lloyds

Written by Time Out in paid partnership with

Add these to your 2026 travel bucket list

Scroll for more

Forget the usual tourist traps

This year, it’s all about travelling to those unexpected destinations. You know, the ones you might never have ever considered before. When it comes to travel in 2026, we’re all about finding the hidden spots that help to spark curiosity (whale-watching in Newfoundland and Labrador, anyone?). There’s no need to worry about the unknowns, either. You can now quench your thirst for the unexpected, safe in the knowledge that with Lloyds, your unexpected travel partner, the holiday you’ve dreamt about at your desk for months can be planned, saved for, protected, enjoyed and remembered without a hitch – with no surprises other than the destination.

destinations

9 unexpected

Written by Time Out in paid partnership with Lloyds Bank.

So, where to go?

Destination Exploration

Here, we’ve rounded-up 9 of the most unexpected destinations to inspire your wanderlust, from São Tomé and Príncipe to the Baltic Coast and The Azores. Be sure to click through to the full Time Out travel guide for each location, should it tickle your fancy.

Isles of Scilly

Discover more

Isles of Scilly UK

You might need a train, plane, automobile and boat to get to the Isles of Scilly off the southwestern tip of England but adventurers are rewarded with a tropical island paradise that’s a lot closer than the similar white-sand beaches of the Mediterranean or Caribbean. Tapping into the hot trends for sustainable travel and ‘hushpitality’ – slowing down and avoiding crowds (read: bliss) – these secretive islands combine unspoiled nature and turquoise waters with gourmet restaurants and boutique hotels. Here, it’s all about switching off from social media rather than capturing Instagram content and unwinding in peaceful surroundings over booking action-packed activities. We, for one, couldn’t think of anything better.

Explore the destination

Discover more

Poland

Baltic Coast

Baltic Coast Poland

Think the Med is a bit ‘meh’? Then bring on the quirky seaside towns, beautiful sandy beaches and local gourmet delicacies of the Baltic Coast, we say. Though the full coast stretches from Germany in the west to Russia in the east, this Polish burst is having a bit of a ‘moment’ on TikTok with adventurous travellers but still offers plenty of bang for your buck. Better still, while remaining relatively uncrowded, there’s enough buzz to have sparked the opening of stylish boutique hotels and lovely new restaurants. And that’s not even mentioning the UNESCO World Heritage village…

Explore the destination

Discover more

North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire UK

Let’s face it: many of us have lived in the UK all of our lives but still haven’t really explored what it has to offer. Now, its cinematic landscapes – captured in this year’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights and others movies such as God’s Own Country – have put it firmly in the spotlight, as has its ever-increasing number of Michelin-starred restaurants (many local, seasonal, British – all of the good stuff). Indeed, this unassuming and windswept northern county is perfect for those looking for a quieter and less obvious alternative to the Lake District. Go, before everyone else does.

Discover more

Japan

Naoshima

Discover more

Canada

Newfoundland and Labrador

Naoshima Japan

Sure, Japan has been soaring in popularity with travellers from the UK in recent years, but not so much to Naoshima, otherwise known as ‘Art Island’. Why? Because of its brilliant modern galleries, exhibitions and architecture, of course. There’s plenty to see, discover and surprise even the most seasoned of culture vultures, with a contemporary art scene that is juxtaposed against traditional fishing villages and scenic coastal views. For travellers, that means truly the best of both worlds.

Newfoundland and Labrador Canada

Wild, untamed and unexpected? That’s Newfoundland and Labrador, the easternmost province of Canada currently getting a lot of buzz with the coolest travel influencers on their social media channels. Here, it’s all about getting firmly off the beaten track and finding your inner zen amongst the beauty of nature – fishing, whale-watching, exploring, whatever. Heading to the World Cup in the US and Canada this year? It’s the perfect post-game pit-spot to recharge and reset before returning to real life back in good old Blighty. Plus, with an increasing number of flight options from the UK to the capital of St. John’s, it’s getting easier to reach.

Discover more

Scotland

Oban

Discover more

Africa

São Tomé and Príncipe

Oban Scotland

Bring on bonnie Scotland – but not as you know it. Oban, billed as the ‘launchpad to the Isles’ with its proximity to the Hebrideans, is the less-crowded alternative to the throngs of tourists in Edinburgh and the Highlands. Instead, this under-the-radar part of the world – which can be reached without so much as stepping foot inside an airport – is all about rugged landscapes, sweeping coastlines and fresh seafood. Here, you’ll be sea-kayaking one minute and whisky-sipping the next, seamlessly bridging the gap between nature and culture. Really, what’s not to love?

São Tomé and Príncipe Africa

A hidden alternative to the Seychelles – which is just a shell’s throw away, no less – São Tomé and Príncipe is the glamorous island off the Gulf of Guinea you didn’t know you needed until now. Sustainable luxury is the vibe here. From boujee resorts that respect nature to the untouched beaches that surround them and lush rainforms teeming with wildlife, it’s the perfect spot for indulging your inner eco-traveller, but without compromising on the creature comforts you know and love.

