Europe or long haul? Our top 5 holiday ideas

Few destinations pack a mightier punch than Italy. Home to dramatic mountain landscapes, history-soaked cities, glistening lakes and sun-brushed beaches, it’s the place to go if you want a taste of paradise. Although, more so than the impressive scenery, it’s the heart of this destination that shines the brightest. From the delicious, home-cooked food to the carefully-crafted architecture, Italy’s charm is undeniable.

Whilst you might not think it, Italy shares one or two similarities with Vietnam. For one, the natural scenery is similarly mind-blowing, thanks to Vietnam’s labyrinth of emerald mountains and scatterings of limestone islands. It’s also a certified food spot, with dishes like pho, a warming noodle soup, and banh mi, a crispy and flavourful baguette, luring tourists in their millions!

Whether you opt for nearby Italy or you want to venture to Vietnam, you're bound to have a great time. We can guarantee you’ll leave with a full belly, not to mention a reignited love for travel.

Our next European destination is none other than Greece. With over 200 islands to explore and countless other sandy spots dotted around the mainland, it’s a real haven for holidays that are all about sun, sand and sea. Aesthetically speaking, it’s pretty incredible, too. White-and-blue-painted buildings hover above sugar-like beaches, popping out against vibrant pink and orange sunsets in the evening.

While different to Greece, a holiday to Mexico carries some of the same qualities. It has some fantastic beach offerings, with places like Cancun and Tulum to the east and Puerto Vallarta to the west. But it also stands out as a particularly stylish destination, home to countless swanky beach clubs and five-star resorts.

So, if you want to be in the centre of the action, not far from a party but still within reaching distance of some totally secluded beaches, a holiday to either Greece or Mexico would fit the bill. The choice is yours. 

From the wildflower meadows and fragrant vineyards to the peaceful lakes and tumbling waterfalls, Croatia boasts a landscape filled with surprises. The medieval towns and cities are a feast for the eyes, too. The coastal city of Dubrovnik was even used as the main filming destination for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones.

If we’re talking about cinematic holiday locations, we must give a shout-out to New Zealand. For lovers of the great outdoors and fans of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, there’s no better place to be. Whether you head for the beaches in the North Island or the mountains and fjords of the South, you’ll never run out of places to explore.

In our opinion, bucket-list trips don’t come much better than New Zealand, but there really is no denying the beauty and ease of a Croatia holiday. Plan a trip to either of these fabulous destinations and you’ll surely have the time of your life.

Portugal has sky-rocketed in popularity in recent years - and it’s easy to see why. Home to picturesque cities like Porto and Lisbon, with no shortage of scenic beaches and tucked-away coves, it’s one of Europe’s most peaceful holiday spots. It’s also any photographer’s dream, thanks to the terracotta-topped buildings and abundance of street art waiting around every twist and turn.

If you’re a fan of Portugal’s serene atmosphere, we’d also recommend making tracks for the Indian Ocean. And, if we’re being specific, we’d say Mauritius is particularly well-suited. Sure, the scenery is much more tropical in comparison - think sugar-white sand and swaying palms - but the overall vibe is similarly chilled out.

If relaxation is a top priority, but you still want that element of adventure, a holiday to either Portugal or Mauritius will suit you perfectly. Making yourself leave might be a struggle, but the rest of your holiday will be completely dream-like in nature. 

Situated between both Europe and the Middle East, Turkey is often described as a cultural melting pot. Here, you can fully immerse yourself in old and new as you hop between Roman ruins and contemporary art museums, Ottoman places and modern mosques. And, when you want that ‘wow’ factor, head to Cappadocia to see the hot air balloons drift across the sky.

Looking for a culture trip that's further away? Few places in the world boast a history and culture as rich as India’s. We have to mention the Taj Mahal – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World – but, really, the entire country is packed with impressive sights to see. Visit ancient temples, grand palaces, buzzing bazaars and tranquil tea plantations on an all-out India adventure.

Whether you keep the flight time short with a trip to Turkey or want to go all in with a holiday around India, your experience promises to be enriching. And, who knows, planning a holiday to one of these places might just persuade you to travel to the other...