It’s always a struggle choosing where to go on holiday, so we thought we could help you to narrow it down by introducing a list of our top ten holiday destinations. From action packed adventure to sun, sea and seclusion, these top ten holiday destinations are sure to entice you. Take a look to see the top ten holiday destinations which have been increasing in popularity.
France has long been a favourite destination among European holiday makers. With all the culture of the North and the sun, sea and glamour of the South, there are a whole host of activities and places to explore. The South of France features elegant resorts such as Nice and Cannes- extremely popular with celebrities and fans of the jet set lifestyle. Plus, of course, France plays host to the annual Cannes film festival- a must visit festival for film fans featuring new independent and studio films. Add to this the balmy temperatures and authentic rural charm of many of the Southern French villages, and you’ve got a pretty idyllic holiday location. With the cosmopolitan delights of Paris, with the fabulous Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower and some of the finest cathedrals in Europe, Northern France is the perfect place for a family holiday. With Disneyland Paris, an adventure for children of all ages, and the beautiful Monet’s Gardens, you’ll find no shortage of things to do and see. With the beaches of Brittany and Normandy offering a great seaside break and the Eurostar train and Channel ferries making it ridiculously easy for us Brits to venture over, France is a really fantastic holiday destination. http://www.eurocamp.co.uk/destinations/france.html
Italy: a dream destination for those after a culturally rich city break. Home to some of the most picturesque cities and beautiful architecture, Italy features a huge wealth of historical and cultural sites that are well worth visiting- check out the Roman Coliseums and the Vatican for a real historical insight .The city of Florence is well acknowledged to be the art capital of the world, whilst the canal streets of Venice are perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway. For fashionistas, Milan is a must-visit destination, filled with the hustle and bustle of the contemporary fashion and design world and perfect for a little retail therapy. With its gorgeous rugged shorelines and beautiful stretches of craggy beaches and rural villages, the Amalfi Coast is the ideal destination for those looking for a more countryside oriented break. Take a trek along the cliff side or why not trek from Amalfi to Ravello, an equally picturesque village with incredible scenic views situated atop a hillside. If it’s seaside you’re after, look no further than Sardinia. With its crystalline blue waters and stretches of sandy beach, this once-home of Garibaldi is a hot spot among tourists and natives alike. http://www.italyheaven.co.uk/index.html
Greece: a beautiful country filled with history, mountainous landscapes and gorgeous beaches. With its incredible weather and year round sunshine, it’s no wonder that millions of tourists flock to the islands every year. If you’re looking to party in the sunshine, there are a wide variety of resorts on the islands of Corfu and Zante (Zakynthos) that feature a huge array of clubs and bars to suit every taste. Or, if you’re on the hunt for something a little more laid back and relaxed, the many whitewashed tavernas and peaceful villages of Greece’s various islands may be more your style. Take a boat trip to the islands of Paxos and Anti-Paxos to experience secluded beaches and sun dappled shorelines, or sample some Greek cuisine before retiring to your very own villa. With a wide variety of water sports and activities such as quad biking and trekking available on the majority of the islands, you’ll never be short of things to do. And, if you’re keen to soak up some culture, there are a myriad of museums- such as the Acropolis museum, opened in 2009, located in the city of Athens. Greece truly is one of those fantastic destinations that will keep you heading back year after year. http://www.headingthere.co.uk/guide/europe/greece/
Spain: With so much on offer to suit every conceivable taste and budget, there can be little wonder that Spain has fast become one of the most popular holiday destinations for people of all ages. The fourth largest country in Europe, it consists of the mainland, Balearic Islands and the Canary islands. As the second most mountainous country in Europe, there are a wide variety of adventure holidays available, with a huge array of different activities and challenges for anyone seeking adventure. Of course, there’s the inevitable sun, sea and sangria on offer too, but Spain offers so much more than many first assume. Barcelona is teeming with urban structures and Gothic architecture, whilst Bilbao plays host to the world renowned Guggenheim Museum. With a wide array of different festivals celebrated at different points in the year, Spain is one of the best holiday destinations for those looking for the perfect convergence of culture and classic holiday indulgence. Why not take a trip to the San Fermin festival- known more often as the “Running of the Bulls”? Or take a stroll along through Alicante, one of the central cities, which offers incredible views and friendly locals?
