Top 10 Holiday Destinations: The Best Holiday Destinations to Visit in the World Right Now

Choosing your next holiday destination is the most exciting part of travel planning. If you're seeking cultural immersion, a relaxing family break, or a romantic escape, this definitive list of the top 10 holiday destinations in the world is curated to inspire you and to check off your bucket list. In this post, we give you the lowdown on the world’s most amazing places, plus the practical info you need to get your trip planning started.

Let´s get going!

Thailand remains the ultimate long-haul choice, offering an exhilarating mix of ancient, fascinating culture, world-renowned street food, and postcard-perfect tropical landscapes. It is a country that effortlessly blends the bustling market towns and hyper-modern energy of Bangkok with the serene, turquoise beauty of its islands, providing outstanding value for travellers from anywhere in the world.

✔ Your planning insight:

• For the best experience, we recommend splitting your itinerary. Dedicate time to the north (like Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai) for mountain treks and cultural history, then fly south to the beaches (such as Krabi or the Gulf Islands).
• The optimal travel time is the cool and dry season, typically from November to February, when temperatures are most pleasant.

✔ Sample 2-week itinerary & cost (Mid-range):

• Route focus: Bangkok (3 nights) ➡ Chiang Mai (5 nights) ➡ Krabi/Railay Beach (6 nights).
• Activities: Temple tours, cooking class, ethical elephant sanctuary visit, and island longtail boat tours.
• Approximate ground cost (Per person): £1,800 - £2,500. This covers comfortable 3-star/4-star accommodation, domestic flights, all trains, food, and major entry fees.

The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, making it a dream for those seeking rich culture, wild, pristine marine life and dramatic, untouched island scenery, and the best beach with fine sand you´ve never seen before. Destinations like Palawan are globally famous for their colossal limestone cliffs, crystalline lagoons, and world-class diving spots in the main islands, such as El Nido and Coron.

Palawan's exceptional beauty is internationally recognised, as the island frequently ranks as one of the best islands in the world by publications like Travel + Leisure and the best beaches globally according to reports from Forbes and other travel experts. It’s a rewarding destination for the adventurous traveller.

✔ Your planning insight:

• Island hopping is essential here, often requiring domestic flights and ferries. To travel efficiently, focus your trip on one or two main regions.
• The dry season for smooth sailing and maximum sun runs from November to April, making it the ideal window for your visit to experience the best beach conditions.

✔ Sample 2-week itinerary & cost (Mid-range):

• Route focus: Manila (1 night) ➡ Puerto Princesa/El Nido/Coron, Palawan (8 nights) ➡ Moalboal, Cebu (5 nights).
• Activities: Lagoon tours (A/B/C), snorkelling/diving, canyoneering (Kawasan Falls).
• Approximate ground cost (Per person): £1,600 - £2,400. This includes 3-star resort stays, domestic flights, ferry transfers, food, and paid island-hopping tours.

The Greek Islands in Greece offer a beautiful shade of mythology, ancient history, and dazzling Aegean seas, perfect for relaxation and cultural exploration. From the iconic volcanic views of Santorini to the vast, historic beaches of Crete and Rhodes, there is an island to match every traveller’s mood and pace.

✔ Your planning insight:

• To get the most variety, consider an island-hopping trip. For better value and authentic charm, pair a famous hub with a smaller island, such as Naxos or Paros.
• While ferries are reliable, booking high-speed tickets in advance is advisable, especially during the peak European summer months.

✔ Sample 2-week itinerary & cost (Mid-range):

• Route focus: Athens (2 nights) ➡ Santorini (3 nights) ➡ Naxos (4 nights) ➡ Crete (5 nights).
• Activities: Acropolis tour, Santorini sunset viewing, beach relaxation, hiking, and visits to historical sites.
• Approximate ground cost (Per person): £2,000 - £2,800. This covers 3-star/4-star boutique stays, all ferry transfers, local transport, food, and entry fees.

