Travel

As the travel industry fights back against “overtourism” in 2026, a new trend is emerging: The Rise of the Alternative. The streets of Rome and Dubrovnik are still jammed, but smart travellers are turning to “sleeping beauty” countries and secluded valleys that emphasise cultural preservation over mass commercialism. From the futuristic museum districts of the Middle East to the rugged stone circles of the Scottish Isles, these are the five destinations redefining the “Bucket List” this year. 1. Abu Dhabi, UAE: The New World Capital of Culture Dubai, step aside. 2026 is the year Abu Dhabi officially takes the cultural…

The traditional beach holiday is officially being traded out for the “Big Blue” for the modern traveller. According to new data from PADI Worldwide, advanced scuba certifications are up 50% as travellers want to get out from behind the shoreline and into the world’s purest marine ecosystems. The technicolour reefs of the South Pacific or the migration “superhighway” of Mexico – these six destinations are at the forefront of underwater exploration in 2026. 1. Fiji: The South Pacific’s Neon City Fiji, the “Soft Coral Capital of the World” for centuries, is having a renaissance in 2026 with new eco-conscious experiences.…