101 Holiday ideas

• Cape Verde Islands

  Dotted off the coast of West Africa, the 10 islands of Cape Verde are as varied and fascinating as they are beautiful. With tropical beaches, lush mountains, year-round sunshine and direct 6-hour flights from the UK, they offer high standards at a fraction of the price of many African destinations.
• Luxury villas in Corfu

  Many Brits are sniffy about Corfu but never those that have visited the island’s northeast corner. Far removed from mass high-rise tourism, it is a place of tiny unspoilt coves, lush green interiors immortalised by Gerald Durrell, white pebble beaches, friendly tavernas and a choice of villas among the best in the Med.
• St Lucia

  There are plenty of gorgeous hotels on the beaches of St Lucia where you’ll be tempted to stay put. But don’t get too comfortable – this is a spectacular island crying out to be explored, from its glistening forests and volcanic peaks to its sleepy fishing villages and colonial plantation houses.
• Japan tour

  No matter what you think you know about Japan, nothing prepares you for the raw thrill of landing in a country that is so exotic, so refined, so modern and yet so steeped in tradition. Get your pulse racing in Tokyo then explore the serene and majestic countryside of Japan before taking the Bullet Train to the temples and gardens of Kyoto.
• Dude ranches in America

  Anyone who imagines a dude ranch to be little more than a bunkhouse with outside bucket showers, a cracked mirror for shaving and pork and beans for supper, will be mightily impressed by the high levels of comfort to be found in the not-so-wild west of North America. Several ranches also offer spas, golf, swimming and tennis.
• Italy’s secret haven

  Draw up a list of all the wonderful reasons for going to Italy – Blue Flag beaches, medieval hill towns, historic palaces, nights at the opera and galleries full of Renaissance masterpieces – and you’ll find them in abundance in Le Marche, the barely-known back garden of Italy, sandwiched between the Apennines and the Adriatic.
• The wonders of Egypt

  From the pyramids at Giza to the Valley of the Kings, from the fascinating whirl of Cairo to the warm waters of the Red Sea, Egypt is one of the world’s greatest tourist destinations, and superb value. Don’t expect to see it all in one visit. It’s usually better to tick off a few cultural treasures then spend a few days lazing on a beach.
• Dream beaches in Tobago

  Tobago is the Caribbean of your imagination. Pristine beaches, children playing cricket, a friendly bar serving cold beer and barbecued shrimp, fishing boats bobbing in the sea. Untroubled by mass tourism, this picturesque island has some excellent hotels and direct flights from the UK.
• Argentina

  Argentina is one of the world’s great destinations, from the vast fertile plains of the pampas to the magical glaciers, lakes and ice fields of Patagonia. The capital, Buenos Aires, delivers style and pizazz while the countryside provides opportunities to stay at historic estancias, ride horses and drink fine wines at sensible prices.
• Cambodia

  It’s amazing to think that only 30 years ago Cambodia was torn apart by civil war and genocide. Today it’s one of Asia’s most exciting destinations, from the jungle-clad temple complex of Angkor to the vibrant capital, Phnom Penh. Throw in sensational food, great hotels and world-class beaches for an unmissable travel experience.
• South Africa

  The aptly-called Rainbow Nation offers a spectrum of different experiences including beaches, game reserves, indigenous heritage, cities and handsome winelands, all readily savoured on a single trip. With overnight flights in both directions and no jet lag, South Africa is also remarkably easy.
• Family cruises

  Although the idea of small children and a big blue fathomless ocean is more likely to trigger alarm bells than a rush to pack the suitcases, cruising is an ideal family holiday. But you do need to pick the right ship, one that caters for children by way of clubs, night nurseries, flexible dining and lots to do rather than simply letting them come along for the ride.
• East coast Malaysia

  Most visitors to Malaysia head for the resorts on the west coast but for unspoilt beaches, lush countryside and fascinating local culture we recommend a visit to the quieter east coast of the peninsular. You’ll find jungle treks, authentic fishing villages, rivers and islands to explore and some gorgeous hotels.
• Luxury Mauritius

  It’s known as the three-star island with the five-star hotels, but that’s not saying enough for the white sandy beaches or the forested highlands in the southwest. And maybe it’s not saying enough for the hotels either, many of which are six-star retreats staffed by some of the nicest people on the planet.
• Foodie hotels in Normandy

  For a rich slice of France – and we do mean rich – hop across the Channel to Normandy, famed for its creamy sauces, heady cider, cheeses and apple brandy. As well as food, you can feast on the region’s historic towns, lush countryside, charming fishing villages and a coastline that inspired the Impressionists.
• Hidden Canary Islands

  Not all the Canaries have been over-developed. On the little-known island of La Palma, you’ll find soaring volcanic peaks, wild forests – and few other tourists. The capital Santa Cruz is a cobbled colonial outpost with great charm, but the real joy is exploring the rugged mountainous interior on foot and by car.
• Discover Nepal

  There is more to Nepal than mountains – this magical, spiritual land offers ancient cities, beautiful temples and palaces, forests and wildlife parks. Mind you, those mountains are rather spectacular, whether you want to trek into the Himalayas or just gaze wistfully at the magnificent snowy peaks.
• Cape Cod tours

  Nowhere in Cape Cod lies more than six miles from the sea. Soak up the atmosphere of a “proper” seaside resort, or explore the protected dunes of the National Seashore. Easily reached from Boston, the Cape offers whale watching, ferry trips to the nearby islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard and old sea captains’ houses.
• Luxury Maldives

  Most destinations fail to live up to the glossy brochure hype. The Maldives is an exception. No photographer can do justice to the splendid natural colours – the cobalt seas, the turquoise lagoons, the fiery orange sunsets. The standards of hospitality are outstanding and the modern world is a million miles away.
• River cruises

  On a river cruise, the water’s always calm, there’s scenery on both beams, the boats are small and intimate and sightseeing is the big draw. In fact, river cruising has more in common with a touring holiday by road than an ocean voyage, but without the traffic jams, parking hassles and having to repack.
• Calabash Hotel, Grenada

  The complete Caribbean experience on one island. As well as beaches, including one of the best in the Caribbean (Grande Anse), Grenada boasts a towering, rainforested interior and a broad mix of hotels, including the genteel, elegant Calabash where Gary Rhodes’ restaurant will dispel any notions about Caribbean food not being in the premier league.
• Scilly Isles holidays

  On a sunny day, the blindingly white beaches and clear turquoise waters of this archipelago of low-lying granite outcrops can more than match the Caribbean. The Isles of Scilly, just 28 miles off the western tip of Cornwall, are a world apart, their style and pace of life closer to the pages of an Enid Blyton novel than 21st-Century reality.
• Orient Express to Venice

  The world’s most romantic and evocative train journey begins when your British Pullman glides out of Victoria Station in London. Once across the Channel, you take your private compartment on the sumptuous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, reaching Paris by 9pm, waking in the Swiss Alps then rolling into Venice at around 6pm.
• Corsica, the perfect island

  It’s arguably the most gorgeous island in the Mediterranean, with perfect beaches and an interior dotted with medieval hilltowns, forests and the famous scented maquis. Yet compared to islands such as Mallorca, Corfu and Ibiza, it is curiously overlooked by British visitors. Corsica, in our book, is the Med to perfection, with a thick layer of French polish.
• Ski on a budget

  It’s easy to find glitzy ski resorts where lunch on the slopes costs as much as your weekly grocery bill. More challenging is to find charming Alpine resorts that combine reasonably-priced self-catering accommodation, sensible prices, accessibility and – of course – great skiing.
• Koh Samui

  Koh Samui has moved upmarket from its backpacking heyday but lost little of its natural charm. Amid the coconut groves and palm trees you’ll find gorgeous luxury hotels and spas, plus countless beaches where you can swim, chill, party and dine under the moonlight with your toes in the sand.
• Fly-drive California

  If there’s a single US state that conjures up the American dream, it’s California. As well as surf and sunshine, cities on the sea (San Francisco, LA and San Diego), vineyards and national parks including Yosemite, it also boasts one of the world’s most scenic drives, the Pacific Highway.
• Luxury Caribbean villas

  A Caribbean villa holiday has little to do with self-catering. Even the smallest properties have a daily maid who may also do your cooking, while larger houses come with a full brigade of staff to shop, cook, launder and even fix your favourite cocktail. It makes the holiday surprisingly affordable, especially if you avoid the peak season.
• Luxury haciendas in Mexico

  Both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Mexico offer world-class resorts and stylish haciendas, with attractive prices. Tap into a rich seam of culture, including colourful markets, Mayan archaeological sites and Spanish colonial towns. See whales, go diving, enjoy traditional cooking or simply loaf in a hammock on superb beaches.
• Bali

  As well as tropical beaches and top hotels, your memories will be shaped as much by the Balinese countryside. You’ll see emerald rice paddies one minute, immense volcanoes the next. Bali is a spiritual place where daily life embraces ceremony and ritual, temples and stone gods. And Balinese craftsmen are amazing, so take an extra suitcase.
• Watersports in Greece

  Some people are happy just lying beside the Mediterranean. But those who want to do something in it, on it or under it should consider a beach club holiday where a full range of watersports, from sailing to diving, windsurfing to waterskiing, is on the menu, along with land-based activities such as tennis and biking.
• Sailing holidays

  Once the exclusive domain of the rich, yachting is now one of the fastest growing activities for those of more modest means. As well as a global range of destinations where you can charter you own vessel, either bareboat or with a crew, beginners can also learn the ropes ashore or sail on a flotilla in the company of other yachts including one with an experienced skipper.
• Amalfi Coast

  The dramatic scenery of the Amalfi coast, with its lemon groves, almond trees and bougainvillea, is stunning. You’ll find resorts for all tastes, from popular Sorrento – an ideal hub for boat trips to Capri and Ischia, and outings to Pompeii and Vesuvius – to super-chic Positano and the exquisite hilltop retreat of Ravello.
• Pink beaches in Bermuda

  This low-lying, warm-weather Atlantic island is a well-groomed and bloomed world of pastel houses, poster-pretty beaches, umpteen golf courses and, with red pillar boxes and 4 o’clock teas, an unmistakable stamp of Britishness. Safe, dependable, jacket-and-tie respectable Bermuda makes a perfect spring or autumn getaway.
• Tall ship sailing

  A voyage aboard one of the three Star Clipper ships is a vastly different experience to a conventional cruise. Modelled on historic sailing vessels, they fly great clouds of billowing sails and offer passengers a timeless adventure as they explore the world’s most beautiful oceans and islands.
• Relax with Sir Rocco

  Sir Rocco Forte’s newest hotel is the Verdura Golf & Spa Resort set on a gorgeous stretch of Sicilian beach. With rooms designed by Olga Polizzi, a spectacular spa, free kids club and world-class golf courses, you may be tempted not to leave. However, we recommend car hire to explore this fascinating island.
• Opera in Verona

  Often staged in historic settings, such as the 2,000 year old amphitheatre in Verona where audiences applaud divas from the same seats as they once cheered their favourite gladiators, Italy’s opera season extends far beyond La Scala, with al fresco performances both magical and musically memorable.
• Temples and tigers

  Few animals are as beautiful and elusive as the Indian tiger. At Bandhavgarh National Park the chances are high of a close encounter, particularly if you stay a few nights and take dawn and dusk safaris in your own private jeep. Combine it with the best bits of Delhi and Agra, including the Taj Mahal.
• Polar expeditions

