Let us inspire you...
So you’ve got the brochures. You’ve soaked up countless holiday web pages. And your travel fund is bursting to be set free. But the question that’s still begging to be answered is – where do you go?
Sometimes there's just too much choice, and choosing the right holiday can be an agonising decision. OK, so you might not be spending sleepless nights fretting over it. But you still want to get it right. Well, that's where we come in.
We’ve pulled together a handful of videos of different destinations around the globe, and named them 'Inspire Me'. So hopefully they'll do just that. We think they serve up a great little snapshot of each destination - a holiday in a nutshell if you like - so you can get a quick-fire introduction to these holiday hotspots and decide if you like what you see. And when you're ready to find out more, simply click onto our destination pages to get the nitty gritty on the ones that interest you the most...
The Canary Islands are perfect for all-year-round sunshine, along with a few other holiday gems. There's the famous desert-like sand-dunes of Gran Canaria. The volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote. Relaxed family-friendly Fuerteventura. Or the split personality of Tenerife, with nightlife galore in the south and a fabulous Spanish culture in the north (not forgetting Spain's highest volcano in the middle). But who can ignore our most recent addition to the Canaries programme - the gorgeous, laid-back and totally unspoilt La Palma. The choice is yours.
Croatia is all about gorgeous countryside, traditional towns and picture-perfect marinas. There's also enough stunning bays, pine forests and charming little villages to pack your camera's memory card to bursting point. Get cultured up in Cavtat’s Medieval Old Town. Make a getaway to the gorgeous Lopud Island. Or explore the twisting cobbled streets and tall turrets of ancient Dubrovnik. It's all there - it's just up to you to decide where to stay...
If Cyprus was gorgeous enough for the love goddess Aphrodite, then it's got to be worth a shot. Naturally, there are beaches and clear shallow shores galore. But there's also stacks of history and interesting sights to while away your days. Visit Ayios Elias Church (left), offering superb views of Protaras and the surrounding areas. Take a trip to The Tombs of the Kings, which dates back to the 4th Century BC. Or how about a round of golf at the 18 Hole Championship course at Aphrodite Hills?
Egypt really does go all out to wow you. From those world famous sights of the Pyramids and Sphinx in Cairo, to the Red Sea Riviera, with its golden beaches and knock-out coral reefs. We've got plenty of hotels to choose from. But you can also hop on board one of our cruise ships for a really special view of this fascinating place. All in all, Egypt is one showstopper of a place, whichever way you choose to experience it.
To say you’re going on holiday in Greece doesn’t exactly narrow it down. There's relaxing island breaks. Historical trips in ancient Athens. Or perhaps a romantic getaway with a bit of both. Whatever you fancy, Greece has got it all lined up and waiting. There's Kefalonia, home of 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin'. Zante, where gorgeous beaches, a smattering of history and a lively nightlife make for a great break. Or perhaps you fancy Thassos - perfect if you’re after the more traditional Greek experience in unspoilt surroundings.
From the vinyards of Tuscany and the shores of Lake Garda, to the eternal city of Rome, Italy's bursting with gorgeous sights and sounds. It's pretty amazing on the taste front too. Everywhere you turn, you'll find mouth-watering pizzas, freshly tossed pasta and steaming risotto. There's delicious locally produced wine in abundance, the perfect addition to lunch or dinner. And for a knock-out energy boost, try a freshly roasted espresso. Whatever you fancy, the land of star-crossed lovers has got it all.
Island getaways don't get much better than this. Cast yourself away on the Caribbean beauty that is Jamaica and experience a real taste of paradise. Home of reggae legend Bob Marley, there's Bounty-ad beaches, rum punch and luminous lagoons galore. But if you think it's all bronzing and sunbeds, think again. Take a quad bike tour through the misty Blue Mountains. Go river-rafting on wooden rafts down the Martha Brae. Climb 600 feet up the world famous Dunn’s River falls in Ocho Rios. Just don't forget to sample some jerk chicken from a beach stand – it wouldn’t be Jamaica without it.
Majorca is a sun-blushed slice of Spanish life that fits firmly under the 'suitable for everyone' bracket. You could be looking forward to watersports in Cala Millor. Family breaks in Alcudia. Or for the noctural, non-stop partying in nightclub central Magaluf. But rest assured, you can also plump for the sun, sea 'n' sand option on any one of Majorca's stunning sandy beaches or secluded coves. Whatever you fancy, don't miss a spell in cosmopolitan Palma. Home to a gorgeous Gothic cathedral, you'll also find boutiques galore and a fabulous chic-meets-charm ambience. Perfect.
There's dazzling beaches. Ancient Aztec pyramids. And a gorgeous climate to bring a healthy-looking glow to your skin. And that's just for starters. Mexico has got so much to offer, from whale-watching and swimming with dolphins, to rounds of golf on top-notch courses. A definite must is a visit to the Mayan Ruins at Chichen Itza, to experience the wonders of the El Castillo pyramid. Feel a chill up your spine as you discover stories of human sacrifice, and marvel at the incredible Temple of the Warriors. Whoever thought holidays in Mexico were all about sun, sea and sand?
Morocco is a land of shimmying belly dancers, zingy spices and colour-splashed souks. There's Agadir, perfect for relaxation and exploration. It's gorgeous climate and excellent watersports make it the ideal beach getaway. For the active type, venture into the foothills of the snow-dusted Atlas Mountains or explore the Sous Valley. But this isn’t the only Moroccan gem - Marrakech is just as tempting. It's a magical city that will fill your senses with cultural treasures, exotic flavours and local colour.
With one foot in the East and one in the West, Turkey is an explosion of cultures and influences. There's Ottoman mosques and Roman temples. Dramatic mountains and picturesque marinas. Spice markets and elegant boutiques. And for the ultimate beach holiday, there's solky soft sands, turquoise blue shores and blazing summer sun. With old towns, castles and temples you'll also find that Turkey has got holiday and history down to a 'T'. Wherever you make tracks in this mesmerising Middle-East-meets-Europe land, there's certainly no escaping it's charm.