Tourexpi
Holidaymakers in the UK are embracing a new kind of
winter escape, according to TUI’s latest search data. The travel company
reports a 92% increase in searches for Iceland compared with the same period
last year, reflecting a growing appetite for cooler climates and
once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Alongside Iceland, Lapland has also seen a strong
upswing, with searches up 42%. The trend follows one of the hottest British
summers on record, pushing travellers to seek destinations where they can chase
the Northern Lights, relax in geothermal spas, and explore icy landscapes
instead of beaches.
Winter wanderlust: from glaciers to geysers
“Iceland’s 92% surge in searches shows that
holidaymakers are ready to swap sunshine for snow-filled adventures,” said Chris
Logan, Commercial Director at TUI UK & Ireland. “In a destination as
extraordinary as Iceland, where you can hike glaciers, witness geysers and even
spot the Northern Lights, this growing interest comes as no surprise. Our
tailored packages make these bucket-list experiences more accessible than ever,
with flexible trip durations and excursions included.”
TUI’s Musement division, specialising in tours and
experiences, offers a wide selection of excursions that combine relaxation,
culture and adventure – from whale watching in Reykjavik to glacier hikes and Golden
Circle tours that take in the famous Gullfoss “Golden Waterfall” and active
geysers.
Exclusive winter packages
TUI package with excursions included
A seven-night stay at the 4T Reykjavik Lights Hotel on
a bed-and-breakfast basis starts from £826 per person, including return flights
from Manchester Airport on 28 January 2026, 20kg hold luggage, transfers and
two excursions – a Northern Lights hunt and the Golden Circle tour.
Plan-your-own itinerary
Travellers preferring flexibility can choose TUI’s plan-your-own-itinerary
option. A seven-night stay at the 3T Hotel Fron in Reykjavik on a
bed-and-breakfast basis starts from £550 per person, with flights from London
Gatwick on 14 January 2026, including luggage and transfers.
Experiences
beyond imagination
Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon with Kerid Crater –
from £179pp
Visit Thingvellir National Park, stand between the
American and Eurasian tectonic plates, see the Strokkur geyser erupt and marvel
at Gullfoss Waterfall before relaxing in the Blue Lagoon.
Classic Whale-Watching Tour in Reykjavik – from £90pp
Spend three hours at sea with marine experts in search
of minke and humpback whales, dolphins and porpoises – with lucky guests
occasionally spotting orcas.
Glacier Hiking & South Coast Tour – from £136pp
Explore Iceland’s Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Gljúfrabúi
waterfalls before gearing up to trek on the Sólheimajökull glacier, part of the
country’s fourth-largest ice cap.
A new era of winter travel
As travellers prioritise authentic and experiential
journeys, TUI’s data shows a clear move away from traditional beach holidays
towards immersive winter adventures. With packages that include key excursions
and flexible itineraries, Iceland has emerged as one of the most inspiring –
and fastest-growing – destinations for the 2025/26 winter season.
More information and booking options are available at tui.co.uk, in TUI holiday stores, or via the TUI app.
Image
Credit: © Elke Romig
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