Global uncertainty surrounding travel continues, but Britons are not giving up on their holidays. However, some are rethinking where to go.
New research from AllClear Travel Insurance shows that 80 per cent of UK adults still plan to travel abroad in 2026, unchanged from earlier this year. However, safety is now playing a much bigger role in how people choose their destinations.
The research showed where Britons think the safest place to travel is. Topping the list for 2026 is New Zealand, with 18 per cent of respondents naming it as the safest place to visit this year.
Famous for its dramatic landscapes and as the filming location for The Lord of the Rings, New Zealand’s remote location and reputation for stability make it a strong option for worried travellers.
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
New Zealand was named the safest place to visit this year
|GETTY
Its distance from global conflict zones is likely a key factor driving its top ranking, alongside its strong infrastructure and reputation for safety.
The safest holiday destinations for 2026
- New Zealand
- Ireland
- Switzerland
- Spain
- Canada
- Italy
- Portugal
- Iceland
- France
- Sweden
STAYCATIONS
Closer to home, Europe continues to dominate the list of perceived safe destinations.
Ireland ranks second, with 17 per cent of Britons considering it a safe bet for 2026. It is close to the UK with a familiar culture that makes it a natural choice for those looking to minimise risk while still getting away.
Sharing second place is Switzerland, also on 17 per cent. Known for its neutrality, alpine landscapes and reputation for stability, Switzerland offers both peace of mind and picturesque scenery, particularly appealing for summer and winter escapes alike.
Popular holiday hotspots such as Spain, Italy and Portugal also feature prominently, showing that Britons are still keen on classic sun-soaked destinations, as long as they feel safe.
Long-haul destinations, including Canada, also rank highly, offering a mix of natural beauty and perceived security.
Ireland is a great option closer to home
| GETTY
Sharing second place is Switzerland, also on 17 per cent
| GETTYCompared to last year, the importance of finding a cheap deal has dropped significantly, while safety has surged. In fact, 36 per cent of Britons now say safety is a top priority, up from just 25 per cent previously. Meanwhile, the importance of price has fallen from 56 per cent to 41 per cent.
Head of corporate affairs at AllClear Travel Insurance, Garry Nelson, said: “Following the outbreak of war in the Middle East - and the immediate focus on Britons getting home safely - the travel industry now also faces the prospect of longer-term disruption. Our own data suggests 29 per cent of holidaymakers had travel plans for this year that would have involved a connecting flight or stop over in the Gulf region.
“In uncertain times, our new tracking data helps us to understand the consumer mindset in terms of revised plans for overseas travel for the year ahead. There is an emphatic resilience in terms of people still wanting to travel and not delaying or cancelling trips for the Easter and Summer peak periods.
"Set against this, there is clear evidence that the consumer mindset has changed. The perceived importance of safety when planning a holiday has shot up as the most important factor, and UK adults have a clear sense of the places where they think they will be safe this year.
"Linked into this ‘flight to safety,’ it is important that people also get the best possible travel insurance that meets their needs. Our research suggests that still only around a third of UK adults look for top quality cover before they head abroad, so there is a way to go for people’s decisions on travel insurance to fall into line with their overall priority to be safe abroad this year.”
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter