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4th April 2025
15 of our favourite holiday ideas
Holidays are a big deal. We save for them, we plan for them, and we count down the days until that flight takes off.
Your holiday needs to be special. And w e couldn’t be more on board with that.
With so many unique destinations to explore around our wonderful world, it can be tough to narrow it down. That’s where we come in. Our destination experts are fit to bursting with holiday ideas to knock your socks off.
Below, we share a few of our favourite ideas for your next big holiday. These are purely designed as a starting point to inspire – every holiday we create is as unique as you are. Whichever holiday destination you choose, your expert will design, tinker and tweak your holiday itinerary until it ticks all of those ‘dream holiday boxes’ of yours (and often some you didn’t even know you had.)
15 of our favourite holiday ideas
1. Elephants, tea hills, beaches and top-notch food in Sri Lanka
If you’re looking for a holiday idea that encompasses a bit of everything, Sri Lanka should go right to the top of your holiday ideas list. It’s got the vibrant culture, the friendly people, the ancient UNESCO sites, the deserted beaches, the endless tea hills, all of the elephants, and some of the best food we’ve ever tasted. (And if you know anything about us here at HA, you’ll know that food is a big deal. We take it seriously.) On the subject of food, if you’re planning a Sri Lanka holiday around February, don’t miss the Galle Literary Festival – which often coincides perfectly with the annual Gourmet Food Festival, also in Galle. If the elephants weren’t enough to clinch it, surely a food-focused festival will be? Our Sri Lanka experts, Rebecca, Lisa and Dawn, would love to put together the Sri Lanka holiday of a lifetime for you. Just give us a call and you’ll be put through, prepare for all of the travel tales (and food recommendations!)
Our favourite Sri Lanka holiday ideas
Sri Lanka and the Maldives – 14 days
Ultimate Sri Lanka – 21 days
2. Mountain drives and moose tracks in Canada
Canada is the kind of place you could visit over and over again – and still only scratch the surface. Cruise along the Icefields Parkway, with glaciers on one side and turquoise lakes on the other. Go bear spotting in the forests of British Columbia or follow a guide through the wilds of Yukon, keeping your eyes peeled for wolves, elk and eagles. Take it slow with a lobster roll by the sea in Nova Scotia, or take the train ride of your life through the Rockies.
It’s vast, it’s varied, and it’s all about the outdoors. Our Canada expert, Paul, has explored it all – from tiny fishing villages to epic mountain lodges – and he’ll help you put to gether a trip that fits just right. Whether it’s a summer road trip, a wildlife adventure or a rail journey through the snow, Canada’s always a good idea.
Canada holidays we love
Ultimate British Colombia – 15 days
Canadian Icons – 14 days
3. Celebrate our world and all things Pura Vida in Costa Rica
As the years tick by, we’re all becoming more aware of our environment and how important it is to look after it. Especially in the travel industry, we’re dedicated to protecting it, respecting it, and honouring it. As well as enjoying it to the full, of course! ( Check out our carbon offsetting info to see how we’re doing to make sure we make a positive difference with our trips ). We travel because we share a love for our world – so it’s beyond important to look after it. One country that’s leading the charge on this, has always been Costa Rica . One of the country’s most impressive feats is reversing years of deforestation, successfully increasing their forest cover from 15% in 1960, to around an incredible 53% today. They’re ahead of the curve when it comes to sustainable energy, too, with more than 98% of their electricity generated from renewable sources. With all this considered, it’s no wonder that 5% of the entire world’s biodiversity decides to call it home, is it?
If eco-conscious travel, getting amongst nature, and staying in some seriously special environmentally-conscious lodges is on your wishlist for your next holiday – a Pura Vida adventure in Costa Rica might just be just the gold green ticket.
Our favourite Costa Rica holiday ideas
Go Local in Costa Rica – 15 days
Simply Costa Rica – 13 days
4. Wildlife, wine and road-tripping in South Africa
We’d argue that it’s always a good time to visit the Rainbow Nation. If you’ve always fancied a South Africa holiday , or if an African safari has been lingering on your wish-list for a little too long – why not make this the year you finally go for it? Whether you’re travelling with a family, are after a bit of luxury, or simply want a once-in-a-lifetime holiday packed full of so much variety you don’t know what to do with it – you should consider a South Africa holiday. It’s a big country to plan a trip around, with so many different experiences and options available. But that’s where our experts come in! They’ve spent so much time exploring the country, from sampling the restaurants in Cape Town and hanging with the penguins on Boulders’ Beach , to sipping on different wines in the Winelands (tough job but someone’s got to do it) and visiting countless safari lodges to find the best ones suited to your needs. A South Africa holiday completely tailored to you is just a natter away, we’d really love to help.
