Where UK Travellers Went in Summer 2026

Summer 2026 revealed a noticeable change in British holiday habits. While familiar favourites remained popular, many UK travellers looked beyond traditional hotspots for something different.

From French second cities and quieter Spanish islands to emerging destinations across Eastern Europe and Asia, the latest travel trends show a growing appetite for less crowded, more distinctive breaks.

So, where did UK travellers actually go on holiday in summer 2026? Here are the destinations that stood out.

Discover The Biggest Risers

France produced some of the most surprising results. Grenoble led the summer's biggest destination increases, with UK visitors rising sharply compared with the previous year.

Montpellier and Chambéry also attracted more British holidaymakers. Their appeal is easy to understand. Travellers can enjoy culture, food, scenery and local character without automatically heading towards Europe's busiest capitals.

Italy followed a similar pattern. Palermo, Bari and Verona all recorded strong growth, suggesting that visitors are becoming increasingly interested in regional Italian experiences rather than relying solely on Rome, Venice or Milan.

Explore Spain Beyond Resorts

Spain continued to be one of the UK's favourite holiday countries, but the summer's strongest growth happened away from some of the traditional resort choices.

Jerez, Almería and Santa Cruz de La Palma all enjoyed increased interest. These destinations offer a different side of Spain, combining sunshine with culture, local food, historic streets and a more relaxed atmosphere.

La Palma was particularly interesting. Often positioned as a quieter alternative to better-known Canary Islands, it appears to be gaining attention from travellers searching for beautiful scenery without the same level of crowds.

Look East For Escapes

Eastern Europe continued its gradual rise during summer 2026. Chisinau in Moldova recorded one of the most dramatic increases, while Ljubljana in Slovenia also attracted significantly more visitors.

These destinations offer a compelling mix of history, architecture, food and city experiences. They can also feel refreshingly different for travellers who have already explored Europe's most established city-break destinations.

Warsaw's Modlin Airport also featured in the rankings, although this reflects airport access rather than a sudden surge in interest in the nearby town itself.

Follow Emerging Travel Trends

Travel choices in 2026 were not driven by sunshine alone. Ethical tourism, wellbeing and destination character also appear to be influencing where people choose to travel.

Poland and Sri Lanka both featured among destinations performing well in longer-term travel trends. Colombo's resurgence is particularly notable, showing how destinations can rebuild their appeal after periods of uncertainty.

For travellers, that means the definition of a great holiday is becoming broader. Authentic experiences, welcoming communities and memorable surroundings can matter just as much as beaches and temperatures.

See Asia Gaining Ground

Asia also strengthened its position during summer 2026. Shanghai and Beijing both experienced substantial growth, reflecting renewed interest in Chinese city breaks.

Phuket continued climbing too. Thailand's established appeal, improving accessibility and strong international connections helped keep the destination firmly on travellers' radars.

For UK holidaymakers considering their next long-haul adventure, Asia increasingly offers the combination of culture, food, beaches and distinctive experiences that can make a trip feel genuinely memorable.

Understand The American Shift

The United States delivered a more mixed picture. Seattle and Nashville both benefited from their status as 2026 World Cup host cities, attracting football-related travel as well as ordinary holiday visitors.

Seattle's increase also highlights how destination choice can be influenced by broader perceptions. Travellers do not simply consider attractions and weather; accessibility, atmosphere and the wider environment can all shape decisions.

Plan Your Next Escape

So, where did UK travellers actually go on holiday in summer 2026? The answer is increasingly varied.

The biggest lesson is that British holidaymakers are looking beyond the obvious. Second cities, quieter islands, emerging European destinations and long-haul favourites all gained momentum.

That could shape travel well beyond summer. If you are planning your next getaway, consider looking past the usual hotspots. You might discover that the most rewarding destination is the one that fewer people have thought to visit yet.