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Most of us dream about the perfect holiday. For some, that means switching off on a faraway tropical island, while others feel drawn to uncovering new cultures, cuisines, and histories.
Luckily, with so many destinations to choose from, there’s a perfect place for every dream holiday.
To get you inspired, we’ve partnered with premier global travel platform, Luxury Escapes, to bring you nine destinations for a holiday of a lifetime. Luxury Escapes delivers getaways handpicked by experts to some of the most beautiful and varied places on Earth. Their ‘book now, choose dates later’ feature and flexible cancellation options also mean you don’t have to commit right away.
1. Bali, Indonesia
Marked by lush green jungles that sit beside clear waters, white-sand beaches, mighty temples, and vast rice terraces, the tropical island of Bali is renowned for its beauty and laidback way of life. Whether you’re after a cultural tour, foodie adventure, or relaxing beach break, Bali has it all.
Popular towns like Seminyak, Uluwatu, Sanur, and Ubud are dotted with yoga retreats, surf spots, and some of Bali’s most striking rice terraces. Meanwhile, in quieter areas like Munduk, Lovina, and Amed, calm bays, rushing waterfalls, and coffee plantations await. Go dolphin watching, take a coffee tour, or explore rustic coastal villages that sit at the foot of Mount Agung, Bali’s largest volcano.
2. The Maldives
The over 1,000 palm-fringed, sandy islands of the Maldives are truly paradise on Earth. Straddling the equator, the Maldives offers year-round warm weather and world-class marine life. It’s the ultimate beach break – perfect for those seeking seclusion, otherworldly natural beauty, and a bit of luxury.
Kick back on soft-sand beaches, take a local boat trip, or go diving or snorkelling among 2,500 coral reefs. Then there’s the Maldivian cuisine, which, centred mostly around the island’s limited produce, is wonderfully fresh. Feast on delicious curries, fresh, local fish, and tasty desserts like cassava coconut cake.
3. Greece
Featuring over 6,000 islands with stunning Blue Flag beaches, world-renowned archaeological sites like the Acropolis, and fresh Mediterranean cuisine, Greece is an idyllic holiday destination. Scattered between the Ionian and Aegean seas, it’s also one of Europe’s sunniest countries, boasting over 250 to 300 days of sunshine a year – so sun seekers won’t be disappointed.
On picture-perfect islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Kefalonia, you can enjoy serene views of brightly coloured boats bobbing in turquoise waters, and white-washed villages that open up to dramatic caldera views and spectacular sunsets. On the mainland, destinations like Parga, Halkidiki, and Thessaloniki are home to ancient ruins, vibrant nightlife, and culinary hotspots.
4. United States of America
From geographical masterpieces like the Grand Canyon to architectural feats like the Golden Gate Bridge, North America is one of the most varied countries on Earth. Whether you’re drawn to the sun-soaked beaches of California or the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, the USA caters to almost every holiday type.
Nature lovers can spot geysers, wildlife, and granite monoliths in iconic National Parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite. While the bright lights and sightseeing wonders of Las Vegas, New York City, and Washington D.C will draw those after a dynamic city break. There are also plenty of family-friendly resorts in Florida, and if you’re an Elvis fan, you can visit the singer’s famous Graceland home in the Deep South.
5. United Kingdom
If you prefer staying closer to home, a holiday of a lifetime doesn’t have to mean travelling thousands of miles across the world. In the UK, we’re lucky enough to have a range of fantastic destinations right on our doorstep, from the wild Cornish coast and Scottish Highlands to Yorkshire’s heather-covered moors and the chalky white cliffs of the Jurassic Coast.
For an active break, national parks like Snowdonia, the Cairngorms, and the Lake District are perfect for hiking, cycling, as well as activities like kayaking, rock climbing, and zip lining. Days can be spent exploring the great outdoors and enjoying cosy meals in local pubs. Meanwhile, the UK’s cities are a melting pot of history, culture, and vibrant nightlife. Enjoy Tudor architecture in York, Georgian elegance in Bath, coastal charm in Brighton, and a thriving music scene in Glasgow.
6. Singapore
Singapore is an extraordinary blend of futuristic skyscrapers, creative green spaces, vibrant cultural districts, and eco-friendly architecture. Known as the ‘Garden City’, it’s the ultimate city break with a twist. Explore the world’s largest orchid garden, relax on Sentosa Island’s beaches, and watch the daily light show at the iconic Gardens by the Bay.
Strolling through Little India or Chinatown, mighty temples and delicious street food await. And along the nature trails and pristine rainforest of Kranji Marshes and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, you can spot mudskippers, monkeys, and monitor lizards.
7. Thailand
Thailand is one of Southeast Asia’s most popular holiday destinations. Visitors flock here for its white sand beaches, fantastic weather, and delicious cuisine. With two dramatically long coastlines, more than 1,400 tropical islands, and a rich spiritual heritage, Thailand offers everything from dynamic city breaks to relaxing beach getaways.
Thailand’s bustling cities, including its capital, Bangkok, are home to grand palaces, temples, and vibrant night markets. While popular coastal and island destinations like Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui offer a more laidback vibe, among some of Thailand’s most iconic scenery. Snorkel with turtles and manta rays, explore beautiful coves, or wander bustling markets, before settling in for a hearty serving of Massaman curry or Pad Thai.
Final thoughts…
Whether you’re drawn to tropical islands, state-of-the-art cities, or the beautiful landscapes right on our doorstep, your holiday of a lifetime awaits.
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Or, for further reading, head over to our travel section.