Planning a holiday has become an exciting part of the travel experience itself. Before booking flights or choosing accommodation, travellers are spending more time searching for inspiration, comparing destinations and looking for places that match the type of experience they want.

For many people in the UK, the ideal getaway depends on more than location. Some travellers are looking for a peaceful beach escape, while others want to explore a new city, discover local culture or enjoy activities that make their trip feel unique.

As travel habits continue to change, choosing the right destination has become about finding the perfect balance between relaxation, discovery and memorable experiences.

What UK travellers are looking for when planning their next holiday

Holiday planning is becoming increasingly personalised. Instead of following traditional travel trends, many people are choosing destinations based on their individual interests and lifestyle.

Families may prioritise comfortable resorts with facilities for all ages, while couples may look for romantic settings, great food and cultural experiences. Other travellers are choosing wellness retreats, luxury stays or destinations that allow them to combine relaxation with exploration.

This demand for different types of holidays has encouraged the travel industry to offer more choice. From beachfront resorts and island escapes to city hotels and luxury properties, travellers now have more opportunities to create a trip that suits their expectations.

Barceló Hotel Group offers a wide range of accommodation options across international destinations, including Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Its portfolio includes hotels designed for different styles of travel, from city breaks and family holidays to beach escapes and luxury experiences.

Beach holidays, city breaks and everything in between

One of the biggest changes in modern travel is the variety of experiences people are searching for. While traditional beach holidays remain popular, travellers are also looking for destinations that offer culture, entertainment and opportunities to explore.

The Canary Islands continue to attract visitors looking for sunshine, coastal scenery and year-round escapes. Other destinations such as Málaga, the Balearic Islands and Alicante combine beaches with history, gastronomy and local experiences, making them appealing options for travellers who want more than just time by the sea.

City breaks are also becoming an important part of holiday planning. Short trips allow travellers to discover new places while enjoying museums, restaurants, architecture and local traditions. Destinations including Barcelona, Granada, Malta and Dubai offer a combination of cultural experiences and modern attractions.

The value of a holiday is increasingly measured by the memories created during the journey

Why memorable experiences are shaping the future of travel

The value of a holiday is increasingly measured by the memories created during the journey. Travellers want experiences they can share, whether that means discovering a new destination, enjoying local cuisine or spending quality time with family and friends.

This has led to growing interest in different types of stays. Wellness breaks, gastronomy-focused holidays, luxury escapes and all-inclusive resorts are becoming popular choices for people looking for convenience and experiences that fit their personal preferences.

The future of travel is likely to continue moving towards more flexible and personalised holidays, where travellers can choose experiences that reflect what matters most to them.

Hotel

Zion / Unsplash

The importance of more responsible travel choices

Sustainability is also becoming an important consideration when choosing a destination. Travellers are increasingly aware of the impact tourism can have on the environment and local communities.

Many holidaymakers are now looking for companies that combine quality experiences with responsible practices. Barceló Hotel Group highlights this approach through its ReGen initiative, which focuses on supporting local communities, protecting the environment and encouraging a more sustainable model of tourism.

Responsible travel is becoming part of the decision-making process, with more people considering not only where they travel, but also how their choices contribute to the places they visit.

Responsible travel is becoming part of the decision-making process

Making holiday planning easier with digital tools

Technology has transformed the way travellers discover and organise their holidays. Online platforms allow people to explore destinations, compare options and find offers that suit their needs.

Loyalty programmes and personalised services are also becoming more important, helping travellers access additional benefits and create smoother booking experiences. Barceló’s my Barceló programme provides members with exclusive advantages and personalised offers when planning their stays.

From finding inspiration to completing a booking, digital tools are helping travellers take greater control of their holiday decisions.

Finding the destination that tells your story

Choosing a holiday destination is ultimately about finding a place that matches the experience you want to have. Whether it is a relaxing island break, a cultural city adventure or a journey focused on wellbeing, the best trips are those that create lasting memories.

As travellers continue to look for more personalised and meaningful holidays, destinations that offer variety, comfort and authentic experiences will remain at the centre of travel decisions in 2026 and beyond.