For over a decade, travel writer Sophie Lane has explored destinations around the world — from Iceland’s frozen waterfalls to Bali’s beaches and the colourful souks of Marrakech. In this exclusive interview, she shares her predictions for 2026 travel trends, essential packing advice, her favourite destinations and what new travellers should know before planning their next adventure.

Whether you’re a first-time explorer or a seasoned traveller, Sophie’s experience offers valuable insights to help you travel smarter, cheaper and more confidently in 2026.

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How did you become a full-time travel writer?

Sophie:
My journey began almost accidentally. I started writing short travel journals while backpacking through Southeast Asia in my early twenties. Friends shared them, and eventually a small travel magazine asked if I’d contribute. Since then, I’ve written for travel platforms, tourism boards and airlines. It’s been over ten years, and I still feel incredibly lucky to call this my work.

Travel writing didn’t just give me a career — it taught me how to understand cultures, connect with people and appreciate simplicity. That’s what keeps me travelling.

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What travel trends do you expect to grow in 2026?

Sophie:
2026 is going to be a fascinating year for travel. Three big trends are already taking shape:

1. Slower, more meaningful travel

Travellers are choosing fewer destinations but spending longer in each place. It allows for deeper cultural connection and more immersive experiences.

2. Return of classic cities

Paris, Rome, Tokyo and Barcelona are surging back. Travellers want iconic destinations with reliable infrastructure and rich culture.

3. Eco-conscious trips

Staying in eco-lodges, avoiding unnecessary flights and supporting local businesses are now mainstream travel habits. Travellers care about their impact.

I also expect winter sun escapes to grow massively, especially among UK travellers looking for short, affordable warm-weather breaks.

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What destinations do you recommend for first-time travellers in 2026?

Sophie:
Three destinations stand out:

Portugal

Safe, friendly and easy to navigate — perfect for beginners.

Japan

Incredibly organised, clean and endlessly fascinating. It’s surprisingly easy for first-time travellers thanks to excellent public transport.

Thailand

Warm, affordable and welcoming. Ideal for solo travellers, couples and backpackers.

For city breaks, I always recommend Amsterdam, Prague or Barcelona for walkability and culture.

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What are your top winter sun destinations for early 2026?

Sophie:

1. Canary Islands

Reliable sunshine, great beaches and excellent value for families and couples.

2. Thailand’s Andaman Coast

Phuket and Krabi offer perfect beach weather and stunning scenery.

3. Dubai

Guaranteed heat, luxurious hotels and endless activities for all ages.

Cape Verde and Egypt are also rising stars for affordable winter sunshine.

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What travel accessories should every traveller pack in 2026?

Sophie:
My essentials include:

• Compression packing cubes
• A universal travel adapter with USB-C
• A lightweight microfibre towel
• Noise-cancelling earbuds
• A compact power bank
• An RFID passport wallet
• Leak-proof toiletry bottles

These accessories make travel much smoother and help you pack lighter and more efficiently.

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What mistakes do travellers still make?

Sophie:
The biggest mistake is overplanning. People try to fill every hour of their trip. Leave space for spontaneity — those moments often become the highlights.

The second mistake is overpacking. Most travellers use only 70% of what they bring.

Third: not checking visa rules, travel insurance or local requirements. A few minutes of research can save a lot of stress.

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What tips do you have for solo travellers in 2026?

Sophie:

1. Start in an easy, safe country

Portugal, Japan and Thailand are excellent first choices.

2. Stay somewhere social

Boutique hostels and co-living spaces make meeting others easy.

3. Trust your instincts

If something feels off, move away. Confidence comes with experience, but intuition is your best guide.

Solo travel is empowering and often life-changing.

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What destinations surprised you the most recently?

Sophie:
Georgia — spectacular landscapes, warm people and incredible food.

Slovenia — small, peaceful and breathtakingly beautiful.

Madeira — lush, volcanic, and perfect for nature lovers.

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What are your must-visit destinations for 2026?

Sophie:
My top three:

Japan

A perfect blend of ancient tradition and modern lifestyle.

South Africa

Affordable, adventurous and home to amazing wildlife.

Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula

Cenotes, beaches, Mayan ruins and world-class cuisine.

Budget travellers will love Albania, Bulgaria and Morocco too.

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Fan Questions From Travel Vibe Readers

Q1: What destination would you recommend for a first solo trip in 2026?

Sophie:
Thailand is incredible for first-time solo travellers — safe, friendly and full of people to meet. Portugal is great for beginners too, and Japan is amazingly easy thanks to exceptional transportation and hospitality.

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Q2: What’s the best way to get cheap flights this year?

Sophie:
Use Google Flights price tracking and be flexible with your dates. Avoid weekends, travel mid-week, and book long-haul flights 8–12 weeks before travel. If you’re flexible with airports and times, you can save hundreds.

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Q3: What’s one travel accessory you never travel without?

Sophie:
A universal travel adapter with USB-C fast charging. It works everywhere, keeps all my devices powered, and saves carrying multiple chargers.

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Final Thoughts From Sophie

Sophie:
Travel in 2026 is more flexible and personal than ever. You don’t need to follow the crowd — just choose destinations and experiences that genuinely excite you. Pack light, stay curious and enjoy the unexpected moments. That’s where real travel magic happens.