The Top 5 Destinations to Add to Your Travel List
The Top 5 Destinations to Add to Your Travel List
If you’re craving top destinations to visit that feel exciting and easy to plan from the UK, this is your shortcut. I’ve kept it to five places on purpose — not fifty — so you can actually choose one, price it up, and go.
You’ll get a UK-first view (flight times, jet lag, best months, trip length), a mini itinerary for each, and one hotel pick per destination with the sort of details that matter when you’re spending real money.
Quick favour: if this sparks ideas for friends or family, share this post in your group chat so you can start matching dates.
How we chose these five destinations
There are endless “bucket list” lists online. For this one, we picked destinations that tick four boxes:
- Clear “why now”: a strong seasonal window, festival period, or best-in-class experience.
- UK practicality: direct flights (or straightforward routes), manageable jet lag planning, and good value options.
- Different holiday styles: city buzz, beaches, food, wildlife, and nature — without overlap.
- You can do a “first trip” easily: even if you’re not a spreadsheet person.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is the kind of city that resets your idea of what a city break can be. One minute you’re in a quiet shrine garden, the next you’re in a neon maze eating ramen at 11pm.
Why Tokyo belongs on your list
Tokyo delivers big on food, design, pop culture, and day trips - and it’s surprisingly friendly to first-timers once you know which neighbourhood to base yourself in.
Best time to visit
- Spring (March–April) for cherry blossoms
- Autumn (September–November) for crisp days and autumn colour
Flight time from London (ballpark)
- Around 13 hours 50 minutes direct, London → Tokyo
Ideal trip length
- 6–10 nights (shorter is doable, but you’ll want time for a day trip or two)
Budget band
- Mid to splurge (you can eat brilliantly on a sensible budget; hotels drive the cost)
Perfect for
Food lovers, city explorers, couples, older teens, and anyone who likes a “wow” factor without needing a car.
A simple 3-day starter itinerary
- Day 1: Asakusa + Senso-ji, Sumida riverside stroll, sushi counter dinner
- Day 2: Meiji Shrine + Harajuku, Shibuya at dusk, views from a skyline spot
- Day 3: Tsukiji outer market breakfast, Ginza galleries/shops, evening in Shinjuku
UK travel notes (small things that help)
- Jet lag is real. A smart move: land, stay outdoors until evening, then sleep local time.
- If you’re travelling in blossom season, book earlier - it fills fast.
If Japan is on your radar, our guide on why you should visit Japan in 2026 explains the best regions, seasons, and experiences for UK travellers planning ahead.
Hotel highlight in Tokyo: Park Hotel Tokyo (Shiodome)
If you want a stay that feels distinctly “Tokyo” without being stiff, Park Hotel Tokyo leans into art in a way that makes your room part of the trip.
Their Artist Rooms are painted directly onto the walls, so each room feels like a one-off.
Why it works:
- Great base for exploring neighbourhoods by train
- A “talking point” hotel that doesn’t rely on gimmicks
- Ideal for couples, solo travellers, and design fans
Want a Tokyo that fits your pace and budget?
Jamie Wake Travel can pair flights, rail passes, and the right neighbourhood hotel — so your days flow properly, not just on paper.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is one of those places where the scenery looks edited. Mountains, ocean, vineyards, and a proper food scene — all in one trip.
Why Cape Town belongs on your list
It’s a city + nature holiday in one: cable car views, coastal drives, wineries, beaches, and brilliant restaurants.
Best time to visit
- December–February for peak summer sunshine
- October–April is a strong wider window if you want warmth
Flight time from London (ballpark)
- Around 11 hours 30 minutes direct, London → Cape Town
Ideal trip length
- 7–12 nights (Cape Town alone works; add Winelands and you’ll be glad of extra time)
Budget band
- Mid to splurge (excellent value once you’re there; flights and hotel category set the tone)
Perfect for
Foodies, photographers, couples, groups, and anyone who wants “beach + city + wine” without hopping between countries.
A simple 4-day starter itinerary
- Day 1: V&A Waterfront wander, sunset drinks, early night
- Day 2: Table Mountain (weather allowing), Camps Bay, dinner in Kloof Street area
- Day 3: Cape Peninsula drive (Chapman’s Peak), penguins at Boulders, views at Cape Point
- Day 4: Stellenbosch or Franschhoek wine tasting day
UK travel notes
- Minimal jet lag for many UK travellers compared with eastbound long-haul, but you’ll still feel the flight length.
- Always check current entry requirements and GOV.UK travel advice before travel
Hotel highlight in Cape Town: The Silo Hotel (V&A Waterfront)
If you want a “once” hotel — the one you still talk about a year later — The Silo is a genuine icon. It sits above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa at the V&A Waterfront, turning an old grain silo into something strikingly modern.
