Where are Brits travelling? The five popular holiday spots for 2026

We Brits love a holiday; we never really stop, and when we set a travel trend, it’s usually the way forward for the rest of travellers out there.

Even with the cost of living still making us think twice about our spending, we are travelling more than ever.

While the classic all-inclusive stay remains a solid favourite for many, there is a clear shift toward independent travel.

Why travel habits are changing

Since the pandemic, something has fundamentally changed. Going on holiday has shifted from a yearly luxury to a top priority for almost everyone, regardless of age. Whether you’re just starting in your career or you’ve recently retired, there’s a shared feeling that life is too short not to travel the world.

For many of us, the "office" is now wherever we can find a decent Wi-Fi connection. We don't necessarily feel the need to escape work anymore; instead, we’re taking our work with us. But if you’re working from a cafe in Portugal or a cottage in Scotland, you quickly realise you don't want to be stuck in one spot.

This is where the craving for a proper road trip comes from. Platforms like CarJet have become a lifesaver for the modern traveller.

Relying on public transport abroad can be an adventure, but it’s usually just tiring. Using a car hire comparison site like CarJet to find your own car makes life easier. It gives you total control over your day. More importantly, it means you’re the one in charge.

Faro: The Algarve’s best-kept secret

We Brits always had a massive soft spot for Portugal. Most people still fly into the International Airport and head out of town, you know that Faro itself is a wonderful holiday destination.

The locals are incredibly welcoming, and it's much more affordable than the busy tourist areas. If you're into architecture, you’re bound to fall in love with the historic centre, Cidade Velha.

You can easily spend hours wandering between the landmarks and the quieter, hidden corners of the city.

But only a short road trip away, through some of Faro's most scenic landscapes, is the one thing that fascinates everyone the most: the Bone Chapel (Capela dos Ossos).

You can’t miss Praia de Faro, or in fact, any of the hidden coves and beaches the area has to offer. The whole coastline is absolutely amazing and you’ll want to visit every bit of it.

Belfast: An underrated city break

Belfast is finally having its moment in 2026. It’s a proper European city that mixes it all: culture, history, and a nightlife scene that’s hard to beat.

Most people will tell you to visit for St Patrick’s Day, but summer in Ireland is seriously underrated. There’s nothing quite like longer evenings and a pint at a traditional pub like The Duke of York, tucked down a cobbled alleyway.

There is so much to see, especially Titanic Belfast, which sits right on the slipways where the ship first hit the water. The Cathedral Quarter is also a must-visit, and there’s no better place to soak up the local atmosphere.

Of course, you can't come this far and not see the Giant’s Causeway. A UNESCO World Heritage site, just an hour away by car, is a must in your itinerary.

Edinburgh: The perfect weekend

Edinburgh is a UK favourite all year round, but it really comes to life in the summer.

We’ve all heard of the unmissable Edinburgh Castle, but there’s so much more to see. Just a 15-minute drive away is Leith, a cool port district with a creative food scene.

Between the candlelit bars and the scenery, the whole city feels like a movie set. The locals are great, the bars are even better, and whatever you do, don’t leave without trying the Haggis. You won’t regret it!

Malta: The Mediterranean’s great value island

Malta has always been a top destination, probably because they also drive on the left and use the same plug sockets, so we’re sure you’ll settle in the second you land.

It’s a small island practically made for road trips. You can actually drive from one side to the other in about an hour, so having your own wheels is a massive plus.

It means you can spend your morning soaking up Valletta's history, grab a fresh seafood lunch, and still have the entire afternoon to explore its incredible coast.

Pack a bag and head for the coast: the Coral Lagoon is an absolute must, with crystal-clear water that's perfect for a bit of snorkelling.

But if you’re just after a classic, more relaxed beach day, make tracks for Ghajn Tuffieha, offering some of the best sunset views on the island.

Alicante: Spain’s most popular city

Spain has always been at number one, and it’s no secret that Brits make up a huge part of the crowd there.

It is hard not to love Alicante. You can spend your morning at the Mercado Central for a local vermouth, visit its crystal waters for a swim, or hike through the stunning Guadalest Valley just an hour away.

Whether you're climbing up to Santa Barbara Castle for the views or checking out the beach bars and "tardeos" (afternoon drinks), the city is packed with activities for everyone.

In 2026, you cannot miss the Hogueras de San Juan. From June 20 to 24, the whole city turns into one big street party to welcome the summer.

Final thoughts on this year's travel trends

Ultimately, the trend for 2026 is clear: many are moving away from boring tourist traps.

Road trips are the standout choice this year, and for good reason. CarJet is a leading car hire site that has earned the trust of over 17.9 million clients — with a 4-star rating on Trustpilot from real customers.

The company was founded in 2002 in Castellón, Spain, with the idea of making car hire more affordable and accessible for everyone. It’s the perfect tool for taking the lead on your trip, offering 24/7 customer support and no hidden fees, so you can stay in total control of your budget while you're on the move.

There’s no better way to reclaim your freedom than from the driver’s seat, so grab the keys and find the adventure you’ve been looking for.

Visit the CarJet website.