Planning a holiday is like walking a tightrope. Everything is a careful balance: budget, itinerary, and novelty versus relaxation. Amongst all these considerations, though, there are two big questions. One, how do you define fun, and two, will this holiday fit the bill?
Everyone wants their trips to be a success. Struggling for inspiration? Here are four incredible holiday categories – think endless sunshine, gasp-worthy scenery, buzzy capitals, and hair-raising thrills. Let’s be honest: girls just want to have fun.
Sun Soaked Escapes for Pure Relaxation
One of the biggest travel trends for 2026 is going off-grid. You don’t need to throw your phone away and lock yourself in a cabin (although certain providers are offering that experience). However, it could be the perfect excuse for a sun-soaked escape – leaving phones in the hotel room as you sunbathe on the sand.
There is something special about a dose of vitamin D. Pair that with blue mind theory, and this holiday category is a winner for relaxed fun. Tenerife, Cyprus, the Albanian Riviera, and the Algarve are all top picks.
Adventure Destinations for Thrill Seekers
For some people, there is nothing worse than sitting still. If you fall into that category, then we need to organise a thrill or two. Adventure can be found in the most surprising of places, like the vertigo-inducing Caminito del Rey, just outside of cheery Malaga.
For adventurous hiking, there are destinations like Madeira (Google “the Stairway to Heaven”), while for thrill-seeking experiences, New Zealand is known for its bungee jumps. Heat not your thing? Swap beaches for slopes. Some of Europe’s top resorts have surprisingly long seasons for ski holidays, or you could book ahead for winter 2026.
City Breaks Full of Culture and Nightlife
If you love to be “in the thick of it,” a city break should be your first thought. Museums, buzzy nightlife, exciting restaurants, and constant stimulation; it’s an invitation to let loose. Of course, that doesn’t really narrow down your options. Let’s simplify things, though. There are two cards to play: Europe or not Europe.
Long-haul destinations, like New York or Tokyo, are the perfect choice for bucket-list ticking – think hardcore tourism and an opportunity to earn or redeem air miles. Alternatively, European cities like Barcelona and Berlin offer low-cost transportation and the opportunity to “Eurorail,” combining a few experiences in one trip.
Nature Rich Retreats for Peace and Play
Sometimes, city life is exactly what we’re escaping. If you prefer national parks over commemorative squares, surrounded by skyscrapers, then nature-rich getaways are calling your name. Top choices include the Scottish Highlands (who hasn’t dreamed of road-tripping the North Coast 500) and Norway, with its stunning fjords.
If self-drive holidays aren’t your thing, consider thru-hikes, rail routes, or even cruises. There are surprisingly budget-friendly boats through the Ecuadorian Amazon, off-season deals on Alaskan cruises, and scenic railways in the most remote locations. Get creative.
Fun looks different for everyone. But with these four categories, you’ll have plenty of food for thought.