Our pick: the 16 best holiday destinations in the world

And while it’s not a black-and-white question (everyone has a different idea of what makes the perfect holiday), there are certain places that our customers rave about year after year after year. With that in mind, we’ve whittled it down to a shortlist of 16. Some are among our most popular holiday destinations, while others are more unusual spots that we think are well worth discovering. For each one, we’ve highlighted some of the incredible experience you’ll be able to have, from sailing down the Nile in Egypt to joining a Maori feast in New Zealand. Read on for our pick of the best holiday destinations in the world… 

1. Explore the glaciers and fjords of Alaska, USA

If you’re looking for an adventure with epic scenery, incredible wildlife-watching opportunities and rich history, Alaska is for you. The ‘Great Land’ is brimming with stunning landscapes, from vast national parks to immense glaciers and fjords.  

Let the power of Mother Nature show you just how spectacular our natural world is as you cruise along the coast, calling in at iceberg-dotted bays and forested coves, and stepping ashore to learn more about the state’s First Nations history. Alaska really is a place that’ll leave you utterly enchanted. 

2. Discover vibrant Cuba 

Cuba is a one-of-a-kind island. Even though it's partially paused in time – think colourful vintage cars and neon signs that’ll transport you straight to the 1950s – Cuba is moving into the modern age, making now the perfect time to visit.  

On our Cuba tours, you’ll enjoy romantic colonial cities, shimmering coastlines and gorgeously green landscapes as you explore the island. Follow in the footsteps of revolutionist Che Guevara and writer Ernest Hemingway, explore the romantic grandeur of capital Havana and float along underground rivers hidden beneath the lush hills. There’ll be salsa beats and zingy cocktails, hand-rolled cigars and coffee beans, and relaxation on white-sand beaches.

3. Visit spellbinding India

India ranks highly on our list of top holiday destinations year after year. Embark on an adventure here and you’ll be spellbound by the colour, sights and sounds – India is a country that leaves its mark to all those who visit.  

A wonderful mix of traditions, spiritual beliefs and culture, an India holiday isn’t just about the diverse landscapes or the exotic wildlife - it is India’s rich and diverse tapestry that is the most captivating. Whether you’re touring the temples of the Golden Triangle, admiring Himalayan landscapes or sipping tea in Kerala, you’ll quickly discover what makes this country so compelling.

4. Journey through the Rocky Mountains

Over 120 million years in the making, the Canadian Rockies are one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Our Rocky Mountain tours showcase the region perfectly. You’ll see turquoise lakes (glacial flour gives them their vibrant hue) and rushing rivers, alpine meadows and dense forests, and snow-capped mountains towering over it all.  

To experience the region in laid-back luxury, choose one of our tours including the Rocky Mountaineer train. This icon of rail travel journeys between the Rockies and Vancouver, with oversized domed windows and viewing platforms for taking in the scenery. You’ll dine on board (the freshest local ingredients are picked up en route) and sip Canadian wines as you keep watch for grizzlies or moose in the passing forests.

5. Cruise the River Nile in Egypt

When you think of Egypt, what springs to mind? Is it pyramids and sand-covered tombs? Temples and centuries-old tales of mummies and pharaohs? It is all of these and more – and the one flowing constant that connects them is the mighty River Nile. Flowing from Northeast Africa to the Mediterranean, the Nile brings life to this land and its people.  

Nile river cruises take you on a fascinating journey to the heart of this compelling country. History will come to life as you explore Egypt’s ancient wonders, from the Great Pyramids in Cairo and the Valley of the Kings to the Temple of Karnak and awe-inspiring Abu Simbel. Gaze as life unfolds along the riverbank and enjoy desert vistas dotted with date palms.  

Choose between a classic cruise ship or a traditional dahabiya with polished wooden decks and billowing sails. Whichever one you pick, an Egyptologist will join you on board to provide context and commentary – vital for truly understanding the significance of these sights. 

6. Search for Sri Lanka’s wildlife

Nothing beats that heart-in-mouth feeling of seeing rare animals in the wild – and Sri Lanka is a wonderful place for it. Walk in the footsteps of Sir David Attenborough and take a sharp intake of breath as you watch a herd of elephants cross your path or feel entranced by the sight of leopards stalking their prey through the immense open grasslands. Yala National Park, close to the Indian Ocean, has the highest concentration of these beautiful big cats in the world. Seeing so many magnificent creatures up close will be an awe-inspiring moment - one that will forever remain in your memories. 

7. Let music stir your soul in the Deep South, USA 

For music fans a holiday to the USA wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Deep South. From Memphis to Nashville and New Orleans, this part of the country was home to some of the world’s greatest music legends – Elvis, Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton, to name just a few – and the streets are alive with the sounds of jazz, blues and country.  

Our Deep South tours take you to on a musical journey that will inspire and delight. Dance the night away, stand in iconic recording studios, listen to live music and immerse yourself in the eclectic sounds of this diverse region. 

8. Discover the diverse culture of New Zealand

New Zealand spectacular scenery gets a lot of attention – but the Land of the Long White Cloud is also steeped in tradition, legend and spirituality. Maori culture is at the core of this wonderful country.  