  The Arctic and Antarctic are the most pristine wilderness regions on Earth, each offering eye-popping landscapes and heart-melting wildlife encounters – from polar bears to Emperor Penguins. As the TV explorer Bruce Parry discovered, the best way to experience the Polar regions in all their raw beauty and intensity is on a low-impact small-ship expedition.
• Explore Britain by boat

  Renting a boat is one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the British countryside. Potter along at 5mph amidst the reeds and marshes of the Norfolk Broads, or explore a network of canals by narrow boat. Wherever you go – for a weekend break or a summer holiday – you are never far from a waterside pub.
• The Gambia

  You might think of The Gambia as a cheap winter sun destination on the west coast of Africa. And you’d be at least half right. In fact it’s so much more than that, with superb beaches, charming hotels, friendly people and stunning wildlife – and only six hours flying time from the UK. Best time to visit is November to June.
• Catered ski chalets

  The ski chalet is a wonderful British invention. With breakfast, dinner and afternoon tea provided, you get to enjoy your day on the slopes – and pay a lot less than you would staying at a hotel and eating out. Making new friends and dining together is a key part of the chalet experience.
• Discover Sri Lanka

  The beauty of Sri Lanka lies in the easy proximity of cultural treasures and world-class beaches. Spend a week touring temples and national parks, stay in boutique hotels and then relax on the beach. Sri Lanka offers great value, as well as friendly people, excellent food and direct flights from the UK.
• Arabian Gulf

  The countries of the Arabian Gulf have successfully reinvented themselves as winter sun destinations. Turbo-charged Dubai is the best known but for the real Arabia, consider Oman which is steeped in culture and history, or Abu Dhabi, which offers an awe-inspiring desert experience plus shopping and sightseeing.
• Amazing Jordan

  Jordan is a safe, friendly and cultured country blessed with a fabulous array of natural and manmade treasures including the Dead Sea, the vast deserts of Wadi Rum – made famous by Lawrence of Arabia – and the ancient rock-carved city of Petra. Take a private journey, group tour or organised trek.
• Beautiful Borneo

  Borneo boasts sandy beaches, luscious scenery and luxury hotels, but what distinguishes this huge island from its Asian neighbours is the abundant wildlife. Most famous are the orangutans, easily inspected in Sabah’s Sepilok sanctuary, along with Probiscus monkeys, turtles and exotic birds. For adventure, climb Mount Kinabalu or stay in a village longhouse.
• Sandals Royal Plantation

  Famed for its gorgeous beaches, Jamaica is also a funky, friendly island with lush mountains, fascinating history and world-class hotels, not least the Sandals Royal Plantation which is tucked away on a pair of secluded private coves near the lively resort of Ocho Rios.
• Morocco luxury tours

  Nowhere within a four-hour flight of the UK is as exotic and alluring as Morocco. The highlight is Marrakech, with its swirling souks, ornate palaces, elegant back street restaurants and stylish riads, but you won’t want to miss the soaring Atlas Mountains nor the majestic kasbahs of the south.
• Iceland

  Head to Iceland where the summer sun barely sets and the collapse of the local currency has sent prices tumbling. Linger in the capital, Reykjavik, for a couple of days then embark on an action-packed road trip taking in volcanic craters, lakes, waterfalls, geysers, black sand beaches and seal and puffin colonies.
• Amazing Madagascar

  Renowned for its profusion of wildlife and flora, 80 per cent of which can be found nowhere else on Earth, Madagascar is a nature lover’s dream. The island’s unique evolutionary path has produced elephant birds, giant lemurs and pygmy hippos. It also offers dazzling beaches and clear turquoise waters teeming with marine life.
• Umbria – the real Italy

