I asked 11 travel experts where to visit in 2026 - 1 city clearly wins

A beautiful city is among travel experts' top picks for 2026. As Brits deal with cold and blustery weather in the run-up to winter, some people have already thought about where they might go to get some fun in the sun in 2026. Some are planning winter escapes to get away from grim UK weather, but others are already planning ahead for spring and summer 2026. So, I wanted to ask travel experts where they think people should go in 2026.

I asked them to keep it in Europe, so the suggested destinations aren't too far from the UK. A total of 11 travel experts responded, and only one place was mentioned more than once. If you are planning a European getaway for 2026, then Porto in Portugal might be the place to have at the top of your list. This stunning city is a favourite for many tourists as it perfectly blends the best elements of a city break and a seaside getaway. Here is why travel experts suggest visiting Porto in 2026.

Elaine Warren, a travel expert and the founder and CEO of The Family Cruise Companion, has travelled to more than 60 countries and urged people to book their Porto trips "before everyone else catches on".

"Porto has a way of surprising you. The first time I visited, I remember walking along the Ribeira, where pastel-colored buildings lean toward the Douro River, their reflections shimmering in the golden evening light," she said. "Locals were laughing over plates of fresh sardines, and the air smelled faintly of grilled fish and sea breeze. It was less polished than Lisbon but somehow more real-slower, friendlier, more authentic. And best of all, it didn't feel overcrowded, even in high season."

"From a practical point of view, locking in your trip now makes perfect sense," she added. "Airlines and hotels are offering early-booking discounts that won't last long. You'll have first pick of riverside boutique stays, family-run guesthouses, and city apartments before prices jump closer to departure dates. May and September are particularly ideal months to visit: warm enough for outdoor dining and river cruises, but cool enough for exploring the city's winding streets without the summer crowds."

Meanwhile, Jacob Wedderburn-Day, CEO of Stasher told me: "Porto is the destination Brits should be booking right now for summer 2026. The city sits dramatically along the Douro River with layers of colourful buildings cascading down hillsides toward the water. The historic Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is filled with narrow cobbled streets, traditional azulejo tiles covering building facades, and some of the most photogenic views in Europe."

He explained that airlines are adding more routes to Porto, signalling a growth in demand for the destination. He added: "Right now, you can find return flights from the UK for under £100 if you book early, and accommodation is still reasonable compared to other European cities. Accommodation is still reasonable, with decent three-star hotels in central locations running around £60-80 per night, and Airbnbs in great neighbourhoods like Cedofeita or Ribeira available for similar prices.

"Once those routes fill up and the destination tips into mainstream popularity, prices will jump. Summer 2026 could be the last summer Porto feels like a hidden gem rather than everyone's summer holiday."

While two travel experts praised Porto, Portugal, others had vastly different suggestions. One expert suggested visiting the Spanish capital of Madrid over popular tourist spots such as Barcelona or the Balearic Islands.

Meanwhile, another Sarah Findlay, travel expert from Total Travel Protection, said that Gdask, Poland, is actually a great option for a summer holiday.

Other suggestions included the Albanian Riviera, Turkey, Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia and French Polynesia.