The UK’s most popular bucket list destinations in 2026

But, with so much travel inspiration available online – from forums and social media to search engines – it’s becoming harder to know which destinations have long-term popularity amongst UK travellers and which are just short-lived trends.

To help British travellers find the best holidays and tours in 2026, Titan Travel analysed UK Reddit discussions alongside Google search behaviour to uncover the destinations and experiences appearing most often on travel wish-lists, as well as those attracting the strongest planning activity. The findings reveal what truly inspires UK travellers today, from long-admired cultural capitals to emerging, experience-rich destinations gaining momentum.

Key Findings

• Japan is the country on most British travellers' bucket lists, with a perfect overall score of 10/10.

• Thailand was the most searched for destination, suggesting a growing number of UK holidaymakers are actively planning a trip.

• Asian cities dominate the top of the bucket lists, with Tokyo, Bangkok, and Kyoto accounting for over a third of all mentions, and the two Japanese cities have the highest overall scores.

• Walking and cultural exploration, and water activities are among the most common experiences that most British globetrotters want to have abroad, with a total of 21 Reddit mentions each.

• Almost six in ten holidaymakers (58%) now favour experience-packed trips over more traditional holidays.

The most desired travel destinations for UK travellers

From epic adventures to bucket-list journeys, travellers across the UK are sharing the places they’re desperate to experience. To discover where British holidaymakers are dreaming of travelling to, we analysed Reddit conversations about holiday inspiration and once-in-a-lifetime travel to identify the countries and cities that are most mentioned. The data shows that Japan and its capital city, Tokyo, are the most sought-after destinations to travel to, as they both had the most mentions.

The countries UK explorers most want to visit, according to Reddit

1. Japan, 10/10 bucket list score

The land of the rising sun, Japan, is the most-mentioned bucket list destination, with many travellers describing it as a place they’ve “meant to visit for years, backed up by 192 upvotes from community members agreeing.” Posts highlight Japan’s combination of historic culture, modern cities and distinctive everyday experiences, from exploring temples and shrines in Kyoto to visiting neighbourhoods, markets and museums across Tokyo and Osaka.

Several travellers mention Japan’s food, design and craftsmanship as key draws, along with interest in rural or scenic areas beyond the major cities. Places such as Kawaguchiko, Kanazawa, and Takayama appear in itineraries shared by users planning a mix of cultural sites and natural attractions.

Affordability also comes up often. Contrary to expectations, many posters note that Japan can offer excellent value, particularly with the current exchange rate, making it feel more accessible than travellers assume.

Itineraries are a recurring theme in the conversations analysed. Travellers frequently discuss how to best balance time between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, the importance of slower-paced exploration, and the appeal of UNESCO-listed cultural sites. This blend of cultural depth, scenic landscapes, and perceived value helps explain why touring Japan consistently appears on British bucket list discussions.

2. Spain, 9.25/10 bucket list score

Spain has the second-highest number of mentions on Reddit, supported by 130 upvotes from travellers who say there’s still so much of the country they’ve yet to explore. Several posts highlight Spain’s vast regional diversity, from the distinct cultures of Catalonia and Andalusia to the quieter towns along the Costa Blanca and the landscapes of northern regions such as Asturias, Galicia, and Cantabria.

Many users reference trips they’d like to repeat with more time, or regions they hope to visit after only experiencing the typical beach resorts. Mentions of Málaga, Granada, Javea, Nerja and other coastal towns reflect a desire for relaxed, scenic breaks, while others highlight Spain’s affordability and reliable weather as reasons to prioritise it for future holidays.

There are also several mentions of Spain’s islands (particularly the Balearics and the Canaries) and its suitability for road trips, with travellers sharing itineraries that link major cities and smaller inland regions. This combination of familiarity and untapped variety helps explain why Spain remains a popular bucket list entry; for many, it’s a country they know well but still feel they’ve only scratched the surface.

3. France and Italy, 8.75/10 bucket list score

France is the third most mentioned country on Reddit, with 79 upvotes from travellers agreeing it’s a destination best explored through specific, experience-led trips rather than general sightseeing. Many posts reference skiing in the Alps, exploring the Côte d’Azur, or meandering through historic towns in the south – experiences that feel more “bucket list” than a standard weekend break in Paris. Several travellers also highlight France’s cultural appeal, from world-class art and architecture to regional food and wine. Even those who have visited previously often express a desire to return for a more focused experience, whether that’s a winter sports trip, a scenic rail journey, or exploring Provence and Occitanie at a slower pace.