Discover more

Sweden

Skåne

Discover more

Portugal

The Azores

The Azores Portugal

Dreaming of hot springs, volcanic landscapes and untamed wildlife? You need to head to The Azores, one of Europe’s most dramatic but largely undiscovered travel destinations. Where is it, we hear you ask? About 1,500km west of mainland Portugal – yes, really – this group of nine volcanic islands has been getting travel insiders hot under the collar, and for good reason. From thrill-seekers to families and nature-lovers, there’s something for everyone, whether diving, exploring or hiking. The stays are increasingly swish, too: think boutique hotels, eco resorts and rural quintas. But the best bit? New and improved direct flights from the UK are making this jewel in the crown of the North Atlantic Ocean quicker and easier to reach than ever.

Skåne Sweden

We’ll make this one easy for you. Pronounced ‘Show-neh’, Skåne proves there’s so much more to Sweden than just Stockholm (as gorgeous as it is). This southernmost region spans cities like Malmö and Ystad and is rather fittingly known as ‘the bread basket of Sweden’ thanks to the culinary greatness it serves up. Here, it’s all about farm-to-table cooking with a smorgasbord of rolling countryside to source from, as well as traditional seafood from the rugged coastline. It’s not just about foodies, either: it’s steeped in Viking history for the kids and is great for outdoorsy types with cycling and hiking to tire even the most active of travellers.

Time Out Tips

Save for your dream trip

Discover more

Bag the best deal on flights and hotels

Discover more

Headline goes here

Lloyds is serious about spending when you’re abroad… so you don’t have to be! Club Lloyds, Silver, Platinum or Premier current account holders can make the most of their cash when they’re on holiday thanks to no fees for using your debit card abroad to pay or withdraw cash – plus preferential rates on travel money.

Discover more

Maximise your holiday money

Plan, book and spend with Lloyds, your unexpected travel partner

Discover more

Organising your next big holiday can feel like you’re doing mental gymnastics. From saving up for the trip to searching for flights and hotels, it can be overwhelming. Look to Lloyds to help you start preparing for that trip of dreams.

Simply log-in to the Lloyds app and search for the ‘Travel Hub’, where you can set savings goals, order travel money, book flights and hotels, get travel support and check if your account comes with fee free debit card spending abroad. Meaning you can do everything in one space, with no surprises apart from that unexpected destination. And relax!

Think back to the nightmares of travel planning past: badly timed flights; endless hotels and rentals with contradictory reviews and dodgy photos; and wildly varying prices for both. It’s hardly surprising you want to slam your laptop shut and hit the sofa. But help is at hand with Lloyds Travel Booking, which offers the seamless booking of hotels and flights.

The Price Prediction tool is built into Lloyds Travel Booking within their app. It suggests when to book or when to wait. Then, if you book your flights through the Lloyds app and the tool says you’ve got a great price, it will continue to track your flight booking after you’ve locked it in. Should the price drop below what you paid, you’ll automatically receive up to £50 in travel credits towards the difference.

You can order travel money in the Lloyds app with next working day delivery. You’ll even get free delivery on orders over £500.

All opinions expressed in this article are that of the Time Out team.

Lloyds Travel Booking, powered by Hopper. Fee-free debit card spending and cash withdrawals abroad are valid for Club Lloyds, Silver, Platinum and Premier accounts. Monthly account fees may apply. For Premier account, eligibility criteria also applies. UK residents, 18+. When you’re abroad, choose to pay in the local currency, that way you avoid the overseas provider’s currency conversion fees, and remember some ATM providers may charge a fee. Best Price Guarantee is offered in connection with flight and hotel bookings made through Lloyds Travel Booking. If you find the same itinerary on another competing site at a lower price and claim within 24 hours of booking, you’ll get the difference back in Travel Credits, ready for your next trip. The price must be available to the general public. For example, this means that the rate doesn’t need you to log into a site or have a special membership or an available discount personal to you. The Price Prediction tool is built into Lloyds Travel Booking within their app. It suggests when to book or when to wait. Then, if you book your flights through the Lloyds app and the tool says you’ve got a great price, it will continue to track your flight booking after you’ve locked it in. Should the price drop below what you paid, you’ll automatically receive up to £50 in travel credits towards the difference. Order travel money in the Lloyds app by 3pm for next-working-day delivery. Free delivery on orders over £500. You need Internet Banking or Mobile Banking app access and a Lloyds current or savings account. Request a Payment limits apply. Ask for up to £150 each time and get up to £500 a day.

Oban, Scotland

Placeholder

The Azores, Portugal

Placeholder

Explore the destination

Discover more

Sweden

Skåne

Discover more

Oman

Musandam Peninsula

Placeholder

Musandam Peninsula Oman

Has the ‘Norway of Arabia’ crossed your radar before? From its crystal-clear fjords to its remote desert landscapes, the Musandam Peninsula in Oman has deservedly earned the Scandi moniker, but most of us have never even heard of it. Travel’s best-kept secret is all about environmental sustainability with minimal-intervention activities to keep you busy: think exploring dramatic terrain, cruising on a dhow (a traditional wooden sailing boat), snorkelling with dolphins and soaking up spectacular vistas. In short: the ‘quiet adventure’ equivalent of ‘quiet luxury’.

Explore the destination