2026: The year of firsts

With nearly six in 10 Brits feeling stuck in their daily routines, the nation’s decided now’s the time to shake things up and try something new. So, it’s time to rip up the holiday rulebook. Whether it’s booking the trip of a lifetime to a destination you’ve always dreamed about, taking your first solo getaway, or flying off to mark a special milestone, 2026 is set to be the year of holiday firsts.

Find out more.

Competition alert. Enter for a chance to win a £2,000 TUI Gift Card.* A holiday full of firsts feels even better with a huge saving.

Competition alert

Enter for a chance to win a £2,000 TUI Gift Card.* A holiday full of firsts feels even better with a huge saving.

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Take our quiz to discover your holiday first

Answer a few simple questions to help us find your perfect milestone holiday.Take the quiz.

Answer a few simple questions to help us find your perfect milestone holiday.

Take the quiz.

Real stories, real firsts

My first diving holiday. Read more about a first diving holiday.

My first diving holiday

Read more about a first diving holiday.

Our first trip as fiancés. Read more about a first trip as fiancés.

Our first trip as fiancés

Read more about a first trip as fiancés.

Our first holiday as a couple. Read more about our first holiday as a couple.

Our first holiday as a couple

Read more about our first holiday as a couple.

What the science says

We’ve teamed up with neurology doctor and neuroscientist Dr Faye Begeti to explore why first-time experiences are so powerful for our brains. She’s also shared her top tips for making ‘firsts’. Here’s what she had to say…

“This research highlights something neuroscience has long understood – trying something for the first time is incredibly powerful for the brain. The routines of everyday life can leave us stuck in autopilot mode: same commute, same decisions, same neural pathways firing. It’s efficient, but it’s not stimulating because we’re relying on the same circuits over and over again.”“Doing something unfamiliar – whether it’s learning a new skill, taking a bold adventure or marking a big life milestone – gives your brain a workout. These first-time experiences help keep your mind sharp and build resilience that supports brain health as we age.”

“This research highlights something neuroscience has long understood – trying something for the first time is incredibly powerful for the brain. The routines of everyday life can leave us stuck in autopilot mode: same commute, same decisions, same neural pathways firing. It’s efficient, but it’s not stimulating because we’re relying on the same circuits over and over again.”

“Doing something unfamiliar – whether it’s learning a new skill, taking a bold adventure or marking a big life milestone – gives your brain a workout. These first-time experiences help keep your mind sharp and build resilience that supports brain health as we age.”

Dive into our holiday firsts forecast

Hobby holidays. Ready to swap sunbeds for skillsets? See what's driving the rise of holidays led by hobbies.Read more about hobby holidays.

Hobby holidays

Ready to swap sunbeds for skillsets? See what's driving the rise of holidays led by hobbies.

Read more about hobby holidays.

Relationship milestones. From first trips to fresh starts, explore the trends shaping escapes driven by relationships.Read more about relationship milestone holidays.

Relationship milestones

From first trips to fresh starts, explore the trends shaping escapes driven by relationships.

Read more about relationship milestone holidays.

Life stage getaways. Family dynamics changing? Discover the shifts behind holidays for every life stage.Read more about life stage holidays.

Life stage getaways

Family dynamics changing? Discover the shifts behind holidays for every life stage.

Read more about life stage holidays.

Travel style shake-ups. From unusual stays to season flips, find out why new ways to holiday are on the rise.Read more about travel style shake-ups.

Travel style shake-ups

From unusual stays to season flips, find out why new ways to holiday are on the rise.

Read more about travel style shake-ups.

Experience adventures. Adventure matters more than ever. Uncover why holidays all about experiences are growing.Read more about adventure holidays.

Experience adventures

Adventure matters more than ever. Uncover why holidays all about experiences are growing.

Read more about adventure holidays.

Find your next first

Whether you fancy getting active, kicking back and relaxing, or immersing yourself in a new culture, there’s a holiday first to suit you.

Active adventures. If staying active’s part of your plans, our holidays deliver big – we've got sporty escapes around the world for all ages and skill levels.Find your next adventure holiday.

Active adventures

If staying active’s part of your plans, our holidays deliver big – we've got sporty escapes around the world for all ages and skill levels.

Find your next adventure holiday.

Rest and relaxation. From sunrise cocktails to evening shows, our All Inclusive holidays wrap up everything you need for a carefree getaway.Find your next All Inclusive holiday.

Rest and relaxation

From sunrise cocktails to evening shows, our All Inclusive holidays wrap up everything you need for a carefree getaway.

Find your next All Inclusive holiday.

Culture, cuisine and charm. Barcelona, Budapest or Boston – our city breaks come in all shapes and sizes, from weekends in Europe to adventures in far-flung destinations.Find your next city break.

Culture, cuisine and charm

Barcelona, Budapest or Boston – our city breaks come in all shapes and sizes, from weekends in Europe to adventures in far-flung destinations.

Find your next city break.