2026 hot list

Welcome to our 2026 hot list, where we look ahead to the year in travel and spotlight the destinations set to inspire your holiday plans.

As always, our experts have curated a wonderfully diverse mix of countries and regions, from iconic favourites to emerging gems. In Sicily, two new luxury rail routes – La Dolce Vita Orient Express and Golden Eagle – promise elegant journeys linking ancient ruins, golden beaches and hilltop towns. Further afield, Egypt’s Nile offers timeless river cruises past ancient temples and tombs, evoking the spirit of Agatha Christie, 50 years after her passing. For a taste of the exotic, the Seychelles celebrates 50 years of independence across its sun-kissed islands while in Greenland, a rare solar eclipse is set to cast its shadow over an Arctic wilderness shaped by mighty glaciers.

Across the Atlantic, Canada dazzles with vibrant cities, abundant wildlife and majestic national parks as it prepares to host the 2026 World Cup. Or, hop across the border to explore the USA’s East Coast on a rail journey to savour. Taking in the vibrant sights of New York, Philadelphia, Boston and Washington, D.C., it’s the perfect way to explore as the nation commemorates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

1. Greenland

While it may be small in population – just 56,500 people call it home – Greenland delivers landscapes of truly epic scale. The world’s largest island is defined by elemental contrasts: vast glaciers calving into deep fjords, mountains that rise sheer from the sea, and icebergs the size of cathedrals drifting through cobalt waters. Beyond its wild beauty lies a living culture – vibrant coastal towns painted in bright hues, and communities whose traditions are deeply rooted in Inuit heritage.

Once considered remote, Greenland is now more accessible than ever, with new airports and improved flight connections opening up this extraordinary destination. Here, you can hike across the Arctic tundra, cruise past towering ice formations, spot whales and musk oxen, or simply stand in awe of nature’s raw power. Come in winter to witness the ethereal dance of the Northern Lights or visit in summer when the midnight sun casts its golden glow over the land. What’s more, in 2026, visitors might even experience the unique wonders of a solar eclipse, with cruises along the remote east coast offering the best the chance to see it. Having explored Greenland first-hand, our specialists are perfectly placed to share their insights and recommendations. Indeed, you’ll find one of their recommended journeys opposite – a weeklong stay in the west-coast town of Ilulissat. 

Ilulissat, Greenland

Recommended journey: The Iceberg Town of Ilulissat

Fly to the colourful town of Ilulissat on the west coast of Greenland, home to a UNESCO World Heritage site where immense, sculptural icebergs drift down a fjord and out into the frigid waters of Disko Bay. The best time to visit is July and early August, when flora and fauna explode in a barrage of colour and the midnight sun casts its ethereal glow. Bookended by stays in Copenhagen, you’ll enjoy four nights at Hotel Arctic, your base for a range of included activities, from a guided walking tour and whale safari to an iceberg cruise and a trip out to the spectacular Eqi Glacier. It’s the ultimate introduction to a truly remarkable region.

2. Canada

From sweeping prairies and snow-capped peaks to cosmopolitan cities and wild rodeos, Canada offers endless variety across its 10 provinces. In French-speaking Québec, cobbled streets and elegant cafés evoke old-world Europe, while Toronto’s skyline and dining scene showcase the country’s modern energy. Montréal charms with its creative pulse and 18th-century architecture; Calgary celebrates its frontier spirit at the famous Stampede; and Vancouver, framed by ocean and mountains, offers a gateway to wilderness and adventure. For many, Canada’s greatest treasures lie beyond its cities.

Its landscapes stretch to the horizon – a world of turquoise lakes, towering mountains, and vast forests. Along its rugged coasts, whales breach in icy waters, and deep within national parks, moose, bears and wolves roam free. With the World Cup taking place next summer, 2026 promises to be Canada’s year in the spotlight. Of course, with such a high-profile event running through June and July, the popular summer travel period will be busier than ever. The good news? Canada is a true year-rounder, so if the World Cup isn’t your cup of tea, there are plenty of options, from autumn road trips in Québec to the dazzling winter wonders of British Columbia and Alberta. Our experts are here to help you plan.  