  Umbria is sometimes overshadowed by Tuscany, its more glamorous neighbour. In fact, it is a slice of Italy unclotted by tourists. See Renaissance art, discover medieval hilltowns, vineyards and stunning towns such as Orvieto, Perugia and Assisi. Umbria has everything you want from Italy except a seaside – but it does have a nice lake at Trasimeno.
• Costa de la Luz

  Tucked away in the south-west corner of Spain, the Costa de la Luz offers superb sandy beaches, pine forests, rolling dunes and fishing villages. If you can drag yourself from your lounger, the sights of Seville are just 90 minutes away by road. Go west and you can hop into Portugal. Or just lie back and watch the terrific sunsets.
• Italian Lakes

  When Brits started going abroad on package holidays it was to the Alpine lakes, following the 19th Century ‘grand tourists’. Today, Italy’s Como, Maggiore, Garda and tiny Iseo are ideal family destinations, with boating, beaches, cable car rides to mountain highs and footpaths to explore, plus easy access to Verona, Padua and Milan.
• Kenya safari

  Nowhere in Africa can match Kenya for spectacular scenery and the sheer volume and diversity of its wildlife. The Masai Mara should be on everyone’s list of must-sees, not only during the annual summer migration of millions of wildebeest, but throughout the year to view lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena and hundreds of species of birds.
• New Zealand

  The scenic wonders of New Zealand have stolen the show in many Hollywood movies. In real life, the landscapes of the newest country on earth are even more impressive than their on-screen portrayal, populated by a cast of friendly Kiwis, featuring a host of thrilling activities and served with some of the best food and wine on the planet.
• Las Vegas in style

  Once a handful of casinos surrounded by desert, Las Vegas is now the fastest growing city in America. Its hotels are the most lavish anywhere. Its restaurants, shopping malls and theatres are out of this world. You can do Vegas on the cheap, but where’s the fun in that? Splash out and do it in style!
• Luxury villas in Ibiza

  If you think Ibiza is just a party island for teenage ravers, wise up. Out in the hills are some of Europe’s most glamorous villas where the likes of Kate Moss and Jade Jagger hang out. Take excursions to remote coves and mountain restaurants. Clubbing is optional. Chilling isn’t.
• Magical Puglia

  Puglia is the heel of Italy’s boot. With 500 miles of beaches, the magnificent baroque city of Lecce and hobbit-like whitewashed trullo houses, it is one of Europe’s most appealing holiday regions. The food and wine are terrific and nowhere is more than 15 miles from the coast.
• Sicily

  Sicily is the largest of Italy’s 25 islands and culturally the richest, a place where Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Spaniards all left their mark. Laze on golden-sand beaches, explore historic towns, classical ruins and charming fishing villages.
• Boutique Crete

  Crete is one of our favourite islands. Away from the package resorts, it has some stunning villas, boutique hotels and hideaways – as well as mountain villages, hiking trails, archaeological treasures, wild flowers and unspoilt coastlines. The season is long: you can get a tan in March and swim in the sea as late as November.
• Cayman Islands

  Grand Cayman is sophisticated, polished and safe – in every sense of the word – with classy hotels, top restaurants and dreamy Seven Mile Beach. There’s also plenty to explore with pristine reefs, stingray encounters, submarine trips, botanical parks and island-hopping excursions to Cayman Brac or Little Cayman. Perfect with or without the kids.
• Beaches in Sardinia

  Italy’s finest beaches are not on the mainland but in Sardinia, where you’re spoilt for choice – endless stretches of soft white sand, rolling dunes and pine trees. The sea is so dazzlingly blue you’ll think you’ve landed in the Maldives, not the Med.
• Coach tours of Europe

  If you prefer the companionship of travelling in a group, choose from a range of escorted coach tours that cover the top destinations in Europe and go as far afield as Russia, Morocco and the Arctic Circle. With hundreds of pick-up points around the UK, there’s no need to go near an airport.
• Cycling in France

