8 Under-The-Radar Destinations To Visit In 2026 Before They Blow Up
LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA
“Ljubljana is one of those destinations that surprises people in the best possible way, and that’s exactly why it’s going to gain popularity over the next couple of years. It’s just a short flight from the UK, with direct routes from London Gatwick, and summer fares often as low as £60, making it incredibly accessible for a quick European escape.
“What really sets Ljubljana apart is how easy it is to experience a lot in a short amount of time. The city is compact, walkable and refreshingly uncrowded, yet it delivers on culture, food and nightlife. You can spend your days exploring the Old Town and riverside cafés, then enjoy a buzzing nightlife scene in the evenings, all without the prices or crowds of stag and hen dos you’d expect elsewhere in European cities like Prague or Kraków.
“It’s also a brilliant base for nature lovers. Within 45 minutes, you can be at Lake Bled or swimming through the Vintgar Gorge, which feels worlds away from the city but fits perfectly into a two- or three-night trip. For travellers who want iconic scenery, great food, vibrant nightlife and real value for money without battling mass tourism, Ljubljana ticks all the boxes.” – Lee Thompson, CMO & co-founder of Flash Pack
SALALAH, OMAN
“Oman is one of the Middle East’s most quietly compelling destinations. It’s peaceful, welcoming and refreshingly authentic, and blends a rich cultural heritage with dramatic natural landscapes, all while remaining remarkably under the radar. We’re seeing growing interest in southern Oman, especially Salalah, as travellers look to explore destinations that feel undiscovered while offering plenty of opportunity for adventure. The city sits at the heart of Dhofar, a region which offers an intriguing mix of history, culture and breathtaking landscapes.
“Salalah is an ideal starting point for an adventure across Southern Oman, with great connections from Doha and Muscat. In the west of the city, you’ll enjoy beautiful beaches, such as Fazayah Beach, surrounded by a mountainous backdrop. East Salalah is the place to be for a day of sightseeing, including a visit to Taqah village and its castle, and the famous site of Wadi Darbat, a beautiful natural valley known for its waterfalls and lush greenery.
“There are various exciting projects taking place that will support Salalah’s growth in tourism over the next couple of years. The Integrated Tourism Complex, taking place in the Junufarea will feature a five-star hotel, marina and a selection of restaurants, café and bars. Construction has also begun for the Janaen Salalah project, an agritourism hub that will integrate local farming with tourist and recreational facilities.” – Clare Tobin, CEO of Wild Frontiers
/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F01%2Fljubljana-neven-krcmarek-6gvdwi7qzao-unsplash-and-tuan-p_0.jpg?itok=I-mxGK99)
BELIZE, CENTRAL AMERICA
“Belize in Central America is set to be a superior alternative to high-end Caribbean islands and established eco-tourism hubs such as Costa Rica. This surge is supported by improved accessibility, notably the new Air Canada route via Montréal, which now offers a seamless same-day connection from the UK to Belize City, reducing travel time and eliminating overnight layovers. As the only English-speaking country in Central America, ease of travel is coupled with a familiar, straightforward experience for many international visitors. Belize blends the best of both worlds: a vibrant Caribbean coastline home to the world's second-largest barrier reef, alongside wild rainforests and ancient Maya temples.” – Tim Hentsche, CEO & co-founder of Hotel Planner
CON DAO ISLANDS, VIETNAM
“This former prison island has undergone an incredible transformation into a luxury paradise, delivering Maldives‑like beauty while still feeling off the beaten track. Con Dao offers those coveted overwater villas, pristine coral reefs, tropical isolation and rich culture. The islands are also a sanctuary for rare sea turtles, offering visitors the chance to witness these magnificent creatures nesting on moonlit beaches. Offshore, snorkellers find high coral density around Bay Canh and Tai islands, with regular sightings of clams and reef fish. For a high‑end trip, stay at Six Senses Con Dao, home to luxury villas on a protected beach with hands‑on turtle programmes, dine at the numerous local seafood spots in town, spend your days snorkelling at spots like Bay Canh and Dam Trau, and visit the fascinating Con Dao Prison & Museum. Aim to visit between May and October to witness turtle‑nesting releases – just be sure to book ethical turtle viewings via resort and park rangers.” – Gavin Lapidus, director of eShores
LULEÅ, SWEDEN
“Swedish Lapland during the Midnight Sun still feels refreshingly under the radar. While parts of the Arctic are becoming busier, northern Sweden remains calm and quietly beautiful. In Luleå, there’s a real sense of space, even in high summer, and the light changes how you experience time altogether. Arctic Bath captures this perfectly. Set on the Lule River, it’s less about spectacle and more about stillness, long, unhurried days under 24-hour daylight, swimming, sauna, and simply being in nature without interruption. Combined with strong Sámi cultural roots and a thoughtful approach to design and sustainability, it offers the Arctic without the crowds. For travellers seeking something genuinely restorative, it remains one of the most compelling places to experience the summer north.” – Jonny Cooper, founder & group CEO of Off The Map Travel
NORTHERN ALBANIA
“Yes, Albania is still big news for 2026. Northern Albania in particular is rapidly emerging as the must-visit Adriatic destination, offering a powerful combination of stunning natural beauty and historical depth that is set to rival the established popularity of Croatia's Dalmatian Coast. The country as a whole remains a budget-friendly destination operating at a fraction of the cost for accommodation, dining and local transport, especially compared to neighbouring destinations like Greece and Montenegro.” – Tim
ANNECY, FRANCE
“Imagine Venice's romantic canals set against a backdrop of snow-capped Alps. Welcome to Annecy, the ‘Venice of the Alps’. This medieval French city offers the same enchanting waterside charm as the Italian hotspot, but with a dramatic mountain panorama backdrop that takes your breath away. Wander through its historic old town and along the crystal-clear lake without fighting through tourist crowds. Beyond the canals, discover charming weekly markets where local artisans showcase traditional Savoyard crafts and delicacies. For a luxe getaway, I’d recommend staying a Les Trésoms Lake & Spa Resort or Auberge du Père Bise, dining at the three Michelin-starred Le Clos des Sens, visiting Palais de l’Île & Musée-Château d’Annecy, and enjoying a boat ride on Lake Annecy. Visit in late spring or early autumn for calm waters and clear views.” – Gavin
/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F01%2Fsix-senses-con-dao.jpg?itok=SDMh9o64)
ANGOLA, CENTRAL AFRICA
“Angola is steadily emerging as one of Africa’s most intriguing destinations, thanks to a mix of raw natural drama and a cultural scene gaining confidence after years of being overlooked. Luanda’s waterfront is evolving fast, with new galleries, restaurants and design‑led hotels signalling a shift towards a more outward‑facing creative identity. Inland, the landscapes are extraordinary – from the otherworldly rock formations of Pedras Negras to the vast waterfalls and wildlife‑rich national parks that remain largely untouched by mainstream tourism. For travellers seeking somewhere with genuine frontier energy, Angola offers a rare sense of discovery, grounded in deep history, diverse traditions and a coastline that feels remarkably uncharted.” – James Yerbugg, travel expert
/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Fwebsite-images%2F2025%2F03%2Fsign-up-pop-up.jpg?itok=zlMvamfa)
