As summer 2026 steadily winds down, many people across Guildford and the Surrey Hills are looking back on a remarkable year of travel. From fast-paced American city breaks to peaceful island escapes in the Indian Ocean, holidaymakers have shown an appetite for long-haul adventures, thoughtful itineraries, and holidays that feel personal rather than off-the-shelf.
At Globally Mine, we’ve had the pleasure of creating bespoke trips for couples, families, and solo travellers throughout the area. Looking at our summer 2026 bookings, as well as the early enquiries already coming in for 2027, a few destinations have clearly stood out.
Whether you’re thinking about a late-season getaway or planning ahead to secure the best options for next year, these are the holiday destinations currently inspiring Guildford travellers.
The Summer 2026 Favourites: Where Guildford Travellers Went This Year
Summer 2026 was shaped by two clear travel trends: multi-centre cultural adventures and slower, more luxurious escapes with an intentionally unhurried pace.
1. The East Coast USA: New York and Washington, D.C.
Multi-destination trips across North America were especially popular this year. Many Guildford clients wanted itineraries that combined big-city energy with easy travel between stops.
- The trend: Pairing the buzz of New York, from Broadway and rooftop bars to standout restaurants and neighbourhood exploration, with the history, museums, and grand avenues of Washington, D.C.
- Why it worked: The contrast made the trip feel varied without becoming complicated. Travellers could enjoy Manhattan’s pace and atmosphere before taking the train along the Amtrak Northeast Corridor for a more reflective few days in the capital.
2. Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto and Beyond
Japan remained one of the most requested long-haul destinations throughout 2026, and it’s easy to see why.
- The trend: Travellers were keen to go beyond the classic Tokyo and Kyoto route, adding places such as Kanazawa, the Japanese Alps, and smaller regional stops connected by the Bullet Train.
- Why it worked: Japan offers a rare combination of culture, food, design, safety, and exceptional hospitality. For many Surrey travellers, it felt like a true bucket-list trip that also ran with impressive ease once they were there.
3. Caribbean Classics: Barbados, St Lucia and Antigua
For clients seeking warmth, beautiful beaches, and an easy sense of luxury, the Caribbean remained a reliable favourite.
- Barbados: Chosen for its West Coast dining, lively culture, and polished beachfront hotels.
- St Lucia: Popular with couples who wanted rainforest scenery, dramatic views, and intimate hillside retreats.
- Antigua: A favourite for white-sand beaches, calm waters, and high-end resorts with a quieter feel.
Looking Ahead: 2027 Travel Predictions
Long-haul travel is already being booked earlier than many people expect. For 2027, Guildford travellers are planning well in advance to secure boutique hotels, preferred flight seats, private guides, and the more characterful stays that often disappear first.
1. Eco-Luxury in Costa Rica and Belize
Central America looks set to grow significantly in 2027, particularly for travellers who want comfort, wildlife, and a closer connection to nature.
- Costa Rica: Ideal for private lodge stays surrounded by cloud forests, volcanoes, wildlife, and Pacific beaches.
- Belize: A brilliant option for combining jungle adventures with reef-side relaxation, including private island stays and marine reserves along the barrier reef.
2. Multi-Country Southeast Asia: Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia
Rather than choosing one resort and staying put, more travellers are looking at layered South East Asia holidays, with itineraries that combine culture, food, history, and beach time.
- Vietnam and Cambodia: Perfect for Mekong River cruising, exploring Angkor Wat, visiting lively cities, and finishing with time on quieter coastal islands.
- Thailand: A strong choice for travellers who want to mix Bangkok’s street-food scene with Chiang Mai’s slower pace and the privacy of a villa stay in Koh Samui.
3. Indian Ocean Escapes: The Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius
The Indian Ocean remains one of the most desirable regions for honeymoons, anniversaries, winter sun, and milestone celebrations.
- The Maldives: Best known for overwater villas, private island resorts, and high-touch service.
- Mauritius: A great choice for travellers who want beach time alongside mountain scenery, hiking, local culture, and Creole cooking.
- Seychelles: Loved for its sense of privacy, dramatic granite rocks, clear water, and unspoilt natural beauty.
Summary: Top Destinations Handcrafted by Globally Mine
Whether you’re drawn to alpine scenery, Scandinavian fjord cruises, desert luxury in the UAE, or wildlife safaris in Africa, Globally Mine creates tailor-made holidays across some of the world’s most memorable destinations.
- The Americas: Canada, the USA, Mexico, Belize, and Costa Rica.
- The Caribbean: Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, St Lucia, and the wider Caribbean islands.
- Asia and the Far East: Cambodia, Japan, Southeast Asia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
- Indian Ocean and the Middle East: The Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and the UAE.
- Europe and Africa: The Alps, Scandinavia, Mediterranean Europe, and African safari destinations.
Why Book Your 2027 Holiday with an Independent Specialist?
Planning a more complex trip takes time. Whether it involves rail journeys between North American cities, seaplane transfers in the Maldives, private guides in Japan, or car hire across Europe, the small details can make a big difference to how smoothly the holiday feels.
At Globally Mine, we take the stress out of planning by handling those details for you.
- Custom itineraries: Every trip is shaped around your pace, preferences, dates, and travel style.
- Support while you travel: If an airline cancels a flight or plans need to change while you’re away, we’re there to help, so you’re not left sitting on hold.
- Personal recommendations: From local restaurants to hidden beaches and smoother transfer options, we share advice that standard booking sites often miss.
Ready to Plan Your Next Great Escape?
Whether you’re looking for a last-minute luxury break or starting to plan your 2027 travel calendar, we’d love to help design a holiday that feels completely your own.
Contact Globally Mine today to arrange your personalised travel consultation.
