Brilliant travel ideas for your next big trip
Whether you're craving culture, coastline or simply a change of pace, consider this your shortcut to a better kind of getaway. Wanderlust guaranteed.
Southern Croatia dazzles with some of Europe's clearest night skies and a captivating mix of ancient city romance and untamed countryside.
Start in Dubrovnik, with its impressive walls, fortresses and palaces – an instantly recognisable UNESCO World Heritage Site that's served as a backdrop for Game of Thrones and countless other films and shows.
You're right on the doorstep of nature, with the enchanting Elaphiti Islands – once a retreat for Dubrovnik's aristocracy – just a day-trip's boat ride away.
About 90 minutes northwest, the landscape shifts to the fertile Neretva Valley, a lush wetland carved by the meandering River Neretva, also famed for its mandarin groves. Food-lovers come for Pelješac wines, Ston's famous oysters, and traditional octopus dishes.
Are you an active traveller? Try windsurfing on Pelješac or kitesurfing in the Neretva Valley. It's all happening here.
Embrace art, music and culture in Leipzig
Leipzig's legendary cultural scene is all about contrasts.
Classical music fans can honour J.S. Bach's timeless legacy, while those drawn to the avant garde will find plenty to impress at the city's Oper Leipzig and Gewandhaus concert hall.
Architecturally, Leipzig is just as diverse, with the vast Monument to the Battle of the Nations harmonising delightfully with sleek, modern structures. Art-lovers can linger over Renaissance portraits at the Museum of Fine Arts, then cross town for bold contemporary works in the Spinnerei galleries.
With a cultural calendar that spans highbrow theatre and grassroots festivals, Leipzig offers far more than cosy baroque charm – it invites you to see the classics with fresh eyes and come away inspired.
Bored of generic hotel rooms?
Next time you're travelling to the Middle East, check out Silkhaus. This intriguing start-up offers a curated network of over 500 short-term rentals across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, tailor-made for travellers who value both style and substance.
Each plush apartment is handpicked and impeccably designed, with interiors that feel more high-end home than cheesy holiday let. Everything's included – utilities, fast wi-fi – and best of all, they're in prime locations in the most sought-after neighbourhoods and iconic towers.
Whether you're in town for a quick business trip or a longer desert escape, Silkhaus provides smart, self-contained spaces in a city's most liveable areas. No check-in queues, no hidden fees – just a seamless, stress-free base for exploring the region on your own terms.
Everybody should go on safari at least once in their lives. But for something a little extra, why not combine it with a classic beach break?
TourCompass gives you the best of both worlds, seeing breathtaking wildlife in world-renowned national parks – from the Big Five roaming Kenya's Masai Mara and Tanzania's Serengeti, to tours of the diverse landscapes of South Africa and Botswana – then unwinding in style on pristine beaches in destinations like Zanzibar, Mauritius or Kenya's coast.
These ABTA- and ATOL-protected package tours combine return UK flights, domestic flights, transfers and carefully chosen accommodation with eye-opening safaris and excursions. With expert guides and 24/7 support, you can enjoy an easy-going adventure that neatly balances adventure and relaxation – from tracking elephants at dawn to unwinding on golden sands.
Save £115 per person by entering 0525 in the enquiry form to get your discount at checkout.
Charter a bus for your next big adventure
Need to move a lot of people all at once in comfort and style?
OsaBus is an international charter bus rental company with an impressive fleet of minivans, minibuses and full-size coaches for group trips, corporate events, tours, airport transfers, weddings, sporting events and more.
Whether you're planning a multi-city itinerary or just need a one-way ride, its services are flexible, efficient and straightforward to book. The firm is renowned for its clean, modern vehicles and professional drivers who prioritise safety and punctuality.
With availability across Europe, the USA, Latin America and Japan, OsaBus is happy to take the stress out of group logistics. So wherever your journey starts or ends, you can count on a smooth ride.
Fall in love with Paris and the cream of France
See the City of Light at its most luminous with a tour operator that's been in the business for almost a century.
Paris City Vision takes in all the Parisian must-sees – the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, the Moulin Rouge, dinner on the Seine – with the appealing option of seeing the city at your own pace with a hop-on-hop-off bus.
