Hot-air balloons above the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, Turkey
Expert advice · Destinations

The 10 best destinations to discover in 2026

Hot-air balloons above Cappadocia, still-wild Albanian coves, a Nile cruise at sunrise: our team of travel experts has selected the destinations that will define the year. With budgets, recommended tours and practical tips.

MT Monarch Travel · IATA agency January 8, 2026 12 min read

If 2026 is the year you finally decide to travel differently, you are in the right place. After months of analysing trends, prices and feedback from our travellers, here are the 10 destinations that deserve a spot in your suitcase this year.

Top 10 destinations in 2026 at a glance

#DestinationWhy
1Turkey — Istanbul & CappadociaHot-air balloons, history, value for money
2Cape Verde — Sal IslandBeaches all year round, a world away
3Italy — SicilyVolcanoes, culture, gastronomy
4Egypt — Nile cruiseLegendary temples, affordable luxury
5Albania — Albanian RivieraThe new Croatia, still authentic
6Portugal — Lisbon & AlgarveLight, ocean, the art of living
7Tunisia — HammametBest value, all-inclusive
8Spain — Barcelona & Costa BravaCulture, sea, easy access
9Italy — PugliaAuthentic villages, trulli
10Morocco — Dakhla & the AtlasThe gem right at home

The budget varies according to the season, duration and options. Check each tour for a detailed price, or request a personalised quote from our consultants.

1Turkey, the essential gem of 2026

2026 pick Hot-air balloons above the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, Turkey

Istanbul & Cappadocia

8 days Flight + Hotel Hot-air balloon

Turkey ticks every box: an unbeatable value for money, millennia of culture and surreal landscapes. At sunrise, dozens of hot-air balloons rise above the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, one of the most spectacular sights on the planet. In Istanbul, two continents meet between the Blue Mosque, the Bosphorus and the Grand Bazaar.

Why in 2026? New air routes and freshly opened boutique hotels make Cappadocia more accessible than ever, before prices align with European destinations.

2Cape Verde, absolute relaxation

Sunshine all year round White sand beach and turquoise waters of Sal Island, Cape Verde

Sal Island, the Brazil of Africa

7 days All-inclusive Beach

Just a five-hour flight away, Cape Verde offers white sand beaches fringed by turquoise water with Caribbean vibes. Sal Island, the sunniest in the archipelago, combines absolute relaxation, kitesurfing and a distinctly Cape Verdean musical atmosphere. A destination soaring in popularity as direct flights multiply.

Why in 2026? Cape Verde is the best compromise between tropical beaches and budget: luxury hotels at still reasonable prices, far from the Caribbean crowds.

3Sicily, between volcanoes and the Dolce Vita

Culture & nature Mount Etna erupting above the Sicilian landscapes, Italy

The complete tour of the island

9 days Guided tour Gastronomy

Palermo, Taormina, Agrigento, the Greek temples and the ever-smoking Etna: Sicily packs 3,000 years of history into an island the size of a region. It is also Europe's best table at gentle prices, between cannoli, arancini and seafood. A loop tour that appeals to every traveller.

Why in 2026? Sicily remains more affordable than Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast, while offering an exceptional cultural density, ideal for a first trip to Italy.

4Egypt and the magic of the Nile

Luxury & history Cruise ship on the Nile facing the temples of Luxor, Egypt

5-star cruise + Hurghada

11 days Cruise All-inclusive

Glide between Luxor, Edfu and Aswan aboard a 5-star Nile cruise, then finish with a few lazy days in Hurghada on the Red Sea coast. Between the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple and the sunset over the feluccas, Egypt is enjoying a real tourism revival.

Why in 2026? Egypt offers the best prestige-to-price ratio in the Middle East: a 5-star cruise, full board and excursions for a contained budget.

5Albania, the new Croatia

New destination Albanian Riviera with crystal-clear waters seen from Tirana, Albania

Tirana & the Albanian Riviera

7 days Tour Off the beaten track

Albania is THE country to see before everyone else: a riviera of turquoise coves reminiscent of Croatia twenty years ago, still very gentle prices and a vibrant capital in full transformation. Lovers of authentic discoveries will be delighted.

Why in 2026? Before the expected tourism explosion, Albania still offers almost private beaches and restaurants where the bill pleasantly surprises.