Knight Inlet Lodge, Vancouver

Recommended journey: Wildlife of Vancouver Island

This curated road trip begins in Vancouver, from where you’ll swap the city’s cosmopolitan charm for the wild beauty of Vancouver Island. Scenic drives, ferry crossings and floatplane flights bring you deep into a land of hidden waterways and ancient forests, home to grizzly bears and humpback whales. Throughout, you’ll enjoy a full programme of excursions, from island bike rides and whale-watching cruises to bear-spotting hikes. Your accommodation is equally memorable, including a floating lodge only accessible by seaplane. It’s a journey designed to immerse you in Canada’s supreme natural world.

3. Sicily, Italy

Sicily is an island of striking contrasts and deep-rooted history, where every influence – Roman and Greek, Byzantine and Baroque – has left its mark. Dominated by the ever-active Mt Etna, the island balances drama with serenity: golden beaches, wildflower meadows and scenic coastal trails reveal a softer, more languid side. Centuries of conquests have shaped Sicily’s proud and resilient culture. Its ancient Greek legacy endures in the majestic ruins of Agrigento and the clifftop theatre of Taormina, while Norman fortresses and Arab-influenced palaces stand as reminders of a complex past. The island’s Baroque towns, with their frescoed cathedrals and grand piazzas, showcase the artistry of a bygone age. Sicily’s famed cuisine mirrors its history – a feast of local produce and global flavours. Think fresh seafood, creamy ricotta, Arab-inspired couscous, and sun-drenched citrus, embodying the island’s rich, worldly spirit. Of course, it’s all washed down with the island’s much-celebrated wine.

With two new luxury rail journeys set to explore the best of Sicily in 2026 – one aboard the esteemed Golden Eagle Danube Express, the other a new route from La Dolce Vita Orient Express – there’s plenty to look forward to. You’ll find the latter of these featured opposite, or call our experts for a wider range of Sicilian adventures.

Caccamo, Sicily

Recommended journey: La Dolce Vita Orient Express: Shores of Sicily

Step aboard the La Dolce Vita Orient Express for a four-day journey through Sicily’s sun-drenched shores and storied cities. Blending 1960s Italian glamour with modern indulgence, enjoy optional excursions, fine dining and seamless service throughout as you travel to Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples and Siracusa’s Roman Amphitheatre and Ear of Dionysius. Onboard, expect plush cabins, live music and menus by Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck. With luxury hotel stays in Palermo and private transfers included, this is Sicily at its stylish best.

4. The Seychelles Islands

Marking 50 years of independence in 2026, the Seychelles remains one of the world’s last true paradises. Scattered across the Indian Ocean, its 115 islands lie just south of the equator yet feel wonderfully remote – a haven of palm-fringed beaches, turquoise lagoons and jungle-clad peaks. Mahé, the largest island, is the gateway to this tropical wonderland. Home to the capital and most of the population, it’s ringed by coral reefs and more than 70 white-sand beaches.

Inland, Morne Seychellois National Park reveals rare endemic plants, coconut plantations and trails that wind to panoramic viewpoints over sea and forest. Beyond Mahé, the smaller islands of Praslin and La Digue embody the Seychelles’ barefoot luxury. Discover the legendary coco de mer palms in Praslin’s UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai or unwind on La Digue’s picture-perfect Anse Source d’Argent, where granite boulders meet gentle surf. Yet the Seychelles offers more than beaches: dive and snorkel among vibrant reefs, sail between secluded islets, or hike through emerald hills alive with tropical birdlife.

Discover two sides of the Seychelles in our featured itinerary – a fabulous twin-centre adventure combining five-star luxury, beach relaxation and the wonders of a spectacular natural world. 