Why it works:
- Superb base at the Waterfront (easy evenings, easy logistics)
- Art-forward design and big views
- A strong choice for milestone birthdays, honeymoons, and “we deserve it” trips
If you like the sound of Cape Town but want it to feel effortless, Jamie Wake Travel can build it as a twin-centre (Cape Town + Winelands) or add a safari extension without you juggling transfers and timings.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai is bright, bold, and surprisingly varied. You can do beaches, restaurants, desert, shopping, and cultural pockets — all in one place.
Why Dubai belongs on your list
It’s a sun-and-city hybrid that works brilliantly for short breaks, winter escapes, or a stopover that becomes the main event.
Best time to visit
- October–April for the most comfortable weather
- November–March is the classic “sweet spot”
Flight time from London (ballpark)
- About 7 hours direct, London → Dubai
Ideal trip length
- 4–7 nights (perfect for a proper reset without using up loads of annual leave)
Budget band
- Value to splurge (you choose the style: smart-value hotels exist, and luxury can go very luxury)
Perfect for
Winter sun seekers, families, couples, friends, and anyone who loves big hotels with big facilities.
A simple 3-day starter itinerary
- Day 1: Old Dubai (Al Fahidi area), abra across the creek, spice/souk wander
- Day 2: Beach morning, late afternoon Burj Khalifa area, fountain show dinner
- Day 3: Desert safari afternoon into evening (cooler, better atmosphere)
UK travel notes
- Very easy flight time for a “long weekend”.
- If you’re going in peak winter weeks, availability is the first thing to go — not the heat.
Hotel highlight in Dubai: Jumeirah Al Naseem (Madinat Jumeirah)
For a polished beachfront stay with a resort feel (and strong dining), Jumeirah Al Naseem is a standout. It’s positioned as a contemporary coastal hotel within the wider Madinat Jumeirah setting, which means you get that “holiday bubble” without feeling cut off.
Why it works:
- Great choice for couples and families who want beach + city access
- Strong for food and “easy evenings”
- A good anchor hotel if you’re mixing relaxation with sightseeing
Not sure whether Dubai should be a full holiday or a stopover?
Jamie Wake Travel can price both options quickly and tell you which one gives the best value for your dates.
Cancún & the Riviera Maya, Mexico
This is where you go when you want warm sea, bright skies, and day trips that feel like proper adventures — cenotes, ruins, and little towns with great food.
Why it belongs on your list
It’s an easy mix of proper beach time and real experiences nearby — without needing to move hotels every other night.
Best time to visit
- December–April for the driest, most comfortable conditions
(Do keep hurricane season in mind on the Caribbean coast, typically June–November.)
Flight time from London (ballpark)
- About 10 hours 45 minutes direct, London → Cancún
Ideal trip length
- 7–14 nights (all-inclusive works well, especially with a couple of day trips)
Budget band
- Mid to splurge (all-inclusive can be great value if you’ll use the restaurants and activities)
Perfect for
Families, couples, groups, and anyone who wants a beach holiday with “do stuff” options.
A simple 4-day starter itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive, beach, early night
- Day 2: Catamaran/snorkelling day or chilled resort day
- Day 3: Mayan ruins day trip (Chichén Itzá or Tulum), cenote swim
- Day 4: Isla Mujeres for a calmer vibe and great sea colour
UK travel notes
- Plan a slower first day — the flight is long, and the heat can feel intense on arrival.
- Check passports, entry rules, and GOV.UK travel advice before you fly.
For a deeper look at what makes this destination so rewarding, read our guide to discovering the spirit of summer in Mexico, from cultural cities to laid-back beach escapes.
Hotel highlight in Cancún: Hyatt Ziva Cancún (All-Inclusive)
For an all-inclusive that’s well set up for families and still feels stylish, Hyatt Ziva Cancún is a strong pick. It’s positioned on Punta Cancún, with a beachfront setting framed by the Caribbean Sea.
Why it works:
- All-inclusive convenience (useful for families and groups)
- Great base for day trips along the Riviera Maya
- Easy “holiday mode” from the moment you arrive
If you want Mexico without the overwhelm, Jamie Wake Travel can recommend the right stretch of coast (and the right board basis) so you don’t end up paying for “all-inclusive” you won’t actually use.
Reykjavík & the Golden Circle, Iceland
Iceland is the rare trip that feels like you’ve landed on another planet — waterfalls, geothermal pools, black sand, and wide-open landscapes.
Why it belongs on your list
It’s one of the best short-haul “big nature” destinations from the UK. You can do it as a long weekend or stretch it into a week with ease.
