As we head towards a new year, travel planning for 2026 is already heating up. Ryanair has revealed the five destinations passengers are flocking to, and the list is packed with places that feel exciting, affordable, and slightly under the radar – exactly the kind of destinations that tend to explode in popularity.
Here’s why each of these cities deserves a spot on your 2026 travel list.
Bratislava, Slovakia
The perfect underrated city break
Bratislava is fast becoming one of Europe’s most talked-about city break destinations – and it’s easy to see why. Its compact Old Town is filled with medieval streets, pastel-coloured buildings, and cosy cafés, all overlooked by the iconic Bratislava Castle.
What really makes Bratislava special is how affordable it still is compared to neighbouring Vienna or Prague. You can enjoy great food, local wine, and riverfront views along the Danube without big-city prices. It’s ideal for a long weekend, especially if you want culture, history, and nightlife without crowds.
Bratislava is the only capital city in the world that borders two countries – Austria and Hungary. You can be in Vienna in under an hour, making it one of Europe’s most uniquely placed capitals.
Recommended high quality hotel…..
Stay at the Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel from £60pppn
Tirana, Albania
Europe’s next breakout capital
Tirana feels like a destination before the rest of the world catches on. Colourful buildings, buzzing coffee culture, and dramatic mountain backdrops give the city a unique energy.
Beyond the lively central squares, Tirana offers fascinating history, excellent food, and easy access to beaches and countryside. Albania as a whole is quickly becoming one of Europe’s best-value destinations, and Tirana is the perfect introduction. Visit now, before prices and crowds inevitably rise.
Albania rivals Italy for coffee consumption per person, and Tirana is packed with stylish cafés. Coffee drinking here is a social ritual, making the city perfect for slow mornings and people-watching.
Recommended high quality hotel…..
Stay at the Maritim Hotel Plaza Tirana from £77pppn
Pescara, Italy
Beach life meets authentic Italy
If you love Italy but want to escape the crowds of Rome, Venice, or Florence, Pescara is a brilliant alternative. Sitting on the Adriatic coast, it combines long sandy beaches with relaxed Italian living.
Pescara is ideal for travellers who want sunshine, seafood, and wine by the sea, without sacrificing culture. It’s also a great base for exploring the Abruzzo region, known for its national parks, hilltop villages, and excellent cuisine. Summer 2026 is shaping up to be an especially good time to go.
Pescara enjoys a rare location where long sandy Adriatic beaches meet the Apennine Mountains just inland. You can relax by the sea in the morning and be hiking in national parks by the afternoon.
Recommended high quality hotel…..
Stay at the Victoria Hotel from £60pppn
Rabat, Morocco
Culture, coast, and calm sophistication
Rabat offers a different side of Morocco. As the country’s capital, it feels more relaxed and refined than Marrakech, while still delivering incredible history and culture.
Expect elegant architecture, ocean views, historic medinas, and beautifully kept gardens. Rabat is perfect for travellers who want an authentic Moroccan experience without the intensity of more tourist-heavy cities. It’s also a great first-time Morocco destination, combining comfort with culture.
Unlike Marrakech or Fez, Rabat feels relaxed and elegant. As Morocco’s capital, it blends historic sites with wide boulevards, coastal views, and a slower pace that many travellers find more enjoyable.
Recommended high quality hotel…..
Stat at Dar Shaeir from £45ppn
Gdańsk, Poland
One of Europe’s most beautiful waterfront cities
Gdańsk is a city that surprises people. Its colourful Old Town, riverside setting, and maritime history make it one of the prettiest cities in northern Europe.
Beyond the visuals, Gdańsk offers great food, fascinating history, and a laid-back atmosphere that’s ideal for both city breaks and longer stays. Prices remain reasonable, and the nearby Baltic coastline adds an extra layer of appeal, especially in summer.
Although much of Gdańsk was destroyed during World War II, the Old Town was meticulously rebuilt and today features colourful merchant houses, grand churches, and a stunning waterfront along the Motława River.
Recommended high quality hotel…..
Stay at Holiday Inn Gdansk – City Centre by IHG from £29ppnn
What these destinations all have in common is value, character, and growing popularity. They’re not just cheap flights – they’re places that genuinely offer something different.
If you’re thinking about travel in 2026, these are exactly the destinations to watch before they become mainstream favourites.
If you’d like advice on where to book, the best time to go, or which destination suits you best, feel free to send me a message on WhatsApp using the icon below. I’m always happy to give honest, impartial advice.
