The fatigue of the return-to-work period has already set in, you’re back to your regular grind of evening meal-prepping or battling the morning commute and you’re already desperate for another holiday. It’s a feeling we know all too well, thanks to the end of the festive season bringing a bleak reality check of the mundane rituals and daily habits that make up our regular lives. However, we can reframe this moment and use it as an opportunity to explore new horizons, both figuratively and literally. There’s nothing more exciting than the idea of travelling than travelling itself, and the new year promises to spotlight an abundance of incredible destinations sure to pique your interest.
For those seeking something off the beaten path, the sprawling hills of Georgia’s Caucasus mountain range or the Albanian Alps are sure to excite anyone looking for expansive landscapes, pristine hillsides and verdant greenery. A little closer to home, aquamarine waters and mystical alcoves like those found on Hydra in Greece’s Saronic Islands or Mallorca in the Spanish archipelago, guarantee an artistic and holistic reset, backdropped by tranquil waves and rocky clifftops. If you want to trade your Oyster card for something a little more elegant, new train journeys are destined to scratch this itch, like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a Belmond railway experience, which transports you from Paris to Istanbul over five luxurious nights.
With so much of the world to see in such little time, consider this your incentive to confirm your annual leave, start saving and book that getaway you’ve been dreaming of. If you’re unsure which corner of the globe to visit next or perhaps just want to live vicariously through others whilst you adjust back to quotidian activities, we here at Who What Wear UK have compiled a guide to the places we’ve wish-listed for the year ahead.
Dreaming of far-off shores or rustic hideaways tucked away in the countryside? Scroll on for the stylish destinations we’ve got our sights set on. The places you’ll go, indeed.
The 8 Holiday Destinations Who What Wear UK Editor's Have Wish-Listed for 2026
1. Island Escape
"My parents live in Barbados, so I go there at least once a year. But despite its very small size (you can circuit the entire island in under three hours), I’ve never run out of things to do. Between white-sand beach trips, rum tours and the delicious dining options, Barbados has a vibrant culture and an energy that feels equally serene as it does spirited.
"You can spend a relaxed morning on your own, swimming in the calm, clear waters, and then end the day chatting with locals as if you've known them for years at the lively Oistins Fish Fry. There’s such an ease in the day-to-day that I haven’t found replicated anywhere else in my years of travel. The food and drink are another constant highlight for me when I’m there; from fresh seafood that you can eat on the beach to fancier, more exclusive fine-dining options, it feels as if there's a new restaurant every time I arrive on the Island.
"But even after my 26 years of visiting, I still have many spots on my wish list; most significantly, the Harbour Lights beach show, which promises a Bajan night of music, dancing, dinner and unlimited drinks for the entire evening. Because I always stay with my parents, I haven't had many experiences with the hotels on the island; however, I’ve been assured that the Sandy Lane Hotel in Holetown is the perfect choice for those looking for a luxury getaway on the island." — Brittany Davy, editorial assistant
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2. Chic City Break
"Being so close to Europe, it’s hard to ignore the pull of the continent whenever it beckons. As someone who grew up on the other side of the world in Sydney, I always take such a thrill in being able to jump on a flight and arrive in some cosmopolitan capital only an hour or two later, which is why a chic city break has become my preferred type of trip over the past year that I’ve lived in London. In 2025, I crossed more than a handful of spots off my list: Paris, Oslo, Dublin, Athens and Berlin, to name a few.
"This year, I intend to expand my horizons even further and maximise my weekends with a couple of sweet two-to-three-night getaways that truly immerse me in my destination. After hearing so many incredible things about the Basque region, I want to spend a few days pottering around San Sebastian and Bilbao, feasting on pintxos and sipping on Rioja, before heading over the Pyrenees into France and ending at the ritzy seaside town of Biarritz.
