Posted on November 8, 2025
Bangkok has joined the ranks of Amsterdam, Barcelona, Rome, Paris, Lisbon and other major cities as the new favorite destinations for UK travelers in 2026, reflecting a shift in holiday trends towards popular European holidays and exciting long-term adventures. The Thai capital’s vibrant culture, bustling markets, world-famous cuisine, and affordable travel options make it an irresistible choice for those looking for a combination of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences.
Favorite European destinations such as Amsterdam, Barcelona, Rome and Paris continue to dominate bookings due to their rich history, picturesque streets, lively nightlife and short flights accessible from the UK. Meanwhile, sunny Spanish cities like Malaga, Alicante and Seville attract vacationers looking for a mix of culture, beach getaways and budget-friendly resorts. This mix of classic European hotspots and emerging long-haul destinations highlights the growing desire among UK travelers for variety, value and experiences beyond traditional city breaks in 2026.
Amsterdam in the Netherlands has been named the most booked destination for UK travelers in 2026, according to the latest Travel Year report from eDreams ODIGEO. Known for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, vibrant nightlife and distinctive café culture, the city continues to attract a wide range of travellers, from first-time visitors to returning enthusiasts. Budget travelers are particularly drawn to Amsterdam, where one-way flights from Manchester are available from £32, making it an ideal choice for a short break or weekend getaway.
Interestingly, Amsterdam is not just a forecast for 2026; It also maintained its popularity throughout 2025, taking first place among the most booked destinations in the UK. Other cities that have consistently captured the interest of British travelers include Barcelona and Paris, both of which remain staples of European city itineraries.
After Amsterdam, Barcelona in Spain ranks second among the most booked destinations for 2026, while Rome is third. Spain remains a firm favourite, with Malaga, Alicante and Seville completing the top 10 list alongside Paris, Lisbon, Bangkok and Prague. These cities combine cultural richness, historical importance and sunny retreats, offering something for all types of vacationers.
The Year of Travel report is produced annually by eDreams ODIGEO, the parent company of the UK’s leading travel subscription platforms, including Opodo. The report collects and analyzes search and booking data from key European markets and the USA, providing insight into current travel trends and emerging destinations. It provides a comprehensive overview of the locations that attracted the most attention in 2025 while highlighting the hotspots expected to dominate travel plans in 2026.
In addition to booking trends, the report also looks at the most searched-for destinations, locations that travelers are curious about but may not yet have confirmed about their next vacation. For travelers from the UK, Bangkok in Thailand has emerged as the most searched-for destination for 2026. The appeal has been boosted by new direct flights from Manchester, operated by Norse Atlantic Airways, which will operate weekly from late November until March 2026.
Bangkok is closely followed by Tokyo in Japan and Orlando in the USA, indicating strong interest in both long-term city adventures and family-friendly destinations. Other highly searched locations include Sydney, Dubai, New York City, Paris, Tenerife, Manila and Singapore. Tenerife’s presence on this list highlights that classic European favorites continue to compete with more remote destinations in travellers’ imaginations, reflecting the balance between bucket list experiences and comfortable, familiar getaways.
The full list of the UK’s most booked destinations for 2026 includes:
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Barcelona, Spain
- Rome, Italy
- Malaga, Spain
- Paris, France
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Alicante, Spain
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Seville, Spain
- Prague, Czech Republic
Meanwhile, the most searched destinations for 2026, reflecting ambitious travel and growing global interest, are:
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Tokyo, Japan
- Orlando, USA
- Sydney, Australia
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- New York City, USA
- Paris, France
- Tenerife, Spain
- Manila, Philippines
- Singapore, Singapore
This dual view of booked and sought-after destinations provides a fascinating glimpse into the UK travel market as it stands on the cusp of a new year. Short European city breaks continue to dominate booking trends, while long-range, culturally immersive and family-focused destinations spark imagination and anticipation among travelers planning for 2026.
Bangkok has emerged alongside Amsterdam, Barcelona, Rome, Malaga, Paris, Lisbon and other favorite 2026 destinations for UK travellers, thanks to its vibrant culture, affordable flights and unforgettable experiences, while European cities remain popular for their history, nightlife and accessibility.
Whether you choose a canal-side stroll in Amsterdam, the sunny Spanish coast, or a long-distance adventure in Asia or North America, UK travelers have a variety of options for the year ahead. Early planning and flexible booking options help more people select their preferred dates and destinations, ensuring that 2026 will be a year of exploration, discovery and unforgettable travel.