Andalucía, in Southern Spain, is the passionate heartland of flamenco, tapas, and the powerful legacy of Moorish history. Cities like Seville, Granada (home to the breathtaking Alhambra palace), and Córdoba offer intense cultural experiences, guaranteed sunshine, and one of the world's most celebrated cuisines.

✔ Your planning insight:

• Travel within this region is simple. Focus on the 'Golden Triangle' of Seville, Granada, and Córdoba, which are efficiently connected by Spain’s high-speed rail network. This allows you to combine intense cultural sightseeing with a relaxing finish on the nearby sandy beaches of the Costa del Sol.

✔ Sample 2-week itinerary & cost (Mid-range):

• Route focus: Seville (5 nights) ➡ Córdoba (2 nights) ➡ Granada (3 nights) ➡ Coastal Base (4 nights).
• Activities: Alhambra tour, Flamenco show, Mezquita visit, tapas crawls, wine, and beach relaxation.
• Approximate ground cost (Per person): £1,800 - £2,500. This includes 3-star/4-star hotels, high-speed rail tickets, food, and entry fees.

Florida maintains its reputation as the global leader in family entertainment, primarily due to the unrivalled concentration of world-class theme parks in Orlando. Beyond the thrills, the state offers stunning beaches on both the Gulf and Atlantic sides, providing a perfect balance of high-energy fun and relaxation.

✔ Your planning insight:

• If your family trip is focused on the parks, plan rest days into your itinerary—the heat and walking can be exhausting!
• For larger groups, a private villa rental often provides more space and better value than multiple hotel rooms compared to resorts, especially for longer stays.

✔ Sample 2-week itinerary & cost (Mid-range/Family of 4):

• Route focus: Orlando (8 nights - Park focus) ➡ Gulf Coast/St. Pete’s Beach (6 nights - Relaxation).
• Activities: Theme park visits (e.g., Disney/Universal), beach days, sightseeing.
• Approximate ground cost (total family of 4, excluding international flights): £7,000 - £10,000. This covers a mid-range villa/hotel, multi-day park tickets (a major cost), car rental for a road trip, and food/daily expenses.

The Algarve in Portugal is a premier choice for families worldwide due to its short flight times, reliable sunshine, and safe, purpose-built infrastructure. Its beautiful beaches, golden cliffs and sheltered coves, combined with a huge selection of holiday cottages and family-centric resorts, make it a wonderfully low-stress and high-satisfaction destination.

✔ Your planning insight:

• Choose your location carefully based on your family's needs. The Central Algarve (around Albufeira and Vilamoura) is ideal for easy access to water parks and large resorts. Check out more of the things to do in Albufeira here.
• For older children who enjoy activities like surfing and kayaking, the historic western towns of Lagos or Sagres offer a more rugged, outdoors focus.

✔ Sample 2-week itinerary & cost (Mid-range/Family of 4):

• Route focus: Lagos (7 nights - Adventure/Beaches) ➡ Vilamoura (7 nights - Resort/Pool Focus).
• Activities: Kayaking to Benagil Caves, water park visit, surfing lessons, and boat trip.
• Approximate ground cost (total family of 4, excluding international flights): £3,000 - £4,500. This includes a self-catering apartment/3-star resort, local transport/car hire, food, and activity costs.

Cornwall is the quintessential British coastal retreat, famed for its dramatic, windswept peninsulas, excellent surfing beaches, and picturesque fishing harbours like St. Ives and Padstow. It offers a truly unique feeling of escape, celebrated for its charming villages, unique local cuisine and maritime heritage.

✔ Your planning insight:

• To secure the best accommodation and enjoy the coast with fewer crowds, aim for the shoulder seasons: May, June, or September.
• The North Coast (around Newquay) is best for surfing, while the South Coast offers calmer waters and charming sheltered coves.
• For more insights on the best things to do in Cornwall, check out our blog here.

