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Best travel destinations 2026

Looking for travel inspiration? You've come to the right place. This hub is filled with everything you need to plan your next getaway. From expert destination guides and practical travel insurance tips to handy tools that make holiday planning a breeze, we've got it all right here.

Need help picking your next travel destination?

Picture yourself strolling through the lantern-lit streets of Kyoto, twirling freshly-made pasta in a cosy Italian restaurant, or feeling soft white sand between your toes in the Maldives.

The world is full of so many incredible places, how do you choose just one? Here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Plan a trip that everyone will enjoy. Maybe it’s a romantic getaway or solo adventure of a lifetime. Or if you're bringing the kids, a family-friendly spot with plenty of fun.
  • Pick the right time to visit. The weather can make or break your trip so check the forecast and watch out for rainy seasons, extreme heat or hurricane warnings.
  • Set a budget. Travel expenses can creep up fast. Our holiday budget calculator can help you stay on track while planning your trip.
  • Consider the culture. Simple gestures, like greeting people in their language or dressing appropriately on cultural sites, can go a long way in showing respect.
  • Check entry requirements. to see if you require a or travel authorisation to enter. The GOV.UK foreign travel advice page will show what's needed for different destinations.
  • Check official travel advice before you travel. If you’re advised not to visit a location and you still go, your travel insurance could be void.

Where do you want to go?

Got your eye on somewhere? Or, need a little more inspiration? We've got the scoop on what insurance you'll need, the best times to visit and much more:

Our featured picks by season

Not sure where to go? Start with our seasonal favourites - picked to match the weather, vibes and best travel experiences at each time of year.

Spring escapes

Think blooming landscapes and gentle sunshine

Sakura tree blooming

Japan

Peaceful gardens and cherry blossoms season in full swing.

Image of windmills and tulips in Amsterdam

Amsterdam

Charming canal strolls, vibrant tulips and world class art

Center of Morocco

Morocco

Blooming valleys, fragrant gardens and desert breezes

Top travel tip:
Spring is the perfect time for city breaks and nature spotting. But you might want to pack some layers for cooler evenings.

Editor's pick

“Spring is the best time to see Japan. The weather’s just right, the streets brim with cherry blossoms and there’s plenty of seasonal sweets made for hanami - the tradition of flower viewing. Tip: head to a local park with some sakura mochi and join the locals under the pink-petaled trees.”
Bethan Daley, Content Editor at Confused.com
Content Editor Confused.com logo

Summer favourites

Think sun-soaked beaches and long evenings

Image of the Colosseum in Italy

Italy

Sun-drenched coastlines, fresh gelato and timeless ruins

Parthenon in Athens

Greece

Golden beaches, charming towns and the most delicious seafood

Traing passing through centre of Portugal

Portugal

Island hopping, whitewashed villages and golden sunsets

Top travel tip:
Summer is ideal for outdoor adventures and coastal getaways. Don’t forget your sun cream - and maybe book that air-conditioned hotel!

Editor's pick

“Italy in summer is easy to love. The air is filled with the scent of lemons, the sea sparkles along the coast, and delicious gelato is always within reach. Spend your days wandering through vineyards and sun-drenched streets - and don’t forget to stop for a limoncello when the heat sets in.”
Bethan Daley, Content Editor at Confused.com
Content Editor Confused.com logo

Autumn adventures

Think colourful scenes, cosy vibes and fewer crowds

Scenary on top of a New England mountain

New England

Fiery foliage, rustic charm and pumpkin-spiced everything!

Image overlooking a Croatian beach

Croatia

Warmer waters, quieter beaches and stunning old towns

Center of Morocco

Morocco

Golden ginkgos, peaceful temples and cultural festivals

Top travel tip:
Autumn is great for laid-back explorers. Layer up, pack a camera, and enjoy the quieter side of travel.

Editor's pick

“Believe it or not, autumn is the perfect time for Croatia. The crowds have thinned, the sea’s still warm enough to swim, and the terracotta-hued old towns feel quieter and more relaxed. It’s the ideal season for slow travel - pack a light jumper, take your time and explore without any rush.”
Bethan Daley, Content Editor at Confused.com
Content Editor Confused.com logo

Winter wonderlands

Think crisp air, festive sparkles and dramatic landscapes

Image of Austrian town

Austria

Snowy slopes, festive markets and hearty mountain food

Northern lights

Iceland

Icy waterfalls, natural hot springs and the northern lights

Image of a moving train with a Swiss mountain in the backgroud

Switzerland

Alpine villages, luxury ski resorts and storybook scenery

Top travel tip:
Pack smart with travel-sized hand warmers and a cozy scarf. Feeling adventurous? Make sure to add winter sports cover to your insurance!

