Cuba
If you have your heart set on a beach trip then avoid the thoroughly unCuban tourist traps like Varadero and head for Pinar del Rio. On the other hand, discovering the capital, Havana, is an absolute must because it beguiles and intrigues like no other city. Also, no trip should try to do without a cigar factory stop. Genuinely, a holiday in Cuba is something you’ll never forget, from its charming people to their iconic 1950s cars, the revolutionary bombast of its billboards and the ramshackle charm of its dilapidated towns - Viva La Revolución.
New Zealand
Almost the size of Italy but with only 6 per cent of its population, New Zealand is comprised of two large islands: the North Island has a greater concentration of people, and is the nucleus of commercial and business activity while the South Island is richer in majestic countryside and natural parks. No matter where you start your holiday, this country is an antidote to the hustle and bustle of city life and its people are wonderfully warm and friendly. We definitely recommend you make the most of all the adventure and outdoor activities on offer.
Brazil
Brazil has too much to see in a single trip. Its 7,000 km Atlantic coastline offers powdery white-sand beaches. Inland, you’ll find majestic waterfalls, red-rock canyons, crystal-clear rivers and the greatest biodiversity on the planet. We recommend you start with the sensory feast that is Rio de Janeiro. Sun yourself on the famous Copacabana Beach, surf the breaks off Prainha, hike through Tijuca’s rainforests, sail across Guanabára, dance the night away in Lapa or just people-watch on Ipanema Beach. The only drawback to Rio is that you’ll never want to leave.
Czech Republic
Though founded upon the ancient lands of Bohemia and Moravia, the Czech Republic has only been around since 1993. It’s capital, Prague, is one of the world’s most beautiful and cultured cities, yet even so, it has yet to register on the Middle Easterner’s holiday radar. Make the effort and you’ll discover some incredible Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, a dynamic music and arts scene, as well as lively bars and beer gardens. It may not be the unique bargain it once was but if you do your homework there are still deals to be found.
India
A wintertime holiday in Goa is a dependable recommendation. Located on the Arabian Sea, Goa is the country’s smallest state but also it’s richest, a fact not lost on the Portuguese who refused to negotiate the transfer of this colony’s sovereignty even after the rest of the country gained independence from the British in 1947. The matter was resolved in 1961 when India simply annexed it. Famed for its 125 km of beaches, abundant wildlife and easy-going way of life, Goa is popular with those seeking an original getaway at cut neck prices.
Tunisia
The one time French colony is slowly emerging as a tourism destination, so don’t dawdle because it’s only a matter of time until the hordes change it for the worse. Aside from the beaches, you should indulge in the unbeatable historic thrill of traipsing around Ancient Phoenician, Roman, Berber and Arab sites all alone. It’s is an underrated destination where distinct cultures and incredible extremes of landscape can be explored in just a few days. With impressive food, service and affordability, Tunisia may just be North Africa’s most hospitable and interesting country.
Turkey
Historically, Turkey might have been the world’s most contested country, where Alexander the Great slashed the Gordion Knot, where Achilles battled the Trojans, and where the Ottoman Empire fought battles that would shape the world. But nowadays it’s a safe country to visit. Still, layers of history are on show, from ancient Greek through Roman to Ottoman and beyond, while alongside the culture, Istanbul has a burgeoning nightlife scene, with bars, restaurants and clubs of all varieties springing up, especially in the Beyoglu and Ortakoy districts.
Portugal
The Algarve is Portugal’s top holiday destination, with pretty beaches, brash resorts and a party atmosphere that attracts a flood of European holidaymakers once summer arrives. Aside from hotels, guesthouses and villas are the most common form of accommodation, making for a relaxed, do-it-yourself atmosphere. 155 kilometres of beaches sit just off the hilly inland, meaning that there’s a wealth of options when it comes to outdoor activities. You should note that if you’re not keen on crowds and high-season prices, avoid going in July or August.
Jamaica
Though the security situation in and around Kingston remains uncertain, Jamaica continues to attract tourists keen on taking advantage of low-cost package holidays. Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Port Antonio are the destinations of choice thanks to their all-inclusive resorts tailored to couples, families or singles. The emphasis is on relaxation and you’re encouraged to spend time within the hotel premises, which doesn’t present a problem as the services and activities on offer are generally first class and the staff tend to be unfailingly polite.
Iceland
Iceland has been an affordable option since it was ravaged by the financial crisis and its currency, the kronur, fell into ruins. Blessed with an infectious landscape, there are few more wonderful or unique places to visit. In fact, the eruptions of lava, gushing geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, glaciers, sweeping steppes and Viking ruins are so cinematic that they can easily seem unreal. The country’s three national parks (one of which is the largest in Europe) offer the opportunity for holidaymakers to explore this virgin landscape while maintaining it for future generations.
Thailand
Thankfully, the security situation in Bangkok has stabilised and life is beginning to return to normal. Still, we recommend you exercise caution, minimise your stopover in the capital, fly south and enjoy a definitive beach holiday destination - Pukhet. You’ll probably want to end up staying somewhere along the western shoreline, where jade-green foliage meets the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. And don’t worry about cost, as there are so many hotels that there’s a place to suit every budget. However, should you want the best, it’s the Amanpuri.
Kenya
There’s a highly compelling reason to visit Kenya: the wildlife safaris. They’ve been the mainstay of the country’s tourism industry for decades and the 19 national parks spread across the county are some of Africa’s best places to see lions, elephants and leopards. The annual wildebeest migration takes place from June to October, with thousands of animals streaming into the Masai Mara National Reserve from the Serengeti. The locals, from the Masai tribe, play major roles as guides, trackers and administrative workers, meaning that you’re getting as authentic an experience as possible.