✔ Sample 2-week itinerary & cost (Mid-Range/Family or Couple):

• Route focus: North Coast Base (7 nights) ➡ South Coast Base (7 nights).
• Activities: Surfing lessons, visiting the Eden Project, coastal walks, exploring St. Ives, and enjoying some delicious cream teas.
• Approximate ground cost (total family of 4, excluding travel to Cornwall): £3,500 - £5,500. This covers two weeks in a mid-range self-catering cottage, food, petrol, and paid attractions.

The Scottish Highlands offer an epic, cinematic landscape of high mountains (Munros), deep blue lochs, and vast, empty glens. It is the perfect destination for the adventurous traveller, providing some of the best hiking, history, and peaceful solitude in Europe.

✔ Your planning insight:

• The Highlands are best explored by car. Consider driving a section of the iconic North Coast 500 (NC500) route.
• Accommodation in remote areas is limited, so pre-booking B&Bs and inns is highly recommended, and always pack for rapidly changing weather, even in the height of summer.

✔ Sample 2-week itinerary & cost (Mid-range/couple):

• Route focus: Inverness (2 nights) ➡ North West Coast (5 nights) ➡ Isle of Skye (4 nights) ➡ Fort William/Loch Lomond (3 nights).
• Activities: Scenic driving (NC500/Skye), short hiking, whisky distillery tours, and Loch Ness.
• Approximate ground cost (Per person): £2,200 - £3,200. This covers B&B/mid-range hotel stays, car hire and petrol, food, and attraction entry.

The United Kingdom offers incredible scenery and culture without the hassle of a long-haul flight. Aside from the two top destinations mentioned, adventurous travellers should also consider the Lake District National Park for world-class hiking and stunning lakes.

Nestled deep within the Arctic Circle, Lapland in Finland is the home of pure winter magic. It is the definitive destination for a memorable festive trip, offering guaranteed snow, the enchanting glow of the Northern Lights, and once-in-a-lifetime activities like meeting Santa and husky-drawn sleigh rides.

✔ Your planning insight:

• December is the most expensive and crowded month. For a similar experience with better value and excellent chances to see the Aurora Borealis, consider visiting in late January or February.
• You must pack multiple thermal layers, as temperatures are consistently freezing, and plan for short daylight hours.

✔ Sample 2-week itinerary & cost (Mid-range/couple):

• Route focus: Rovaniemi (4 nights - Santa focus) ➡ Levi/Ylläs (5 nights - Wilderness/Aurora hunting) ➡ Helsinki (3 nights - Culture).
• Activities: Snowmobiling, husky safari, Northern Lights tour, Santa Village visit.
• Approximate ground cost (per person): £3,500 - £5,000. This is an expensive region; costs cover specialised activities, warm accommodation, and internal flights/trains.

Lying off the coast of Africa, the Canary Islands (primarily Tenerife and Gran Canaria) boast a wonderfully mild, near year-round sunshine. They are the ultimate destination for those seeking guaranteed winter sunshine without the hassle or expense of a long-haul journey, offering miles of golden beaches.

✔ Your planning insight:

• When booking, stick to the south side of the islands, which are generally warmer and less exposed to rain and wind.
• Tenerife offers dramatic volcanic landscapes and diverse resorts, while Fuerteventura is the best choice for water sports enthusiasts, known for its strong winds and vast beaches.

✔ Sample 2-week itinerary & cost (Mid-range/couple):

• Route focus: Tenerife South (7 nights - Resort/Beach) ➡ Tenerife North (7 nights - Hiking/Culture).
• Activities: Teide National Park trip, whale watching, local market visits, beach relaxation.
• Approximate ground cost (per person): £1,800 - £2,500. This includes 3-star/4-star hotel stays, car rental for part of the trip, food, and general activity costs.

You have read a list of the world’s top 10 holiday destinations with all the practical and budget information you need to plan a trip. The world is calling, go ahead and make memories! Choose your perfect destination and start planning your next amazing adventure!