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10 Undiscovered Holiday Destinations for 2026 That Don’t Feel Like the Usual

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By Shelley Pigram


Tired of the same old travel lists? If you’ve already strolled through Santorini’s lanes or sipped a fresh coconut on the beaches of Phuket, 2026 could be your year to look beyond the obvious.

At Trailfinders, we’ve spent decades crafting tailormade holidays for curious travellers, and we know that ‘undiscovered’ doesn’t have to mean uncomfortable! It simply means authentic, less crowded, and refreshingly new.

Here are 10 incredible destinations you’ll be hearing more about in 2026, so you can visit before everyone else does!

1. Lofoten Islands, Norway

While Norway’s fjords get the lions share of the limelight, the Lofoten archipelago feels like another planet with its rugged peaks rising straight from the sea. In summer, enjoy kayaking under the midnight sun; in winter, chase the Northern Lights with just a handful of other travellers. 


Best for: Outdoor lovers and photographers.


Take a look at our Norway Holidays pages for more inspiration.


 

Norway Panoramic view of Lofoten Islands in Norway with sunset scenic

2. Oaxaca, Mexico

Skip the beaches of Cancun and head inland! Oaxaca is Mexico’s artistic heart, where indigenous traditions thrive, street art bursts with colour, and the local mezcal flows freely. 


Don’t miss: The Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations – a kaleidoscope of life, colour, food and music. 


Take a look at our Mexico Holidays pages for more inspiration.


 

Colorful streets cars high traffic stores people buildings and trade in Zicatela Puerto Escondido Oaxaca Mexico.

3. Bhutan

Still largely untouched by mass tourism, Bhutan offers monastery-studded mountains, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and a national philosophy of Gross National Happiness!


Why go now? A new wave of lodges makes 2026 the perfect time to discover Bhutan in comfort.


Take a look at our Bhutan Holidays pages for more inspiration.

Tiger's Nest, Bhutan

4. The Azores, Portugal

Volcanic lakes, whale watching and thermal springs, the Azores are like a greener, wilder version of Madeira. Fly direct from the UK in under five hours and find yourself hiking crater rims by day and soaking in hot springs by night.


Perfect for: Nature lovers and adventure seekers.


Take a look at our Azores Holidays pages for more inspiration.


Coastline of Sao Jorge island in Azores, Portugal

5. Georgia & Armenia

Tucked between Europe and Asia, Georgia and Armenia are two of the most fascinating (and overlooked!) destinations in the world. Ancient monasteries cling to mountain cliffs, vineyards sprawl across fertile valleys, and hospitality is an art form.


Why 2026? Boutique hotel openings and our new private touring options across both countries are making it easier than ever to explore the Caucasus in comfort. 


Take a look at our Georgia Holidays and Armenia Holidays pages for more inspiration.


 

Historical streets of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia

6. Patagonia’s Aysén Region, Chile

Even within Patagonia, Aysén seems remote. Think glaciers tumbling into turquoise lakes, untouched valleys and endless skies. It’s raw, wild, and completely unforgettable. 


TF’s top tip: Fly into Balmaceda and drive the scenic Carretera Austral for a true explorer’s journey. 


Take a look at our Chile Holidays pages for more inspiration.


 

Kayaking excursion from Mallin Colorado Ecolodge, Chile

7. Uzbekistan

Step back in time along the ancient Silk Road, where dazzling turquoise mosques and mosaic-covered madrasas rise from desert cities. With new high-speed rail links and welcoming locals, Uzbekistan is emerging as one of Central Asia’s most fascinating and accessible destinations. 


Best for: History lovers and travellers seeking something truly different from Europe or South East Asia. 


Take a look at our Uzbekistan Holidays pages for more inspiration.


 

Gur-Emir-Mausoleum, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

8. Madagascar

Cut off from mainland Africa for millions of years, Madagascar is home to landscapes and wildlife found nowhere else on earth, from dancing lemurs and giant baobabs to coral-fringed beaches. Yet large parts of the island remain blissfully free from tourism. 


TF’s insight: Visit between May and October for the best weather and wildlife encounters. 


Take a look at our Madagascar Holidays pages for more inspiration.


 

Beautiful Baobab trees avenue of the baobabs in Madagascar

9. Tasmania, Australia

Often overshadowed by mainland Australia, Tasmania is an adventurer’s dream: pristine wilderness, rugged coastlines and world-class food and wine. Hike through Cradle Mountain National Park, explore the eerie history of Port Arthur, and unwind with oysters and pinot noir on the Freycinet Peninsula. 


Why 2026? With direct flights to Australia becoming more accessible, Tasmania is the go-to extension for travellers who have already done Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef. 


Take a look at our Tasmania Holidays pages for more inspiration.


 

Summit of Kunanyi / Mt Wellington, Hobart, Tasmania

10. Jordan’s Dana Nature Reserve

Beyond Petra and Wadi Rum lies one of the Middle East’s best kept secrets: the Dana Nature Reserve. It’s a dramatic canyon landscape filled with ancient trails, traditional Bedouin villages, and lodges that blend seamlessly into the scenery.


TF’s insight: Combine Dana with Petra, the Dead Sea and a Red Sea beach stay for a stunning, varied Jordan itinerary.


Take a look at our Jordan Holidays pages for more inspiration.


Ready to discover somewhere new? Speak to one of our travel experts today to start planning your 2026 escape.

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Written by Shelley Pigram

Shelley is Trailfinders' Website Performance Lead, based in our head office in Kensington. Shelley has worked at Trailfinders since 2007 and has travelled to 41 countries. Her favourite destinations include Bali, Spain and New York City.

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