Best time to visit
- June–August for long daylight and summer activities
- September–March if Northern Lights are your priority
Flight time from London (ballpark)
- Around 3 hours 12 minutes direct, London → Reykjavík
Ideal trip length
- 3–6 nights (perfect for a punchy, high-impact break)
Budget band
- Mid (Iceland can feel pricey day-to-day; planning helps)
Perfect for
Nature lovers, couples, friend trips, photographers, and anyone who wants an adventure without long-haul flights.
A simple 3-day starter itinerary
- Day 1: Reykjavík food walk, Harpa area, geothermal soak in the evening
- Day 2: Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss)
- Day 3: South Coast day trip (waterfalls + black sand beach) or a whale-watching tour
UK travel notes
- Time difference is easy (and often kind to your body clock).
- Pack layers and a proper waterproof — the weather changes quickly.
If you’re torn between culture and coastline in European holiday destinations, our guide to summer in the Mediterranean explores island hopping, food-led travel, and relaxed European escapes.
Hotel highlight in Reykjavík: The Reykjavík EDITION
If you want a central base with a sleek feel, The Reykjavík EDITION sits right by the harbour and close to Harpa, with great access to the city’s main streets. Rooms and suites are known for big views over the harbour and mountains.
Why it works:
- Excellent location for tours (easy pick-ups, easy wandering)
- A strong “treat yourself” option in a city where base matters
- Great for couples and friends doing Iceland as a special break
Want Iceland that fits your dates and daylight?
Jamie Wake Travel can help you choose the right month (and the right tour mix) so you’re not trying to squeeze too much into too little light.
Top destinations to visit: which one suits you?
If you’re stuck choosing, use this quick match:
- You want food + city energy: Tokyo
- You want beaches + easy winter sun: Dubai
- You want beach + day trips + all-inclusive value: Cancún / Riviera Maya
- You want city + nature + wine + wow views: Cape Town
- You want short-haul “big nature”: Iceland
So… which of these top destinations to visit fits the version of you that needs a break right now?
Travelling well doesn’t have to mean overspending - our round-up of affordable destinations for travellers highlights places that deliver real value without compromise.
Jamie Says:
“A top five list should help you choose, not add pressure. Pick the destination that matches your energy level— then we’ll build the holiday around that.”
Booking protections (the bit that helps you sleep)
When you book through Jamie Wake Travel, you’re not just paying for a holiday - you’re paying for protection and support.
- ATOL protection applies to many flight-inclusive holidays, safeguarding your money and helping you get home if the travel company fails.
- Supplier Failure Insurance adds another layer of reassurance for certain elements of your trip.
- You also get a real person to help if flights move, plans change, or you need options quickly.
Before committing to any long-haul or bucket-list trip, it’s worth understanding why booking protection matters and how UK holiday safeguards work.
(If you ever want it, we can explain exactly what protection applies to your itinerary - because it depends on how the holiday is built.)
Why book with Jamie Wake Travel
These top destinations to visit are only half the story. The other half is getting the details right: the flight times that suit you, the hotel in the right area, the transfer you don’t have to think about, and a plan that feels calm.
Jamie Wake Travel is a UK-based independent agency, and we can help you:
- Compare options clearly (value, mid-range, luxury)
- Build multi-centre trips without messy logistics
- Tailor the holiday around your dates, budget, and travel style
You can reach us on 01495 400005 or via the enquiry form. And if you like browsing first, use the website search tool to build a holiday that’s “as unique as you are.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top destinations to visit for UK travellers who only have a week?
Tokyo (tight but doable), Dubai, Cancún, Cape Town, and Iceland can all work in a week — but Dubai, Iceland, and Cancún feel the least rushed.
Which top destinations to visit are best for winter sun?
Dubai and Cancún are the most reliable for a warm-weather break in UK winter.
How long should I spend in Tokyo on a first trip?
Aim for 6–10 nights if you can. If you only have a week, stick to Tokyo plus one day trip.
Is Cape Town a good choice if I want a mix of city and nature?
Yes — it’s one of the best “city + landscape” trips you can do without constant travel days.
When is the best time to visit Dubai?
For most people, November to March is the comfort zone for weather and outdoor plans.
When is the best time to visit Cancún and the Riviera Maya?
December to April is typically best for lower rainfall and comfortable exploring.
Are these top destinations to visit good for families?
Yes: Dubai and Cancún are especially family-friendly, and Cape Town can be brilliant with the right itinerary. Tokyo works well with older children/teens.
Which destination is best if I don’t want a long flight?
Iceland is the shortest flight on this list (around 3 hours), and it still feels like a big adventure.
What’s the easiest way to choose between these top destinations to visit?
Pick based on your priority: heat, food, nature, beach, or “wow” — then match trip length and budget to that choice.
Can Jamie Wake Travel build a bespoke itinerary for these destinations?
Yes — we can tailor flights, hotels, transfers, and pacing, and explain what booking protection applies to your specific holiday.
