Kan Dail
Did you know, 68% of Britons have yet to book a holiday in 2024? It’s primarily due to travel uncertainty and the fear of the unknown. Do you have to book a PCR test? Is the country on an amber list? The media is perhaps making travel more complicated than it is. One word of advice, if a country is on an amber list and not the amber plus list, you’re going to be good to go.
Another word of advice, book last minute to avoid falling victim to a travel list update.
Although international travel is not for everyone, there is a large portion of the population itching to go abroad. If that’s you, here are the hottest holiday destinations right now and how easy it is to travel.
1. Croatia
Croatia is one of the most beautiful, underestimated parts of the world. Situated in Europe, the destination still attracts millions of tourists per year, despite being shadowed by the more popular neighbouring countries. Croatia is filled with natural beauty and stunning old towns to wander through.
The hard part about visiting Croatia is deciding which area to travel to and what to pack. There are 5 main regions that tourists travel to, these are:
- Istria
- Kvarner
- Inland Croatia
- Dalmatia
- Dubrovnik
All the above have their own perks. Istria is the biggest city in Croatia and is home to the main airport. Istria is where people head to explore Roman monuments and amphitheatres. If you love history and wandering through old towns, Istria is the spot for you. Dubrovnik also has an old town that’s very popular with tourists.
2. Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is one of the most naturally beautiful locations in the world. The climate provides the perfect holiday destination for people looking to kick back and relax. The Dominican Republic is split into two main areas, Punta Cana and La Romana, the latter being more of an upscale area with
Both parts of the island are dominated by all-inclusive hotels. It’s advisable to book to stay in an all-inclusive hotel as like with areas such as Mexico and Jamaica, exploring on your own is not advised. Although the hotels and guided tours are safe, they are developing locations in the Dominican Republic full of crime. Don’t let this put you off; some parts of the world require tourists to be a little streetwise with how they spend their time.
Both parts of the islands have similar excursions, giving tourists the chance to ride 4×4 ATV’s, go paragliding or jet skiing, and take sunset boat rides. The Dominican Republic is the type of place you go to relax and unwind with a cocktail in hand.
3. Iceland
Iceland has long been one of the most popular European destinations. It’s a total climate change from the previous two destination suggestions, but that doesn’t mean it will spoil the fun. Iceland’s cold climate and weird winters are why it is such a popular destination.
One thing to note about Iceland is that it is expensive once you’re there. The cost of booking the holiday is admirable, but the price of eating and drinking once you’re there is incredibly high. That doesn’t put off the millions of tourists that visit each year, however.
There are so many things to do in Iceland that you will have a few tough decisions to make about what you want to do when you’re there. One adventure that’s always recommended is the whale watching tours. The coast of Iceland is rife with whales; you’re almost always guaranteed to see one.
The Blue Lagoon Spa is another tourist hotspot, attracting thousands of tourists and locals every month. The soothing warm, natural water and the serene surroundings make the perfect place to relax. It’s also a great picture opportunity!
4. Madeira
Madeira is utterly overshadowed by Portugal, therefore not as many people know about it. Madeira is an archipelago comprising 4 islands just off the coast of Portugal. It’s known for its stunning scenery and beautiful array of brightly coloured flowers that line the streets. There’s a picture opportunity around every corner. Madeira is often inexpensive, with tourists staying in beautiful 4* hotels for a fraction of the price of hotels in Portugal.
There are tons of things to do in Madeira, with many recommending the Monte Palace to be on the list of things to do. It’s a beautiful palace surrounded by a sea of brightly coloured flowers. It’s almost as if you have stepped into a tropical Asian themed garden. If you’re looking to stay in Funchal, the cablecar ride is very popular and offers 360 views of Funchal.
5. Malta
Malta is a cheap and easy European holiday break with a ton of history. The weather outside of the summer can be hit and miss, so consider these tips from ClickTravelTips if you struggle to pack even when you know what the climate will be like. Malta in the summer is generally hot.
St. John’s Cathedral is by far one of the most popular places to visit. The 16th-century cathedral houses some of the most stunning architecture in the city. St Paul’s Pool is another popular hotspot for people wanting to experience swimming in natural pools. Most tourists prefer to spend their days roaming around the towns or exploring many of Malta’s famous beaches, such as Ramla beach. If a beach isn’t for you, check out the Blue Grotto, some scenic caverns located just off the coast of Malta.
You should feel spoilt for choice with the number of destinations there are. Although it may be a different travelling experience due to the varying requirements to enter countries, it shouldn’t be enough to put you off booking. Always do your research to find out how easy it is to travel to a location and what costs you will incur.