Anse Lazio Beach, Praslin, Seychelles

Recommended journey: Best of the Seychelles

This twin-centre escape pairs luxurious stays on the two largest islands in the Seychelles: Mahé and Praslin. You’ll begin with five nights in Mahé, finding your ideal balance between blissful relaxation and optional adventures such as catamaran tours, rum tasting and exploring the capital, Victoria. You’ll then fly to Praslin, where pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters invite you to swim, snorkel and sunbathe. Here, you might also embark on a hike through the Vallée de Mai, enjoy a round of golf, or hop across to La Digue to discover colonial-era plantations and marvel at giant tortoises.

5. East Coast USA

From the glittering skyline of New York City to the rolling hills of Pennsylvania and the historic landmarks of Boston and Washington, D.C., America’s East Coast offers a captivating blend of culture, history and natural splendour. Arguably the world’s most iconic metropolis, New York’s energy is infectious. From Broadway shows and Michelin-starred dining to Central Park strolls and skyline views, the city never ceases to inspire. Perfect for a long weekend or the start of a wider journey, it’s also the gateway to the scenic treasures of New York State and neighbouring Pennsylvania.

Beyond the city, discover Long Island’s golden beaches, the vineyards of the Finger Lakes and even the mighty Niagara Falls. Alternatively you might journey south to Philadelphia, birthplace of the nation, where cobbled streets, colonial architecture and the Liberty Bell tell America’s founding story, which is set to be marked in style in 2026 as the nation celebrates 250 years of independence on 4th July. Round off your East Coast adventure in Washington, D.C., home to grand monuments, Smithsonian museums and leafy avenues, while nearby Maryland and Virginia tempt with coastal beauty and mountain retreats.

For the ultimate East Coast introduction, our featured tailor-made rail holiday makes the most of the local Amtrak network to explore the sights of its four most famous cities.

The Liberty Bell, Philadelphia

Recommended journey: East Coast USA rail journey

On this two-week tour, you’ll explore the rich history of Boston, the iconic landmarks of New York City, the cultural treasures of Philadelphia and the political heart of Washington, D.C. with its world-class monuments and museums. Between stops, watch as rural charm gives way to soaring skylines from your Amtrak train window, travelling along New England’s scenic coastal tracks before heading inland. With seamless rail travel and stays in hotels chosen for their superb location, you’ll enjoy a unique perspective of America’s East Coast, combining comfort and convenience with the chance to truly connect with each city’s distinct character.

6. The Nile, Egypt

Egypt has captivated travellers for millennia, its timeless allure embodied by the grandeur of the Pyramids of Giza, standing proudly at the edge of Cairo as enduring symbols of the pharaohs’ ancient power. No journey to Egypt is complete without witnessing these 4,000-year-old wonders first-hand, or exploring their story at the Grand Egyptian Museum, which opened its doors in 2025. To delve deeper into the country’s rich history, a journey along the Nile reveals Egypt at its most authentic. Along the way, expert-led excursions bring history to life, from the temples of Rameses II at Abu Simbel to the tombs of Luxor’s Valley of the Kings, where Tutankhamun’s treasures were unearthed. Balancing relaxation and discovery, a Nile voyage captures Egypt’s enduring spirit – a living link between past and present.

With 2026 marking 50 years since the passing of esteemed writer Agatha Christie – author of Death on the Nile – why not experience it for yourself? New for 2026, our featured itinerary from river-cruise specialists Travelmarvel is the perfect combination of romance and adventure, marking the launch a newly refurbished ship – Travelmarvel Sirius – and their return to the world’s longest waterway after a decade-long absence.

Abu Simbel, Egypt

Recommended journey: Nile cruise with Travelmarvel

Offering superb value, this river cruise holiday begins in Cairo, staying in handpicked luxury hotels while an expert Egyptologist brings the city’s treasures to life. Then, fly to Luxor to board the all-new Travelmarvel Sirius for your Nile cruise. Sail in all-inclusive comfort as your Tour Director and guides reveal the wonders of the Nile through a programme of included Insider Experiences, while optional excursions provide opportunities to enhance your holiday further. After your cruise, there’s also the option to extend your journey with a week in Jordan, exploring the ancient treasures of Amman and Petra.