The world is a very big place, with so many different destinations to experience, cultures to dive into and spectacular sites to see. Now with travel restrictions lifting across the world, you might feel primed and ready to tick some of those must-visit destinations off your list. However, if you’re also mindful of factors concerning safety, cost and minor restrictions when choosing your next holiday destination, we’ve done some of the groundwork for you to help make your decision a little easier. Here is our round-up of some of the best places to holiday right now.
Where is the Best Place to Holiday at the Moment – 2023?
Europe is a great destination for those looking for a safe and affordable holiday, there are plenty of options for those looking for sun-soaked beaches or vibrant city life.
Greece
From tumbling ruins to secluded coves, Greece is defined by its azure-blue seas and sun-scorched landscapes. It’s a country made up of a mainland surrounded by thousands of islands, of which only 227 are inhabited. Here, you can easily hop from place to place – take in spirited Ios, soak up some sun in Naxos and explore archaeological sites in Delos. If you’re looking for your next city break destination, why not consider Athens? It offers culture, centuries of history and fantastic cuisine all in generous measures.
Madeira
Picture black-sand beaches, rolling waves, sheer cliffs and sleepy fishing towns. This is Madeira, an enchanting island of craggy mountains and lush slopes off the coast of Africa.
Repeatedly voted Europe’s top island destination, here you embrace life at a slower pace with wine tastings, local culture and visits to the famed botanical gardens just outside Funchal. The jagged, volcanic landscape is also prime hiking territory. Wind through dense greenery along levadas or veredas, which follow mountain or coastal trails.
Malta
Malta is proof that size isn’t everything. This tiny archipelago offers plenty of variety, from cosmopolitan Valletta and colourful markets to gold-sand beaches and fossil-studded cliffs. Perfect for a long-weekend getaway, here you can explore early civilization in the megalithic temples of Ħaġar Qim, dive into a natural lido at Peter’s Pool and follow your nose in search of sensational seafood with views to match.
Canary Islands
Pine-scented forests, towering volcanoes, Mars-like landscapes and off-the-beaten-track beaches, the Canary Islands is a destination of many guises. Between seven islands, there are activities to satisfy every type of traveller – hikes along the coast, snorkelling, kitesurfing, sailing and paragliding. Or if relaxation is high on your agenda, make a beeline for one of the islands’ many beaches. Highlights include Fuerteventura’s white-sanded expanse and Tenerife’s golden coves.
The best places to holiday in Asia at the moment
Asia is another great option for those looking for an affordable getaway. Countries such as Thailand and Vietnam are open to tourists again, offering visitors stunning beaches and dizzyingly diverse culture.
Japan
Think of Japan and myriad images appear. Its geography is sprawling. It has towering mountains, impeccably tranquil valleys and beaches with pearlescent sands. Your mind will also wander to scenes of riotous cities, magnificent temples and streets lit by paper lanterns. Visit Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka in spring (March to May) when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and the city is peppered with gardens awash in pink. Come autumn (September to November), the landscape takes on a different hue, with trees ablaze in shades of fiery red and orange. Other destination highlights in Japan include Mount Fuji, retail therapy at famed department store Don Quijote and epic walking trails through Shikoku.
India
India is a sensory overload. The colours, textures, sights and sounds are enough to captivate you whether it’s your first or fifteenth visit to this vast, multi-coloured country. Whether you’re looking to unwind on a beach in Kochi, hike through the Himalayan foothills or immerse yourself in the bustling streets of Mumbai, India truly does have something for everyone. If you want to see it looking at its very best, we recommend booking your holiday between October and March. In general, this is when the weather is more likely to be warm, sunny, and dry but be mindful that December and January can also be much cooler.
Cambodia
It’s hard not to fall under Cambodia’s spell. This country is an empire of ancient history where you can awe at the mystical temples of Angkor Wat, engraved with its 3,000 apsaras (heavenly nymphs) and immerse yourself in the chaos and charm of the capital, Phnom Penh. On the South Coast, you’ll find tropical islands dotted with the occasional fishing village and inland see the Cardamom Mountains, towering over rainforests. A trip to Cambodia wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the northeast, where the mountainous landscapes are home to an abundance of natural attractions and wildlife.
