When it comes to choosing the best holiday destinations, everybody has their own personal favourites. For example, a trip to New York is always popular with those looking for a vibrant city break filled with street-level thrills and high culture, whilst a visit to Egypt captivates people seeking to see historic treasures like Tutankhamen’s solid gold death mask.
But even closer to home, there’s plenty of choice for those seeking a great getaway. For example, the UK has a range of stunning landscapes and buzzing cities that offer something different to everyone. From a beach break to the coastal resorts of Norfolk and the Cotswolds, to a rural escape to Somerset and Gloucestershire, there’s something for every type of holiday seeker.
If you’re a sunseeker, Spain remains a big hit with British holidaymakers, with the Balearic Islands of Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca offering blissful sun-soaked beaches and picturesque medieval towns. The Canary Islands are also a firm favourite, with Tenerife boasting magnificent volcanic scenery and the epic Pico del Teide as a backdrop for whale and dolphin watching and verdant vineyards. Lanzarote is fuelled with adventure and lava fields, while Gran Canaria has epic night-sky viewing opportunities.
A further 2023 travel trend is for people to explore the Middle East. This region of the world is fast becoming a popular holiday destination thanks to its diverse array of activities, ranging from 4WD trips across a sandscape of rippling dunes to floating in luxury on a Nile Cruise between the temples of Karnak and Luxor and the Great Pyramids. But it’s not all about the desert: Dubai is renowned for its glamorous shopping and dining, while Sharjah and Al Ain are dedicated to promoting Emirati heritage.
Another rising star is Thailand, which continues to attract visitors with its pristine coastline and sensational cuisine. This Land of Smiles is on the rise from backpacker hotspot to mainstream holiday destination with its low prices, exotic wildlife and Buddhist ideals. In the south, Phuket satisfies surfers and beachgoers while Koh Samui has a growing number of boutique hotels that combine upscale comforts with eco-friendly tourism practices. Elsewhere, Bangkok fizzes with excitement and a buzzing cultural scene, while Chiang Mai delivers on both its culinary and spiritual promises.