Its friendly guides can take you on a bike tour, so you can explore like a proper local. And they'll even take you further afield, to the likes of Disneyland, Normandy's beaches, Mont-Saint-Michel, Claude Monet's Giverny, on skip-the-line tours of Versailles or to the romantic castles of the Loire Valley.
Make the most of your time in and around Paris with the ultimate French connection – book now at pariscityvision.com
Transfer to Stansted Airport in style
Need to transfer without fuss between central London and Stansted airport?
Trust Flibco.com to make it easy. Flibco.com's shuttle bus services are already trusted at many European airports, including Brussels Charleroi, Frankfurt, Milan, Malpensa, Turin, Pisa, Lille, Paris CDG, Catania, Budapest and more. And it now operates 24/7, with up to 96 daily departures between Stratford or Liverpool Street and Stansted, running every 30 minutes in both directions.
Flibco.com means getting to the airport comfortably, affordably and more sustainably than a private car or taxi, aboard its iconic green coaches equipped with the latest technology - that means wi-fi and charging sockets for your personal electronic devices.
Everything is designed to give passengers the best possible journey from booking to arrival.
First 5,000 people to book a Stansted transfer get 20% off with code LON-STN-25 at checkout.
Sublimely situated on a gentle hillside above a secluded beach on Kos, KOIA All-Suite Wellbeing Resort is a peaceful adults-only hotel infused with the timeless principles of Hippocratic wellness — a holistic approach to living rooted in the ancient teachings of Kos-born Hippocrates.
Just four miles from Kos Town, the resort blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings, offering expansive views across the Aegean's Ceramic Gulf — an especially lovely prospect at sunrise. KOIA's architecture draws inspiration from the island's medieval castle, blending historical character with modern comfort.
The five-star resort features 50 suites and a villa, many with sea views, private pools and al fresco showers that invite you to linger in the balmy island air.
Here, wellbeing is rooted in nature, from the appealing textures of local stone to the soothing sounds of the sea, holding space for quiet reflection and connection.
Discover a hidden gem in the heart of Friesland
Leeuwarden, the vibrant capital of the province of Friesland in the Netherlands, is a city where history, culture and creativity meet.
Stroll through charming canals, admire centuries-old architecture and explore museums like the Fries Museum and the Princessehof. Leeuwarden is also home to unique boutiques, cosy cafes and lively markets that give it a warm, welcoming feel.
As a former European Capital of Culture, the city continues to thrive with festivals, art installations and innovative design. Whether you're visiting the historic leaning tower Oldehove or enjoying a boat tour, Leeuwarden offers a perfect mix of old-world charm and modern flair.
Plan your visit today and experience this Dutch treasure for yourself.
Indulge in a private island escape in the Maldives
For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury and seclusion, immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of the pristine Huvadhoo Atoll.
Surrounded by vibrant marine life and one of the Maldives' most untouched house reefs, the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa invites guests to discover the enchanting island's natural beauty.
Explore the house reef, home to thriving marine life, colourful coral gardens and rare underwater species. The resort offers a range of unique activities, like private picnics on nearby uninhabited islands and guided diving and snorkelling excursions with a marine biologist.
For the ultimate in luxury, the Kiaali Residence is an exclusive, private sanctuary with sweeping ocean views, a private infinity pool, a dedicated butler service and direct access to the vibrant house reef. For exclusive offers, visit the website.
Egypt is rich in history, iconic landmarks and vibrant culture, and planning a trip there is exciting if a little overwhelming. Choosing the right tour operator is crucial for a smooth experience.
Nourbelle Tours is a trusted operator in Egypt, known for crafting bespoke travel packages to suit your interests and budget. The expert team has guided thousands of satisfied travellers, offering personalised itineraries designed to create unforgettable holidays.
Whether you're after a luxury Nile cruise, a private tour of the Pyramids of Giza, an exclusive visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum or an adventure through the Valley of the Kings to uncover Tutankhamun's tomb, Nourbelle Tours ensures the perfect Egyptian experience tailored to you.
Enjoy up to 50 per cent off select Egypt holiday packages.
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I've travelled every continent - this is the most underrated city I've ever seen
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