"As someone who adores Scandinavian culture, interiors and architecture—not to mention fashion—I hope to make my way to Stockholm for a tour of the city’s bustling islands, cobbled streets and candy-coloured façades. After reading The Piano Teacher and watching Will Sharpe’s punchy turn as Mozart in the limited series Amadeus, I’m also intrigued by the sights and sounds of Vienna. With grand imperial palaces, refined historic settings and a rich sonic framework, a few days by the Danube sounds like precisely what I’m after.
"In the summertime, I’m hoping to make my way to a few coastal cities that act as gateways to beachy hideouts: Naples, Marseille and Barcelona, for instance. But in the meantime, I'm preparing to hit some new pavements with my carry-on bag packed with a few trusted essentials." — Ava Gilchrist, SEO writer
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3. Wellness Weekend
"After a very busy 2025, you may be ready for a little reset, and I'm the perfect person to talk to. A few times a year, I carve out time to escape the city to rest and recuperate, whether that's a few sun-clad days of Pilates near a calm beach or a cosy spa weekend. For me, the wellness weekend is a time to slow down, finally read that book that I've been saying I’ll get to later and indulge in a little pampering too.
"Unlike trips with full itineraries, it's the kind of break that won’t leave you needing another one straight afterwards, especially if you plan it correctly. For a touch of indulgence, I treat myself to a few weekends a year at The Galgorm in Northern Ireland, surrounded by nature and a series of hot tubs, spa facilities and great food that offer the perfect contrast to the everyday bustle.
"When I’m looking closer to home, I head to the coast, occasionally venturing into the icy seas or simply resetting with a warm drink by the fire. Next on my list is to head further afield to warmer climes, filling my weekend with hikes and dips in the sea, but still making time for a massage here or a facial there to truly embrace my moment of relaxation." — Florrie Alexander, shopping editor
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4. Balmy Beach Trip
"Growing up in the middle of the UK, I could only dream of relating to the 'beach babe' title claimed by those born in balmy coastal places like Sydney, L.A. or Saint-Tropez. I longed for the super-relaxed, laid-back lifestyle chronicled in some of my favourite sun-soaked TV shows growing up (The O.C., Zoey 101 and H2O: Just Add Water were everyday viewing in my adolescence). So when it comes to holiday planning as an adult, I take my commitment to a beach-bound adventure very seriously.
"There’s just something about a beachy escape that epitomises a holiday to me. The locals are always chilled, you’re surrounded by beautiful coastal landscapes and—most importantly—the seafood offering is always unmatched. I was proved right on all counts by my recent excursion to Australia's east coast. Travelling through sun-kissed beach towns like Byron Bay and Noosa Heads felt like the ultimate escape. With plenty of artisan shops and linen-clad boutiques to scratch my shopping itch, I could float between sipping Aperol spritzes at the beach bar and perusing the sand-dusted streets as I pleased.
"When it comes to packing, all you really need for the perfect day beach-bumming is a bikini, a high-coverage hat and a packet of your favourite flavour of Lays. That’s the other perk of a beach holiday: packing light comes with the territory. A couple of swimsuits, beach cover-ups, flip-flops and a good book are all you need to enjoy yourself. It's the holiday capsule of dreams for a lazy packer like me. Now that I’ve checked off Australia, I’m setting my sights on the South of France for summer, and you can bet I'll be taking these breezy essentials with me." — Annie Wheatland-Clinch, assistant social media editor
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5. Escape to the Countryside
"The Italian coast calls to me every summer, but outside of those months, I find myself drawn to something much closer to home. A palate-cleansing trip to a gorgeous part of the British countryside feels like the perfect antidote to city life. There’s something deeply restorative about leaving the noise behind and settling into a slower pace, even if only for a few days.
"With so many thoughtfully designed country boltholes cropping up across Britain’s prettiest pockets, I’ve found myself fixated on the Cotswolds; a place I’ve somehow never visited, despite its enduring appeal. Its soft landscapes and storybook villages offer ready-made respite, and I can’t think of a better setting than The Pig’s 17th-century hotel, which borders the area’s lauded Cirencester, dubbed 'the capital of The Cotswolds'.
