Find your perfect getaway: Matching destinations to your ideal holiday experiences

Find your perfect getaway: Matching destinations to your ideal holiday experiences

Planning a holiday can be both exciting and overwhelming. The world is full of incredible places, each offering a unique experience. To ensure your next trip is precisely what you’re looking for, it’s crucial to consider what kind of holiday you truly envision. Are you craving adventure, tranquillity, cultural immersion or maybe a bit of everything? Let’s explore some destinations tailored to different ideal holiday desires.

Volcanic mountain in Costa Rica

For the adventure seeker

If your soul yearns for adrenaline rushes and pushing your limits, you need a destination that offers action-packed itineraries. Consider:

  • Queenstown, New Zealand: This adventure capital is a haven for thrill-seekers. You can bungee jump, white-water raft, skydive, go canyon swinging or hike scenic trails with breathtaking views. The rugged terrain and stunning landscapes create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable adventure.
  • Costa Rica: From zip-lining through the rainforest canopy to surfing world-class waves and exploring active volcanoes, Costa Rica is packed with options for those who love to move. You’ll find incredible biodiversity and an abundance of opportunities to challenge yourself.
  • Nepal: Trek to Everest Base Camp or explore other Himalayan trails for a truly epic experience. The mountains offer not just physical challenges, but spiritual ones as well. You’ll return home with stories to tell and a sense of profound accomplishment.

Santorini skyline

For the relaxation and rejuvenation enthusiast

Sometimes, your soul simply needs a break. If you’re looking to unwind, disconnect and recharge, these destinations offer serenity and tranquillity:

  • The Maldives: Picture-perfect white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters and luxurious overwater bungalows. The Maldives is the epitome of relaxation, offering spa days, gentle swimming and incredible sunsets.
  • Bali, Indonesia: This island paradise offers a blend of spiritual practices, yoga retreats, stunning rice paddies and beautiful beaches. You can find inner peace through meditation, indulge in spa treatments and reconnect with nature.
  • Santorini, Greece: The iconic whitewashed villages perched on volcanic cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea provide a serene and picturesque setting. You can enjoy leisurely meals, admire breathtaking sunsets and embrace the slower pace of island life.

Kyoto train station with two geishas walking down stairs

For the culture connoisseur

If you’re passionate about history, art and local traditions, these destinations will immerse you in rich cultures and captivating stories:

  • Kyoto, Japan: Explore ancient temples, serene gardens and traditional tea houses in this cultural heart of Japan. You’ll be transported back in time as you witness the unique traditions that have shaped the nation.
  • Rome, Italy: Walk through the ruins of the Roman Empire, visit iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and the Pantheon and savour the delicious Italian cuisine. Rome is a living museum filled with art, history and vibrant culture.
  • Marrakech, Morocco: Experience the vibrant souks, intricate architecture and the bustling atmosphere of this North African gem. You’ll be enchanted by the colours, smells and sounds of this captivating city.

Pintxos in San Sebastian, Spain

For the foodie explorer

If your travels are guided by your taste buds, these destinations offer unforgettable gastronomic adventures:

  • Tuscany, Italy: Immerse yourself in the heart of Italian cuisine, enjoy local wine tastings and explore charming villages. You can take cooking classes and indulge in fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
  • Bangkok, Thailand: Experience the explosion of flavours at bustling street food markets and explore the diverse culinary landscape of this Southeast Asian metropolis. You’ll be tempted by exotic spices and fresh ingredients at every turn.
  • San Sebastian, Spain: Indulge in world-class pintxos (Basque tapas) and discover the rich culinary heritage of the Basque Country. You can experience Michelin-starred restaurants and local cafés, as well as fresh seafood.

Open passport with multiple visa stamps

The choice is yours

The key to a truly memorable holiday lies in choosing a destination that aligns with your individual desires and expectations. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline, relaxation, cultural engagement or culinary delights, the world is your oyster. By carefully considering the type of experience you crave, you can curate a journey that leaves you feeling fulfilled and renewed. So, what’s your ideal holiday? The adventure awaits you!

