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December 19, 2017
It’s never too early to start thinking about next year’s holidays, which is why we’ve put together a list of the destinations set to hog the limelight in 2018.
We’ve analysed trends on our site to reveal the destinations which have seen a big spike of interest over the last year*. Our advice? Book your holiday to one of these hotspots now before they get discovered!
Istrian Riviera, Croatia
Increase in interest: 187%
Forget the French version – this year it's all about Croatia's Istrian Riviera on the northern coast. You'll find villages of pastel-hued houses, national parks teeming with wildlife and Croatia’s best Blue Flag beaches.
Regular visitors will know the Istrian resort of Pula, famous for its ancient amphitheatre, but we're also huge fans of Opatija, with its grand architecture, and the historic seaside resort of Porec, which has a World Heritage–listed basilica and lively beach bars.
How much does it cost? We found prices from £238pp for a seven-night holiday travelling from Stansted in August
Costa de la Luz, Spain
Increase in interest: 206%
Spaniards refer to Costa de la Luz as the Secret Coast – although it looks like the game could be up in 2018. Hidden away in western Andalusia, it’s a magnet for sun-seekers and basks in 3,000 hours of sunshine every year.
Popular resorts include Punta Umbria and Islantilla. If sprawling on sun loungers isn't for you, there's Paraje Natural de las Marismas del Odiel, an enormous, wildlife-packed wetland reserve, and the historic town of La Rábida – the starting point of Christopher Columbus' journey to the West Indies.
How much does it cost? We found prices from £187pp for a seven-night holiday travelling from the Midlands in May
Izmir, Turkey
Increase in interest: 175%
After a tough few years, Turkey is back on travellers' hit lists. Bodrum and Marmaris have traditionally attracted the most Brits, but growing numbers are making a beeline for the western province of İzmir. Popular resort towns include Çeşme, Alaçatı and Selçuk.
The latter doesn't just offer easy access to fantastic beaches – it's also just a few kilometres from the ancient Greek city of Ephesus. Head inland to discover charming villages such as Sirince, which is surrounded by vineyards.
How much does it cost? We found prices from £176pp for a seven-night holiday travelling from Gatwick in May
Lefkas, Greece
Increase in interest: 92%
Lefkas’ scenery is unbelievably varied, with lush green forests, pretty villages, buzzing resorts and deserted beaches. It's easy to get to - the nearest airport, Preveza, is connected to the island via road bridge, and there are direct flights from all over Europe.
The southern half has the best beaches, but we also love the island's pretty villages, including Agios Nikitas, with its breathtaking bay and independent hotels, and Vassiliki, known for its water sports facilities.
How much does it cost? We found prices from £178pp for a seven-night holiday travelling from Manchester
Kraków, Poland
Increase in interest: 88%
Low prices, fantastic food and more historic sites than you can shake a Polish sausage at. What's not to love? Family-friendly Kraków was given the royal seal of approval when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took their children there last summer.
Top of your sightseeing list should be the 16th-century Wawel Royal Castle, followed by the hip Jewish Quarter and Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory, which houses the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków. When hunger strikes, head to the old town for some traditional pierogi dumplings.
How much does it cost? We found prices from £102pp for a two-night break travelling from Liverpool in June
Cape Verde
Increase in interest: 84%
Take the best bits of the Caribbean, Portugal and West Africa and you've got this 10-island nation 350 miles west of Senegal.
There are direct routes from the UK to the island of Sal, making it a popular winter sun destination – the mercury sticks between 20C and 30C for most of the year.
Although it's always been a popular package holiday destination, visitors are getting more adventurous, straying away from the (albeit gorgeous) coastal resorts to its volcanic, coffee plantation-dotted interior and historic towns like Cidade Velha, which the Portuguese settled in 1462.
How much does it cost? We found prices from £396pp for a seven-night holiday travelling from Birmingham in February
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Increase in interest: 390%
Judging by the upsurge in searches, Dubrovnik's where it's at in 2018. A starring role in Game of Thrones put it firmly on the map.
The main attractions are the city's walls, baroque churches and the stradun (old town). It can get busy in summer but it's easy to escape the crowds.
We suggest hiking up nearby Mount Srđ for breathtaking views over the Adriatic, or hopping on one of the regular ferry services to the nearby islands.
How much does it cost? We found prices from £161pp for a three-night break travelling from Gatwick in March
Porto, Portugal
Increase in interest: 196%
Portugal's second-largest city is less hectic than its capital – although not for long. It's a place filled with colourful neighbourhoods, so make sure you take time to wander through Miragaia, Ribeira and Massarelos before admiring architectural masterpieces such as the Casa da Música and the Museu de Arte Contemporânea - Porto's most modern buildings.
We also love the public art, from the telephone boxes transformed by artist Nuno Costah to the murals on Rua São Pedro de Miragaia. For a breath of sea air, head to the waterfront neighbourhood of Foz do Douro, linked to nearby Matosinhos by a meandering coastal path.
How much does it cost? We found prices from £123pp for a three-night break travelling from Gatwick in June
Lanzarote, Spain
Increase in interest: 118%
Experts, including Lonely Planet writers, predict that this Canary Island will attract more visitors that ever in 2018 - and they're no longer sticking to the resort-packed coastline (although beaches like Papagayo, with its pink sand, and Las Conchas, famous for its clean, clear water, certainly shouldn't be missed).
These days, its rugged interior is the biggest attraction, and with its jet-black lava fields, 300 volcanic cones and network of walking trails, its turn in the spotlight is well overdue.
How much does it cost? We found prices from £196pp for a seven-night holiday travelling from Leeds Bradford in June
Florida, USA
The most searched-for long-haul destination on TravelSupermarket
Florida can do no wrong: from the Keys' turquoise waters to themed fun in Orlando and Miami's vibrant nightlife, the Sunshine State will never disappoint. This spring will see the highly anticipated launch of Universal Studios Florida's Fast & Furious - Supercharged ride, and some seriously big names will take to the stage for SandJam, a new music festival launching in Panama City.
December also saw the opening of the Brightline train. Phase one connected Miami with Fort Lauderdale, and the final phase will connect Miami with Orlando, allowing travellers to get between the two cities in record time.
How much does it cost? We found prices from £297pp for a seven-night holiday travelling from Manchester in May
*We analysed TravelSupermarket search data in 2016 and 2017 to reveal the destinations that rose in popularity.
Please note: All prices were correct at the time of writing and are subject to change and availability. All prices are based on two travelling with the exception of the Istrian Riviera and Florida
