Top 10 holiday destinations

Thinking about where you should visit this year? We’ve got you covered with everything from sun-soaked Caribbean islands and exciting tours in North America, to secluded Indian Ocean beaches, fun adventures in Central America and easy-going Mediterranean destinations.

Our top 10:

10    USA
9    Costa Rica
8    Canary Islands
7    Thailand
6    Greece
5    Mauritius
4    Canada
3    St Lucia
2    Barbados
1    Maldives

#10

USA

There’s plenty to explore in this vast nation that stretches 2,800 miles from coast to coast. It would take months if not years to experience it all, but it’s easy to combine some of the top spots into one unforgettable holiday excursion. One of the best ways to explore the USA is with a fly-drive or self-drive. The premise is simple: fly to your chosen state, pick up a hire car and hit the open road. You can completely tailor-make your own itinerary which includes every city or attraction you want to discover, or we have plenty of fabulous itineraries to inspire your adventure.

If you’re not wanting to drive, an escorted tour is another fantastic way to include multiple locations on your USA holiday. Hassle-free and oh so easy, your expert guide will take you on a wonderful journey through your favourite region. Even meals are included, so everything is all sorted before you even hit the road.

Beautiful oceanfront roads along the coast, epic journeys through awe-inspiring national parks, and plenty of brilliant iconic attractions at every stop – USA was made for adventure.

Our favourite self-drive and escorted tours include:
Western Discovery Tour
Self-Drive Grand Canyon, Monument Valley & the Mighty Five of Utah
Los Angeles Stay & Mexican Riviera Cruise

#9

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a top destination for wildlife and nature lovers as well as adventure seekers. Its lush jungles are home to four types of monkeys, an astonishing array of exotic birds and butterflies, sloths and a wide range of lizard species. Anteaters, tapirs and coatimundis scurry by regularly in some of its national parks while both coasts are famous for nesting turtles as well as visits from migrating whales and leaping dolphins, with pods number in the thousands. All sorts of adventures can be enjoyed, from surfing and zip-lining to hiking through cloud forests and swimming in tranquil pools under cascading waterfalls. You can even delve into authentic culture, experiencing what it’s like to live in this remote part of the world by spending time in one of the rural, local communities.

Discover Costa Rica’s beauty with our best escorted tours:
Costa Rica Adventure
Classic Costa Rica
Costa Rica Family Adventure

#8

Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are a hit with holidaymakers all year round, boasting warm sunshine even in the winter months. We love the archipelago’s zest for life, helping you make wonderful memories as you enjoy vibrant fiestas, striking golden sand beaches, and brilliant outdoor activities including hiking, paddle boarding and paragliding. Want a bit more relaxation? There’s simply nothing better than residing yourself at a friendly café and spending the afternoon dining on tapas with a pitcher of Sangria.

Each island has its own unique quality, so you can visit this Spanish archipelago time and time again. Known as the island of eternal spring, Tenerife offers blissful sun-soaked beaches and the incredible Pico del Teide as its mountain backdrop. Whale and dolphin-watching is a popular pastime here, as are the verdant vineyards. Lanzarote is fuelled with adventure, and is home to epic landscapes including lava fields, volcanic cones and lava tubes. Night-sky watching is also an unforgettable choice here – Peñas del Chache has a truly impressive view. Gran Canaria is also a hit for those seeking some winter sun. Head to the south of the island and you’ll be met with soaring sand dunes and golden beaches perfect for sunbathing and wind surfing.

We’ve picked our favourite hotel at each of these sun-kissed islands:
Hotel Bahia Del Duque (5*)
Secrets Lanzarote (5*)
H10 Playa Meloneras (5*)

#7

Thailand

Thailand is often ranked among the world’s happiest nations, known as the ‘Land of Smiles.’ It’s not only renowned for its friendly hospitality, but it’s a foodie heaven. In Bangkok you’ll find especially delectable street cuisine with every plate bursting with tasty flavours, blending sweet and spicy with ingredients like kaffir lime leaves. Discover a wealth of magnificent Buddhist temples and monasteries, and then head out to do some island hopping, the most popular activity in Thailand. There are more than 1,400 tropical islands to choose from in the south, from Krabi, adorned with limestone cliffs and impressive natural beauty, to Koh Samui with some of the world’s top luxury beach resorts and indulgent spas. No matter which island you choose, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and glistening turquoise seas, ideal for days spent relaxing on the sand and enjoying activities on the water.

Create a tailor-made island-hopping tour, or check out our picks below:
Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui
Bangkok to Singapore on the Eastern Oriental Express
Thailand Family Holiday

#6

Greece

If you’re looking for relaxation and sunshine a bit closer to home, Greece is a wonderful choice. Enjoy a slower pace of life in the day time, simply soaking up the rays, relishing delicious al fresco lunches, and snorkelling the crystal-clear waters. Come the evening, you’ll enjoy decadent dinners alongside live music and dancing. Whether you fancy relaxation, culture or thrill, Greece has it all.

Corfu is one of the most popular of the Greek islands, thanks to its stunning coastline and friendly locals. Undeniably fun, this island offers fantastic water sports, punchy ouzo to finish off an evening of dancing, and family-owned olive groves to explore. Crete is a foodie’s delight, with charming family-owned taverns creating a delightful menu of freshly caught seafood, hand-reared meat and homemade olive oil, cheese and wine. The region of Halkidiki is unmissable too. Located in northern Greece, the three peninsulas shaped like a trident offer a mix of lively fun and laidback seclusion. The region boasts gorgeous beaches, quiet coves, and some of the most delicious honey and wine.  

