The 2026 travel trend: Half of nation longs for rest and relaxation
By admin
As the new year approaches, travel is taking on a different meaning. A new study commissioned by Icelandair reveals that 2026 will be defined not by bucket list ticking or sightseeing marathons, but by travellers seeking deeper, more restorative experiences.
According to the survey, nearly half of UK travellers (48%) say they plan to travel in 2026 for personal transformation rather than sightseeing. Rest and recovery are also core motivators, with half (50%) saying rest and relaxation are their top priority for the year ahead.
The lookout for some rest and resetting the pace is driven by Brits desire to escape everyday pressures as nearly a third (29%) shared that they see travelling as a way to escape day to day stress or burnout.
From searching for silence to seeking out wellness escapes, travellers are increasingly drawn to places that offer mental clarity, fresh air and wide, open landscapes. To help those planning their “reset” trip, Icelandair has analysed destinations across Europe to uncover where rest and relaxation are easiest to find.
The most restful European destinations to escape to in 2026
Using data from Google Maps, Booking.com, Wikipedia, Numbeo and Keyword Tool, Icelandair compiled a ranking of Europe’s most restful destinations based on the number of spas, spa hotels, public parks, population density, travel search interest, air quality and light pollution.
The most restful European destinations
Ranking
Location
Overall Ranking
Number of spas
Air Quality
Number of parks and green spaces
Sound and light
pollution
1
Kitzbühel, Austria
21.00
21
26.00
42
25.00
2
Akureyri, Iceland
19.25
48
19.00
128
62.50
3
San Sebastián, Spain
18.75
85
32.00
160
39.58
4
Funchal, Portugal
19.25
19
33.00
108
26.14
5
Reykjavik, Iceland
18.88
17
24.00
79
19.62
6
Zermatt, Switzerland
18.50
30
27.00
14
40.22
7
Nuuk, Greenland
17.38
47
39.00
66
44.44
8
Rovinj, Croatia
18.00
8
63.00
158
34.09
9
Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
16.38
2
0.00
60
25.00
10
Biarritz, France
17.63
88
33.00
87
75.00
Source: Icelandair
1. Kitzbühel, Austria (21 out of 33)
Nestled in the Austrian Alps, Kitzbühel is best known as a glamorous ski resort in winter. For a restorative escape, you don’t have to hit the slopes, you can enjoy the Alpine views while dipping in thermal pools.
Once the snow melts, the Austrian skiing hotspot transforms into a peaceful haven surrounded by alpine meadows, hiking trails, and panoramic views, delivering the kind of “reconnecting with nature” experience that 26% of Brits say would inspire them to book a holiday in 2026.
2. Akureyri, Iceland (19.25 out of 33)
nown as the unofficial capital of North Iceland, Akureyri is small but mighty when it comes to peace and wellness, a perfect destination for the 60% of Brits who say that peace and quiet contribute to their mental restoration.
With 128 parks and green spaces, a remarkably low population density (143.6 people per km²), and 48 spas, Akureyri ranks third in the “restful locations” index.During winter this little town becomes a slow-paced and genuinely serene place with snow covered streets fjord views and the surrounding mountains.
Akureyri offers a raw, authentic Icelandic experience with room to breathe and unwind. The definition of rest from which you can enjoy a full Iceland itinerary: Northern Lights, whale watching and long soaks in the Forest Lagoon. The chill weather, along with the atmosphere, continues through spring with a bit less snow.
3. San Sebastián, Spain (18.75 out of 33)
While often associated with its world-famous food scene, San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque) is also a wellness destination in its own right. Located on Spain’s northern coast, the city balances vibrant culture with coastal calm. Icelandair’s data notes that San Sebastián has a high number of parks and green spaces (160).
Its multiple spa hotels and mild winter temperatures compared to northern Europe add to its appeal as a restful destination for winter. . You can relax on La Concha beach, enjoy sea views from the Monte Urgull viewpoint, or wander through the Parte Vieja (Old Town) before retreating to a spa. Even in the city centre, San Sebastián moves at a slower pace. Perfect destination to reset in winter or in spring when the summer crowds aren’t rushing in yet.
4, 5. Funchal, Portugal (19.25 out of 33) and Reykjavík, Iceland (18.88 out of 33)
Funchal and Reykjavík may sit on opposite edges of Europe, but both offer the kind of gentle, restorative energy that makes slowing down feel effortless. Funchal brings subtropical calm, scoring highly for its 108 parks and green spaces, low noise and light pollution, and an impressive 45 spa hotels , one of the highest totals in the study. Winter in Funchal is warm, while spring fills the city with jacaranda blooms, ocean views and quiet levada walks through Madeira’s botanical landscapes.
Reykjavík , meanwhile, offers a cooler but equally soothing escape. Not only does it have numerous geothermal pools with high average rating (9th overall), Icelandic capital has clean air, low population density and easy access to dramatic natural scenery, perfect for unwinding. Travellers can dip between hot springs, coastal paths and calm cafés before heading out to explore waterfalls, lava fields or the Northern Lights. Together, these two destinations show that rest can take many forms, from sunlit gardens overlooking the Atlantic to geothermal warmth under Arctic skies.
Issued by Brave Bison. Distributed by WebPR UK.