"As for plans, I’ll keep things intentionally simple: long walks, cosy evenings and slow mornings that don’t ask much of me at all. Naturally, pub trips will pillar my stay, with Boadwell’s The Fox Inn and Cirencester’s The Fleece sitting at the top of my to-visit list. My approach to countryside trips is always the same: take it easy, reset and enjoy the scenery without rushing through it. A stay in the Cotswolds feels like exactly that kind of escape." — Natalie Munro, news writer
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6. Alpine Adventure
"Whenever I tell people my spiritual home is somewhere in the Austrian Alps, they almost don’t believe me. I don’t ski (never have, never will), I’m not particularly thrill-seeking, and my idea of being outdoorsy is drinking margaritas on a patio. But something about the mountain air is medicine to me. Every year, I try to get a few days in the Alps as a total reset, but sadly, I didn’t manage to squeeze anything in for 2025.
"Therefore, in 2026, I'm dreaming up a supercharged Alpine reset. I want to book in at a wellness retreat somewhere high up in the mountains in spring or summer, take daily saunas, go wild swimming and for gentle walks, practice bedtime yoga, prioritise sleep, eat nourishing local foods and squeeze in a few facials and beauty treatments whilst I’m at it. (I am a beauty director, after all).
"But don’t get me wrong, as much as I adore the Austrian medi-clinics (Mayrlife and Lanserhof are probably where my body really needs me to take it), I want my 2026 Alpine wellness escape to feature wine and carbohydrates, please—I want this trip to be both good for my body and my soul. Top of my list will always and forever be Susanne Kaufmann’s Hotel Post in Bezau, a small town nestled up in Bregenzerwald, where your balcony kisses the clouds and wellness experts are on hand for your every want and need." — Shannon Lawlor, beauty director
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7. Hedonistic Hideaway
"I am so ready to get my beach bum back to the hedonistic Balearic isle of Ibiza. Full of exciting restaurants, buzzy bars and iconic nightlife venues, as well as picturesque beaches and intrepid hiking routes, Ibiza truly has it all. In the daytime, I like to chill at a healthy brunch spot to plot a new walking route, before stumbling upon the nearest cool market and then seeking out lesser-known beaches.
"At night, I'm dining at one of the island’s renowned foodie spots (it has a burgeoning gastronomic scene, don’t you know?) and then heading to a beach bar for sundowners. There is so much to see and do (and so many opportunities to party!) on the island, and with each new visit, I find myself discovering cool new spots, or, if I'm feeling nostalgic, heading back to old haunts that I know and trust.
"I find myself going back to White Isle every two years or so, and this summer, I'm keen to stay on the more discreet north-eastern tip of the island for an extended weekend to rest my bones and my soul—and work on my tan. I’ll be packing my most colourful high-summer pieces to inject some kaleidoscopic joy into my island 'fits." — Sophie Robyn Watson, acting fashion editor
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8. Overnight Staycation
"2026 is set to be a busy year for me, with a milestone birthday (I won’t say which!) and my wedding—both the civil ceremony and the main wedding weekend. With all of that to plan, plus a honeymoon to organise, I’m craving a moment of calm in the form of an overnight staycation. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love a night away in the UK (just as much as travelling abroad), and I already have a few places on my 2026 wish list that I’m hoping will offer a welcome pause from planning and a chance to properly relax for 48 hours.
"Any of The Pig hotels are at the top of my list; I’ve stayed at a few of its locations before and would love to return this year. My favourite is The Pig in the South Downs, thanks to its unrivalled vineyard views and excellent selection of English sparkling wines. The exclusive Estelle Manor is also on my agenda, as is Saltmoore in Whitby, which opened last year, alongside Heckfield Place (which is always on my list!), to help celebrate some of this year’s big milestones.
"Finally, the Atlantic Hotel in Trevone Bay, Cornwall, promises exactly what I need most: calm, sea air and total rest before the chaos. And if the opportunity came up to return to Cowley Manor again, well, I wouldn’t say no." — Poppy Nash, managing editor
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