101 Holiday ideas

Click on the images to discover 101 holiday ideas selected by two of the UK's leading travel writers David Wickers and Mark Hodson. Try our quiz to find where to go on holiday or try our other sites for short breaks and honeymoons.

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  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.
  
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  Archaeology tours

  It’s one thing to gaze upon archaeological sites, wandering amongst the bones of ancient empires or mysterious prehistoric monoliths. But another, far more rewarding approach is to be guided by an expert archaeologist whose passion and knowledge will bring sites alive and translate ancient clues into spell-binding living history.
  
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  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.
  
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  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.
  
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  Vietnam tour

  Vietnam is rising in popularity as a 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 sharply with chic boutiques, fancy restaurants and stylish beach hotels.
  
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  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, art galleries, markets and superb food and wine.
  
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  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.
  
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  Isle of Wight breaks

  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.
  
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  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.
  
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  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.
  
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  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.
  
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  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.
  
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  The Vodafone Ashes series

  A sports tour is the perfect excuse for a holiday abroad and, for cricket fans, little can beat the chance to see England retain the Ashes on the Aussies’ home turf - for the first time since 1987. Witness momentous events in the company of fellow fans and legendary former players, and explore Australia, one of the world’s best holiday destinations.
  
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  Magical Puglia

  With 500 miles of beaches, the magnificent baroque city of Lecce and hobbit-like whitewashed trullo houses (think igloos in the sun), Puglia - the heel of the boot - is one of Italy’s most appealing holiday regions. The food and wine are terrific and nowhere is more than 15 miles from the coast.
  
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  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.
  
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  Namibia safaris

  Namibia is Africa at its most starkly beautiful. Vast sand dunes, endless deserts and the shipwreck-strewn Skeleton Coast make for jaw-dropping landscapes 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 if you fly from the UK there’s no jetlag.
  
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  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.
  
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  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.
  
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  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.
  
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  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.
  
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  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.
  
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  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 surprisingly good Gozitan wines and the freshest fish.
  
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  Ile de Ré villas

  The Ile de Ré on the French Atlantic coast is where smart Parisians decamp in summer. A long thin island of beaches, sand dunes and pine forests, it’s criss-crossed by family-friendly cycle paths connecting sleepy villages and historic ports. The restaurants are outstanding, specialising in fish and local oysters.
  
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  Bali

  As well 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 also a spiritual place where daily life embraces ceremony and ritual, fascinating temples and stone gods. And Balinese craftsmen are amazing, so bring an extra suitcase.
  
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  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.
  
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  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.
  
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  Family diving

  Learning to dive is a great way to bond as a family, as you discover together the magical silent world underwater. Children as young as eight can take a Bubblemaker course while teenagers can become fully-qualified scuba divers with a five-day Open Water course. And, who knows, you might even find Nemo.
  
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  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.
  
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  The Alps in summer

  Once the last of the snow has melted and summer comes around, the Alps spring back to life, with hillsides carpeted with flowers and sunshine glistening off lakes. Stay in a cosy Alpine village and choose from a menu of thrilling activities, from mountain biking and rock climbing to glacier skiing and white-water rafting.
  
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  Miami and The Bahamas

  Miami does glitz and glamour like no other American city. Head to South Beach for stylish Art Deco hotels, a superb array of shops and restaurants and a palm-lined seafront where beautiful people parade around the clock. With the white-sand beaches of The Bahamas less than an hour away, this is a perfect two-centre holiday destination for young couples who want more than fly-and-flop.
  
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  Visit Santa in Lapland

  Take a pre-Christmas trip to Finnish Lapland and see the real Santa on his home turf. Children get a private audience with the bearded one, and there is plenty of time for fun in the snow with husky sled rides, snowmobile jaunts, tobogganing and ice fishing all part of the package.
  
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  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.
  
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  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.
  
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  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.
  
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  Umbria - the real Italy

  Umbria is sometimes regarded as a postscript to Tuscany, its more glamorous neighbour. In fact, it is a slice of Italy unclotted by tourists. See great works of the Renaissance, 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 jolly nice lake at Trasimeno.
  
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  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.
  
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  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.
  
