Top Travel Destinations for 2025/26: Where to Go Next?
Planning your next getaway? The travel world is shifting—and fast. Thanks to the constant scroll of Instagram, TikTok, and travel blogs, we’re not just booking holidays anymore—we are curating experiences. What was once a simple decision, is now a maze of options, with an endless array of travel websites at the click of a button. Planning the perfect trip can feel overwhelming!
Whether you’re planning a fun-filled family holiday, an active adventure, or a luxurious, secluded escape, we’ve got something for everyone. If you’re chasing endorphins, craving family connection, or looking to completely switch off in style, these are the top three travel trends for 2025/26—plus the villa destinations that bring them to life.
Explore Active Travel in the Golden Triangle, Algarve
Active travel is in full swing this season—so say goodbye to holiday cheat days and hello to sun-soaked workouts. While poolside lounging still has its charm, more travellers are embracing movement in the sunshine. Whether you’re keeping up with a fitness routine or enjoying some friendly competition, there’s no need to pause your lifestyle just because you’re on holiday.
From private home gyms and beach runs to tennis with friends, staying active while travelling has never been easier. With fitness-focused getaways on the rise, it’s the perfect time to try something new.
The Algarve’s Golden Triangle—home to Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago, and Vale do Lobo—is a standout destination for both dedicated fitness enthusiasts and casual movers. Top-tier facilities like The Campus and Brown’s Sports Complex, iconic golf courses, and beautiful beaches offer endless ways to stay active, whether it’s a sunrise stroll, a round of golf, or thrilling water sports.
Nature lovers can explore the Ria Formosa walking trail for scenic hikes and wildlife spotting—or opt for a laid-back boat trip along its calm waters. And when the day winds down, the adventure continues back at your villa. Many luxury properties in the region offer private gyms, tennis courts, and pools perfect for cooling off after a workout.
Looking for a place to stay?
Think high-end villas with everything you need to keep moving—gyms, paddleboards, hiking trails, or simply a pool to unwind. Or slow it down beachfront apartment and a glass of local wine. It’s all about balance.
See this villa to rent in Quinta do Lago—a luxurious six-bedroom villa designed for the ultimate active escape. With its private pool, fully equipped gym, indulgent sauna, and private cinema room, all just moments from premier golf courses, this retreat offers the perfect balance of an active lifestyle and leisure. Discover more about this exceptional villa here.
Unforgettable Family Adventures in Barbados
Multigenerational travel has always been popular, but its appeal has surged since the pandemic, as families seek ways to reconnect and create lasting memories. These trips bring together grandparents, parents, children, and extended family, offering the chance to bond and explore new destinations—often after long separations. The beauty of multigenerational travel lies in its ability to cater to a range of interests, with something for everyone, from toddlers to grandparents.
If you’re planning a family holiday that everyone can enjoy, Barbados is a top choice. The island offers the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and culture for all ages. Kids will love the calm, family-friendly beaches like Mullins Bay and Carlisle Bay, where they can splash around or try water sports, while parents and grandparents can lay back in the sand, cocktail in hand.
For those who enjoy exploring, Barbados has plenty to offer. You can hike through the lush Welchman Hall Gully or stroll through the Andromeda Botanic Gardens, spotting monkeys and tropical plants along the way. For little adventurers, Harrison’s Cave and the Barbados Wildlife Reserve are must-sees or sign them up for surfing lessons. Meanwhile, the rest of the family can explore Barbados’ history with a visit to Bridgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or sample rum at the Mount Gay Distillery. For a peaceful escape, Hunte’s Gardens is a wonderful opportunity to relax among vibrant flowers and trees.
Looking for a place to stay?
Think spacious beachfront villas or luxury properties with plenty of room for the whole family, offering, live in chefs, private pools, outdoor dining areas, and easy beach access. Whether you’re after a relaxed holiday or an adventure-packed getaway, Barbados has it all.
Introducing a stunning five-bedroom beachfront villa to rent in St. James, offering breathtaking ocean views and just a short stroll from the area’s finest restaurants. Explore all the incredible details of this stunning villa here.
Exclusive Luxury Travel Experiences in Sardinia
Luxury travel continues to thrive in 2025/26 – with more travellers placing a premium on privacy, bespoke experiences, and high-end accommodation. With newer travel destinations gaining popularity and the standard for luxury rising, holidays now exceed what used to be.
From private chefs to secluded beaches, exclusivity is no longer a bonus—it’s the baseline. In this landscape, Sardinia has risen as a top choice for travellers who demand truly exceptional experiences. Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean, Sardinia offers a captivating blend of rugged natural beauty and elegant sophistication.
Its coastline features clear waters, white sand beaches, and dramatic cliffs, while the island’s deep history quietly complements its modern, upscale appeal. Costa Smeralda stands out as one of Sardinia’s most exclusive areas, known for its luxury boutiques, sleek marinas, and acclaimed dining. While it attracts a high-profile crowd, beyond the luxury, it maintains a laid-back character that feels distinctly Sardinian.
At the heart of the island’s social life is La Piazzetta — a graceful central square lined with inviting cafés, stylish shops, and upscale boutiques, perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll. For those seeking vibrant energy, PHI Beach delivers with iconic beachside parties and internationally celebrated DJs.
Sardinia’s cultural richness is just as compelling — from the ancient Nuraghe stone structures to picturesque towns like Porto Cervo and Alghero. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, planning a romantic escape, or simply in search of ultimate relaxation, Sardinia offers a luxurious travel experience that is as serene as it is unforgettable, luxury has found its new benchmark.
Looking for a place to stay?
Your villa? It comes with panoramic sea views, infinity pools, a private chef, and even a private beach if you are longing for something more. Explore ancient Nuraghe ruins, wander through Porto Cervo’s charming streets, or relax with a massage at home while the sun sets over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Sardinia is exclusive, effortless, and completely unforgettable. Luxury has found its new benchmark.
See a newly built luxury villa to vent in Monte Moro featuring four elegant bedrooms, five bathrooms, a panoramic sea-view living room and serene waterfall pool—complete with luxury concierge service and a private chef at your fingertips for the ultimate escape. Uncover the unique charm and elegance of this remarkable villa here.
So, Where Should You Go Next?
As travel continues to evolve in 2025/26, one thing is clear: it’s no longer just about the destination, but the experience. Whether you are seeking an active escape in the Algarve, a meaningful family reunion in Barbados, or a secluded luxury retreat in Sardinia, today’s top travel trends offer something for every kind of traveller. It’s about finding the right balance—between movement and rest, connection and solitude, adventure, and indulgence. So, where should you go next? Choose the experience that speaks to you, and let the destination do the rest.
Written by Jessica Stoner, Travel Specialist