By Elle Hammond | Published – 22 Dec 2025
If you’re looking for inspiration for your 2026 travels, look no further. The experts at Saga Holidays have revealed their pick of the seven top destinations to visit this year.
Whether you’re looking for an intrepid adventure in a far-off land or a quiet spot somewhere more familiar, our magnificent seven will have you reaching for your passport.
1. Japan
Best for: foodie experiences, ancient temples and cherry blossom.
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Chureito Pagoda with Mount Fuji in the background
Japan continues to be one of the most sought-after destinations, thanks to its temples, cuisine and epic experiences.
Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima are the top spots, although Japan truly is a year-round destination, with excellent skiing in the north (Hokkaido), the beaches of the south (Okinawa) and the eclectic mix of ancient and futuristic culture in between.
Travel in spring to see the stunning cherry blossoms, autumn to see the changing leaves that bring vibrant hues of red, orange and yellow to Japan’s landscape, or winter to witness the snow monkeys bathing in hot springs and experience the Sapporo Snow Festival.
Why visit Japan in 2026?
The brand-new MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives will open in Tokyo in March, a cutting-edge cultural space showcasing traditional Japanese arts, contemporary media, immersive exhibits and more.
The 2026 Asian Games will take place in Aichi and Nagoya (19 September to 4 October 2026), bringing together athletes and visitors from across Asia.
The Steak House Oriental – if you’re in Kobe, don’t miss your chance to try its world-famous marbled beef. The Steak House Oriental’s offering is one of the best.
Visit Japan with Saga
Take a tour of this incredible country with Saga. Our group tours have a knowledgeable tour manager and use local guides so you can gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture, cuisine, and history.
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2. India
Best for: culture, wildlife and soul-searching.
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A street vendor making fresh chapatti in Jaipur
Vibrant, diverse India offers travellers a rich tapestry of history, culture and natural beauty spots. In 2026, the country continues to open up, with improved infrastructure making exploring easier and more comfortable than ever before.
From bustling cities like Delhi and Mumbai to the calming backwaters of Kerala, there’s something for everyone here.
Culinary adventures, heritage tours, and spiritual experiences remain at the heart of India’s appeal, while festivals, wildlife safaris and wellness retreats ensure that visitors can enjoy both adventure and relaxation.
Why visit India in 2026?
Incredible festivals such as Diwali, Holi and regional cultural celebrations remain spectacular ways to experience India’s heritage.
Expanded rail networks, upgraded airports and eco-friendly accommodation make travel smoother and more sustainable.
From tiger safaris in Madhya Pradesh to trekking in the Himalayas, adventure and wildlife tourism continue to grow.
3. South Africa
Best for: safaris, coastal drives and world-class wine.
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See wild animals roaming free in Kruger National Park
A safari in South Africa is a true bucket-list dream – you can see the Big Five in Kruger National Park.
Saga favourites Steve and Viv from Race Across the World previously experienced a Saga safari. In their words it was “the trip of a lifetime”.
Why visit South Africa in 2026?
4. Albania
Best for: undiscovered beaches, turquoise waters and budget prices.
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The turquoise waters of Ksamil are a joy to behold
Albania is fast becoming one of the most popular spots in Europe. It has all the beaches and byzantine culture we want from the continent, but at a great price. Some compare it to the Croatia of 20 years ago.
Top spots include the beaches and turquoise waters of Ksamil (which you can visit by ferry from Corfu); Berat, known as the ‘City of a Thousand Windows’ for its Ottoman and Albanian architecture; and the capital, Tirana.
As Albania rises in popularity, this is the perfect time to explore before the crowds arrive.
Why visit in 2026?
The interest in Albania continues to increase, with one report stating that tourism rose by 5% in early 2025 when compared with the same time period in 2024.
Albania is currently one of the cheapest countries in Europe. Visit for the affordable accommodation, food and transport before it changes.
5. Costa Rica
Best for: sustainable travel, wildlife conservation and adventure tourism.
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Discover the majesty of the Rio Celeste waterfall
Hitting two of the biggest travel trends for 2026 – sustainable luxury travel and adventure travel – Costa Rica is a hot pick for this year.
Want to see a sloth in the wild? Help release turtles on the beach? See toucans in the trees? This is the place to do it.
And the best time is December to April.
Why visit Costa Rica in 2026?
Costa Rica is a shining beacon for responsible tourism, so it’s the number-one place to go if you want to travel more sustainably this year.
You could have a trip with a purpose here, if you get involved with a wildlife project as the country tries to cope with the influx of tourists and the problems this brings.
Visit Costa Rica with Saga
Saga’s holidays to Costa Rica include independent and small group tours, and self-drive holidays.
Whether you’re hiking through its lush interior or ziplining through the tree canopy, it’s a place where outdoor adventures reign supreme.
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6. Uzbekistan
Best for: architectural wonders in a country now open to visitors.
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The city of Bukhara is known for its ornate mosques
Uzbekistan played a key role in the Old Silk Road, celebrated on Saga Holidays’ Uzbekistan – Jewel of the Silk Road tour. The country is increasing in popularity thanks to more flights and easier visas – it’s very much open for tourists.
Visit and you’ll find architectural wonders, bustling markets, remnants of its Soviet life, and many delightful dishes to try.
Travellers here will normally join a tour to really understand the country, rather than through independent travel. It’s not quite set up for easy solo travel as yet.
Why visit Uzbekistan in 2026?
Condé Nast Traveller has included the capital, Tashkent, on its list of Best Places to Go in Asia in 2026, noting its emerging art scene.
Visiting Uzbekistan is now visa-free for Brits, for up to 30 days.
The natural landscapes are still peaceful and quiet, and best enjoyed on horseback or by hiking. Explore those endless sands in the Kyzylkum Desert.
Explore Uzbekistan with Saga
Our 11-day Uzbekistan tour follow the Silk Road route, exploring the mosques, palaces, museums and madrasahs of these crossroad cities.
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7. Italy
Best for: mouthwatering cuisine and new cultural offerings.
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Sunrise over Bassano del Grappa
Italy continues to captivate travellers with its superb mix of history, culture and cuisine. From the iconic ruins of Rome to the Renaissance treasures of Florence and the romantic canals of Venice, experiences here are as exciting as ever. How about visiting Mantova (Mantua), Lucca or Ferrara for somewhere a little off the usual tourist route?
In 2026, many historic sites unveil restored sections and immersive exhibitions, while culinary tourism thrives with regional food festivals and Michelin-starred restaurants opening across the country. Sustainable travel initiatives and improved transport options make getting around easier and more responsible, too.
Why visit Italy in 2026?
Major museums and galleries in Rome, Florence and Venice are hosting high-profile exhibitions and restorations planned for 2026, including previously unseen Renaissance and contemporary collections.
Key sites like the Colosseum, Pompeii and Venice’s Doge’s Palace have new visitor experiences and restored sections opening in 2026.
Italy continues to expand its gastronomic tourism with new Michelin-starred restaurants, wine-tasting experiences, and harvest festivals in Tuscany and Piedmont.
Saga Holidays continues to welcome guests to the Hotel Parma e Oriente in Tuscany, which joined the Italian Hosted Holidays collection in 2025. Just an hour’s drive from Pisa and Florence, this family-run hotel is located in a UNESCO-listed village that’s spilt over two levels, joined by a funicular railway, and surrounded by rich history and countryside.
Visit Italy with Saga
Whatever your preference Saga has got something for you with its Italian holidays. Travel the length of the country on a grand tour, hike the high paths of the stunning Dolomites or sample the best food and wine in Tuscany.
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