Italy has the joint third-highest Reddit score; despite having fewer mentions than France, it’s backed by 163 upvotes from users dreaming of their next Italian escape. Many posts show that users are dreaming of enjoying Italy’s countryside, whether exploring the Great Lakes in the north or the sun-kissed Amalfi Coast in the south. Italian food and culture are often mentioned as being appealing, with authentic Neapolitan pizza and Italian wine tasting being high on people’s bucket lists.

The cities UK travellers most want to visit, according to Reddit

1. Tokyo, 10/10 bucket list score

Just like the country that it is the capital city of, Tokyo tops the rankings for dream destinations for British travellers, supported by 62 upvotes from users championing the city. It had 19 mentions on Reddit, almost double that of the second-ranking city.

Tokyo is the world’s largest city, and as a result, there are plenty of things to do for tourists. There are famous landmarks, such as the Imperial Palace and the Shibuya Crossing, as well as cultural experiences, including visiting the Outdoor Markets or the Senso-ji Temple.

2. Kyoto, 8.67/10 bucket list score

Kyoto is one of the oldest and most culturally significant cities in Japan, and arguably the wider world. In fact, it is regarded as the cultural capital of Japan, and it is where tourists go to experience authentic Japanese culture. It earned 36 upvotes from Reddit users, reflecting how strongly travellers value its traditional appeal.

Things to do in Kyoto include visiting its numerous temples, castles, and shrines, as well as sampling the local cuisine at the city's vibrant food markets. For those more adventurous travellers, you only have to travel to the edge of the city to get into the mountains that surround it.

3. Bruges and Havana, 7/10 bucket list score

Bruges is a cultural hub in northern Belgium, known for its stunning architecture intertwined with canals and cobblestone streets. It is a picturesque location for a city getaway. On top of this, Brugge is famous for its local delicacies, mainly Belgian chocolate and Belgian beer, many of which are on British travellers' bucket lists to taste! Bruges received 16 upvotes from Reddit users, showing steady support from the community.

In the not-too-distant past, travelling to Cuba and visiting the vibrant city of Havana was very unlikely for British holidaymakers and global tourists alike; however, over the last few years, tourism has been steadily increasing. Havana, backed by 15 upvotes and a 7/10 bucket list score, stands out for its colourful streets, vintage charm and unique cultural energy that continues to draw travellers in. This gem of a city in the Caribbean is renowned for its vibrant culture, music scene, and fine cigars, which tourists can witness being manufactured at the Partages Cigar Factory.

The most desired experiences for travellers

People go on holiday and travel the world for numerous reasons, and often they want to incorporate many different experiences along the way. However, some travel experiences are more desired than others among Reddit users.

Walking and cultural exploration holidays have 21 Reddit mentions, appearing in over 28% of traveller discussions and reflecting a growing desire for slow, meaningful ways to experience a destination. These activities allow visitors to take in local history, architecture and everyday life at a natural pace – something many travellers feel they miss with fast-moving itineraries.

Equally important to travellers are water activities, which had the same number of mentions. Water activities can play into the adventurous side of a holiday, with kayaking, sailing, surfing and swimming in the sea all good ways to have fun at the beach, as well as inland on lakes and rivers. Other, more relaxed water activities include taking in views from thermal springs or infinity pools.

Hiking and outdoor activities ranked third with 27% of all Reddit discussions. Hiking for spectacular views is often something on British travellers' bucket lists. Whether they are trying to summit a mountain, follow in the footsteps of many on a famous trail or take in the outdoors in an alien environment such as the jungle, there are many possibilities when hiking in a bucket list destination.

The destinations people are actively planning trips to

While Reddit conversations reveal the places Britons dream about visiting, Google Search behaviour shows where people are taking the next step and actively planning a trip. By analysing search volumes for key travel-intent queries, such as holidays, tours, itineraries, and things to do, we can identify the destinations attracting the strongest booking interest.

This data highlights a different picture from the bucket list rankings above. Thailand leads by a significant margin, followed by a mix of European favourites and long-haul escapes, revealing the countries and cities travellers are most seriously researching for their next holiday.

The countries that UK travellers are searching for most

Note: A full list of search queries analysed is available in the methodology.

1. Thailand, 822,230 Google travel searches

Thailand has been a popular destination for British globetrotters for many years now, and it looks set to continue into 2026, as it was by far the most searched for destination. People are drawn to Thailand for its stunning beaches, warm climate, and affordable prices for experiences they can't find at home.

