The document discusses popular holiday destinations abroad such as Spain, France, Greece, USA, Italy, Croatia, Thailand, Turkey, Egypt. It provides details on specific destinations and regions within each country that are notable for beaches, culture, food, and natural scenery. Popular Spanish destinations include the Balearic and Canary Islands as well as the mainland coast. France is renowned for beaches, cycling, and hotel barge cruises along its rivers. Greece retains popularity for its whitewashed villas, friendly culture and blue seas, especially on islands like Corfu and Paxos.
2. SPAIN
• Spain has long been a favourite of British holidaymakers, and it
remains the UK’s number one holiday destination. In particular, the
Balearic islands of Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca are perennial big-
hitters, along with Canary Islands such as Tenerife and the beautiful
lesser-known La Gomera and La Palma. Other great beach
destinations on the mainland include the Costa de la
Luz and Catalonia.
• Northern Spain is overlooked by most tourists, even though it
combines magnificent empty beaches with rolling countryside,
mountains, medieval towns and buzzing cities. It’s authentic, great
value and the food is superb.
3. FRANCE
• The relationship between the British and French has had its ups and
downs over the years, but our love of all things French shows no sign
of abating. From the Channel ports to the islands of the
Mediterranean, Francophiles are never short of new destinations to
discover.
• Among our favourite holidays in France are the beaches of Corsica or
you could go cycling in the French countryside. If you’re looking for an
excuse to crack open a few bottles, relax and watch the countryside
roll by on a luxury hotel barge with gourmet meals, fine wines and
excursions all included. Destinations
include Burgundy, Provence and Gascony.
4. Greece
• Holidays in Greece are all about simplicity. Despite the recent
economic crisis, it is the whitewashed villas, the friendly tavernas, the
hot sun and blue seas that keep us coming back year after year. Even
Greek food is a masterpiece of simplicity, both traditional and healthy.
• It is the islands that attract the most visitors. Corfu’s villas never lose
their appeal. If you’re looking for the quintessential small Greek
island, we recommend Paxos, which has no airport and is a great
place for lazy days, boat trips and lovely villas.
5. USA
• America is the most popular long-haul destination for British
holidaymakers and it’s not hard to see why. The USA has an
impressive diversity of landscapes, iconic cultural sights, friendly
people and great food.
• New York is an obvious starting point, a 24/7 hit of street-level thrills
and high culture. You can arrive on a Transatlantic cruise, combine the
Big Apple with Las Vegas, or experience Niagara Falls.
• The Mid West is the heartland of America. Las Vegas is the popular
highlight, easily combined with the Grand Canyon on a fly-drive. A
great way to explore the US is to rent a motorhome
6. Italy
• Ancient culture, great beaches, fantastic food and charming people – it’s no
surprise that so many of us decide to holiday in Italy. Our editors
consistently rate it is one of the best summer holiday destinations in
Europe.
• For a taste of la dolce vita, head to the wonderful cities
of Rome, Florence and Venice – for an extra dash of old-school glamour,
you can even travel to Venice on the Orient-Express. For a relaxing stay in
the countryside or close to a beach, rent a villa with private pool.
• Umbria is a beautiful region of Italy, boasting medieval market towns,
wonderful vineyards and great works of the Renaissance – and is largely
untouched by tourists. Beach lovers will be blown away by the 500 miles of
coastline in Puglia in the south, not to mention the traditional architecture
and terrific food and wine. Tuscany is deservedly popular but you can still
escape the crowds by renting a villa.
7. Croatia
• The pristine coastline of Croatia is among the most beautiful in the
world – and one of the least spoilt in Europe. It’s also good value
compared to other Mediterranean countries.
• Either stay in one of the beautiful resorts that dot the coastline, or
head out to one of the many stunning islands that lay off the coast.
The island of Hvar is a real stunner, easily reached by ferry from Split.
• The historic city of Dubrovnik has been beautifully restored in recent
years. Originally built by the Venetians, the Pearl of the Adriatic has
great food and is a wonderful base from which to take the ferry to
surrounding islands.
8. Thailand
• Thailand, the Land of Smiles, continues its meteoric rise from
backpackers’ haven to mainstream holiday favourite. The appeal is
obvious: beautiful countryside and beaches, great food, friendly
people and low prices. But Thailand also has a fascinating unique
cultural heritage, enfused by Buddhist ideals. And Bangkok, the
capital, fizzes with energy.
• It’s the islands that attract the most attention, however, with Phuket
bringing in most visitors. Most of its hotels are world class. Not far
away, in the Gulf of Siam, the idyllic island of Koh Samui has some
delightful small luxury hotels, and its neighbour Koh Phangan is on
the up.
9. Turkey
• In terms of price, Turkey has benefited from its exclusion from the
Eurozone. Although it suffers from inflation and isn’t as cheap it was
20 years ago, it still compares favourably to its western neighbours.
And the food is superb.
• With its endless Aegean coastline, Turkey has some of Europe’s finest
beaches, many of which remain relatively unspoilt. And you’re rarely
far from a magnificent Roman ruin or majestic mosque. If you want to
escape the package hordes, the best small resorts
include Kalkan, Kas, Akyaka and Dalyan. You can also explore the
coastline on a gulet cruise.
10. Egypt
• It’s difficult to know where to start with the historic treasures
that Egypt boasts, but a great way to explore them is on a Nile Cruise.
Float in luxury between the temples of Karnak and Luxor, the Valley of
the Kings, and the great dam at Aswan. The capital Cairo is home to
the Egyptian Museum where you can see King Tutankhamen’s solid
gold death mask, and just outside the city are the Pyramids and
Sphinx.
• For a more laid-back experience head to the sparkling waters of the
Red Sea resorts which offer some of the world’s best snorkeling along
with luxurious, good-value hotels.
• Check the latest Foreign Office advice on travel to Egypt.