Top 10 Destinations Every Traveller Should Visit 

Travel is more than just moving from place to place. It’s about collecting memories, discovering cultures, and standing in awe of landscapes that take your breath away. In this guide to the Top 10 Destinations every traveller should visit, I’ll take you on a journey across the globe — from timeless European cities to exotic wonders that feel a world away. Whether you’re dreaming of a short-haul escape or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, these destinations should be high on your list.

How We Chose the Top 10

Choosing just ten places wasn’t easy. To create this list of the Top 10 Destinations, I combined:



• UK practicality – direct flights, reasonable connections, and timings that work around school holidays.
• Bucket-list appeal – world-famous sights, natural wonders, and cultural treasures.
• Emerging trends – new routes, spotlight picks, and rising stars for 2025.
• Sustainability and inclusivity – destinations that are making travel greener and more welcoming.

Each destination includes flight times from the UK, the best time to visit, visa notes, and three carefully chosen hotels at different budgets.

The Top 10 Destinations

Bali, Indonesia

Why Go:
Bali is a paradise of temples, rice terraces, beaches, and wellness retreats. From surfing in Seminyak to sunrise at Mount Batur, Bali combines culture with natural beauty.

Best Time to Visit: April–October for dry, sunny weather.
Flight Time from UK: Approx. 16–17 hours (one stop).
Visa: British travellers can enter visa-free for up to 30 days.

Where to Stay:

• Budget: Champlung Mas Hotel Legian – a simple, comfortable stay near shops and nightlife.
• Mid-range: Maya Ubud Resort & Spa – nestled in jungle valleys with a luxury spa.
• Luxury: The St. Regis Bali Resort – beachfront opulence with butler service.

After Bali, why not explore even more tropical escapes with Jamie Wake Travel? We’ll help tailor your island holiday perfectly.

Rome, Italy

Why Go:

Rome is a living museum. Wander through the Colosseum, toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, and savour pasta at a trattoria tucked away in a cobbled street.

Best Time to Visit: March–May and September–November.
Flight Time from UK: 2 hours 30 minutes direct.
Visa: No visa required for UK citizens visiting Italy.

Where to Stay:

• Budget: Hotel Aberdeen – a welcoming, central stay without breaking the bank.
• Mid-range: Hotel Artemide – stylish with a rooftop terrace and spa.
• Luxury: Hassler Roma – legendary, overlooking the Spanish Steps.

Rome is just the start — explore our range of European city breaks with Jamie Wake Travel.

Tokyo & Kyoto, Japan

Why Go:

Japan offers futuristic neon-lit streets in Tokyo alongside the quiet charm of Kyoto’s temples and tea houses. Sushi, sumo, bullet trains — Japan is unforgettable.

Best Time to Visit: March–May for cherry blossoms; October–November for autumn colours.
Flight Time from UK: 11–12 hours direct.
Visa: British travellers do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days.

Where to Stay:

• Budget: Sakura Hotel Jimbocho (Tokyo) – central and friendly.
• Mid-range: Cross Hotel Kyoto – sleek with easy access to Gion.
• Luxury: Aman Tokyo – serene, sky-high luxury with an onsen-style spa.

From cherry blossoms to cutting-edge tech, Japan deserves a spot on your bucket list — let Jamie Wake Travel craft your perfect itinerary.

Iceland

Why Go:

Just a short flight from the UK, Iceland dazzles with glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, and the Northern Lights. It’s an outdoor lover’s dream.

Best Time to Visit: November–March for auroras; June–August for endless daylight.
Flight Time from UK: 3 hours direct.
Visa: No visa required for UK travellers.

Where to Stay:

• Budget: KEX Hostel, Reykjavik – quirky and lively.
• Mid-range: Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina – stylish with harbour views.
• Luxury: The Retreat at Blue Lagoon – suites carved into lava fields with spa access.

Iceland is proof that adventure doesn’t have to be far — see more short-haul wonders with Jamie Wake Travel.

Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley, Peru

Why Go:

Machu Picchu is the ultimate bucket-list sight, high in the Andes. Pair it with the Sacred Valley for colourful markets and traditional Andean culture.

Machu Picchu is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of the most important cultural landmarks in the world.”

Best Time to Visit: April–October (dry season).
Flight Time from UK: Around 15–16 hours (via Lima).
Visa: UK travellers do not need a visa for up to 183 days.

Where to Stay:

• Budget: El Albergue Ollantaytambo – a charming base in the valley.
• Mid-range: Tierra Viva Machu Picchu – comfortable, close to the ruins.
• Luxury: Belmond Sanctuary Lodge – the only hotel right at Machu Picchu’s entrance.

