Malta, Marsaxlokk. Traditional fishing boats in the Mediterranean Village. SCStock / Shutterstock.comUK travel agency SuperEscapes has identified the most sought-after destinations for winter holidays in 2026/27, with European festive markets and warmer locales like Malta, Benidorm, and Thailand topping the list. The agency reports a trend towards 'microcations', with travellers opting for short city breaks and four- to five-night winter sun escapes, particularly in November and January.
The historic cities of Prague, Krakow, Budapest, and Stockholm are the most popular for those seeking to explore Europe's renowned Christmas markets. Meanwhile, budget-conscious travellers are drawn to Malta and Benidorm for their affordable winter accommodation rates, with stays typically lasting four to five nights on a half-board basis. Notably, Majorca has seen a 25% decline in bookings due to higher prices and limited availability.
For long and mid-haul holidays, New York has experienced a 52% increase in bookings year-on-year, whilst Phuket remains a favourite in Thailand, with average stays of 11 nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
Example packages include a three-night stay at the 4-star Row NYC Hotel in New York from $599 (£599) per person, and a three-night Prague city break at the 4-star Metropolitan Old Town from $109 (£109) per person, both including return flights from London.
SuperEscapes continues to offer a variety of hand-picked destinations and short-haul luxury escapes, catering to diverse traveller preferences.
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