British travellers have never been more on the move, and the people behind those journeys now have the chance to say who made them special. Abta, the travel association, found in its latest Holiday Habits report that the average UK resident takes nearly four trips a year, and almost 90 per cent of us manage at least one. For the people filling airports, ferry terminals and railway platforms, that habit is not an abstraction; it is a yearly rhythm of family reunions, first trips abroad and long-awaited breaks. It is also why The Times and The Sunday Times are asking their exceptionally well-travelled readers to help crown the winners of the 13th Travel Awards.
For readers, the invitation comes with a tangible reward. Anyone who votes can enter a draw for one of five prizes, each the kind of holiday most people only dream about. The most ambitious is a ten-night, full-board expedition cruise to Greenland for two people with HX Expeditions, with all meals and drinks on board, return flights from the UK and a set of unforgettable activities included. Those preferring warmth could win a seven-night all-inclusive holiday to Sandals Ochi in Jamaica with Sandals Resorts, or a five-night all-inclusive stay at The Ixian Grand & All Suites in Rhodes with easyJet holidays. River-lovers have an option too: a week-long, full-board European river cruise with AmaWaterways. And for those who want to share the good fortune, a three-night stay for up to 12 guests at the idyllic Colleton Hall in Devon, courtesy of Oliver’s Travels, means the prize can be enjoyed with friends and family.
To be in with a chance of winning one of these, readers simply need to name the holiday companies and places they have loved this year, using the online voting form and voting in all categories.
The awards themselves reflect how rich the travel landscape has become. This year has already brought the inauguration of several new cruise ships, including the 54-suite Orient Express megayacht, a raft of first-time-ever flight routes to destinations from Seoul to St Louis, and revolutionary cross-country rail itineraries. Hotel openings have been so plentiful that it has been hard to keep track. Against that backdrop, the awards span 18 categories, including a new yacht cruise operator category, alongside an editor’s choice award. Airlines, tour operators, luxury hotel groups, cities and countries all feature.
The full list covers best short-haul airline and best long-haul airline; best country or region worldwide and best city worldwide; best country in Europe and best city in Europe; best luxury hotel group and best all-inclusive hotel brand; best ocean cruise operator and best luxury ocean cruise operator; best river cruise operator, best adventure cruise operator and, new this year, best yacht cruise operator; best tour operator or travel agent and best luxury tour operator; best guided adventure operator; best ski operator; and best villa operator.
The shortlists were not drawn up in an office vacuum. They were compiled from feedback from readers themselves, combined with input from travel writers and editors for The Times and The Sunday Times, meaning the people who actually took the trips helped shape the field. Last year, more than 910,000 votes were cast for more than 100 destinations and companies, with winners including London for best European city, New Zealand for best country worldwide and Emirates for best long-haul airline. Who joins that roll of honour this time is entirely up to the voting public.
The deadline matters for anyone planning to take part: the last chance to vote is Sunday, October 18, 2026. The winners will then be published at 8pm on Friday, November 27, giving travellers a few weeks of suspense before the results are known.
For the holiday companies, hotels and destinations involved, the awards represent a verdict from the people whose opinions matter most: the travellers themselves. For readers, the process is simpler still. Vote for the places and companies that delivered this year, and one of five remarkable holidays could be yours.