From the Andes to the Amazon, Peru offers so much more — book with Jamie Wake Travel for insider tips.

Cape Town & The Garden Route, South Africa

Why Go:

Cape Town is one of the world’s most stunning cities, framed by Table Mountain. Drive the Garden Route to discover beaches, forests, and wine country.

Best Time to Visit: November–March for summer sun.
Flight Time from UK: 11–12 hours direct.
Visa: UK citizens can visit for up to 90 days without a visa.

Where to Stay:

• Budget: never@home Cape Town – clean, social hostel near the waterfront.
• Mid-range: Protea Hotel by Marriott Sea Point – modern comfort with ocean views.
• Luxury: One&Only Cape Town – lavish with a backdrop of Table Mountain.

Looking for safaris, city breaks, or beach escapes? Jamie Wake Travel can combine them all in South Africa.

Cyclades, Greece (Santorini & Naxos)

Why Go:

Santorini’s sunsets are legendary, while Naxos offers family-friendly beaches and fewer crowds. Together, they showcase the best of Greece.

Best Time to Visit: May–October.
Flight Time from UK: 4 hours to Santorini.
Visa: No visa required.

Where to Stay:

• Budget: Hotel Kymata, Naxos – steps from the beach.
• Mid-range: Astra Suites, Santorini – stylish cliffside suites.
• Luxury: Canaves Oia Suites, Santorini – iconic infinity pools and romance.

Explore the Cyclades with ease — Jamie Wake Travel makes island-hopping stress-free.

👉 If you’d like to explore a quieter Cycladic island, take a look at our guide to Holidays to Milos Greece, where authentic culture meets stunning beaches.

New Zealand South Island

Why Go:

Dramatic fjords, glaciers, and lakes make New Zealand’s South Island one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Perfect for road trips.

Best Time to Visit: December–March (summer).
Flight Time from UK: 24+ hours with stops.
Visa: Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) required.

Where to Stay:

• Budget: YHA Queenstown Lakefront – affordable with epic views.
• Mid-range: The Rees Hotel, Queenstown – modern lakeside comfort.
• Luxury: Matakauri Lodge – award-winning boutique lodge with panoramic vistas.

New Zealand is worth the journey — Jamie Wake Travel can tailor unforgettable itineraries.

Jordan (Petra & Wadi Rum)

Why Go:

Petra’s rose-red city carved into rock is a true wonder, while Wadi Rum’s desert landscapes feel otherworldly. A cultural gem close to the UK.

Best Time to Visit: March–May, September–November.
Flight Time from UK: 5 hours direct.
Visa: Visa on arrival or e-visa for UK travellers.

Where to Stay:

• Budget: Seven Wonders Bedouin Camp – desert charm.
• Mid-range: Petra Guest House – steps from the entrance.
• Luxury: Memories Aicha Luxury Camp – glamorous tents under the stars.

Jordan is a trip of contrasts — desert, sea, and history. Jamie Wake Travel makes it effortless.

Lithuania (Vilnius & Curonian Spit)

Why Go:

Vilnius is a baroque beauty buzzing with culture, while the Curonian Spit offers serene dunes and pine forests. A European gem without the crowds.

Best Time to Visit: May–September.
Flight Time from UK: 3 hours direct.
Visa: No visa required.

Where to Stay:

• Budget: Stay Express Hotel Vilnius – affordable and central.
• Mid-range: Artis Centrum Hotels – stylish with wellness facilities.
• Luxury: Hotel Pacai – five-star luxury in a restored 17th-century mansion.

Lithuania is an emerging gem in Europe — discover more with Jamie Wake Travel’s tailored city breaks.

Jamie Says:

"Travel is about experiences, not just destinations. Pick places that excite you, and let us handle the details."

Sustainable & Accessible Travel Tips

Travelling responsibly means choosing airlines that offset carbon, staying in eco-friendly hotels, and respecting local cultures. Many of the Top 10 Destinations listed here now offer greener transport options and better accessibility for wheelchair users, families, and LGBTQ+ travellers.

Booking Protections with Jamie Wake Travel

When you book with Jamie Wake Travel, your holiday is fully protected. Every booking is covered by ATOL protection  and Supplier Failure Insurance. That means if something unexpected happens, your money and your trip are safe.

Why Book with Jamie Wake Travel

Holidays should be exciting, not stressful. At Jamie Wake Travel, we combine years of expertise with a passion for creating bespoke experiences. Whether you want a romantic escape, a family adventure, or a solo journey, we’ll make it happen.

• Call us today on 01495 400005
• Or use our simple enquiry form on the website
• You can also search with our holiday search tool to build something as unique as you are

Frequently Asked Questions