Turkey: a large country with an incredibly large and varied landscape, Turkey is one of the most exciting places to visit right now. Attracting a broad range of travellers, it boasts sun, sea and sand alongside action packed holidays filled with white water rafting and ballooning. There are vast amount of Turkish bath spas where you can head to get a relaxing mud bath or a soothing massage, whilst enjoying a romantic sun soaked setting. The only city in the world to straddle two continents, Istanbul is a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore a rich historical background whilst enjoying the new dramatic renaissance which it is undergoing- visit cutting edge designer shops, film festivals and much more. With a whole host of archaeological sites available in Ankara, including one of the earliest known cities in the world, Turkey is certainly a cultural centre. Why not visit the port of Kusadasi, with its well-known Ladies Beach and ample shopping opportunities? Or head to Bodrum to experience a rich nightlife and sophisticated resorts. If you’re looking for a beach break away, Turkey is full of spectacular beaches and bays, and one of the most famous is the Olu Deniz (Dead Sea) located in Fethiye. With a serene lagoon beach, this is a hotspot for tourists. http://www.headingthere.co.uk/guide/europe/turkey/
Bulgaria: A mix of plain and hill, with a temperate climate, Bulgaria is the ideal destination for those seeking something a little less mainstream. One of its main lures is the long swathes of the sandy Black Sea Coast- with its abundance of resorts and holiday homes. For adventurous travellers, travel a little way to the north or the south and you’ll find almost empty beaches of the same quality- so if you’re after something a little more secluded don’t be afraid to explore! Filled with networks of well-maintained hiking trails and idyllic horse riding routes mean you can explore this beautiful country, with its glorious mountainous forest regions. For nature lovers, this is the perfect setting to observe bears, lynxes, rare birds and other wildlife sadly becoming scarce in the rest of Europe. With cosmopolitan cities such as Sofia, filled with parks, alfresco dining and museums, and the discovery that this is, in fact, a pleasingly cheap destination, Bulgaria is fast becoming a hot new destination for holidays and romantic breaks. Why not cycle through the unspoiled mountain ranges? Bulgaria is sure to have something for everyone. http://www.headingthere.co.uk/guide/europe/bulgaria/
Egypt: Home to some of the most celebrated and world renowned pieces of architecture, Egypt is a vastly popular destination for holidays of all shapes and sizes. Offering fantastic resorts alongside breath taking attractions, it’s no small wonder that Egypt has ended up on our 10 top holiday destinations list. The resorts of Sharm el Sheikh and Hurgharda both feature their own airports- a luxurious feature which appeals to many travellers. Why not take a private tour of the famous Pyramids of Giza and snap the Sphinx? With such a wealth of architectural creations, Egypt is both a fantastic holiday and an educational experience. The city of Cairo buzzes with a constant stream of hustle and bustle, and it is well worth checking out the market stalls and other attractions. Not to mention the temples at Aswan, from which is the best opportunity to sail along the river Nile. Visit the Red Sea and float effortlessly due to the high salt content, or take a trip by camel to the sandy desert of the Sahara. For those interested in Egypt’s biblical connections, there is always a trip to Mount Sinai- the place in which God handed down the commandments to Moses. All in all, Egypt, with its luxury resorts and cultural content is a great holiday destination for the whole family. http://www.headingthere.co.uk/guide/africa/egypt/
Thailand: A land in which ancient customs meet modern day exploration, Thailand is a vibrant destination for seasoned and amateur travellers alike. Providing the setting to various films and books, it is no wonder that the so-called ‘Land of Smiles’ has become so popular among holiday makers. Some of the most magnificent beaches in the world are located here, stretches of pristine white sand lying from Phuket to the gentle surf of Bang Saphan Yai. With a whole host of activities available throughout the coastal areas and, indeed, within the bustling city of Bangkok, you’ll never be bored here. Traditional Thai cuisine has long been celebrated, and there are a huge variety of 2 day cooking classes tourists can take to learn the simplicity behind these delicious flavours. Down on the shores of Ko Tao, you can learn to swim with whale sharks, and to kite-board in Hua Hin. For those in need of a little rest and recuperation, the health resort in Ko Samui is the perfect destination. And for those looking to party the night away, Thailand’s Full Moon Parties are world famous. A true chameleon of the holiday world, Thailand transforms itself into whatever you want it to be- as long as you go searching in the right places. http://www.headingthere.co.uk/guide/south+east+asia/thailand/
New York: United States: You’ll never have time to see it all in one trip. It’s a fact. The United States of America simply have too much to offer to tourists. New York alone has enough attractions to occupy you for a month! Check out the Empire State Building, the Rockefeller Centre, and Times Square. Take a trip down to Bubba Gump’s Shrimp Restaurant- an entire restaurant themed around the film ‘Forrest Gump’. Visit Central Park, go ice skating there in the winter, head to the Natural History Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum. Watch a Rangers game at Madison Square Gardens, or see a Broadway show. Take the subway! Take the ferry to Ellis Island and walk the tour to see what the immigrants went through on their journey into the Big Apple. Head over to Liberty Island and see the Statue of Liberty. Go shopping on 5th Avenue! Honestly, this city is phenomenal, as is the rest of this giant, magnificent country. The more you see of it the more you will love, and the best way to do so is to just dive right in. http://www.headingthere.co.uk/guide/north+america/usa/
Mexico: Straddling temperate and tropical zones, this is truly a fantastic holiday destination. If it’s your first trip, be ready for more crowds and hustle and bustle than you expected, and try to invest a little time learning a few Spanish phrases- they’ll be a great help. With a diverse and colourful cityscape, Mexico is one of the world’s largest urbanizations. Visit Grasshopper Park to ride rollercoasters, visit an 18th century hilltop castle and get your first experience of the city. Alternatively, if you’re after beaches and sunbathing, the bay of Acapulco and the lagoons of the Maya Riviera offer some truly stunning stretches of sand and an array of water sports for those interested in being a little more active. To explore the quieter, more rural areas of Mexico, many companies offer tours of the backstreets and rural village areas. Or why not take cooking lessons in the Veracruz countryside? It truly is what you make of it and with so many places and activities to choose from, you can be sure that you shan’t leave disappointed. http://www.headingthere.co.uk/guide/central+america/mexico/