Editor's pick

“There’s no better place to be in winter than Austria. Powdery snow blankets the landscape, villages glow with twinkling Christmas markets, and the chilly air makes you want to bundle up and explore. Tip: Don’t skip a warming mug of Glühwein under the starry night sky - it’s a festive tradition.”
Bethan Daley, Content Editor at Confused.com
Content Editor Confused.com logo

Top safety tips for LGBTQIA+ travellers

We all want to feel safe and accepted while we're away, but for LGBTQIA+ travellers, visiting certain countries can be a cause for concern. That's why we've put together a few tips to help you stay safe when you travel abroad:

  • Check the LGBT+ foreign travel advice on the GOV.UK website: This is a great way to find tailored travel advice, and check the laws and attitudes towards LGBTQIA+ in the country you're visiting.
  • Buy a guidebook that includes an LGBTQIA+ section: The book Out in the World is a travel guide to more than 100 destinations around the world. Or you could pick up The LGBTQ+ Travel Guide by Alicia Valenski, packed with insights from LGBTQIA+ locals.
  • Research online discussion forums, blogs, and any other LGBTQIA+ media: Travel blogs like Ravi Round the World, Nomadic Boys, and The Jenna Way are just a few LGBTQIA+ targeted travel sites.
  • Check the map on the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association’s website: The map shows potentially dangerous regions and countries for the LGBTQIA+ community.
  • Find a hotel or tourism business that are members of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA): The IGLTA is a code of conduct that agrees to protect the confidentiality of their customers or clients, and won't discriminate based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Why you should get covered, too

''The last thing we want to think about on holiday is something going wrong. But, a sudden illness, lost passport or even a cancelled flight can turn your dream trip into a nightmare - fast.

My biggest piece of advice? Always consider buying a travel insurance policy before you set off on your travels. After all, no one wants to be stuck dealing with lost luggage or a cancelled flight and thinking, "I really should've bought insurance." It's a smart investment that’s there for you when you need it most. And when you just use Confused, we'll find you the best policies at the best prices. You lucky thing."

Alvaro Iturmendi - Confused.com travel insurance expert
Travel insurance expert Confused.com logo

Compare cheap travel insurance quotes from £2.90

Types of travel insurance

When it comes to travel insurance, there are 3 main options to consider. Choosing the one that suits you best could make your trip smoother and save you cash.

Image of a beach with beautiful blue water

Single-trip travel insurance

Got a holiday coming up? Single-trip insurance covers you for one trip, usually up to 120 days. This makes it ideal for those 'one-off' trips, like a big family summer holiday.

Airplane taking off

Annual travel insurance

Love to travel often? Annual travel insurance (also called multi-trip insurance) can cover various trips over 12 months. It's a great choice for frequent travellers.

Backpackers climbing up a mountain

Backpackers travel insurance

Planning a large trip to multiple destinations? Backpackers travel insurance is probably what you need. It can cover you for multiple destinations, usually up to 18 months.

Who are you traveling with?

Planning to travel in a group? Once you've chosen your insurance type, you might find these policy options ideal:

Couple on a beach holding hands

Couples travel insurance

Travelling as a duo? Couples travel insurance could be a cost-effective option. It can cover both of you under one policy, and often work out cheaper than buying separate policies.

Group of people travelling through a town

Group travel insurance

Heading abroad with friends or family? Group travel insurance covers everyone under one policy. Besides being convenient, it's usually more affordable than buying individually.

Family on a beach taking a selfie

Family travel insurance

If you're taking the kids on an adventure, look into family travel insurance. This policy can cover 2 adults and 8 children, including any living at a different address to the parents.

For trips that need extra protection

Standard policy doesn't cover everything you need? No problem. You can enhance your policy with travel insurance add-ons when you get a quote.

  • Winter sports cover - Heading off on a ski or snowboarding trip? Get extra protection on the slopes, whether it's for lost equipment, unexpected injuries or piste closures.
  • Gadget cover - Taking your expensive tech on holiday? Whether it's your phone, tablet or camera, get enhanced cover for theft, damage or loss.
  • Business cover - Do you travel a lot for work? You never know what might go wrong, so it can’t hurt to add extra cover for things like lost or stolen work equipment.
  • Cruise cover - Setting sail on a cruise? This add-on is worth considering with tailored protection for cruise holidays, including missed ports and cabin confinement.
Mobile phone showing travel insurance extras

Plan ahead with our travel tools

There’s plenty to think about before you head off on your travels. Is your passport valid? Will you be subject to a tourist tax at your destination? Worried about baggage allowance? We’ve got you covered. Our up-to-date tools can help you take the stress out of travelling, so you can put your feet up!

Hand holding a passport with a plane ticket inside

Passport expiry date checker

Don't let an expired passport crash your holiday plans. See if your passport’s valid for your next trip in seconds.

Hand counting euros for travelling

Holiday budget calculator

We've made budgeting a breeze. Estimate your overall holiday spending, from flights to daily expenses.

Woman getting ready to board the airplane

Tourist tax checker

Get an idea of what tourist taxes you might have to pay at your destination so you’re not surprised at check in.

Image of a filled suitcase on a bed

Airline baggage calculator

Not sure how much you can squeeze in your luggage? Compare baggage allowances and fees across airlines, fast.

Lost suticases in an airport

QR code generator

Create a unique QR for your suitcase and luggage. To reunite you just in case it goes missing.

Travelling for an event?

Heading to Eurovision, the British & Irish Lions Tour in Australia, or planning to enjoy strawberries and cream at Wimbledon? Maybe you've got tickets for the Tour de France or a Formula 1 race.

Wherever you're off to, travel insurance can save you a lot of stress (and money) if things go wrong.

While most standard policies won't cover a cancelled event, they can help cover things that might stop you from going in the first place. If you get sick, have an accident before you travel, or your luggage gets lost along the way, insurance could help cover your costs.

If you're just going to an event in the UK, don't assume you're fully covered. Though the NHS is there for any medical care you might need, the right policy can cover lost belongings, delays or last-minute cancellations. Phew.

Planning to attend multiple events this year?
You might want to consider an annual travel insurance policy. It can cover multiple trips for 12 months, including for UK travel so you don't have to buy a new policy every time.

Travel insurance guides