by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:30th December 2025

Stunning destinations to add to your travel list

Let’s welcome in the New Year of 2026 with open arms and start planning your adventures for the year ahead. We’ve chosen 12 stunning destinations that I’m sure will enrich your travel calendars for the forthcoming months of 2026.

There’s always a sense of excitement when you start planning your next adventure. Whether it’s escaping to a cosy cottage in the countryside or seeking new horizons on a holiday of a lifetime, we all love discovering somewhere new and 2026 is the year to do it.

Whether you're visiting near or far, on every trip you’ll be making memories that will last a lifetime.

Gary and I live in the southeast of the UK, in the picturesque county of Kent. Hence, our ‘near’ destinations are UK-based and often offer a little sprinkle of history and culture.

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The six recommendations we have chosen for overseas travel include a charming mixture of mini-breaks, road trips, sunshine, and safari, all with a touch of fun.

Our near locations

For us, it’s the UK

The UK has so much to offer every traveller; whether you’re a city lover and enjoy immersing in the local culture, you relish the thought of discovering our ancient history, or you just love escaping for a weekend away, we’ve got some very tempting ideas.

We’re following in the footsteps of ancient Romans, seeking out the tranquil pace of the British waterways and a few National Trust gems.

Stay informed

You will find us across many forms of social media. You will find our latest posts, some throwbacks, links to historic events with our 'On this day' posts, across Facebook, X, Bluesky & Threads. Each week, themed visual content on Instagram, and our narrated travels on YouTube. Collections of the images in our posts are also collated into boards on Pinterest.

The first location we’ve chosen for you in the UK is the cathedral city of York, awash with ancient history and a perfect location for an all-year-round mini-break.

York is nestled at the confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Foss in North Yorkshire; the city of York stands as a living testament to England’s rich and layered history. From its origins as a Roman fortress to its pinnacle as a powerful Viking capital and a thriving medieval centre.

A charming garden view from York’s historic city walls with York Minster towering in the background, showcasing one of the best places to visit in York. This scenic spot highlights the city’s medieval architecture and peaceful green spaces.
The view from York city walls

York’s picturesque walls wend their way around the city for around 2.1 miles (3.4 km). They are the longest and most complete medieval town walls in England, providing a unique elevated perspective of the city's landmarks.

The walls are punctuated by four magnificent main gateways, known as "Bars," which historically served as fortified entrances to the city, controlling access and levying tolls. The four gates are called the Bootham Bar, Monk Bar, Walmgate Bar and Micklegate Bar.

A charming view of Low Petergate in York with its historic brick shops and the magnificent York Minster towering above. This picturesque street perfectly captures the blend of medieval architecture and vibrant city life in York.
Low Petergate

York Minster is an absolute must to visit. York Minster is a magnificent piece of Gothic architecture and proudly stands in the heart of York’s historic centre. It was consecrated in 1472; however, the first recorded church on the site was a wooden structure built in 627.

An area of York that we really enjoyed visiting was York Museum Gardens beside the River Ouse. Strolling around the 10-acre gardens is like meandering through an open-air museum, with Roman relics at your fingertips and the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey to relax amongst.

We included York as part of our Yorkshire road trip in an EV and stayed at the Galtres Lodge Hotel & Forest Restaurant, a charming Georgian hotel located in the heart of historic York.

You’ll never forget a holiday on a narrowboat, it is such good fun, and you’ll create so many lasting memories.

What we love about a canal boat holiday is that it forces you to slow down your pace of life and embrace the surrounding countryside. When you are chugging along at 4mph, you have no other option than to soak up the environment.

Tables and chairs outside of a tea room next to a lock on the Kennet and Avon Canal with a Narrow boat moored up alongside.
A canalside rest stop
We’ve embarked on three canal boat trips, two of which were along the Kennet and Avon canal. Whether there are just two of you or a group, you’ll be vying for the chance to hop off the narrowboat and crank open the huge doors on the deep canal locks.
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The fast and slow pace of life

I advise you to plan a rough route in advance, including stopovers, turning areas, water points, and riverside pubs. Allow plenty of time and don’t overestimate your pace, as the pleasure of this trip is slowing down and enjoying your holiday. There may even be a queue for the numerous locks en-route.