6Portugal, Europe's light

The art of living Yellow tram in Lisbon and golden cliffs of the Algarve, Portugal

Lisbon & the Algarve

7 days Flight + Hotel Ocean

From Lisbon's yellow trams to the golden cliffs of the Algarve, Portugal seduces with its unique light and star-studded cuisine at gentle prices. Pastéis de nata, grilled sardines, surfers at dusk: the perfect destination for a stay combining culture and relaxation.

Why in 2026? Direct flights from Casablanca and renovated beachfront hotels make Portugal the easiest gateway to Southern Europe.

7Tunisia, best value for money

Best value Pool and palm trees of the Tunisia Lodge hotel in Hammamet, Tunisia

Hammamet all-inclusive

8 days All-inclusive Family

For families and controlled budgets, Tunisia remains unbeatable: 7 nights in an all-inclusive 4-star hotel with Royal Air Maroc flight and transfers included. Hammamet combines fine sand beaches, an authentic medina and golf, two hours' flight from Casablanca.

Why in 2026? It is the ideal destination for a first all-inclusive trip or a long weekend without breaking the bank, with an excellent hotel infrastructure.

8Spain, culture and the Costa Brava

City + sea Sagrada Familia and the Costa Brava coastline in Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona & the Costa Brava

7 days Flight + Hotel Design & gastronomy

Between Gaudí's dreamlike architecture and the wild coves of the Costa Brava, Barcelona is Europe's most complete city destination. Tapas, the Boqueria market, sunset over Barceloneta: a perfect stop for a stay that is both urban and coastal.

Why in 2026? Very well connected from Morocco, Spain suits couples and groups of friends alike in search of culture and good times.

9Puglia, authentic Italy

Authentic Trulli of Alberobello in Puglia, Italy

Classic Puglia

8 days Tour White villages

The heel of the Italian boot is an invitation to slow down: Alberobello's trulli, white villages, centuries-old olive trees and beaches of Mediterranean turquoise. Less crowded than Tuscany, this region charms with its authenticity and sunny gastronomy.

Why in 2026? A real Italy away from mass tourism, ideal for travellers seeking charm, at a price clearly gentler than the north of the country.

10Morocco, the gem right at home

Best destination Dakhla lagoon between the Atlantic Ocean and the Sahara desert, Morocco

Dakhla, the Atlas and the treasures of the Kingdom

3 to 7 days Morocco & partner hotels Kitesurfing

No need to cross the planet for the exceptional: the Dakhla lagoon ranks among the most beautiful kitesurfing spots in the world, the Atlas tracks offer breathtaking hikes and our partner riads rival the finest hotels on earth. The best of Moroccan hospitality within reach.

Why in 2026? Domestic tourism is experiencing remarkable growth. Take advantage of our exclusive offers on partner hotels in Marrakech, Agadir and Dakhla.

Agency budget tip

Our prices generally include the flight, accommodation and transfers. Book early: the hot-air balloons in Cappadocia and Nile cruise cabins fill up several months in advance. Contact us to lock in the best rates before the high seasons.

Our tip for choosing well

In 2026, prefer the less crowded destinations (Albania, Puglia, Cape Verde) if you are after authenticity, and the classics (Turkey, Egypt, Spain) if you are travelling with family or for the first time. Every profile has its ideal destination.

Frequently asked questions about the 2026 destinations

What is the best destination to discover in 2026?

Turkey (Istanbul and Cappadocia) is our 2026 pick: an accessible budget, exceptional cultural richness and the unique hot-air balloon experience above the fairy chimneys.

What is a cheap destination for 2026?

Tunisia and Cape Verde offer the best value for money: all-inclusive in Tunisia and stylish tropical beaches in Cape Verde, with some of the gentlest prices in our catalogue.

What are the trending destinations in 2026?

The trending destinations in 2026 are Cappadocia in Turkey, Sal Island in Cape Verde, Albania, Sicily and a Nile cruise in Egypt.

Where to go on a family trip in 2026?

For a family trip, we recommend Tunisia, Egypt and Spain: short flights, hotels suited to children and varied activities.

Which destination for a honeymoon in 2026?

Cape Verde for relaxation, a Nile cruise for prestige and Puglia for Italian charm are our three favourite recommendations for a honeymoon.

Does one of these destinations make you dream?

Our travel consultants reply within 24 hours with a free, personalised quote: flights, hotels, excursions.

MT

Monarch Travel — for over 35 years

ONMT-licensed travel agency (Licence 30/97) and IATA member. Every year our team of experts selects the destinations that deserve your trust, testing hotels, flights and excursions to guarantee you the best value for money.

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