mist Boat Tours are $30.25 (£22.48) see maidofthemist.com. To walk the Cave of the Winds costs $14 (£10.40) see niagarafallsstatepark.com.
Sigulda, Latvia
If you’re seeking adventure, head to this town recommended by Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey: “While most people head to Riga on a trip to Latvia, the town of Sigulda is the one for adventure lovers.
“I spent the idea day exploring, trying out every activity on offer for a day of adrenaline.
“There is the indoor go-karting rink Klikk, where I bounded off the tyre walls at speed, to hoping on the cable car before a zipline through the forest.
“Yachting, skydiving and bungee jumping are all on offer too, if you want ore of a thrill.”
Activities from £13pp, see siguldaadventures.com.
Fossil Hunting, UK
Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding added: “Kid’s love dinosaurs and right here in the UK we have some great spots to go hunting for millions-of-years old fossils.
“The best spot? Definitely Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. Head to Charmouth Beach and Lyme Regis both of which are known as great fossil-finding spots with species including ammonites (which are the popular spiral shell-shaped fossils) and belemnites (the ones that look like bullets).
“Just check rules of the specific place you plan to head to beforehand, as some spots don’t allow you to chisel into the rocks.”
For more activities, here are the English counties with the most free family activities from pony sanctuaries and steam railways to soft plays.
And here are the 20 most-visited attractions in England that are completely free to enter.