To assist in your planning, invest in the Inland Waterways map of Great Britain; it’s reasonably priced and will guide you along the way.

Handy to know narrow-boating tips

Take a peek at our post ’12 useful tips for your canal boat adventure’, it’s often the little details that make a holiday perfect.

The Canal River Trust website is particularly useful for planning your trip. It gives detailed information on the canals and the surrounding facilities.

Sep / 2019

12 Useful tips for your canal boat adventure

Featured image for “12 Useful tips for your canal boat adventure”

Our third UK location is to the historic city of St. Albans. St Albans is situated in the home county of Hertfordshire and is the perfect location for a cultural mini-break or even a relaxing day out from central London.

Slip on your comfy shoes and unwind as you meander around St Albans’s ancient streets and attractive lanes and discover its captivating charm.

A wide shot of St Albans Cathedral in Hertfordshire shows the exterior of the building with its Gothic architecture, including pointed arches and a tall tower. The cathedral is built of light-colored stone and is framed by green trees and hedges. The sky is blue with a few wispy clouds. Numerous people are gathered in the grassy area in front of the cathedral.
Southwest view of St Albans Cathedral

The present-day name of St Albans is derived from the British saint Alban, who is believed to be the first-recorded British saint. Alban, a citizen of Verulamium, was martyred for his Christian faith in circa AD 250 near the hilltop site of St Albans Cathedral. St Alban is now enshrined within St Albans Cathedral.

Adjacent to St Albans Cathedral is the impressive Abbey Gateway. Abbey Gateway and St Albans Abbey are the only remaining structures which formed part of the old Benedictine Monastery.

A sunny street scene in St Albans, Hertfordshire, features a row of brick buildings with shops and cafes on either side. People are walking along the street, and outdoor seating is set up in front of a cafe on the right. In the distance, a church tower is visible. The sky is blue with thin clouds.
Market Place

When visiting St Albans, you’ll undoubtedly spot its ancient Clock Tower, which was built in 1405 and is the only medieval town belfry in England. The tower, with its historic bell, has survived over 600 years of use.

The cathedral city of St Albans is a delightful place to visit; as we further explore its quaint streets, we find charming architecture spanning the centuries. Along George Street, there are many attractive Tudor buildings, courtyards, quaint shops, and boutiques.

We have created a little YouTube video of St Albans.  Why not take a look?

Also, why not subscribe to our YouTube channel and get the latest clips as we post them?

Escape for a few days

Are you in search of a tranquil hideaway to relax and unwind in, while you discover the beautiful British countryside?

Browse through the handpicked properties and unique retreats at Holiday Cottages.

Holiday Cottages icon

Our fourth location in the UK is the charming city of Chester in Cheshire, a perfect destination for a weekend away. This beautiful city is overflowing with fascinating history, and you’ll be walking in the footsteps of the Romans.

The cathedral city of Chester is so unique in many ways, especially with its ancient city walls encircling the medieval town. We found traversing the city walls was an ideal way to navigate Chester and to appreciate its distinctive aspects.

The city walls running alongside park street in historic chester
The City Walls

Another characteristic of Chester is its extraordinary Rows. The Rows can be found along Eastgate Street, Northgate Street, Watergate Street, and Bridge Street, and converge at the ancient Chester Cross.

Chester’s two-tiered medieval shopping galleries date from the late 13th century. Some of the buildings are believed to be the earliest examples of shopfronts in England.

A view along the upper level of the rows on Bridge Street in Chester
The Rows on Bridge Street

The Tudor revival black and white timbered façades were added during the Victorian era, adding a further unique element to the Rows.

Don’t miss enjoying a leisurely stroll along The Groves beside the River Dee; it’s a lovely place to relax and watch the world pass by.