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  Baltic summer beaches

  Some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches are in . . . Lithuania. The Curonian Spit is a 60-mile sliver of sand and pine forests strung between a deep blue lagoon and the Baltic Sea. Wild and unravished, it’s an Eden of rolling dunes, cycle paths and endless beaches where you can swing on a hammock or stroll around fishing villages.
  
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  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.
  
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  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.
  
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  Turkey’s Aegean Coast

  Away from the big brash resorts, Turkey’s Aegean 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.
  
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  Skiathos and beyond

  Skiathos is a rich pick ‘n’ mix of a Greek island. It’s green and scenic, the beaches are long and sandy, the lively nightlife is readily tapped (or just as easily ignored) and with frequent ferry links to neighbouring and very different Skopelos (star of Mamma Mia!) and Alonissos, you can explore a trio of islands without switching accommodation.
  
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  Dude ranch holidays 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.
  
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  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.
  
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  Sicily in style

  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, you should explore this stunning island - and the holiday we recommend includes a hire car.
  
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  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.
  
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  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.
  
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  Cruise the Baltic

  Most people considering a summer cruise will probably be thinking ‘Med.’ But set your compass on all points north and you’ll not only find extra long hours of daylight but a surprising diversity of experiences, from Baltic capitals to dramatic fjord coastlines. And since many ships cast off from UK ports, there’s no need to put yourself through the hassle of airports.
  
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  Brittany holiday parcs

  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.
  
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  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.
  
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  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.
  
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  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.
  
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  Walking in Northern Spain

  Though most visitors to Spain give the North the cold shoulder, this is a region rich in natural beauty, with a rugged twisting coastline, gorgeous sandy beaches and fertile valleys. Get under its skin on a walking tour, perhaps tackling part of the ancient pilgrims’ route to Santiago de Compostela. Calories duly burned, enjoy epic dinners in family-run village restaurants.
  
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  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.
  
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  Battlefield tours

  You don’t have to be a military history buff to enjoy the drama and emotion of standing in the field of a monumental battle. Neither can you fail to be moved by the cemeteries and memorials, particularly when accompanied by a knowledgeable historian who can bring these haunting landscapes back to life.
  
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  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.
  
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  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.
  
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  Mediterranean beach club

  You can learn to sail or windsurf on a chilly English reservoir or in the warm waters of the Med. No contest. Whether you want to master windsurfing, acquire the skills of dinghy sailing or take the first steps at being master and commander of your own yacht, Sunsail’s new sailing school at Club Vounaki in Greece has all points of the compass covered.
  
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  Verona Opera holiday

  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.
  
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  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 some of Europe’s most elegant villas with private pools and you’re in paradise.
  
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  Boating the Canal du Midi

  One of Europe’s oldest arteries, the Canal du Midi is a marvel of 17th-century engineering, chiselled through the heart of France to link the Atlantic with the Med. Travelling by boat, enjoying the peace, the snail-like pace, the food, wine and southern French countryside, offers a far more intimate experience than touring by car.
  
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  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.
  
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  Borneo tours

  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, but Borneo also has Probiscus monkeys, turtles and exotic birds. For adventure, climb Mount Kinabalu or stay in a village longhouse.
  
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  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. To experience the Polar regions in all their raw beauty and intensity, join a low-impact small-ship expedition.
  
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  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.
  
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  Luxury Nile cruises

  Cruise the Upper Nile between Luxor and Aswan on a dahabiyya, a modern recreation of a 19th-century sailing boat. With just six colonial-style cabins and attentive service, this is a throwback to a more genteel age: breakfast served on deck, wicker chairs, dressing for dinner. Pack a well-thumbed Agatha Christie.
  
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  Boating the Norfolk Broads

  Boating on the Norfolk Broads has to be one of the most relaxing ways to spend a long weekend, or more. Pottering along at just 5mph is the perfect speed to wind down, relax and take in the National Park scenery, with long stretches of reed marsh and woodland, the banks dotted with picturesque thatched cottages plus the occasional pub.
  
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  Sani beach 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.
  
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  Atlantis The Palm, Dubai

  You can shop for gold or charge across the desert dunes in a 4WD, but what Dubai does best, besides almost guaranteed winter sunshine, is hotels. They range from the sophisticated to the sensational. If bling isn’t your thing, don’t worry - there are some seriously stylish alternatives.
  
