As we look towards 2026, travel experts are forecasting yet another year of insatiable wanderlust. According to recent projections from the Austrian mobility club ÖAMTC, the appetite for holidays shows no signs of waning. However, the landscape of how and where we travel is undergoing a subtle transformation. While the classic sun-drenched getaway remains a staple, industry insiders like Thomas Oppenheim note a distinct shift towards ‘coolcations’. Increasingly, travellers are looking north to Scandinavia or the Baltic coast to escape the sweltering heat of southern Europe. Nevertheless, the magnetic pull of the Mediterranean remains powerful, with Italy, Croatia, Spain, and Greece continuing to dominate booking charts.
The Early Bird Catch
For those setting their sights on these popular destinations, the days of snagging a last-minute bargain are largely over. The trend has firmly pivoted from spontaneous late deals to early-bird models, driven by dynamic pricing algorithms that send costs soaring in line with demand. Spontaneity, it seems, now comes with a premium price tag. Consequently, holidaymakers are becoming more meticulous, planning activities and excursions months in advance to secure their slice of paradise. This surge in organised travel is mirrored in the cruising sector, which is witnessing a boom across the board, from the Mediterranean to the fjords of Northern Europe.
The Titans of the Cyclades
If Greece is on your radar for 2026, the perennial debate surfaces: Santorini or Mykonos? These Cycladic siblings, separated by a mere 60 miles, share the iconic DNA of sugar-cube architecture and rocky landscapes, yet their personalities could not be more distinct. Deciding between them depends entirely on the tempo of holiday you desire.
Santorini is the undisputed heavyweight of romance. Its fame rests on the peerless views across the midnight-blue caldera, a submerged volcano that creates a dramatic, almost theatrical backdrop. It is a place of visual splendour and world-class wineries. Mykonos, conversely, brings the edge. It is the playground of the Aegean, defined by golden sands, a see-and-be-seen atmosphere, and a party scene that pulses all summer long. Whether you are planning a honeymoon, a solo adventure, or a knees-up with friends, both islands deliver, but they do so in very different ways.
Sand and Sea
If your priority is the beach, Mykonos takes the crown. While Santorini possesses a unique geological beauty—notably the Red Beach with its crimson cliffs and the black pebble strands of Kamari and Perissa—these are sites for sightseeing rather than lounging. Mykonos, however, is strung with golden bays along its southern coast. From the laid-back beats of Platis Gialos to the legendary clubs at Psarou and Super Paradise, the island offers sensational swimming and an all-day buzz. Be warned, however, that securing a front-row lounger can be eye-wateringly expensive. For a quieter experience, one must venture north to wilder shores like Agios Sostis.
Dining and Nightlife
When the sun dips, the divergence continues. Mykonos Town is an all-nighter kind of place. Crowds flock to the Little Venice waterfront to watch the windmills bathe in the golden hour before the party spills out into the streets. For those with stamina, it is exhilarating. Santorini offers a more sophisticated, though still lively, evening. The capital, Fira, bustles with sunset gazers converging on the caldera rim, while the village of Oia offers high-end dining where terraces cascade down the cliffside. Here, the vibe is less about thumping bass and more about fine Greek cuisine—such as the local fava bean dip—paired with a view that ruins you for anywhere else.
Strategic Travel in a Busy Year
With 2026 set to be dominated by major global events, including the Winter Olympics in Italy and the World Cup in the Americas, international movement will be high. For those heading to the US for the football, verifying visa requirements and document validity well in advance is paramount.
However, if you remain torn between the Greek giants, there is a simple solution. The ferry connection between Santorini and Mykonos takes only a couple of hours, making a dual-island itinerary entirely feasible. Alternatively, the rising popularity of cruises offers a seamless way to sample both. Lines like Silversea offer autumn sailings that call at both ports, allowing you to enjoy the islands when the frenetic summer crowds have dispersed. Ultimately, in a year where planning is everything, the best choice might just be to have it all.