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Our tips for picking your next travel destination

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.
Image of man going on holiday with his passport and with an aeroplane in the background

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 couple’s getaway or the solo adventure of a lifetime. Or if you're bringing kids along, a family-friendly spot with plenty of activities.
  • Pick the right time to visit. Some places shine in summer, others are best in cooler months. 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. Remember, it’s not just flights and accommodation, it’s things like activities, food and spending money too! Our holiday budget calculator can help you stay on track while planning your trip.
  • Consider the culture. Whether it’s trying local dishes, experiencing unique traditions or practising a different language - choosing a destination with a rich cultural experience could make your trip even more rewarding.
  • Check entry requirements. Some countries require a visa or travel authorisation to enter, which can take time to arrange. Check the GOV.UK foreign travel advice page to see what's needed for different destinations.
  • Stay updated on official travel advice. See the latest government travel updates for any location before you travel. If a destination is marked as unsafe or risky, your travel insurance could be void if you still choose to go.

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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

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.

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

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

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!

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

Quote 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

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

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

Quote 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

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!

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

Quote 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

See where's trending

If 2024 was anything to go by, 2025 is shaping up to be another big year for travel. Spain saw insured trips jump from around 60,000 to over 100,000. Turkey doubled from 14,000 to 30,000, and Greece rose from 16,000 to 25,000.

Those were our top 3 hotspots, but the trend doesn't stop there. Whether it's a weekend in Europe or an adventure further afield, more travellers than ever are buying policies to make sure they're covered abroad.

Want to see how other countries compare? Check out our graph for a breakdown of policies purchased in 2023 vs. 2024.

Spoiler alert: Each destination has seen a boost in policies purchased!

Graph showing the increase of travellers to the most popular destinations between 2023 and 2024

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

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

Travel insurance guides

Keep an eye out for insider travel tips from our team. You'll find them dotted throughout our guides, with real recommendations from places we've visited - whether it's the best street food in Bangkok or a secret sunset in Santorini.

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.

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

Need more help?

Do I need travel insurance for my destination?

It's definitely worth considering!

Most countries recommend it for peace of mind. But, in some cases, having insurance can be mandatory. For example, travel insurance for Cuba is a legal requirement. It's also a stipulation of some visas, like the Schengen visa. So, make sure you check before you travel.

But, even if it's not a requirement, insurance can make all the difference if something unexpected happens on your trip. Here's what it can cover:

  • Medical emergencies abroad. A trip to the doctors overseas can cost a fortune. If you need urgent medical care, insurance can help cover treatment costs, so you're not stuck with a hefty bill.
  • Repatriation. If you need to be flown back to the UK for medical treatment, the cost can be sky-high. With the right policy, you won't have to worry about covering the cost.
  • Lost or stolen luggage. From suitcases lost in transit to stolen valuables, losing your belongings can turn your travel plans upside down. Insurance can help cover replacements so you're not left out of pocket.
  • Travel disruption. Flights get cancelled suddenly, weather can cause chaos and transport strikes can happen without prior warning. Some policies cover these hiccups, but double-check whether you need to add this on.
  • Cancellation or curtailment. Life happens! Whether it's illness, an emergency back home or another unexpected situation, travel insurance can help cover the costs of cancelling or heading home early.

So, while you can travel without insurance, having it means you'll be covered if things don't go as planned. What a relief.

Can I travel to multiple destinations on one travel insurance policy?

Absolutely! You just need to choose the right policy for your travel plans.

If you love to jet off on different trips throughout the year, an annual travel insurance policy could be a great fit. It covers multiple trips over 12 months, usually up to 31 days per trip. This makes it perfect for everything from city breaks to summer getaways.

Planning a longer adventure? A backpacker policy might be more your style. It's similar to annual insurance but designed for one extended trip, covering you for up to 18 months. This makes it ideal for gap years, round-the-world adventures, or even slower paced travel.

Just keep in mind that not all policies cover all destinations. So, always make sure your chosen policy includes everywhere you're planning to go. We'll answer how in the next question!

Which region should I pick to make sure I'm covered for my destination?

This depends on what policy you want. Let's break it down:

Annual or backpacker policy:

If you're going for an annual multi-trip or backpacker policy, you'll need to select a region when getting a quote. For example, if you're planning to backpack through Australia, you'd choose 'Australia & New Zealand' as your region.

Good to know:
Some countries-like Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt-are often covered under European policies despite being outside of Europe. So, if you're visiting one of these destinations, you may only need to choose 'Europe.'

Single-trip policy:

For a single-trip policy, there's no need to pick a region. Instead, you'll enter the exact destination, and we'll automatically match you with the right policy. Easy!

Top tip:
Unsure if your destination is covered? Click on 'More info' and enter your destination to see if your policy covers it or not.

Will I need a visa for my destination?

You might. It mainly depends on where you're going and for what reason, as well as how long you plan to stay.

You can check the specific visa requirements for your destination(s) on GOV.UK.

Travel tip:
If you need a visa, start the process as early as possible. Some applications can take weeks (or even months) to process, and the last thing you want is a last-minute panic while counting down to your trip. Get ahead and apply early for a stress-free start to your adventure!