The end-of-year holiday is still months away, but if you are already thinking about where to spend Christmas and New Year, you are in good company. Travellers are looking beyond the usual beach escape, with city breaks, safari adventures, island holidays and long-haul journeys all competing for a place on the 2026 holiday calendar.
And there is a good reason to start planning now. The most popular destinations can fill up quickly during the festive season, particularly around Christmas and New Year. Booking early gives you more choice when it comes to flights, hotels, room categories and the experiences you want to include.

So, where should you put on your list?

Africa

Tanzania: Safari, beaches and the best of both worlds

Tanzania remains one of Africa's most versatile destinations, giving travellers the option of combining wildlife, culture and the coast in one trip.
A festive-season safari can take you into the Serengeti, Ngorongoro or Lake Manyara, where the landscapes are as much a part of the experience as the wildlife. For a slower finish, add Zanzibar for a few days of beaches, Swahili culture and time by the Indian Ocean.

(View our Christmas-focused packages, including a fly-in Serengeti and Manyara safari)

Kenya: Safari with a little more city

Kenya makes an easy choice for travellers looking for a holiday that combines a vibrant city with a classic safari. Start in Nairobi before heading towards Naivasha and the Maasai Mara, or build a longer itinerary around Kenya's wildlife and landscapes.
The Maasai Mara remains one of the continent's most recognisable safari destinations, while Nairobi adds restaurants, shopping, culture and a lively urban contrast to the wilderness.

(View our current leisure offering that includes Nairobi, Naivasha and Maasai Mara itineraries)

Mauritius: For the classic island escape

If your idea of a holiday is less about ticking off landmarks and more about waking up beside the ocean, Mauritius deserves a place on the list.
Think long beach days, warm waters, water sports, good food and enough excursions to keep things interesting when you want to leave the resort. It is particularly appealing for couples and families looking for a more relaxed festive-season break.

(Mauritius among our African leisure destinations, with beach, relaxation, family and romantic holiday options. View package here.)

Europe

Greece: Mediterranean charm beyond summer

Greece may be synonymous with summer holidays, but it does not have to disappear from your travel plans once the beaches quieten down.
Athens offers ancient history, food and city life, while an itinerary combining the capital with one or more islands can turn a simple European trip into a longer escape.
For travellers who want Mediterranean culture without making the entire holiday about lying on a beach, Greece offers plenty to explore.

(View our package here)

Southeast Asia

Bangkok and Thailand: For travellers who want a bit of everything

Thailand remains one of Southeast Asia's great all-rounders. Bangkok brings together street food, shopping, temples, nightlife and a fast-moving city experience, while destinations such as Phuket, Krabi and Chiang Mai offer a very different pace.
That variety is precisely what makes Thailand such a strong holiday option. You can spend a few days exploring Bangkok before heading south for beaches, or build a longer itinerary around food, culture and island-hopping.

(View our Thailand package here)

Bali, Indonesia: The tropical favourite that keeps evolving

Bali has long been a favourite for travellers looking for a combination of beaches, nature, culture and wellness. But there is more to the island than a resort stays.
Explore Ubud's rice terraces and cultural scene, discover waterfalls and temples, spend time along the coast or simply slow down for a few days. For a longer Indonesian adventure, Bali can also be combined with other islands and destinations.

(View our package here)

Vietnam: For food, culture and something different

If you want your holiday to feel like an adventure rather than simply an escape, Vietnam is worth considering.
From the energy of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to the landscapes of Ha Long Bay and the beaches of central Vietnam, the country offers a remarkable mix of food, history, culture and scenery.
It is also an excellent choice for travellers who want Southeast Asia without following the most familiar route.

(View our Vietnam package here) 

The destination matters, but so does the kind of holiday

There is no single “best” destination for the 2026 holiday season. The right choice depends on what you want to come home with.

Want wildlife and adventure? Tanzania or Kenya.
Need a beach and a complete change of pace? Mauritius or Zanzibar.
Dreaming of Christmas markets, history and long lunches? Europe.
Want sunshine, food and a little adventure? Thailand, Bali or Vietnam.

And if you cannot decide, that is where a tailor-made itinerary can make all the difference. A holiday does not have to fit neatly into one destination or one travel style. You could start with a safari and finish on the beach, combine a city break with a longer leisure stay, or build an itinerary around the experiences that matter most to you.

Ready to choose your destination? Explore Rickshaw Travels' holiday packages and start planning your 2026 escape.

Explore Rickshaw Travels' holiday destinations and packages