The top global holiday destination for 2026 pairs luxury with rich history - full list

Greece has claimed the crown as next year's most coveted destination worldwide, beating out longtime favourites in the annual survey of top travel advisors.

Travellers are hunting for unique encounters and taking time to properly soak up each experience, making their trips more personal and meaningful than ever before.

Travel advisors across the UK and Ireland are feeling particularly upbeat about the year ahead. More than half expect bookings to climb, with 15 per cent predicting a major surge in demand.

The spending forecast looks equally rosy. Nearly two-thirds of advisors believe their clients will splash out more per trip – that's eight percentage points higher than the global average.

Another 28 percent reckon spending will hold steady at current levels. Travellers still value expert guidance, especially as they seek out these more meaningful experiences. They're happy to pay for trips that truly matter, but they want proper value for their money.

The experts also found out where holidaymakers are looking to jet off to next year, with a European hotspot coming in at number one.

The 10 most popular global destinations for 2026

1. Greece
2. Japan
3. Italy
4. Maldives
5. South Africa
6. Croatia
7. France
8. United Arab Emirates
9. Australia
10. Mexico & United States (joint)

Britons don't need to travel far for a top luxury experience, as Greece, Italy, Croatia and France all made the top 10 list.

Greece offers luxury through its gorgeous beaches and picture-perfect backdrops. Holidaymakers can also take in rich history, explore historical sites and enjoy delicious cuisine.

Those who are looking for a long-haul getaway can consider Japan, the Maldives, South Africa and the UAE, according to the list.