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If you’re planning a trip abroad in 2026, you’re not alone – and you’re certainly not putting your plans on hold.
Our latest research shows that 80% of UK adults are still planning an overseas holiday this year, unchanged from earlier in 2026. That’s despite ongoing global tensions, including the conflict in the Middle East, which have raised questions about travel safety and potential disruptions.
What has changed, however, is how people are choosing where to go.
Safety is now front of mind – and UK travellers are actively seeking destinations they feel offer reassurance, stability, and peace of mind.
UK holidaymakers remain resilient despite global tensions
While headlines might suggest uncertainty, UK travellers are showing remarkable resilience.
According to AllClear’s nationally representative survey of 2,000 adults:
- 80% of UK adults plan to travel abroad in 2026 (unchanged from January 2026)
- There is no significant shift in people delaying or cancelling holidays
- Travel demand remains steady across peak months
Travel intent across 2026
SWIPE TABLE
| Month | Intent to travel in January 2026 | Intent to travel in March 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4% | 4% |
| February | 8% | 5% |
| March | 11% | 10% |
| April | 17% | 16% |
| May | 19% | 19% |
| June | 21% | 22% |
| July | 21% | 20% |
| August | 22% | 21% |
| September | 20% | 21% |
| October | 13% | 12% |
| November | 6% | 7% |
| December | 9% | 10% |
This consistency suggests that, even in uncertain times, travel remains a priority – not a luxury.
Safety is now a top priority for travellers in 2026
While appetite for travel hasn’t declined, priorities have clearly shifted. Safety is now a key driver behind booking decisions, overtaking price and convenience. Travellers are increasingly choosing destinations that offer peace of mind as well as great experiences.
Changing travel priorities
SWIPE TABLE
| Factor | 2025 (%) | 2026 (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 56% | 41% |
| Safety | 25% | 36% |
| Convenience | 41% | 33% |
In other words, travellers are no longer simply looking for the best deal – they’re looking for the safest one.
Encouragingly, 92% of respondents said they could identify destinations they consider safe, highlighting a clear and confident shift in mindset.
The safest holiday destinations for 2026
So, where are UK travellers feeling most secure? In 2026, holiday choices are being shaped by a desire for peace of mind, with travellers gravitating towards destinations that feel safe, familiar, and dependable. Reassurance is playing a bigger role than ever before.
Top 10 safest holiday destinations
SWIPE TABLE
| Rank | Destination | % of respondents |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 18% |
| 2 | Ireland | 17% |
| 3 | Switzerland | 17% |
| 4 | Spain | 16% |
| 5 | Canada | 15% |
| 6 | Italy | 13% |
| 7 | Portugal | 12% |
| 8 | Iceland | 12% |
| 9 | France | 11% |
| 10 | Sweden | 11% |
Why these destinations?
A few key themes help explain why these destinations are rising to the top of travellers’ lists:
- Geographical distance from conflict zones – destinations such as New Zealand and Canada are seen as far removed from current global tensions, offering added reassurance
- Political stability and strong infrastructure – countries like Switzerland and Sweden are trusted for their safety, organisation, and reliable healthcare systems
- Familiarity and accessibility – popular European destinations such as Ireland, Spain, and France remain appealing due to their ease of travel and cultural familiarity
- Perceived safety of natural environments – locations like Iceland and Switzerland benefit from their open landscapes, lower population density, and reputation for calm, outdoor-focused travel
New Zealand’s top ranking reflects its reputation as a peaceful, remote destination. It’s far removed from current geopolitical tensions, making it a natural choice for travellers seeking both adventure and peace of mind.
Destinations losing favour due to safety concerns
At the other end of the spectrum, some destinations are seeing a drop in perceived safety.
- Cyprus: 3%
- Malta: 7%
- Turkey: 7%
These shifts are likely influenced by regional proximity to ongoing conflicts and perceived geopolitical risk.
It’s not necessarily that these destinations are unsafe – but perception plays a powerful role in travel decision-making.
UK staycations still seen as a safe alternative
Interestingly, international travel isn’t the only option being considered. 21% of respondents said Scotland and Wales are safe choices for a family holiday, highlighting continued confidence in UK-based trips.
The research suggests that while many are travelling abroad, others are keeping a closer-to-home option in mind. This is particularly true for family holidays, where reassurance and familiarity play an important role in decision-making.
Expert insight: what this means for travel in 2026
Garry Nelson, Head of Corporate Affairs at AllClear Travel Insurance, explains:
“Following the outbreak of war in the Middle East – and the immediate focus on Britons getting home safely – the travel industry now also faces the prospect of longer-term disruption. Our own data suggests 29% of holidaymakers had travel plans for this year that would have involved a connecting flight or stopover in the Gulf region.”
“In uncertain times, our new tracking data helps us to understand the consumer mindset in terms of revised plans for overseas travel for the year ahead. There is an emphatic resilience in terms of people still wanting to travel and not delaying or cancelling trips for the Easter and Summer peak periods.”
“Set against this, there is clear evidence that the consumer mindset has changed. The perceived importance of safety when planning a holiday has shot up as the most important factor, and UK adults have a clear sense of the places where they think they will be safe this year. Linked into this ‘flight to safety,’ it is important that people also get the best possible travel insurance that meets their needs.”
“Our research suggests that still only around a third of UK adults (34%) look for top quality cover before they head abroad, so there is a way to go for people’s decisions on travel insurance to fall into line with their overall priority to be safe abroad this year.”
Why Travel Insurance matters more than ever
As travellers prioritise safety, one key area still needs attention: Travel Insurance.
Despite growing awareness of risk, only 34% of UK adults actively look for top-quality cover before travelling. This gap highlights a clear disconnect between intention and action – while people are choosing safer destinations, many are not taking the final step to fully protect themselves.
In reality, even the safest destinations can come with unexpected challenges. Travel disruption, medical emergencies, or cancelled trips can happen anywhere, often without warning. Without the right Travel Insurance in place, these situations can quickly become stressful and costly.
As global uncertainty continues, having the right cover in place is no longer just an added extra – it’s an essential part of planning your trip. It helps ensure you can travel with confidence, knowing you’ll have support if something doesn’t go to plan.
The story for travel in 2026 isn’t one of decline – it’s one of adaptation
UK holidaymakers are still travelling in large numbers. But they’re doing so more thoughtfully, with safety guiding their decisions more than ever before. From the mountains of Switzerland to the landscapes of New Zealand, travellers are choosing destinations that offer reassurance – without giving up their desire to explore.
And as this “flight to safety” continues, one thing is clear: planning ahead, choosing carefully, and making sure you’re protected will define the travel experience in 2026.