A close-up view of the historic lovell telescope at the jodrell bank observatory in the heart of the beautiful cheshire countryside
Lovell Telescope, a Grade 1 Listed Building
While you’re in Cheshire, ensure you take a little detour to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jodrell Bank Observatory. It is a fascinating place to visit, and the towering Lovell Telescope is just mind-blowing.
We have created a couple of YouTube videos of our experiences. Why not take a look?

We have another little book on our shelves from Christopher Winn; we love his 'I Never Knew That About...' series of books.

Packed full of historical facts and broken down into the 39 different counties of England.

Available in Kindle & Hardback editions, it's an excellent addition to anyone's collection who loves trivia.

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The quaint coastal town of Whitby in North Yorkshire is an absolute delight to discover and serves as a perfect base to explore the surrounding moors and coastline. Whether you’re visiting Whitby for a mini-break or sightseeing for the day, Whitby has something enjoyable for everyone. Also, head north along the beautiful shoreline to visit Staithes and Saltburn-by-the-Sea.
A panoramic view over the west side of Whitby from the top of the 199 Steps, with the River Esk meeting the North Sea. Colourful rooftops and a golden beach complete this classic Yorkshire coastal scene.
View of the west side of Whitby
Immerse yourself in Whitby’s nautical history through the tales of Captain Cook, let loose your inner Goth and visit during Whitby’s Goth Weekend and amble through the winding cobbled lanes up to the enchanting Whitby Abbey.

The oldest and most well-known street in Whitby is Church Street, which runs along the East Side of the town. From the swing bridge, it’s lined with quirky independent shops, tearooms, and heritage buildings. Many of these were once fishermen’s cottages, chandlers, and rope-makers.

These streets were once home to fishermen, sailors, and jet carvers, the lifeblood of Whitby’s maritime economy.

The tangle of cobbled lanes and courtyards was built tightly together to protect against the sea winds. Many houses still feature 17th and 18th century brick or stone façades, which overhang on the upper stories.
the dramatic silhouette of Whitby Abbey against a bright sky, a truly iconic and historic place in Yorkshire, England. This ancient ruin is a must-see stop on any English road trip, offering a glimpse into Whitby's rich past and stunning coastal views.
The front of Whitby Abbey
Whitby lies at the feet of two prominent cliffs, one of which is graced with the iconic view of Whitby Abbey. Whitby Abbey is one of the most striking and atmospheric ruins on England’s northeast coast, a place where history, legend, and literature all intertwine dramatically. This stunning abbey is managed by English Heritage.

We have a new little book on our shelves that we delve into when we're heading to the coast.

Packed full of historical facts, and broken down into the different counties of England.  It tells tales of the history of the shoreline that surrounds our country.

Available in Kindle & Hardback editions, it's an excellent addition to anyone's collection who loves the English seaside.

I never knew that about Coastal England Cover

Over the last few years, we have loved visiting National Trust properties, so, once again in 2025, we chose to renew our membership and ventured out to discover more historic locations.

As you explore the UK, you’ll spot National Trust homes, castles, and gardens dotted all around the countryside. You’ll discover grand properties like Petworth in West Sussex.

The top of the Grand Staircase at Petworth House is adorned with a spectacular neoclassical mural depicting mythological figures, cherubs, and ornate architectural elements. This breathtaking artwork is a highlight of the National Trust property, showcasing the grandeur and artistic heritage of historic West Sussex.
Top of the Grand Staircase

Petworth House in West Sussex is a grand 17th-century country manor; however, for centuries, it was a Medieval home owned by the Percy family and fortified between 1308 and 1309. The original Percy family home was humble in comparison to the house that can be visited today.

When you’ve explored the grand abode of Petworth House and stood in awe at the stunning works of art by Turner, Gainsborough, and Reynolds, to name just a few, ensure you allow time to discover the Upper Pond and Deer Park.

The grand, yellow-fronted exterior of the National Trust's Polesden Lacey house is seen from across its expansive green lawn in Surrey, England. As one of the most popular historic places in Surrey, the magnificent country estate is a perfect destination for a day out exploring its beautiful house and gardens.
Polesden Lacey

We also visited Polesden Lacey in Surrey. Polesden Lacey is located on the North Downs in the village of Great Bookham in the Surrey Hills. The grand estate of Polesden Lacey spans approximately 1,600 acres, encompassing ancient woodland and is home to a diverse array of wildlife and rare birds.

