Millions of Brits hope to beat the post-Christmas blues this January 3 – nicknamed ‘Sunshine Saturday’ – by booking their annual getaways
Britain’s top holiday destinations for 2026 have been revealed – and Egypt is storming up the rankings.
Families are refusing to give up their sunshine escapes despite the cost-of-living crisis, according to research by On the Beach. The travel company found 43% of folk plan to book their annual getaway this January or February.
Around 27% of holidaymakers will spend the same as last year, while 42% will splash out even more.
Antalya, in Turkey, is expected to claim its third consecutive crown as the UK’s top holiday destination. But hot on its heels are Spanish suntraps Majorca, Costa Blanca, Tenerife and Lanzarote.
Egypt is Britain’s fastest-rising holiday hotspot, thanks to Red Sea resorts like Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. Bookings were up 30% year-on-year in 2025, with the momentum looking set to continue.
Holiday experts have also tipped Tunisia as one of the breakout stars of 2026, as bargain-hungry Brits look for affordable sunshine.
Zoe Harris, chief customer officer at On the Beach, said: “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.”
Meanwhile package holiday bookings are expected to increase by 5% this year, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has said.
The regulator, which administers the Atol travel financial protection scheme, forecast that 200,000 more holidaymakers will book trips this month compared with the 4.3 million who did so in January 2025.
The first Saturday in January is nicknamed Sunshine Saturday by the travel industry, as it is one of the busiest days of the year for holiday bookings.
Selina Chadha, group director for consumers and markets at the CAA, said: “With more people looking to book their holiday, it’s important to check your package holiday for Atol protection.
“Whether you’re searching for a summer or winter break, you’ll have peace of mind that you won’t lose money if your travel company collapses.”
All holidays sold in the UK as a package – typically flights and accommodation together – are legally required to be protected by Atol.
The scheme provides support for consumers, including when a tour operator goes out of business.
Rory Boland, editor of magazine Which? Travel, urged holidaymakers not to “feel pressured into booking in a hurry” this weekend despite it being “advertised as a prime time to grab a holiday bargain”.
He said: “Consider your options and shop around to make sure you’re getting the right holiday for you, at the right price.
“If you are flexible on destination, there are offers throughout the year.”
Top 20
Britain’s top holiday destinations for 2026, as predicted by On the Beach:
1. Antalya
2. Costa Blanca
3. Tenerife
4. Majorca
5. Lanzarote
6. Dalaman
7. Sharm El Sheikh
8. Hurghada
9. Costa Del Sol
10. Gran Canaria
11. Rhodes
12. Crete
13. Dubai
14. Fuerteventura
15. Tunisia Area
16. The Algarve
17. Costa Brava
18. Malta
19. Ibiza
20. Costa Dorada
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