peak district | western australia | akureyri | ghent | oman

Best Bets 2026

At Travelzoo, we've been handpicking the must-visit destinations that deserve a top spot on your 2026 travel list. After plenty of spirited debate, our travel experts have narrowed it down to five remarkable places. These destinations deliver unforgettable experiences and outstanding value for our curious, adventure-loving members. From the wild beauty of the Peak District to sun-soaked adventures in Western Australia. Cosy escapes in Akureyri, storybook charm in Ghent, and desert serenity in Oman. Where will your passport take you in 2026? Keep reading to discover our top travel picks for the year ahead.

The Peak District may be a rural, unspoiled landscape, but its towns and villages provide some of the best reasons to visit the region. Bakewell offers more than just its famous tarts and puddings. Cosy pubs, a historic market, the Bakewell Old House Museum, and tranquil riverside walks make Bakewell the Peak District's unofficial capital. Visitors to Buxton, meanwhile, can see its handsome ornamental gardens and Georgian and Victorian buildings from when it was one of the UK's leading spa towns. Just outside the national park lies Matlock Bath. Often referred to as the gateway to the Peak District, the town has many attractions of its own. You can take the cable car to the Heights of Abraham, or head into the hillside itself to explore Great Masson Cavern.

Despite its name, the Peak District doesn't actually contain any mountains. But there's no shortage of stunning vistas. And the range of walking and cycling trails on offer means everyone can explore the rugged landscapes of the national park. There are traffic-free trails along former railway lines like the Monsal Trail and Manifold Way, ideal for exploring by bike or e-bike. Largely flat and accessible, these routes are a great family-friendly choice. Or, for something more challenging, you can take on Stanage Edge or Kinder Scout. Both sites are popular for hiking and rock climbing, and the views when you reach the top make the effort more than worthwhile.

Spectacular scenery

Chatsworth House is known as the Palace of the Peak for good reason. The estate comprises 1000 acres of parkland, 400 acres of forest, and 100 acres of Capability Brown-designed gardens. And that's before you even step inside, with 25 public rooms containing Old Masters and antiques galore. But it's far from the only historic treasure in the Peak. Medieval Haddon Hall is a familiar site on TV and the silver screen. Its carved oak panelling, ornate plasterwork, and huge fireplaces truly take you back to the Middle Ages. You can also visit the famous plague village of Eyam, discover show caves that attracted Victorian tourists, or learn about our industrial heritage at Cromford Mills, part of the Derwent Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Travelzoo's hand-picked destinations

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There are plenty of good things to eat and drink, with restaurants, small local spots, and a wide mix of wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Ingredients like black Perigord truffles and rock lobster often appear on menus, and they pair well with the region's many wines. Perth is ringed by eight wine regions that you can reach on a day trip or a short flight, where you'll find everything from Shiraz and Semillon to Sauvignon Blanc and Bordeaux-style varieties. In the city, you can choose between historic pubs and busy bars, each with its own character. Beyond Perth, breweries and distilleries open their doors for tours and tastings, offering an easy way to learn how Western Australia's beers, ciders, gins, and spirits are made.

Food and wine

Nature and wildlife

Western Australia is home to some of the planet's most diverse flora and fauna, with ancient gorges, vast forests, striking rock formations, tall cliffs, and bright, otherworldly coastlines. The state has 112 national parks, from Karijini's clear pools to Purnululu's layered domes and the Pinnacles' lunar-like desert spires. As the world's largest wildflower garden, it's home to more than 12,000 species, most of which grow nowhere else on earth. Beneath the surface lies a network of caves, where you can see glittering formations in Crystal Cave, fossils in Mammoth Cave, and local Aboriginal stories tied to Ngilgi Cave. Wildlife also features heavily here, whether it's whales along the coast, kangaroos relaxing on the sand at Lucky Bay, or marine life on Ningaloo Reef.

Perth and surrounds

Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is the country’s sunniest city (i.e. it gets more hours of daylight than any other city in Oz). Kings Park, one of the world's largest inner-city parks, sits at its heart. The Whadjuk Noongar people are the traditional custodians of this area, and their culture shapes the park’s stories. Here you can spot thousands of plant species and take in skyline views from the Federation Walkway. Perth also has 19 beaches, so finding a stretch of sand is never difficult. Nearby, the Swan Valley showcases more than 180 years of winemaking. Wander Fremantle's historic streets, explore its craft beer spots, and take a short ferry ride to Rottnest Island. Here, you can meet the famous quokkas and enjoy calm bays and easy walking trails along the coast.

Sitting just 40 kilometres from the Arctic Circle, Akureyri is perfectly perched as a base for exploration. Head out to hunt for the Northern Lights—one of the most popular activities in the area. These are best spotted in deep winter because of the longer, darker nights. Most tours will offer a complimentary second attempt if you don’t see the lights on your first go. You'll find plenty to do aside from chase the solar phenomenon, too. Try the Forest Lagoon, a geothermal spa a few minutes in the car from Akureyri. Or, head to Goðafoss Waterfall, nicknamed Waterfall of the Gods, which is around a 45-minute drive. There's so much to do, it'll be hard to sit still—just remember to pause to take in the views!

Gateway to the Arctic Circle

A cultural experience

This location is one that celebrates its old-world charm and Nordic history. There is much to do within the town itself, and close by, to experience the region's culture. The Akureyri Museum holds exhibitions dating all the way back to the area's settlement, and the impressive Akureyrarkirkja church, which looms above the town centre, makes for a great visit. Akureyri is also home to Lystigarðurinn, the most northerly botanical garden in the world. For a glimpse into Icelandic histories, a visit to the Laufás Turf Houses doesn’t go amiss. Built to match the landscape, these structures are considered a showcase of traditional Icelandic architecture. Look out, too, for the traffic light hearts throughout the town—originally created for an annual festival, these are now a beloved symbol of optimism.