2. Croatia, 573,040 Google travel searches

During the 21st century, Croatia has seen a massive increase in Tourists, especially from the UK, so now this once hidden gem is one of the most visited places by UK travellers. Sitting on the Adriatic coast, Croatia is home to sun-kissed ancient cities such as Dubrovnik and Split, as well as offering beautiful beaches for travellers to relax.

3. Turkey, 545,460 Google travel searches

The crossroads between Europe and Asia, Turkey has long been a destination for travellers from around the world, and it always has a strong influx of British tourists. In 2024, 4.1 million UK travellers visited Turkey, a 20% increase from pre-pandemic years. Whether people are looking for a bit of winter sun, want to discover the cultural diversity of Istanbul, or plan an enchanting trip to Cappadocia, Turkey is a vast country with something to offer for everyone.

The cities that British travellers are searching for most

Note: A full list of search queries analysed is available in the methodology.

1. Amsterdam, 1,057,690 Google travel searches

With double the amount of searches as the second most popular city destination, Amsterdam is by far the most popular city with British tourists. Due to its location and reputation, the Dutch capital has long been a favourite destination for UK holidaymakers. Following a short flight or ferry ride, tourists can enjoy the city's delights, from its charming canals and interesting museums to its renowned nightlife.

2. Rome, 528,770 Google travel searches

The Eternal City, home to the Pope, the ghosts of the Roman Empire, and some of the world's greatest cultural landmarks, Rome is like an open museum. It is hard not to be impressed by Roman architecture, and many people desire to visit Rome to see jaw-dropping spectacles such as the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Pantheon.

3. Barcelona, 402,900 Google travel searches

With a combination of appealing factors, it is perhaps unsurprising that Barcelona received so many travel-related Google searches from British tourists. Located in Spain’s northern Catalan region, Barcelona is simultaneously a coastal destination, a historic cultural city, and a vibrant modern city full of shops, restaurants, and bars, which allows it to cater to the young, the old, and all in between.

What destinations are trending for UK travellers in 2026?

Cassie Stickland, Product Manager at Titan Travel, comments:

“In 2026, many British travellers are looking to discover far-flung reaches of the world, to tick off sites and places on their travel bucket list. Reddit user posts and Google searches indicate that countries in East Asia, such as Japan and Thailand, are among the most popular.

The research also indicates that cultural exploration is an activity most travellers want to experience, which is particularly applicable to the countries above due to the significant historical, religious, and social sites surrounding them. Japan has many sites and views that are on many people’s bucket lists, such as the breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji, modern infrastructure, and museums, as well as events like the Gion Matsuri festival that allow tourists to delve into the history and culture. Similarly, in Thailand, there are many cultural events that British travellers will love, such as visiting a celebration like the Thai New Year and learning about traditional Thai fishing on islands off the coast.

For city breaks, British travellers are looking closer to home. Given that some of Europe’s great cities, such as Barcelona, Rome, and Amsterdam, are teeming with atmosphere and culture, they are full of heritage sites, including Notre Dame, the Anne Frank Museum, and the Colosseum.”

Methodology

Titan Travel is an award-winning UK tour operator known for making adventure effortless. Its team of travel experts go above and beyond to provide exceptional escorted tours and ensure that every trip feels effortless. To help people plan their dream holiday, Titan Travel wanted to investigate the true sentiments of British travellers and reveal whether traditional 'bucket list' destinations really are as popular as we're led to believe. To carry out this research, we used the following methodology and sources:

1. Reddit analysis

• We began by identifying a set of UK-focused Reddit threads where users were discussing bucket lists and dream trips. Only subreddits with a predominantly UK audience were included, such as r/AskUK and r/CasualUK.

• We then extracted the full text of all comments across these threads (totalling around 900).

• Any specific countries and cities mentioned in the comments were then identified and counted, with destinations only being counted once per comment. Mentions referring to the same place by a different name (e.g. “Vegas” → “Las Vegas”) were standardised.

• In addition to destinations, we also analysed the comments for mentions of travel experiences using "-ing" activity words (e.g., hiking, swimming, driving) and grouped these into categories, again counting each occurrence only once per comment.

2. Search data analysis

• For each of the destinations identified in the Reddit analysis, we also used Google Keyword Planner to source the number of UK searches between November 2024 and October 2025 for the following terms:

“[Destination] holidays”

“[Destination] tour”

“Travel to [destination]”

“Visiting [destination]”

“Things to do in [destination]”

“[Destination] itinerary”

• Search volumes across all keywords were summed to give the total number of UK searches for each destination.

• We also created a list of 'traditional' and 'experience-led' bucket list trips and collected the number of searches for each. We then took the average of the top ten options for both categories and compared them.