{"id":266628,"date":"2026-01-04T10:45:12","date_gmt":"2026-01-04T10:45:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/266628\/"},"modified":"2026-01-04T10:45:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-04T10:45:12","slug":"the-hottest-destinations-to-visit-in-2026-the-irish-times","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/266628\/","title":{"rendered":"the hottest destinations to visit in 2026 \u2013 The Irish Times"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">A new year, a new run of holidays to relish. As we explore the world with gusto \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irishtimes.com\/ireland\/2025\/06\/13\/staycations-fall-in-early-2025-as-foreign-travel-increases\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.irishtimes.com\/ireland\/2025\/06\/13\/staycations-fall-in-early-2025-as-foreign-travel-increases\/\">stats point to a continuing rise in overseas travel out of Ireland in 2025<\/a> \u2013 all four corners feel tantalisingly close. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">In the year ahead, some destinations become better connected than ever, with new direct flights. Others see new world-class attractions, can\u2019t-miss events or budget-busting options to lure us over. It adds up to a wealth of places to spend our hard-earned holiday fund. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">For inspiration or aspiration, here are The Irish Times\u2019 top destinations for the year ahead. <\/p>\n<p><b>Canc\u00fan, Mexico<\/b><img decoding=\"async\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" alt=\"Canc&#xFA;n, Mexico. Photograph: iStock\" class=\"c-image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BBPKY2CUMJC7FBMHNECOB5YR6Y.jpg\"   width=\"800\" height=\"1204\"\/>Canc\u00fan, Mexico. Photograph: iStock <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">There\u2019s a reason Canc\u00fan was purpose-built as Mexico\u2019s main tourist area in the 1960s: its tropical climate, vast stretches of golden beaches leading to gin-clear waters, ancient Mayan attractions and accessibility to Europe and North America make it perfect for sun-seekers. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">Over 60 years later and the investment has paid off \u2013 it\u2019s holiday heaven, with the largest concentration of all-inclusive resorts in the Americas plus boutique accommodation and modest guest houses to suit all budgets. Aer Lingus\u2019 new direct flights from Dublin to Canc\u00fan is another mark of its popularity \u2013\u202fthe carrier flies three times a week from January to April. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph b-it-article-body__interstitial-link\">[\u00a0<a aria-label=\"Open related story\" class=\"c-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.irishtimes.com\/advertising-feature\/2025\/11\/17\/2026-travel-inspiration-top-worldwide-destinations-awaiting-discovery\/\" rel=\"noreferrer nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">2026 travel inspiration: top worldwide destinations awaiting discoveryOpens in new window<\/a>\u00a0]<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">The only real blight is that Canc\u00fan\u2019s shoreline is becoming ever more seaweedy, but top-end resorts dredge daily, and it still proves tricky to peel yourself away from the beaches. It\u2019s worth it, though, to explore the Canc\u00fan\u2013Riviera Maya corridor where well-preserved Mayan ruins in Tulum and Chichen-Itza, a choice of cenotes (vibrantly turquoise natural swimming pools), and Mexico\u2019s culinary draws are quite a reward. <\/p>\n<ul class=\"c-unordered-list paywall\">\n<li class=\"c-list-item paywall\"><b>Get there: <\/b>Aer Lingus fly from Dublin to Canc\u00fan three times a week (Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday) from January to April, from \u20ac594 return. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>K\u014dchi, Japan<\/b><img decoding=\"async\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" alt=\"Niyodogawa-cho, Agawa-gun, Kochi Prefecture, Japan. Photograph: iStock\" class=\"c-image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/OQQROAFE2RHPNNYXNLWKVM6XLY.jpg\"   width=\"800\" height=\"533\"\/>Niyodogawa-cho, Agawa-gun, Kochi Prefecture, Japan. Photograph: iStock <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">With the euro at recently record highs against the yen, cost-conscious travellers will find their budgets carrying them further in Japan, opening the door to richer experiences and slower travel. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">The island prefecture of K\u014dchi is buzz-worthy: online searches have doubled in the past year according to Skyscanner, thanks to its reputation as a slice of authentic Japan. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">In tune with its location on the Pacific, its small fishing industry, undeveloped coastline and tight-knit communities play a large part in K\u014dchi\u2019s make-up \u2013 visitors will find daily routines unfolding here as they have for centuries. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">Language and cultural differences may be a challenge, but spending time navigating them will prove immeasurably rewarding. <\/p>\n<ul class=\"c-unordered-list paywall\">\n<li class=\"c-list-item paywall\"><b>Get there: <\/b>Multiple airlines fly indirect from Dublin to Osaka from \u20ac534 return. K\u014dchi is a five-hour train ride away from Osaka. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, France<\/b> <img decoding=\"async\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" alt=\"Bellvue Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, France. Photograph: iStock\" class=\"c-image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BXEAEBJNHREH5M3756SHIDNYVA.jpg\"   width=\"800\" height=\"602\"\/>Bellvue Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, France. Photograph: iStock <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">Positioned at the foot of Mont Blanc, Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is a traditional Alpine and spa town that\u2019s reinventing itself for the future with an impressive series of upgrades. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">In 2026, the century-old Mont Blanc Express introduces energy-efficient trains to connect passengers from Geneva to Chamonix via Saint-Gervais. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">From here, a recently-opened gondola system scoops up passengers from Saint-Gervais\u2019s train station to the slopes in just 15 minutes \u2013\u202fso there\u2019s no need to hire a car and draw straws about who\u2019ll do the driving. <\/p>\n<ul class=\"c-unordered-list paywall\">\n<li class=\"c-list-item paywall\"><b>Get there: <\/b>Aer Lingus fly from Dublin or Cork to Geneva from \u20ac88 return. Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is an hour\u2019s train ride away. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Suchitoto, El Salvador<\/b><img decoding=\"async\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" alt=\"Suchitoto, El Salvador. Photograph: iStock\" class=\"c-image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/355RP3WTAFHQ5BT55D57XUWVOQ.jpg\"   width=\"800\" height=\"533\"\/>Suchitoto, El Salvador. Photograph: iStock <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America, but it is crammed with draws like towering volcanoes, mystical lakes, renowned surf breaks and a rich culture. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">Decades of gang warfare kept El Salvador off the main tourist trail, but a nationwide clean-up in 2022 means it\u2019s now one of the safest countries in the region. Now is the time to visit: enough amenities have sprung up to facilitate a seamless holiday, while its authenticity remains in tact. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">Suchitoto, a town revered for its brilliant white colonial architecture and indigo production, is the first stop in a Salvadoran adventure. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">Try Casa 1800 for a comfortable stay and contemporary cuisine like PuPizza (a hybrid of pupusas, the traditional stuffed tortilla, and pizza), served with sweeping views across Lake Suchitl\u00e1n. <\/p>\n<ul class=\"c-unordered-list paywall\">\n<li class=\"c-list-item paywall\"><b>Get there:<\/b> Multiple airlines fly indirect from Dublin to San Salvador from \u20ac774 return. Suchitoto is an hour\u2019s drive away. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Port de S\u00f3ller, Mallorca<\/b><img decoding=\"async\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" alt=\"Port de S&#xF3;ller, Mallorca. Photograph: iStock\" class=\"c-image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/QOA25FAKARAA7OWS4VIDGQQOKM.jpg\"   width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\/>Port de S\u00f3ller, Mallorca. Photograph: iStock <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">It\u2019s almost a burden that when the solar eclipse happens on 12th August 2026, Mallorca is along the centreline and set to attract a slew of stargazers, who\u2019ll jostle for space with tourists and second homeowners in the height of summer. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">Expect accommodation and flights to this ever-popular Balearic island to peak around this time, but arguably, it\u2019s worth the scrum to experience a total solar eclipse in idyllic conditions. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">The event happens at sunset, adding another a layer of romance to the occasion. Tour operators are laying on extra sunset boat trips to offer unobstructed views out at sea, yet Port de S\u00f3ller, on the western side of the island, is already set up to make the most of sunset. It won\u2019t be too early to book an outside table at the Cap Roig Restaurant in the Jumeirah Mallorca to marvel at this phenomenon with a glass of something delicious. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">For a more informal watch, the viewpoint of Mirador de Santa Catarina is a 10-minute walk from Port de S\u00f3ller\u2019s main drag \u2013 just don\u2019t expect it to be deserted. <\/p>\n<ul class=\"c-unordered-list paywall\">\n<li class=\"c-list-item paywall\"><b>Get there:<\/b> Aer Lingus and Ryanair fly direct from Dublin to Mallorca, from \u20ac80 return. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Tampere, Finland<\/b><img decoding=\"async\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" alt=\"Tampere, Finland. Photograph: iStock\" class=\"c-image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/746MELWJUVB23K3RUHYSW7MD3E.jpg\"   width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\/>Tampere, Finland. Photograph: iStock <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">A 90-minute train ride from the capital of Helsinki, Tampere is the European Capital of Smart Tourism in 2026, along with Dubrovnik in Croatia. It means the city, akin to Cork in population, is a breeze for visitors in many ways. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">Rich with nature and lakes that they want to show off, the city has recently launched a summer shuttle service to its nearby national parks, Seitseminen, Helvetinj\u00e4rvi and Isoj\u00e4rvi, so travellers can make a day-trip via public transport. Lake Pyh\u00e4j\u00e4rvi houses its first accessible beach, with spacious unisex changing rooms, Braille signage, and modifications to make the beach safe for people with disabilities.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">Prefer to sightsee in the city? That\u2019s a doddle too: an app highlights four culture routes based on themes like its rock music tradition and its architecture. <\/p>\n<ul class=\"c-unordered-list paywall\">\n<li class=\"c-list-item paywall\"><b>Get there: <\/b>Multiple airlines fly indirect to Tampere, from \u20ac187 return. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Antalya, Turkey<\/b><img decoding=\"async\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" alt=\"Antalya, Turkey. Photograph: iStock\" class=\"c-image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/JFPQCAVFPNEEBDB332NCERPSJI.jpg\"   width=\"800\" height=\"533\"\/>Antalya, Turkey. Photograph: iStock <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">A heady mix of year-round sun, a competitive currency, beachside glitz and bargain-friendly stays means Turkey\u2019s popularity just keeps growing. Corkians are set to be the newest influx, as SunExpress introduces a new Cork to Antalya route twice weekly starting from May 2026. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">It appeals to a variety of holiday types: while a cultural and historical hub in its own right, Antalya is also a landing pad for the Turkish Riviera, the stretch of glittering coast that\u2019s dotted with enormous yachts and luxe beach clubs as much as archaeological wonders and rustic charm. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">Its family-friendly appeal is set to get a boost in 2026: TUI Blue Maviss and Corendon Hydros Club Kemer open in the region, bringing another two major resorts to pick from. <\/p>\n<ul class=\"c-unordered-list paywall\">\n<li class=\"c-list-item paywall\"><b>Get there: <\/b>SunExpress flies from Cork to Antalya twice a week (Tuesdays and Saturdays), starting on May 16th 2026, from \u20ac220 return. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Bazaruto, Mozambique<\/b><img decoding=\"async\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" alt=\"Bazaruto, Mozambique. Photograph: iStock\" class=\"c-image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/J3474PIIVRBDPGGVUJ4SY5ZUJM.jpg\"   width=\"800\" height=\"533\"\/>Bazaruto, Mozambique. Photograph: iStock <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">The concept of a hidden gem is all relative, but it\u2019s a wonder the Bazaruto Archipelago is less popular than its counterparts of the Maldives and Seychelles. As the number of lodges rises in the coming year, chances are that it won\u2019t stay that way for long. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">While less commercialised, expect the full suite of paradise island activities: snorkel the coral-filled Two Mile Reef to see schools of brightly coloured fish, sea turtles and eels, or take a boat trip out to catch dolphins and whales that circulate around the warm Indian Ocean. It\u2019s just as bustling on land: a wildlife walk will uncover Samango monkeys, bushbuck, and flamingos, or get an adrenaline fix by sandboarding down the island\u2019s towering dunes. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">It requires stamina to reach Bazaruto \u2013\u202fexpect a full day in transit each way \u2013 but the second you bury your feet in the powder-soft sand looking out to the aquamarine horizon, you\u2019ll know it was worth it. <\/p>\n<ul class=\"c-unordered-list paywall\">\n<li class=\"c-list-item paywall\"><b>Get there: <\/b>Multiple airlines fly to Vilankulos from \u20ac1,004. Bazaruto is an hour-long boat transfer away. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Shanghai, China<\/b><img decoding=\"async\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" alt=\"Shanghai, China.Photograph: iStock\" class=\"c-image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/QE2VTF4BNZDFNGYWBS2Z7DML5U.jpg\"   width=\"800\" height=\"533\"\/>Shanghai, China.Photograph: iStock <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">Shanghai has long been a global powerhouse, but it\u2019s aiming to broaden its standing on the world stage by becoming a family-friendly leisure destination too. So when the city\u2019s neon-lit metropolis, imperial temples or east-meets-west stone-gated sh\u00edk\u00f9m\u00e9n lanes become too dull for kids, it\u2019s time to head to either Disneyland Shanghai or the newly opened Legoland, made out of eight sections, 85 million Lego bricks, 75 rides and a Lego-themed hotel \u2013\u202fquite a construction. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">As Legoland\u2019s flagship feature, Miniland is everything you\u2019d expect. It\u2019s where to find Chinese cityscapes recreated in Lego form. The biggest draw is the 10m (32ft) high model of the Shanghai Tower made from over 344,000 bricks. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">Language won\u2019t be a barrier: all major signs and safety briefings are in Chinese and English, most staff speak basic English, and live shows often have English subtitles or narration, so it\u2019s the ultimate destination to build memories &#8230; and 3D models. <\/p>\n<ul class=\"c-unordered-list paywall\">\n<li class=\"c-list-item paywall\"><b>Get there: <\/b>Etihad Airways fly indirect from Dublin to Shanghai, from \u20ac365 return.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Seligman, Arizona, US<\/b><img decoding=\"async\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" alt=\"Seligman, Arizona. Photograph: iStock\" class=\"c-image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GKOKFX7MGZEL3K65UWL7ODSKHE.jpg\"   width=\"800\" height=\"533\"\/>Seligman, Arizona. Photograph: iStock <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">The dreamiest road trip destination, Route 66, turns 100 this year \u2013 a fine excuse to hop into a Chevvy and take to the dusty highway that spans 3,900km (2,423 miles) from Chicago to Santa Monica. For the nostalgic Americana vibe, the Arizona leg is a classic. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">Seligman is particularly notable as the birthplace of Route 66 \u2013 it\u2019s where the townsfolk campaigned to keep the historical route alive when bypasses were built in the 1970s. To pay homage, take a pit stop at the all-American Snow Cap Drive-In, a retro diner from 1953, and still famous for their burgers and milkshakes. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">If you\u2019re staying overnight, there\u2019s a wealth of neon-lit motels \u2013 try Supai Motel, an archetypal Route 66 stop-off that\u2019s excellent value at around \u20ac70 per room. For the highway\u2019s centenary, a Route 66 monument will be unveiled here on April 30, but that\u2019s a rare new touch to this time capsule town. <\/p>\n<ul class=\"c-unordered-list paywall\">\n<li class=\"c-list-item paywall\"><b>Get there: <\/b>Aer Lingus fly direct from Dublin to Las Vegas from \u20ac495.87 return. Seligman is a two-and-a-half-hour drive away. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Southport, England<\/b><img decoding=\"async\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" alt=\"Southport, England. Photograph: Getty Images\" class=\"c-image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ZNXWNF3DDZD2NNXHQGHOIVOB4M.jpg\"   width=\"800\" height=\"449\"\/>Southport, England. Photograph: Getty Images <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">Within waving distance of Dublin, the Victorian seaside town of Southport is limbering up for its first Year of Culture: a 12-month volley of shows, festivals and gatherings designed to show off its contemporary side. Equidistant from Blackpool and Liverpool, the celebration opens with Lightport, a large-scale light and sound installation from Lucid Creates that turns the town into an immersive artwork of colour and rhythm. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">Next, Cristal Palace sees French street-theatre collective Transe Express suspend a 50ft flying chandelier above Lord Street, the town\u2019s historic thoroughfare, as a focal point for aerial acrobatics, street performance and live music. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">Layer on a summer of festivals dedicated to theatre, musical fireworks, food and flowers \u2013 all complementing Southport\u2019s perennial draws, from its extra-long pier and genteel gardens to the dune-laced nature reserves of Formby and the Sefton Coast \u2013 and it adds up to an ambitious city-scale programme that\u2019s already a highlight of the UK\u2019s cultural calendar. <\/p>\n<ul class=\"c-unordered-list paywall\">\n<li class=\"c-list-item paywall\"><b>Get there:<\/b> Irish Ferries and Stena Line run a ferry from Dublin to Holyhead from \u20ac99 return. Southport is a two-and-a-half hour drive away.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Cairo, Egypt<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">Bolstering Cairo\u2019s draw as a destination where history comes to life, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) opened its doors at the end of 2025, and it\u2019s set to return a focus to this ever-popular winter sun destination. The scale is spectacular: designed by Dublin architects Heneghan Peng and the size of 70 soccer pitches, GEM cost \u20ac1,000 million to build. Thankfully, it\u2019s divided into three sections \u2013 Society, Kingship and Beliefs \u2013 then subdivided according to time period, making it easy to navigate. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">The star attraction is Tutankhamun\u2019s tomb. All of its contents are on public display for the first time, including the famous gold mask that\u2019s synonymous with the country. You could spend a whole day ambling around the rest of the museum, but the Giza pyramids are walking distance away, offering another perspective to this marvellous ancient civilisation. <\/p>\n<ul class=\"c-unordered-list paywall\">\n<li class=\"c-list-item paywall\"><b>Get there:<\/b> EgyptAir flies direct from Dublin to Cairo, from \u20ac345 return <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Vancouver, Canada<\/b><img decoding=\"async\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" alt=\"Vancouver is a choose-your-adventure destination. Photograph: Getty Images\" class=\"c-image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4AJFSFU5BFGT3P5T5HTCIRPBDI.jpg\"   width=\"800\" height=\"600\"\/>Vancouver is a choose-your-adventure destination. Photograph: Getty Images <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">If the 2026 Fifa World Cup is calling your name but the US isn\u2019t, you\u2019re in luck \u2013 Canada and Mexico are sharing hosting duties too. On the continent\u2019s west coast, Vancouver is a particular draw. The city comes to life in June and July, nicely timed for when its seven matches of the tournament take place. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">Known for balancing a dynamic urban energy with easy access to the outdoors, Vancouver is a choose-your-adventure destination. Off the coast, it\u2019s prime whale-watching season. On the tip of downtown Vancouver, the expansive Stanley Park shifts into high gear for summer, drawing crowds to its beaches, lakes, gardens and miles of trails. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">Elsewhere, cyclists have a new headline attraction: Grouse Bike Park. The chairlift-accessed mountain bike park offers 13 trails for every skill level, many of which cut through dense forest for sweeping views of Vancouver\u2019s skyline. <\/p>\n<ul class=\"c-unordered-list paywall\">\n<li class=\"c-list-item paywall\"><b>Get there:<\/b> Air Canada fly direct to Dublin three times a week in the summer season, from \u20ac375 return. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Dubai, UAE<\/b><img decoding=\"async\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" alt=\"The Burj Al Arab is one of the iconic landmarks of Dubai and is one of the worlds most luxurious hotels with a seven star rating. Photograph: Getty Images\" class=\"c-image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/XOW7C4YXFBFNJJCJ7NSXA6MUJQ.jpg\"   width=\"800\" height=\"600\"\/>The Burj Al Arab is one of the iconic landmarks of Dubai and is one of the worlds most luxurious hotels with a seven star rating. Photograph: Getty Images <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">If Dubai, a notable \u2018Marmite\u2019 destination, is on your bucket list, here\u2019s another reason to go: it\u2019s set to trial flying taxis for the first time in the next few months, turning The Jetsons-esque futurism into reality. Demonstrated at Dubai Airshow 2025, the electrical vertical take-off and landing (catchily shortened to eVTOL) flight saw its crew speed across Dubai in a 17-minute ride. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph paywall \">Over the next few months, four initial \u201cvertiports\u201d will connect the emirate in minutes \u2013\u202ffor example the journey from Dubai Airport to the luxury resort Palm Jumeirah is an 11-minute air taxi ride, as opposed to the 45-minute drive it is now. If you can shell out the rumoured \u20ac95 fare, it\u2019s certainly something to write home about. <\/p>\n<ul class=\"c-unordered-list paywall\">\n<li class=\"c-list-item paywall\"><b>Get there: <\/b>Emirates fly direct from Dublin to Dubai from \u20ac500 return. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A new year, a new run of holidays to relish. As we explore the world with gusto \u2013&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":266629,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[9,10,995,381,3819,372,18,13,14,2427,2220,6,19,17,386,11,12,361,15,16,388,20944,5,383,7,8,385,1294,107],"class_list":{"0":"post-266628","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-headlines","8":"tag-breaking-news","9":"tag-breakingnews","10":"tag-canada","11":"tag-china","12":"tag-dubai","13":"tag-egypt","14":"tag-eire","15":"tag-featured-news","16":"tag-featurednews","17":"tag-finland","18":"tag-france","19":"tag-headlines","20":"tag-ie","21":"tag-ireland","22":"tag-japan","23":"tag-latest-news","24":"tag-latestnews","25":"tag-magazine","26":"tag-main-news","27":"tag-mainnews","28":"tag-mexico","29":"tag-mozambique","30":"tag-news","31":"tag-spain","32":"tag-top-stories","33":"tag-topstories","34":"tag-turkey","35":"tag-uk","36":"tag-us"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@ie\/115836428476428570","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/266628","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=266628"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/266628\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/266629"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=266628"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=266628"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=266628"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}