When visiting Polesden Lacey, you’ll enjoy exploring the home of the elegant socialite Margaret Greville, and you’ll also be let loose to wend your way around the enchanting walled gardens and partake in a game of croquet.

The Drawing Room at Ightham Mote is warmly decorated with a Christmas tree, antique piano, and period furnishings. Soft lighting and festive décor showcase the house’s historic elegance during the Christmas season.
The Drawing Room at Christmas
Gary and I love visiting the National Trust sites at Christmas time; they always bring an enchanting twist to Yuletide. Last year, we headed to Bateman’s, Rudyard Kipling’s family home in East Sussex and this year we explored the festivities at Ightham Mote in Kent.

If, like us, you enjoy visiting the National Trust gardens around the United Kingdom, then grab yourself a copy of the latest ‘Gardens of the National Trust’.

It’s a beautifully illustrated book, and it won’t be long before you’re planning your next trip.

Gardens of the National Trust cover

Our far locations

The world’s your oyster

If you’re anything like us and love experiencing international cultures, mingling amongst foreign locals, and just being a fly on the wall, then I’m sure we’ll have an adventure to whet your appetite.

I’ve chosen some unique getaways, including a road trip around Croatia and some stunning villages to be discover in Provence. A 3-week adventure of a lifetime touring, Namibia and a weekend break in Murcia, southern Spain.

If you’re craving the Mediterranean sunshine, then you must visit the ancient city of Paphos on the southwest shores of Cyprus. Not only can you bask under the shimmering sun and swim in the glistening azure seas, but you can also awaken your inner historian. Here are our 10 things to discover while staying in Paphos.
A row of small fishing boats lined up in Paphos harbour on a bright day under blue skies.
Fishing boats moored in Paphos harbour

The depths of history that can be found amongst the archaeological sites in Paphos are truly impressive. Ensure you visit the UNESCO Nea Pafos Archaeological Site and the Tombs of the Kings.

If you’re like us and you enjoy discovering a little further afield, you’ll want to explore beyond Paphos. Hire yourself a car for a few days and tour along the stunning coastline of Cyprus and seek out Aphrodite’s Rock.

Aphrodite's Rock set in beautiful blue waters on the coastline to the south of Pathos, Cyprus
The iconic Aphrodite's Rock

With the freedom of the car, you can head into the Troodos Mountains and also visit the beautiful wine villages dotted across the countryside.

We organised our hire car before we left for Paphos with RentalCars.com, and it went incredibly smoothly. RentalCars.com even picked up the vehicle from our hotel once we had finished.

If your perfect break is relaxing under palm trees by the poolside of a stunning all-inclusive beachfront resort, we highly recommend the 5-star Olympic Lagoon Resort Paphos.

We have created a little YouTube video of our first look at Paphos.  Why not take a look?

Also, why not subscribe to our YouTube channel and get the latest clips as we post them?

The ancient city of Murcia is situated in the southeast of Spain, within the Iberian Peninsula, and is the capital of the Murcia region.

The historic centre of Murcia is captivating, stroll down the three legendary streets of Calle Platería (silversmiths), Calle Trapería (cloth merchants), and Calle Vidrieros (glass workers). These streets are named after the guilds which used to trade along these lanes.

The Ayuntamiento de Murcia, a large pink government building, located in Murcia, Spain. The building is surrounded by palm trees and has a fountain in front of it.
Ayuntamiento de Murcia (The Town Hall)

When you visit Murcia, be sure to head along the Segura River to the beautiful, historic Glorieta Gardens. This picturesque city park was landscaped during the 18th century and is stunning. The vibrant garden is laid out symmetrically, with colourful flowers, bushy palm trees, and a rectangular fountain running through it.