Thailand
Known as the land of smiles, Thailand is a country that welcomes travellers with open arms. There are beaches with pearly-white sand, Bangkok streets that never sleep and chilli-spiked curries so spicy they’ll make your toes tingle. To make the most of your holiday to Thailand, go boldly into Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend Market, gaze at the gold Buddhas at Wat Pho, go island hopping around Koh Tarutao Marine National Park and make time to unwind on a beach Phuket.
Vietnam
Vietnam is a heady mix of culture, staggering natural beauty, vibrant flavours and dynamic megacities. Not to be missed is Halong Bay, where 2,000 towering limestone islands stud the waters of the Gulf of Tonkin, and prepare to be swept up in the thrilling whir of Ho Chi Minh City. Of course, there’s also a wealth of history to dive into – visit the War Remnants Museum in the capital and explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Our best advice? Consider booking your holiday during the low seasons, between April-June and September-November. You might not guarantee perfect weather but you will avoid tourist crowds.
More of the best places to holiday at the moment:
Central America
Central America was once overlooked as a holiday destination but in recent years, this part of the world has started to attract travellers from all over the world. This vast stretch of seven countries, plus Mexico’s Yucatán and Chiapas states offers a diverse and enthralling amount of places to explore. From expansive tropical coasts and rainforest canopies to coffee plantations and coral reefs, this is a place for adventure.
Costa Rica
Famous for its jungles teeming with wildlife, tranquil waterfalls, and dramatic volcanoes, Costa Rica is a rich biodiversity with plenty to do beyond just hitting the beach. High season on the island is between December and April. This is the ‘dry’ season and the best time to visit to make the most of outdoor activities such as hiking, whale spotting and soaking up the sunshine.
Galapagos
There’s nowhere else in the world quite like the Galapagos Islands. It’s a thriving biodiversity, home to some incredible species, including Darwin’s finches, flamingoes, marine iguanas and seal lions. The wildlife is so abundant, you’re practically guaranteed to see animals roaming around freely and at any time of the year. To guarantee the sunshine, head to the Galapagos Islands between June and November, when the climate is dry and warm.
Antarctica
Surreal landscapes and sub-zero temperatures define Antarctica but there’s also a serene and staggering beauty to the country. It’s not a place for the faint hearted, given the extreme cold and challenging terrain but determined travellers will be rewarded with spectacular wildlife and magnificent scenery. Go in search of migrating whales, Weddell seals and emperor penguins, or catch a glimpse of albatrosses and petrels that swoop and dive over icy waters. You can also follow in the footsteps of adventurers like Cook and Amundsen, and see remains of the huts where they stayed during their expeditions.
Africa
From wide-spanning savannahs and lush forests to stately mountains and arid deserts, Africa delivers on every level. It’s brimming with wildlife so whether you’re a first-time safari goer or an avid adventurer, you’ll be spoilt for choice between the Serengeti, Masai Mara and Kruger National Park. Africa also offers travellers a chance to get closer to the beginnings of human civilisation – afterall, it’s here where human beings first came into existence – as well as immerse themselves in a thriving and vibrant creative scene. No matter what time of year you visit Africa, you’re sure to discover something about this ancient and alluring continent.
Egypt
Egypt is a place where culture and adventure collide. The mighty Nile courses through the country, creating an oasis along its bank while in the deserts, you’ll find sand-covered tombs, sphinxes and beguiling pyramids. Visit the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, where Tutankhamun’s tomb was laid to rest surrounded by glittering treasures, which you can now see at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Cruise along the Nile to waterside temples such as Dendara or Edfu or take a trip to the coast and snorkel through the Elphinstone reef. Whatever you choose to do in Egypt, you’re guaranteed to be swept off your feet.
Australia & New Zealand
Australia and New Zealand’s mix of mountains, forests, beaches and culturally rich cities never fail to entice travellers. Here you’ll find wildlife at almost every corner – come face to face with kangaroos in Australia, get a rare sight of New Zealand’s signature Kiwi Bird and swim among kaleidoscopic marine life in the Pacific Islands. There are also giddying sights in Auckland, Sydney, Wellington and Melbourne, not to mention glorious, genre-spanning cuisine. The best time to visit for festivals and plenty of sunshine is December to February but be sure not to forget your sunscreen!
Big though it might be, the world really is your oyster! Whether you want to book a weekend getaway or an adventure holiday of a lifetime, there are a plethora of places for you to discover for the first time or revisit time and time again.
For more advice on the best places to holiday at the moment and a bespoke quote, you can contact one of our Silver Travel Advisors on 0800 412 5678.