  Sun-baked Provence is a richly rural landscape, spreading between the mountains and the Med, from the Alps to Antibes. Explore at your own pace by cycle, through scenery both natural and nurtured with vineyards and olive groves, stopping off to enjoy ancient villages, markets and superb food and wine.
• Turkey’s Lycian Coast

  Away from the big brash resorts, Turkey’s Lycian Coast is a mesmerising mix of turquoise seas, pine-clad hills and cosy harbours lined with cafes. And although it remains good value, the region has over the past few years acquired some outstanding small stylish hotels.
• Luxury villas in Mallorca

  Mallorca leads a double life. Parts of the island are overwhelmed by cheap package tourism but vast swathes remain untouched, from the mountains of the west to the “secret” sandy coves in the east. Throw in outstanding cuisine and some of Europe’s most elegant villas with private pools and you’re in paradise.
• Canadian Rockies

  The most awe-inspiring views of the Rockies, the spine of mountains that form the backbone of North America, lie in Canada. More precisely, they lie within a single World Heritage Site that straddles British Columbia and Alberta. Drive yourselves or, for the ultimate in scenic rail journeys, travel from Vancouver aboard the Rocky Mountaineer.
• Croatia’s Dalmatian coast

  The Dalmatian coast of Croatia is dotted with delightful beaches overlooked by mountains and pine forests. Whether you opt for beautifully-restored Dubrovnik, the historic city of Split or one of the island hotspots like Hvar or Brac, throw in good food and friendly people and you have one of Europe’s most underrated destinations.
• Moscow and St Petersburg

  Russia is home to not one, but two of Europe’s most thrilling cities. Moscow is rich, decadent and fast moving, St Petersburg cultured, genteel and a place of rare beauty, whether in the depths of winter or the white nights of summer. Travel with a tour operator that can open doors and get you beyond the velvet ropes.
• Namibia safaris

  Namibia is Africa at its most starkly beautiful. Think vast sand dunes, endless deserts and the shipwreck-strewn Skeleton Coast and velvety night skies. You can sleep under the stars or in superb lodges, while in the game parks you can track rhino, leopard and cheetah. Namibia is clean and safe and from the UK there’s no jetlag.
• Villas in Catalonia

  Forget all you’ve heard about the Costa Brava. The northern, knobbly, genuinely ‘Brava’ – or wild – stretch of coast is as scenic as anywhere on the Med but without coachloads of Brits. The resorts are tiny, the food superb, the walking and cycling trails well defined and, when you fancy a change, the foothills of the Pyrenees beckon.
• Gorgeous Gozo

  The Maltese island of Gozo is so much more than a sun-drenched rock in the middle of the Med. You’ll see intricate churches on every horizon, ‘hedges’ of cactus, neolithic temples, rocky coves, crystal clear water and a great sandy beach. It’s snorkelling and scuba-diving heaven. Don’t miss the excellent Gozitan wines and fresh fish.
• Explore Vietnam

  Vietnam is a hot winter sun destination, but to get the most out of this fascinating and beautiful country, take a tour, with interludes on the beaches as opposed to full-time loafing. Temples, sampans, hill tribe villages, historic ports and breathtaking mountain scenery contrast with chic boutiques, fancy restaurants and stylish beach hotels.
• Isle of Wight

  Deeply etched into the history of English summer holidays, the Isle of Wight still delivers traditional seaside pleasures along with a host of other activities. Enjoy a walk on the rolling chalk downs, take to the Solent in a sailboat, sample the mouthwatering local produce or set up camp at the isle’s famed music festival.
• Cultural walking tours

  One of the best ways to experience a destination is on foot. A guided cultural walking tour gets you up close and personal – whether you’re exploring the backstreets of Venice, the monasteries of Armenia or the mountain trails of Bhutan. The trick is finding a tour operator that combines imaginative itineraries with expert guides and organises small groups of like-minded travellers.
• Australia in 2 weeks

