Bangkok Joins Amsterdam, Barcelona, Rome, Paris, Lisbon, and More as New Favourite Destinations for UK Travellers in 2026

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Bangkok has joined the ranks of Amsterdam, Barcelona, Rome, Paris, Lisbon, and other top cities as the new favourite destinations for UK travellers in 2026, reflecting a shift in holiday trends toward both iconic European city breaks and exciting long-haul adventures. The Thai capital’s vibrant culture, bustling markets, world-renowned cuisine, and affordable travel options make it an irresistible choice for those seeking a mix of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences.

European favourites like Amsterdam, Barcelona, Rome, and Paris continue to dominate bookings due to their rich history, picturesque streets, lively nightlife, and accessible short-haul flights from the UK. Meanwhile, sun-soaked Spanish cities such as Malaga, Alicante, and Seville attract holidaymakers looking for a combination of culture, beach escapes, and budget-friendly resorts. This blend of classic European hotspots and emerging long-haul destinations highlights the growing desire among UK travellers for variety, value, and experiences that go beyond traditional city breaks in 2026.

Amsterdam in the Netherlands has claimed the title of the most-booked destination for UK travellers in 2026, according to the latest Year in Travel Report from eDreams ODIGEO. Renowned for its scenic canals, historic architecture, vibrant nightlife, and distinctive café culture, the city continues to attract a wide range of travellers, from first-time visitors to returning enthusiasts. Budget-conscious travellers are particularly drawn to Amsterdam, with one-way flights from Manchester available from as little as £32, making it an ideal choice for a short break or weekend getaway.

Interestingly, Amsterdam is not just a forecast for 2026; it has also maintained its popularity throughout 2025, securing the top spot among the UK’s most-booked destinations. Other cities that have consistently captured the attention of British travellers include Barcelona and Paris, both of which remain staples in European city break itineraries.

Following Amsterdam, Barcelona in Spain ranks as the second-most-booked destination for 2026, with Rome taking third place. Spain remains a strong favourite, with additional entries such as Malaga, Alicante, and Seville completing the list of top ten destinations alongside Paris, Lisbon, Bangkok, and Prague. These cities combine cultural richness, historic significance, and sun-soaked escapes, offering something for every type of holidaymaker.

The Year in Travel Report is produced annually by eDreams ODIGEO, the parent company of leading travel subscription platforms in the UK, including Opodo. The report compiles and analyses search and booking data from key European markets and the USA, providing insights into both current travel trends and emerging destinations. It offers a comprehensive view of the locations that attracted the most interest in 2025 while highlighting the hotspots expected to dominate travel plans in 2026.

In addition to booking trends, the report also examines the most-searched destinations—locations that travellers are curious about but may not yet have confirmed for their next holiday. For UK travellers, Bangkok in Thailand has emerged as the top-searched destination for 2026. The appeal is further enhanced by new direct flights from Manchester, operated by Norse Atlantic Airways, which will run weekly from late November through March 2026.

Bangkok is followed closely by Tokyo in Japan and Orlando in the USA, signalling strong interest in both long-haul city adventures and family-friendly destinations. Other highly searched locations include Sydney, Dubai, New York City, Paris, Tenerife, Manila, and Singapore. The presence of Tenerife in this list highlights that classic European favourites continue to compete with far-flung destinations in travellers’ imaginations, reflecting a balance between bucket-list experiences and convenient, familiar escapes.

The full list of the UK’s most-booked destinations for 2026 includes:

• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Barcelona, Spain
• Rome, Italy
• Malaga, Spain
• Paris, France
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Alicante, Spain
• Bangkok, Thailand
• Seville, Spain
• Prague, Czech Republic

Meanwhile, the most-searched destinations for 2026, reflecting aspirational trips and growing global interest, are:

• Bangkok, Thailand
• Tokyo, Japan
• Orlando, USA
• Sydney, Australia
• Dubai, UAE
• New York City, USA
• Paris, France
• Tenerife, Spain
• Manila, Philippines
• Singapore, Singapore

This dual insight into both booked and searched-for destinations offers a fascinating snapshot of the UK travel market as it stands on the cusp of a new year. Short-haul European city breaks continue to dominate booking trends, while far-reaching, culturally immersive, and family-focused destinations spark imagination and anticipation among travellers planning for 2026.

Bangkok has emerged alongside Amsterdam, Barcelona, Rome, Malaga, Paris, Lisbon, and other favourites as a top 2026 destination for UK travellers, thanks to its vibrant culture, affordable flights, and unforgettable experiences, while European cities remain popular for their history, nightlife, and easy accessibility.

Whether opting for a canal-side stroll in Amsterdam, a sun-drenched Spanish coast, or an exotic long-haul adventure in Asia or North America, UK travellers have a diverse array of choices for the upcoming year. Early planning and flexible booking options are helping more people lock in their preferred dates and destinations, ensuring that 2026 will be a year of exploration, discovery, and memorable journeys.