British holidaymakers are defiantly planning their overseas escapes for 2026, with a beloved Turkish resort once again claiming the crown as the nation's number one choice. Fresh data from travel giant On The Beach shows that despite ongoing cost-of-living pressures, nearly half (43 per cent) of Brits intend to book their getaways in January and February, refusing to sacrifice their time in the sun.
Sun, Sea, and Sustained Popularity
The Mediterranean city of Antalya on Turkey's southwestern coast has been revealed as the UK's all-time favourite holiday destination for an impressive third consecutive year. Celebrated for its combination of reliable sunshine, beautiful beaches, and strong value, it has firmly earned its reputation as Turkey's 'capital of tourism'. The research indicates that 42 per cent of travellers are prepared to spend more on their 2026 holiday than usual, with a further 27 per cent budgeting to match last year's expenditure.
Following Antalya, Spanish destinations continue to hold a powerful sway over British tourists. The Costa Blanca has climbed to second place, while Tenerife is showing signs of a strong comeback in third. Majorca has slipped two spots to fourth, with Lanzarote completing the top five. Dalaman, another Turkish favourite, holds firm in sixth place, underscoring the sustained appeal of the country.
The Rise of North African Value
Beyond the established favourites, a significant shift is underway as North African destinations capture the imagination of bargain-seeking Britons. Egyptian Red Sea resorts have experienced a remarkable surge, with bookings to hotspots like Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada up by 30 per cent year-on-year in 2025. This momentum is projected to continue, propelling both resorts into the top ten for 2026, where they now sit in seventh and eighth place respectively.
Perhaps the most dramatic growth is forecast for Tunisia, tipped by On The Beach experts to be a breakout star. After entering the rankings last year, bookings to this North African nation are predicted to skyrocket by over 100 per cent year-on-year. Travellers are increasingly drawn to its offer of affordable beach breaks that do not compromise on quality.
Smart Booking for the Savvy Traveller
For those carefully managing their budgets, timing remains a crucial factor. The research reaffirms that June is consistently the cheapest month to travel, a fact recognised by a fifth of British holidaymakers who plan to take their trips during this month to secure better value.
Separate analysis from Skyscanner has identified Lyon in France as 2026's most budget-friendly flight destination from the UK, with average return fares costing around £105. The city offers a popular alternative without the premium prices associated with Paris.
Zoe Harris, Chief Customer Officer at On The Beach, commented on the trends: 'Even in a challenging economic climate, holidays remain one of the last things Brits are willing to cut back on. We're seeing customers prioritise value and certainty, which is driving strong demand for destinations like Egypt and Tunisia, while classic choices such as Spain and Turkey continue to appeal because they deliver exactly what holidaymakers expect.'
The Top 20 Destinations for 2026 (Source: On The Beach)
- Antalya
- Costa Blanca
- Tenerife
- Majorca
- Lanzarote
- Dalaman
- Sharm El Sheikh
- Hurghada
- Costa Del Sol
- Gran Canaria
- Rhodes
- Crete
- Dubai
- Fuerteventura
- Tunisia Area
- The Algarve
- Costa Brava
- Malta
- Ibiza
- Costa Dorada
Additional insights from On The Beach noted that Benidorm was the most searched-for seven-night holiday in 2025, while a week in Tenerife is already an early frontrunner for the same search in 2026.