Iceland's northern gem

Akureyri stands proudly in northern Iceland, providing a great alternative or addition to a trip centred around the southern capital, Reykjavík. However, the quaint architecture, trendy art galleries, and stunning landscapes in and around this pretty town could give any city a run for its money. Though fairly small in size, Akureyri is often thought of as the capital of northern Iceland. The town is known for snowy winters—it is blanketed white in the colder months. But Akureyri's charm isn't limited by season. Summer brings long daylight hours, crisp hiking conditions, and thriving plant life. It is also fantastic for spotting wildlife. Humpbacks, minke whales, and dolphins are regularly sighted in the dramatic fjord landscape, and puffins are prominent in the area—nearby Grímsey Island is the best place to find them.

Vegetarians will love a trip here, as Ghent is known as the veggie capital of Europe. Since 2009, the city has supported Donderdag Veggiedag, which is the active choice of eating vegetarian for at least one day a week. Every Thursday, all schools and office buildings, plus over 100 restaurants in Ghent serve a completely meat-free menu. The initiative has been incredibly successful, with over half of the population having tried it, and 30% of people now eating vegetarian at least three times a week. The city also has more vegetarian restaurants than even big metropolises like Paris and London. We recommend Le Botaniste, which is styled like an old pharmacy and boasts a 100% plant-based menu.

Calling all vegetarians

Michelin stars and markets

If you fancy a real treat, the city is home to an impressive six Michelin-starred restaurants. Publiek is a neighbourhood restaurant with laid-back vibes, and is still reasonably priced, despite its Michelin status. Vrijmoed, from award-winning chef Michaël Vrijmoed, has actually been awarded two stars for its creative dishes. Converted taxi rank Taxi's Fine Dining Garage is now a swanky eatery for seafood lovers that will wow you. Or, if you just want to cosy up by a canal with a burger, might we recommend t'Koningshuis, which is said to have the best burgers in Ghent. And if you simply can't decide, check out one of the city's markets—Hal 16 has three different food vendors and its own micro-brewery.

Gourmet Ghent

Belgium has always been known for delicious food—whether it's sumptuous boxes of chocolate, warm waffles, or frites slathered in mayonnaise. But if you want a real foodie experience, we suggest heading beyond Brussels and Bruges and venturing to Ghent. This fairytale city in the East Flanders province is interwoven with canals and pretty cobbled streets. It's also home to one of the world's most important pieces of art, the Ghent Altarpiece. Its compact size makes it a perfect choice for a weekend escape, as you can pack in a lot in just a couple of days. But above all, it's been establishing itself as a real foodie destination in recent years. The city is attracting more and more innovative gastronomic talent from young, award-winning chefs serving drool-worthy dishes. There's lots of hip and cosy wine bars too.

Best for a UK break: Peak District

Best for a big ticket: Western Australia

Best for a city break: Akureyri

Best for a gourmet break: Ghent

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Your 2026 must-visit list

The Peak District

Western Australia

Akureyi

Ghent

Oman

Grímsey Island

Humpback whale

Bakewell village

The Heights of Abraham

Haddon Hall near Bakewell

Buxton Crescent

Michelin dining

Ghent is a paradise for veggie lovers

Ghent

©Visit Gent/Photo by Bas Bogaerts

Best for a cultural break: Oman

World-class infrastructure, including an impeccable road network and full mobile connectivity, make it easy to explore further. Drive inland to visit Nizwa Fort, an imposing Medieval structure above a fertile valley. The town's livestock market happens on Fridays, and trading takes place in a manner much unchanged over the centuries. On the outskirts, you'll find the Oman Across Ages Museum—the exhibition in this strikingly modern building covers 2,000 years of Omani history. Nestled between the desert and the sea, Wadi Bani Khalid welcomes visitors with teal-blue natural spring pools under date palm and mango trees. Further north, Sur is a thriving yet tranquil coastal town famed for its shipyards building traditional dhow boats.

Eclectic landscapes

Nizwa Fort

Cultural capital

Muscat, the laid-back capital, is bathed in a golden glow as dusk settles over its minarets and whitewashed houses at the foot of the Hajar mountains. This is the time when locals head out for an unhurried stroll along the sea. Wander through the historic market of Muttrah Souq—the narrow streets are full of spices, frankincense, silver jewellery, textiles, and handmade goods. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is one of Muscat's must-see landmarks. Its marble floors, chandeliers and the immense Persian carpet make it a jaw-dropping example of Islamic and Middle Eastern architecture. Admire the beautifully preserved latticed buildings on the Mutrah Corniche, a waterfront promenade. Or, see ballet or choral concerts at the Royal Opera House.

Muscat

Authentic Arabia

The Sultanate of Oman, the oldest independent state in the Arab world, successfully strikes a balance between affable traditions and thoughtful modernity. With a pristine coastline, rugged mountains, and sweeping deserts, it is a great choice for travellers looking to discover a land of ancient culture in contemporary comfort. Strategically set between South Asia and Africa, the country's trade routes were intrinsic to its rise as a maritime power. Camel caravans carried spices through untamed sand dunes and wadis—hidden gorges with natural pools—while skilful seafarers shipped much-coveted frankincense across the Indian Ocean. Although connected to the sea, the kingdom's secluded location, together with ongoing community efforts to pass down traditions to new generations, helped to preserve its heritage.

Oman

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Swan Valley Dining

Elizabeth Quay Bridge, Perth

The Monsal Trail

Rub' al Khali

Oman's pristine coastline

Chatsworth House

Akureyri turf house

Northern lights, Akureyri

Akureyri

Western Australia is famous for its wine

Market towns and peaceful villages

West Australia