  Even if you can only manage a two week holiday, Australia is still well worth considering. You can plan a trip that blends beaches with the outback, rainforests with Aboriginal culture, and vineyards with cosmopolitan cities without having to spend half your time travelling.
• North Cyprus

  If you believe much of the Med has been ruined by high-rise hotels, head to North Cyprus. Although the main tourist hub of Kyrenia – with its perfect Venetian harbour – fairly bustles, surrounding villages appear to be stuck in a time warp. Explore hilltop castles, ruined abbeys and the remote beaches of the Karpas Peninsula, amongst the wildest and most beautiful in Europe.
• Luxury safari in Botswana

  With its diverse mix of habitats, from the doily of waterways and lagoons of the Okavango Delta to the salt pans of Nxai and the sands of the Kalahari, Botswana is a supreme safari destination. Explore it in an amazing variety of transport: elephant and horseback, mountain and quad bike, dug-out canoe and camel, as well as the more familiar 4WD vehicles.
• Cottage holidays in Devon

  Many of the summer pleasures of South Devon are to do with water: beaches, bathing and seafood suppers, surfing, rock pooling, boat trips and walking on coastal footpaths. Even the voluptuous curvy countryside is incised by rivers, creeks, estuaries and tidal flats.
• Luxury Seychelles

  Some places have that elusive “wow” factor, others don’t. The Seychelles has it in spades. The silky beaches, the tropical forests, the super deluxe hotels. Swim with turtles in the morning, spend an afternoon unwinding in the spa then dress for cocktails at sunset. Perfect? You bet.
• Cottages in the Cotswolds

  The limestone escarpment that makes up the Cotswolds is rural England at its most exquisite. Its well-wooded and gently-farmed contours are studded with biscuit-tin villages, with their grand manor houses and churches, all built of local golden-grey stone in the Middle Ages.
• Rio de Janeiro

  With its sweeping beaches and dramatic mountains, Rio de Janeiro ranks amongst the world’s most beautiful cities. But it’s more than that. Rio is a way of life, buzzing with beautiful people, glamorous nightspots and hip-shaking music. It gets under your skin. You may never want to go home…
• Discover Pompeii

  When Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79 it brought tragedy to the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum. The volcano also served to freeze in time a fascinating period of Roman history. Visit the scene in the company of an expert archaeologist to discover the most complete insight into everyday life in Ancient Rome.
• France’s Atlantic Coast

  Stretching from La Vendée down to the yawning mouth of the Gironde, France’s Atlantic Coast is virtually one long sandy beach. While it cannot match the Côte d’Azur for glamour, it is far less crowded, less expensive, less developed and less pebbly with the green pastures of the Charente-Maritime virtually on your doorstep.
• Luxury trains in Spain

  Spain has a fast and comfortable state-run rail network, which includes some outstanding luxury trains. Tour northern Spain, gliding through stunning countryside and visiting historic cities such as Santiago de Compostela and Bilbao. Facilities on board include dining cars, lounges and private cabins with double bed and shower.
• Gulet cruise in Turkey

  The Turkish Aegean coastline is among the most scenic in Europe, and best seen from the deck of a small cruise boat. By sailing on a traditionally-styled gulet, you leave the steering, cooking and general pampering to the crew, allowing you to discover private coves, explore unspoilt villages and swim in crystal-clear seas.
• Amazing Chile

  If you love the big outdoors, Chile is the ultimate destination for you. Climb volcanoes in the Atacama Desert, go hiking in the Lake District, sleep under the stars and discover the majestic fjords and glaciers of Patagonia. With a great choice of stylish hotels, world-class food and wine, Chile is red hot right now.
• Tour of China

  Beijing’s Olympic legacy goes way beyond the Bird’s Nest stadium. Stylish hotels, gleaming new airports and improved road and rail infrastructure mean there has never been a better time to witness the dizzying mix of old and new in the Chinese capital, along with the superstar cities of Shanghai and Xian.
• The Lodge, Verbier