The magnificent Cathedral Church of Saint Mary is another stunning place to visit. Construction began in 1394 and was completed in 1465. The cathedral was built on the site of a former mosque. Renovations and enhancements continued on the cathedral until the 18th century.

A fountain with a bronze statue of a seated lady in the centre of the Plaza de las Flores, surrounded by buildings on all sides, in Murcia, Spain
Plaza de las Flores

An additional little gem to be found in Murcia is The Real Casino de Murcia; this historic building is located in the heart of the Old Town, along Calle Trapería. The façade of the Royal Casino of Murcia is incredibly stunning on its own; however, when you step inside the main entrance, you’ll be astounded.

The Casino de Murcia is a social club founded in 1847. Although it is a private club, the ground floor is open to the public. It is now one of the most visited buildings in the region of Murcia. The interior has an exquisite mix of styles, including Baroque and Moorish.

Murcia is a delightful city to visit and perfect for a sunshine mini-break.

How about exploring Namibia for something a little unusual? We highly recommend a 3-week self-drive safari around some of the world’s most incredibly diverse landscapes, which will leave you lost for words.
A group of resting lions against the stone wall of a water reservoir in Etosha National Park in Namibia
A pride of resting lions in Etosha
I can assure you that once you start researching this stunning southwest African country, you’ll be hooked and will want to head off on a world discovery.

This is truly a trip of a lifetime, with the desolate golden sand dunes of Sossusvlei undulating as far as the eye can see, magnificent African wildlife crossing your path and exotic night skies like no other.

If adventure is what you are after and a change from your usual trip, why not try something new? If you wish to camp out under the stars in the Kalahari Desert, you can; alternatively, there are some stunning luxury lodges in locations so remote that you’ll feel like you’re the only ones on Earth.

Sand dunes inside a disused building in kolmanskop, namibia
Sand everywhere in Kolmanskop

On a self-drive safari, you’ll be free to park up near remote watering-holes and admire lions and elephants until your heart is content. You can escape to the harsh, unforgiving Atlantic shores along the Skeleton Coast and visit the world’s second-largest canyon.

Furthermore, what is so special about this incredible country is that you can do all this on your own self-guided road trip.

I’m feeling envious just talking about it; take a peek at our Namibian truths & trivia post, and let’s start planning.

If you’re yearning to tour Croatia on a road trip, then we have an amazing Croatian road trip itinerary for you to follow. We give plenty of handy hints and tips on driving around Croatia, the destinations to visit and delightful places to stay.

You could be mad like us and embark on this road trip from the UK; alternatively, fly into either Split or Dubrovnik and start your Adriatic adventure there.

A view from the old city walls of Dubrovnik across the Adriatic to the harbour where small boats come and go.
Far reaching views across the Adriatic Sea from Dubrovnik

The first stop on our Croatian road trip was Plitvice, where we visited the UNESCO opal lakes in Plitvice National Park. Our second location was the coastal city of Zadar; we chose to go via a ferry and do a little bit of island hopping.

We then headed further south to the tiny city of Trogir for a couple of nights, then on to our southernmost point of the trip, Dubrovnik. We stayed in Dubrovnik for three nights and chose to drive to the historic city of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina for one day.

Journeying back north, we visit the ancient city of Split for one night, then further north to Rovinj, where we base ourselves for two evenings and explore the towns of Pula and Poreč.
The view from the harbour, across the water to the Croatian coastal town of Rovinj on the Istrian peninsula
View from the harbour front

In total, we stayed for 12 nights in Croatia. However, as mentioned, we stopped in Obernai, France, and Salzburg, Austria, on our journey south, and in Salzburg and Baden-Baden on our journey back to the UK.

Although it appears we squeezed a lot into this trip, we found it very relaxing as Croatia is a beautiful country to tour around.

If you've yet to discover the delights of Croatia you're in for a treat. While planning our road trip, I used the DK Eyewitness books.  I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more.

We used a previous version of this book to plan our north to south Croatian road trip, now you can grab the revised copy.