Our favourite hotels in each of these coveted Greek islands include:
Ikos Dassia (5*)
Sani Beach (5*)
Domes of Elounda (5*)

#5

Mauritius

One of the top destinations for romance-seekers, Mauritius is an island located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, some 2,000 miles off the southeast coast. It’s best known for its luxury hotels and resorts with landscapes that include postcard-perfect white sandy beaches, picturesque lagoons and volcanic mountains. It’s an ideal spot for honeymooners and all types of travellers who want to enjoy relaxed days soaking up the sun and snorkelling or diving through a spectacular underwater world, jam-packed with marine life. Paddle boarding, windsurfing, parasailing, deep-sea fishing, swimming with dolphins, mountain treks and bird watching are just some of the other activities possible here.

Mauritian rum is truly second to none. Relax at a chilled beachside or poolside bar and order your bartender’s favourite rum cocktail – you won’t be disappointed. The generations of migrant culture and heritage have also resulted in diverse dishes, with a delightful palate of delicate spices and freshly-caught seafood.

Allow us to give you a taste of island life with these three luxury hotels:
Verandah Pointe Aux Biches (4*)
Zilwa Attitude (4*)
Shangri-La Le Touessrok (5*)

#4

Canada

If you’re looking for a combination of remote wilderness and exciting city options, spend time in British Columbia, exploring Vancouver and its capital city, beautiful Victoria on Vancouver Island. You’ll be able to take advantage of shopping, dining and cultural attractions in the city and immerse yourself in remote wilderness areas taking advantage of opportunities for eco-adventure tours, fishing and wildlife watching – including bears and whales. Alberta is known for its jaw-dropping national parks and thrilling outdoor reacreation, making it the perfect destination for adventurous travellers. The province has five national parks and sixty provincial parks, making it one of the best regions to hike and wildlife spot. The soaring Canadian Rockies that stretch across British Columbia and Alberta pack in lots of incredible mountain lake views, alluring wildlife, and the opportunity to experience the famous and luxurious Rocky Mountaineer.

On the east side of the country, Atlantic Canada, which includes New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, is a region that’s incredibly picturesque, warm and welcoming, characterised by colourful fishing villages, beautiful beaches, a wide range of marine life and some of the most mouth-watering fresh seafood you’ll ever taste. Whilst exploring the region, keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife, including dolphins, whales, seals, bald eagles and the adorable auk known as the puffin.

Explore this vast destination on one of our Canadian tours:
Panoramic Canadian Rockies
Planes, Trains, Automobiles & Cruise Ships
Self-Drive Nova Scotia & Maritime Magic Treasures

#3

St Lucia

Boasting an enviable 98 miles of astonishing coastline, St Lucia is a fabulous choice for every kind of holiday. If you want a fun-filled family getaway, a romantic honeymoon, an all-inclusive stay, a lively adult-only hotel or a serene spa resort, this island has the perfect place for you. Boasting an inspiring backdrop of the lush green Pitons, St Lucia certainly encourages adventure, with fantastic land activities including rainforest treks and excursions to the volcano La Soufriere. By the coast, you’ll find warm, golden sands and fantastic water sports including paddle boarding and snorkelling. If you’re wanting pure relaxation, there are many wonderful spas that will allow you to completely let go of everyday stresses.

The food here is phenomenal too. The national dish – green banana and saltfish, is one of our favourite recommendations. Our mouths water just thinking about it. But also try other St Lucian delicacies such as fried plantain, callaloo soup and langouste (Caribbean lobster). The Gros Islet Friday Night Street Party is held every month, and provides a vibrant and fun evening of music, BBQ food and dancing.

Our top hotel recommendations for St Lucia are:
The SoCo House (4*)
Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Spa (4*)
Jade Mountain (5*)

#2

Barbados

Barbados is such a fun, vibrant place to be. So much so, that many holidaymakers head back to the sun-soaked island time and time again. The endless island delights include swaying palms, jaw-dropping beaches framed by a sea in every shade of blue, as well as classic all-inclusive resorts, top-notch restaurants and exciting excursions. One of the most desirable and luxurious travel destinations in the Caribbean, it offers a wide range of water sports, from swimming with sea turtles to paddle boarding, windsurfing, snorkelling and diving. It’s a true diver’s paradise, surrounded by reef with several wrecks that can be explored. Visitors can also wander through the capital city of Bridgetown’s historic old town and St. Ann’s Garrison, both of which have been recognised by UNESCO as outstanding examples of British colonial architecture.

Sophisticated hotels along the Platinum west coast are mixed with family-friendly resorts along the south, with fabulous gourmet restaurants and easy-going attitude adding even more character to this beautiful Caribbean island.

Want to know where to stay? Here are three of our favourite Barbados hotels:
The Sands Barbados (4*)
Sea Breeze Beach House (4.5*)
Cobblers Cove (5*)

#1

Maldives

A haven out in the Indian Ocean, the secluded Maldives are often named as the most romantic archipelago on the planet. Anyone that’s looking for seclusion and relaxation is likely to find it here, with hundreds of picture-perfect sandy islands and countless resorts with overwater villas where you’ll be surrounded by warm waters in a myriad of dazzling blue hues. Look forward to taking part in active pursuits like diving or snorkelling among coral reefs, sailing, windsurfing and more. Many resorts in the Maldives can only be reached by boat, offering an extra special, secretive allure.

Barefoot luxury is always on the cards with a trip to the Maldives. This is one of our favourite destinations for a honeymoon, as the hotels here ooze romance – imagine spending your first few weeks of marriage enjoying couples’ massages, idyllic dinners on the beach, and beautiful sunsets from your overwater villa.

Experience the Maldives with one of these luxurious hotels:
Cinnamon Dhonveli (4.5*)
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef (5*)
Hurawalhi Island Resort (5*)