In a time where many destinations are suffering from overtourism and actively discouraging travellers, 2026 is the year to explore less ventured corners of the world. So, if you haven’t made any holiday plans yet and want to be a more mindful traveller next year, take some inspiration from BBC Travel.
The website has just released its roundup of the best places people should travel to in 2026, specifically spotlighting places that are ‘enthusiastically welcoming visitors’ and where your trip will make a ‘positive impact’. It features a Polynesian island, a Japanese prefecture, a southern valley in Chile and an underrated Balkan nation. It also recommends a breathtaking set of islands here in the UK – the Hebrides in Scotland.
BBC Travel said that travellers should check out the far north archipelago for its ‘whisky boom, ancient stone circles, white-sand beaches and community warmth’.
There are roughly 50 inhabited islands across the Inner and Outer Hebrides. Of those, the BBC says that Lewis, Barra and Islay will be particularly worth a visit in 2026. Next year, the island of Lewis will be unveiling a long-awaited visitor centre for the ancient and mythical Calanais Standing Stones (which predate Stonehenge), while Barra will be getting its first ever whiskey distillery.
Even more whiskey distilleries will be opening on the island of Islay. Laggan Bay Distillery, a collaboration between Edinburgh Gin and Glengoyne, is expected to launch in the first half of the year and Portintruan Distillery will open later in the year, bringing the island’s total number of distilleries to 14. There’s also the annual whiskey festival Fèis Ìle happening in May. If you decide to make the trip to Islay, treat yourself to a stay at the recently launched Ardbeg House, a new hotel from luxury conglomerate LVMH.
You better get booking now though, as it looks like Islay will be in high demand. The BBC isn’t alone in recommending the Hebridean island as a top destination next year. Condé Nast Traveller and TIME Magazine have also both included it on their lists of the greatest places to travel to in 2026.
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