i Holiday ideas by type
Thirty kinds of trips — from ski resorts and surf spots to pyramids and fjords — with the best places in every country and the right time to go.
Nature
i National parks
Protected landscapes with hiking trails, wildlife and some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth.
2,029 places · in 136 countries
i Waterfalls
From thundering giants to hidden cascades — waterfalls are at their fullest after the rainy season or spring snowmelt.
1,782 places · in 115 countries
i Caves
Show caves with stalactites, underground lakes and ancient cave dwellings, many open to visitors all year.
1,626 places · in 113 countries
i Volcanoes
Craters, lava fields and summit hikes — volcanoes you can visit, climb or watch from a safe distance.
1,050 places · in 71 countries
i Glaciers
Ice fields and glacier tongues you can see, hike or fly over — best visited in the warmer months.
787 places · in 34 countries
i Fjords
Deep, steep-sided sea inlets carved by glaciers — explored by ferry, kayak or along the cliffs above.
1,701 places · in 14 countries
i Lakes
Famous lakes for swimming, boating, lakeside towns and mountain views.
1,439 places · in 111 countries
i Canyons
Gorges and canyons for hiking, rafting and viewpoints over dramatic rock walls.
380 places · in 56 countries
i Deserts
Dunes, desert camps and star-filled skies — best visited in the cooler months.
144 places · in 35 countries
i Islands
Well-known islands for beaches, sailing and a slower pace of life.
3,143 places · in 141 countries
i Hot springs & spa towns
Thermal springs and historic spa towns — a classic escape in the cooler months.
412 places · in 56 countriesHistory & culture
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i Historical sites
Ancient cities, ruins and archaeological sites — where history is still visible on the ground.
4,753 places · in 123 countries
i Castles
Medieval fortresses and fairy-tale castles, many with museums, viewpoints and gardens.
4,373 places · in 64 countries.jpg)
i Palaces
Royal and imperial palaces with their halls, treasures and gardens.
1,353 places · in 86 countries
i Pyramids
From Giza and Saqqara to the step pyramids of Mesoamerica and Sudan — the world’s pyramids you can visit.
109 places · in 30 countries
i Museums
The world’s great museums of art, history and science — ideal for city breaks in any season.
3,907 places · in 145 countries.JPG)
i UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Places listed by UNESCO for their outstanding cultural or natural value.
1,478 places · in 146 countries
i Cathedrals
Great cathedrals and their architecture, art and towers with a view.
1,160 places · in 123 countries
i Monasteries
Historic monasteries in remarkable settings — from cliff-top retreats to UNESCO-listed abbeys.
1,261 places · in 62 countriesActive & adventure
i Ski resorts
Ski resorts and snow areas, with the months when snow is most reliable at their altitude.
3,958 places · in 66 countriesParagliding sites
Take-off sites for paragliding and hang gliding, many with tandem flights for beginners.
6,057 places · in 77 countriesSurf spots
Surf breaks and surf beaches, with the months when the sea is warm enough for comfortable sessions.
996 places · in 73 countriesDiving sites
Dive sites and centres for reefs, wrecks and walls — with the warm-water months.
3,857 places · in 108 countries
i Long-distance hiking trails
Famous long-distance trails and the months with the best walking weather.
1,075 places · in 49 countries
i Golf courses
Well-known golf courses and the months with the most pleasant weather to play.
1,130 places · in 54 countries
Family & fun
i Theme parks
Theme and amusement parks for a family trip, with visitor numbers where available.
1,184 places · in 68 countries
i Zoos & aquariums
Popular zoos and aquariums — easy family days out in any season.
1,193 places · in 108 countries
i Lighthouses
Historic lighthouses on dramatic coasts, many with viewpoints and coastal walks.
2,561 places · in 95 countries