Price Points: Carry-on cabin bags

Three carry-on cabin bags

We’re preparing for our first foreign foray in over a decade. So many new airport security stipulations have come into existence since then, least of all, all the rules about carrying liquids and gels.

We’re planning on only carrying hand luggage so we can board and disembark swiftly. We only really need swimwear, a few pairs of shorts, tops, sandals and slippers. We do need to make sure, however, that our carry-on cabin bags meet the correct size & weight requirements. It would be helpful if there were standard rules – no, that would be too easy! Carry-on cabin bags can be anything from 56 x 35 x 23cm to 56 x 45 x 25cm depending on airline and destination. Some only allow bags to weigh 5 kilos, others have no weight restrictions at all!

We’ve heard all kinds of horror stories of exorbitant excess-weight charges and people having to unpack bags at the check-in desk to don layers & layers of clothes to get within the allowance.

As well as allowable dimensions, our bags must have wheels. Getting the train to & from the airport departure lounge with bags that need lifting and carrying isn’t pleasant.

  1. Go Explore hard small 2 wheel case, silver – 50x40x23cm: £21.99, Argos
  2. Tripp – Raspberry ‘Holiday 6’ cabin 4 wheel suitcase – 55x40x20cm: £44, Debenhams
  3. Global DLX cabin suitcase – 56x35x25cm: £155, Antler

shop carry-on cabin bags

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Prices & links correct at time of publication.

Global DLX cabin suitcase – 56x35x25cm
Global DLX cabin suitcase – 56x35x25cm
£155.00
Tripp – Raspberry ‘Holiday 6’ cabin 4 wheel suitcase – 55x40x20cm
Tripp – Raspberry ‘Holiday 6’ cabin 4 wheel suitcase – 55x40x20cm
£44.00
Go Explore hard small 2 wheel case, silver – 50x40x23cm
Go Explore hard small 2 wheel case, silver – 50x40x23cm
£21.99
Global DLX cabin suitcase – 56x35x25cm
Global DLX cabin suitcase – 56x35x25cm
£155.00
Tripp – Raspberry ‘Holiday 6’ cabin 4 wheel suitcase – 55x40x20cm
Tripp – Raspberry ‘Holiday 6’ cabin 4 wheel suitcase – 55x40x20cm
£44.00
Go Explore hard small 2 wheel case, silver – 50x40x23cm
Go Explore hard small 2 wheel case, silver – 50x40x23cm
£21.99
Global DLX cabin suitcase – 56x35x25cm
Global DLX cabin suitcase – 56x35x25cm
£155.00
Tripp – Raspberry ‘Holiday 6’ cabin 4 wheel suitcase – 55x40x20cm
Tripp – Raspberry ‘Holiday 6’ cabin 4 wheel suitcase – 55x40x20cm
£44.00
Go Explore hard small 2 wheel case, silver – 50x40x23cm
Go Explore hard small 2 wheel case, silver – 50x40x23cm
£21.99
Global DLX cabin suitcase – 56x35x25cm
Global DLX cabin suitcase – 56x35x25cm
£155.00
Tripp – Raspberry ‘Holiday 6’ cabin 4 wheel suitcase – 55x40x20cm
Tripp – Raspberry ‘Holiday 6’ cabin 4 wheel suitcase – 55x40x20cm
£44.00
Go Explore hard small 2 wheel case, silver – 50x40x23cm
Go Explore hard small 2 wheel case, silver – 50x40x23cm
£21.99
Global DLX cabin suitcase – 56x35x25cm
Global DLX cabin suitcase – 56x35x25cm
£155.00
Tripp – Raspberry ‘Holiday 6’ cabin 4 wheel suitcase – 55x40x20cm
Tripp – Raspberry ‘Holiday 6’ cabin 4 wheel suitcase – 55x40x20cm
£44.00
Go Explore hard small 2 wheel case, silver – 50x40x23cm
Go Explore hard small 2 wheel case, silver – 50x40x23cm
£21.99