Savvy British travellers are opportunistic, visiting destinations that offer bargains while the pound is strong against depleted currencies. Think snow-covered Alps for skiing on a budget or exploring the French Riviera’s classic chateaux on a value escorted tour.
A perennial favourite is North Wales’ quaint Victorian resort town Llandudno with its retro pier and two sandy beaches. Or try the island of Lanzarote, where beaches combine with volcanic landscapes and eco-chic hotels.
The Hawaiian Islands
Hawaii is one of the best holiday destinations for anyone seeking paradise and a relaxing island escape. The Hawaiian islands are incredibly diverse and each offers a unique experience. If you’re looking for heart-pounding adventures, total relaxation or something in between, choose from Oahu, Maui, the Big Island and Kauai.
Maui is known as The Valley Isle for its rugged mountains and lush rainforests, dazzling beaches and character-filled small towns. It’s also famous for upscale resorts and activities. If you’re interested in the local culture and history, take a tour of a traditional luau or visit the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park.
The smallest inhabited island, Lanai, is another Hawaiian island that’s perfect for couples or solo travelers who want to unwind. Explore the island’s waterfall trails, snorkel with manta rays and tour a coffee farm.
Egypt
Egypt has long been a popular holiday destination for tourists. It has a unique combination of ancient landmarks and modern beach resorts that make the most of its extensive coastlines.
Most visitors start their vacation in Cairo, which is renowned for its awe-inspiring temples and pyramids. But the country has much more to offer visitors, including desert safaris and a Nile River cruise.
Sharm El Sheikh is a major center for diving, boasting spectacular protected beaches and coral reefs. It’s especially popular with families, thanks to its glistening water and year-round warm weather.
Those who prefer to stay away from crowds should head to Marsa Alam, located south of Hurghada on a pristine stretch of Red Sea coast. It offers a similar vibe to Sharm but is a little cooler and more affordable.
Thailand
Thailand is a top bucket list destination for so many people, and it’s easy to see why. It offers chaotic charm in Bangkok, epic tropical jungles, incredible street food and countless palm-lined beaches that seem to stretch on forever.
Koh Samui is a pristine island resort cored by luscious green mountains and rainforest, with soft white sand beaches. It attracts everybody from backpackers and stag parties to the very rich looking for 5-star luxury.
Krabi rivals Vietnam’s Halong Bay in beauty, with curves of natural protection around a series of islands. It’s ideal for lazy days spent on the beach, or as a relaxing fanfare to a wider cultural tour of Thailand. You can also explore the 13th-century ruins of Sukhothai and the teak houses of Nan.
Turkey
Turkey is the kind of country that delights from every angle, whether it’s lapping up the Byzantine and Ottoman glories of Istanbul on a city break or enjoying the warm glimmering Aegean and Mediterranean beaches. But the best holiday destinations in Turkey go far beyond the beach to offer something different: from the rocky landscapes of Cappadocia and their otherworldly rock formations, to the ancient theatres of Ephesus and the serene thermal waters of Pamukkale.
For a resort with real style, try Kalkan on the Bozburun Peninsula where roof-terrace restaurants waft smooth jazz into the night and the horseshoe-shaped bay is backed by spectacular mountains. Alternatively, if you want an active holiday with plenty of thrills and spills, take to the seas in Kas, a pretty Greek village that’s become the adventure capital of Turkey.
America
From jaw-dropping national parks to quaint mountain resort towns, the United States offers something for everyone. Hike in the mountains, spot wildlife from the water, or just gaze up at a star-filled sky. There are even waterfalls as raging and powerful as Niagara Falls, which span the US-Canada border and create a hypnotic mist that’s sure to leave you breathless.
Why vacation here: Enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of Big Bend National Park, which boasts limestone cliffs and river rapids. Or take in the untouched Alaskan wilderness at Denali National Park, home to North America’s highest peak and its grizzly bears, moose, and caribou.
Get your party on at Sin City, where the nightlife is legendary and high-stakes gambling awaits. Or soak in the cultural side of the USA in cities like New York City, where dreams are born, and San Francisco, where iconic landmarks rise above mystical fog. best holiday destinations