DK Croatia Cover
Gary and I have visited the stunning region of Provence in southern France on several occasions. The idyllic hilltop villages and the tucked-away Provençal towns never fail to whet our insatiable appetite for more. I couldn’t resist writing another post about the charming villages & towns to visit in Provence.
Charming village square in Provence featuring a historic stone fountain surrounded by vibrant flower displays, with colorful shutters and a traditional boulangerie. This picturesque scene captures the authentic charm and daily life of southern France’s most beautiful villages.
Place des Héros de la Résistance

During our EV road trip through Provence last September, we visited the small traditional Provençal town of Valensole, which pleasantly lacked the influx of tourists, which made it even more relaxing to explore. It was a joy wending our way around the quiet, narrow streets and lanes.

Another charming place we visited was the extremely picturesque town of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, which lies between Cavaillon and Carpentras, within the Vaucluse region of Provence. The Sorgue River encircles the historic streets of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, with branches of the river snaking off along the attractive canals.

It’s such a pleasure strolling along the quaysides, criss-crossing over the attractive bridges, so many adorned with planters full of vibrant blooms. L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is so different from many other Provençal towns and such a contrast to the ancient ochre hilltop villages.
The iconic Maison René Char overlooks the tranquil Sorgue River in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, surrounded by leafy trees and bustling riverside cafés. This picturesque Provençal townscape blends cultural heritage with vibrant local life, making it a must-see destination in southern France.
Maison René Char by La Sorgue

I also urge you to visit Eygalières, a delightful village located in the heart of the Alpilles Natural Regional Park in Provence. Eygalières is full of authentic Provençal character. We loved the essence of the village as soon as we started to stroll around. It felt very tranquil less touristy than some places we had visited.

If you’re tempted to explore Provence further, take a peek at another of our posts an ‘Enchanting visit to Provence’, a few years ago.

There are so many incredible places to discover in France, so many regions, and I love planning road trips. I often use the DK Guides,

I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into searching for more

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Visiting the Christmas markets in Germany is a yuletide lover’s dream; the locals take their Christmas festive celebrations to another level, and it is truly magical.

Our favourite location is undeniably Cologne, as its charming markets, embracing the ancient Dom and the historic Old Town, whisk you away into a fairy-tale dream. No expense or imagination is spared amongst the twinkling themed wooden cabins; there are elves hiding behind every chimney.

The illuminated wooden pyramid at dusk above the Kathe Wolhfart pop-up stand at the entrance to trier's christmas markets
Christmas pyramid in Trier

During our most recent adventure to Germany, we managed to squeeze in our annual Christmas visit to Cologne for the 13th time, but we also explored the enchanting Christmas Markets in Trier and Koblenz.

Trier’s Christmas Market is delightful to visit during the day; however, it’s when dusk descends, the festive cabins are sparkling, the Christmas tunes are playing, and the bratwurst and glühwein are flowing that’s when the yuletide fun truly comes alive.

There’s an incredible amount of history to discover in Trier; many of its ancient monuments were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of ‘Trier’s Monuments’ in 1986, along with its magnificent Romanesque Trier Cathedral.

A glass traveller's suitcase christmas decoration handing in our christmas tree.
A Käthe Wohlfahrt decoration apt for the traveller

Koblenz is located in the Moselle wine region of Germany; therefore, it goes without saying that they would have a Christmas courtyard market dedicated to the local tipple, where you'll find the “SchaEngelbar”.

Ensure you head to Münzplatz, it is the largest square in Koblenz, and at Christmastime, it is alive with the hustle and bustle of a vibrant town square. In Münzplatz, there were plenty of festive cabins serving local food; you certainly weren’t going to go hungry here.

It’s never too early to plan your Christmas market visit to Germany, as they are very popular. We haven’t completely decided where we are heading for 2026, but I’m sure it will include another magical visit to Cologne. Did you catch our comprehensive German Christmas market itinerary?

Safe & Happy Travels!

Heading off from the UK?

If you’d love to create your own German Christmas market road trip from the UK, jump on Le Shuttle like us. The crossing only takes 35 minutes, and you arrive in the land of fromage and baguettes in no time.

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