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  Private tour of India

  A visit to India is an unforgettable experience - the swirling energy, the intense colours, the culture, the history, the sheer life-affirming exuberance of the place. No region of India is more exciting and varied than the North, best seen on a private tour in your own chauffeur-driven car.
  
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  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!
  
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  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.
  
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  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.
  
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  Climb Kilimanjaro

  To climb Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, is one of life’s great challenges. Although physically demanding, it’s not technically difficult and when you reach the summit you will feel on top of the world – in every sense. Combine the climb with a wildlife safari on the vast plains of the Serengeti or a well-deserved rest on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar.
  
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  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.
  
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  Cape Town and the Garden Route

  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.
  
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  Ecuador and Galapagos tours

  Ecuador offers a potted version of the entire South American continent. Join a tour to take in jungle, Andean peaks, exquisite Spanish colonial architecture, nights in haciendas, Indian markets and Inca ruins, with the added bonus of a guided cruise to the Galapagos, Darwin’s own laboratory.
  
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  Canadian Rockies

  The tallest peaks and 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.
  
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  Gorillas in Rwanda

  It’s one of the most thrilling travel experiences on Earth: hike high into the jungles of Rwanda for an intimate encounter with mountain gorillas. Combine the trip into the Volcanoes National Park with a visit to Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to chimps and Colobus Monkeys, then kick back on the shores of Rwanda’s Lake Kivu.
  
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  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.
  
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  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.
  
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  Fly-drive California

  If there’s a single US state that conjures up the American dream, it’s California. As well as its surf and sunshine, cities on the sea (San Francisco, LA and San Diego), vineyards and national parks including Yosemite, visitors can experience one of the world’s most scenic drives, the Pacific Highway.
  
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  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.
  
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  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.
  
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  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…
  
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  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. A water taxi awaits to whisk you to your hotel.
  
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  Royal Plantation, Ocho Rios

  Jamaica is famed for its gorgeous beaches, but it’s also a funky, friendly island with lush mountains, a fascinating history and world-class hotels, not least the opulent Royal Plantation which is tucked away on a pair of secluded private coves near the lively resort of Ocho Rios.
  
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  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.
  
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  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.
  
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  Cruise Norway’s fjords

  Cruising Norway’s fjords with Hurtigruten is a unique experience. Not only is the setting breathtaking, but the fact that the ships also transport cargo and local people – who use the service to hop between ports – makes it a fascinating cultural experience. It’s extremely comfortable, whether on a long round trip or a short break.
  
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  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.
  
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  Health and fitness retreats

  If you want to arrive home feeling refreshed and reinvigorated, try a luxury health and fitness retreat. Head to a glamorous hideaway with an expert team of yoga teachers, personal trainers, nutritionists and massage therapists to have your body toned and mind cleansed. This is no boot camp: the vibe is friendly and the food superb.
  
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  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.
  
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  Family skiing

  Ski holidays and young children don’t always mix. But travel with a specialist family tour operator and you can spend guilt-free day on the slopes while qualified nannies take care of babies and toddlers, and ferry young skiers to and from lessons. Great advance deals for winter 2010-11 including free children’s holidays and ski passes make this surprisingly affordable.
  
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  St Lucia beach adventure

  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.
  
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  Florida’s Disney World

  Disney World is more than a theme park. It’s a complete holiday resort with waterparks and shows, nightly fireworks and discos, hotels and restaurants as well as rides and attractions - and it’s just one small part of the offerings of Orlando, the most popular holiday destination on the planet.
  
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  Riga

  Riga is a buzzing, cosmopolitan city of parks and boulevards, opera houses, coffee shops and galleries. The Latvian capital has an attractive Old Town with winding cobbled streets and medieval churches. It’s extremely good value, the museums are superb and the nightlife is nothing short of frenetic.
  
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  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.
  
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  Affordable luxury in Mexico

  Both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Mexico have world-class resorts set on superb beaches with prices significantly lower than in rival holiday destinations. Besides affordable luxury, visitors can tap into a rich seam of culture, from remarkable Mayan archaeological sites and colourful Indian markets to Spanish colonial towns.
  
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  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.