The indigenous inhabitants who arrived from Polynesia settled in the northern territories – today, their descendants continue to honour their heritage and celebrate their ancestry through art, food and festivals. Spend time learning about Maori traditions while you tour New Zealand. Join a hangi feast, watch traditional dances and listen to songs that have been sung for generations.

9. Explore the Mayan ruins of Mexico 

Mexico’s often listed as a dream holiday destination thanks to its dazzling beaches. But we think the most interesting parts of the country are to be found away from the coast.  

Ancient Mayan pyramids reaching up from the jungle, Aztec avenues, stone-built tombs, sacred temples – if you’re at all interested in history, we’d highly recommend Mexico. There’s plenty in the way of culture, too, from small communities where locals still dress in vibrant traditional clothing, to the museums and galleries of Mexico City.  

Transport can still be quite limited and difficult to navigate, so an escorted tour is an ideal way to make the most of your time in Mexico.

10. Go off the beaten track in Central Asia

Uzbekistan is one of the more unusual holiday destinations on our list. History, scenery and cuisine come together in an irresistible series of travel list ticks – plus, you’ll enjoy the bragging rights of going somewhere a bit different.  

Follow in the footsteps of travellers on the ancient Silk Road and journey to Bukhara, Khiva and Samarkand. Gaze up at tiled mosques and madrasahs, wander through walled old quarters, and browse for souvenirs at lively markets. Our Uzbekistan tour visits all three cities and has been exceptionally popular ever since it launched back in 2016.

11. Spy the Big Five on a South African safari 

South Africa isn’t the only place to enjoy a safari, but we’ve chosen it for the sheer variety of holidays you can have. Focus solely on wildlife and hop between a number of different reserves (each has its own character and highlights); combine a safari with the Garden Route and a Cape Town city break; or even top-and-tail your safari with a stay in Victoria Falls and a cruise along the South African coast.

12. Follow the Mekong River through Vietnam 

The life and soul of Indochina, the Mekong River flows from its source in Tibet right through to the South China Sea. Join it in Cambodia and make your way to Vietnam, where you’ll discover the floating villages and markets of the Mekong Delta – one of our favourite spots in South-east Asia. 

You’ll board your speedboat in the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh. From here, motor southwards past rice fields, grassy meadows and the occasional water buffalo as you head towards Chau Doc. This is the perfect springboard for exploring the Mekong Delta, taking small sampans and rowing boats to stilted houses, floating farms and water coconut groves. You’ll get a real taste of rural Vietnamese life – a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of nearby Ho Chi Minh City.

13. Discover Costa Rica’s wildlife 

Costa Rica’s lush green landscapes hide a dizzying array of creatures, from cheeky monkeys and sleepy sloths, to brightly coloured tree frogs and tiny hummingbirds. The biodiversity is incredible – there’s nowhere quite like it.  

Tap into the country’s magical flora and fauna, exploring the mangroves and canals of Tortuguero National Park, the bird-filled rainforest surrounding Arenal volcano, and the misty cloud forests of Monteverde. Our Costa Rica tours give you a chance to tour the capital, San Jose, too – you can even choose to finish up your trip with a boat trip along the Panama Canal!

14. Experience ancient and ultra-modern in Japan 

Japan is a truly incredible country, with a rich culture and heritage to discover. Our guided holidays to Japan aim to give you a real taste of what these islands have to offer, from the neon lights of Tokyo to the hushed temples of Kyoto. Experiences are high on the agenda – think sake tasting, tea ceremonies, bullet train journeys and an optional stay in a ryokan.  

What’s more, there are all sorts of special events and festivals throughout the year that we can help you experience, whether that’s the cherry blossoms in spring, the traditional Takayama Festival in the Japanese Alps, or even a sumo wrestling tournament. 

15. Journey to Ecuador & the Galapagos 

The Galapagos Islands are a real wish-list destination for animal lovers. As well as being home to white-sand beaches, volcanic cliffs and reef-fringed bays, these islands play host to all sorts of incredible wildlife – marine iguanas, lava lizards, seals, sea lions and much, much more.  

Our Ecuador holidays include plenty of time to explore the archipelago, with expert guides to offer extra insight on the amazing wildlife found here. There’s time to explore mainland Ecuador, too. A week gives us the opportunity to tour historic Quito and Cuenca, browse for handicrafts at Otovalo market, and taste traditional Ecuadorian chocolate. 

16. Embark on an adventure to Antarctica

A trip to the bottom of the world is one you won’t forget in a hurry. The towering icebergs, the colonies of penguins, the pristine waters, the whales… every day brings an incredible new experience.  

It’s a long way to go, so we suggest combining your Antarctica cruise with a little time in South America. Soak up the joyful atmosphere of Rio and gawp at the colossal falls at Iguazu before you board your cruise. On the return, stay in Buenos Aires a while, touring its lively barrios and taking in a tango show.

We’ve reached the end of our list of the best holiday destinations in the world – we hope you’ve found some inspiration for your next adventure in there. If you’d like any more information on our award-winning tours, just take a look at our website or give us a call. We like to call them ‘effortless adventures’, as they’re wonderfully hassle-free (we even pick you up from home and take you to the airport) – they’re the ideal way to see the world.

For more inspiration, browse our bestselling tours.