  Verbier is one of Europe’s most glamorous ski resorts, and the place to stay is Sir Richard Branson’s Lodge – a stunning catered chalet with indoor pool, snooker room, gym, Jacuzzis and children’s bunk room. Rent it in winter with friends, or enjoy the beauty of the Alps in summer when you don’t need to hire the whole property.
• Barbados

  You’ll find exclusive hotels throughout the Caribbean but Barbados has the lion’s share, most of them bang on the narrow sandy beach in the west, hence the nickname: the Platinum coast. If you tire of sybaritic living you can emerge from your luxurious cocoon for a spot of golf, or dinner at a fancy restaurant.
• The Jurassic Coast, Dorset

  If Dorset is a county you merely drive through to reach Devon or Cornwall, you’re missing a trick. Its Jurassic Coast offers long sweeping beaches, quaint Lyme Regis, arty Bridport, sleepy rural villages and great foodie pubs. Stay at a gorgeous B&B or cosy cottage and join a local expert for a fossil hunt on the beach.
• Brittany holiday villages

  Affordable family holidays need not mean having to sleep under canvas in a field bare of everything but grass. Many continental sites and ‘parcs’ not only provide a choice of mobile homes, lodges and apartments but have a broad range of on-site activities to keep all ages fully occupied and entertained throughout their stay.
• Lazy days in Paxos

  As well as those familiar Greek island assets of blue seas, delicious swimming, jaunts by boat and long, lazy lunches in waterfront tavernas, Paxos is an island of silvery-leafed olive groves, a legacy of the 14th century Venetian occupation. With no airport – and not even a single traffic light – it’s a perfect place to escape the crowds.
• Beachtastic Brazil

  Brazil offers beach life in the raw: endless stretches of sand, blazing sunshine, a seductive samba soundtrack and a copious supply of caipirinhas. There are chic retreats, trailblazing eco-hotels, rustic fishing villages, turtle sanctuaries and canoe trips through mangrove swamps. The vibe is easy-going and the time difference is just three hours.
• Sports tours

  Witness the most glamorous events of the worldwide sporting calendar, many of them in the company of celebrity hosts. It might be tennis in Melbourne, horse racing in Paris or Formula 1 in Monte Carlo – or you could go on tour with the England cricket or rugby team. With all the bells and whistles included, this should be the trip of a lifetime.
• Cornwall cottages and coast

  Spend a day walking the coastal paths of Cornwall and you might wonder why Brits ever travel abroad. The undulating hills, the secret sandy coves, the miles of beach and the soaring cliffs are as fine as you’ll see anywhere. With excellent local restaurants and superb self-catering cottages, this is one of the finest UK holiday destinations.
• Sani Resort

  In the unspoilt Greek region of Halkidiki, Sani is one of Europe’s most attractive family resorts set on an eco-reserve of pine forests, jagged cliffs and superb sandy beaches. In addition to a choice of hotels within the resort, there is a marina stuffed with posh yachts, authentic tavernas, a crèche, tennis centre and outdoor cinema.
• Singles holidays

  There was a time when taking a “singles” holiday was considered a bit suspect. You were either short of mates, or looking for a date. Now you’ll find thousands of holiday ideas for singles, and the chance to meet those with similar interests, whether it’s hiking and biking, wine tasting, or just lazing about in the sun.
• Discover Burma

  Burma is one of the world’s most fascinating and beautiful destinations, its people gentle, warm and genuinely friendly. Although Burma is ruled by a brutal military dictatorship, the release from house arrest of the democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi makes us believe that now is the right time for tourists to discover this hidden gem.
• Chiva-Som: the ultimate spa

  For the ultimate spa experience, head to Thailand. The standard of treatments, the quality of food and the sheer natural beauty of the place is unsurpassed. Top of the tree is Chiva-Som in Hua Hin, where rates includes daily treatments, full-board spa cuisine, a personal training session and meditation.