For some inspiration, here are a couple of our favourite South Africa holiday ideas
South African Grand Tour – 21 days
Unexplored South Africa – 14 days
5. Spice trails and sacred rivers in India
India is impossible to sum up – and that’s half the fun. No two trips are the same, and no two days are either. You could be spotting tigers in the jungles of Madhya Pradesh one day and gliding down the backwaters of Kerala the next. Watch the sunrise over the Ganges in Varanasi, where daily rituals unfold like clockwork. Hop between palaces and markets in Rajasthan, weaving through colour-drenched streets and golden forts. Walk with a naturalist through the tea plantations of Darjeeling, or feast your way through the spice-scented lanes of Chennai.
It’s vast, it’s vivid and it’s packed with real-deal experiences. Whether you’re after a spiritual adventure, a family escape or a foodie feast, our Clare is the perfect person to help you piece together the version of India that’s just right for you.
India holiday ideas we love
Taj & Tigers – 10 days
Treasures of the North – 14 days
6. A Lawrence of Arabia adventure through Jordan
We’ve spoken to a few clients who have concerns about visiting Jordan with everything going on in the world. We completely understand the worries, but we’re here to reassure you – there’s no reason to sideline a Jordan holiday. Obviously, a certain level of caution is required (as it would be anywhere) and it’s recommended to stay within the popular tourist areas. And it’s always worth checking the current FCDO advice for the most up-to-date information on a country. Feel free to pick up the phone to chat with Cat or Ian, our Jordan experts, to put your mind at ease, too. We’ve sent many happy clients to Jordan over the last year, and they’ve all returned full of admiration for this incredible country and its resilient people. In fact, HA client – Rob, actually returned saying: “I don’t recall ever feeling safer on holiday.” And if one thing’s for sure, it’s that the Jordanian people will be more grateful for your visit than ever before. This could be the perfect year to see a quieter Petra with your own eyes, ride a camel through the endless sands of the Wadi Rum desert or experience the feeling of true weightlessness with a float in the Dead Sea .
Two of our favourite Jordan holiday ideas
Grand Tour of Jordan – 15 days
Adventurous Jordan – 13 days
7. Rhinos, sand dunes and ghost towns in Namibia
Are you looking for somewhere truly unique for your next big holiday? Namibia could well be it. With red dunes towering over ghost-white deserts, abandoned towns swallowed by sand, safaris peppered with unique, desert-adapted wildlife sightings, and some of the starriest skies you could ever hope to see – a Namibia holiday promises to be one like no other. Plus, when planning your Namibia holiday, you’ll get to chat with our expert Kirsty (which is a big plus, trust us). The passion she has for the country knows no bounds, and after one conversation with her, we’re sure you’ll understand why!
Two top Namibia holiday ideas
Classic Namibia Self-Drive – 14 days
Wildlife and Conservation in Namibia – 13 days
8. World Wonders, rainforests, Incan communities and llamas in Peru
Maybe you’ve always dreamed of a Costa Rica holiday, but haven’t yet considered Peru? If so, we reckon that needs to change. If you want the inside scoop on why this Latin American spot is such a treat of a destination – now is the perfect time to give us a call. Dawn, one of our brilliant Peru experts, hasn’t long returned from her latest three-week adventure around the country. She’s been regaling all of us in the office with countless travel tales, memories and moments from her trip – and she lights up so much while she’s sharing them, we’re all considering booking!
From spotting soaring condors on the edge of Colca Canyon, and sharing food with local communities in the Sacred Valley to cruising down the Amazon River deep into the rainforest – Peru is so much more than Machu Picchu. (Dawn visited the wonder of Machu Picchu too, of course. And her guide, Percy, really made it.) Read more about Dawn’s adventure here , or explore our Peru holiday ideas for a little more inspiration…
Two ideas for your Peru holiday
Quick Escape to Machu Picchu – 8 days
Peru & Galapagos In-Depth – 19 days
9. Fall in love with Cambodia
Cambodia is one of those countries that steals a piece of your heart and never gives it back. Explore the sights. Return the countless Cambodian smiles you’ll be on the receiving end of. And it won’t be long until it hits you just how special this place is. As you uncover Cambodia’s dark and recent history, the resilience, warmth and happiness of the people comes to mean even more. Yes, it’s got the bucket-list worthy sights (hello, Angkor Wat !), the stunning beaches (don’t miss Koh Rong Island ), and the unforgettable experiences ( support the local community by spending an evening at Phare circus ), but the people you’ll meet along the way are what makes a Cambodia holiday shine. If you’re looking for a holiday that will see you experiencing a different culture, trying different foods, and exploring so much beauty all in a wonderfully authentic way – a Cambodia holiday could well be for you. Read more aout HA Cambodia expert, Fenton’s, visit with his own young family here . It really goes to say something when you spend every day of your working life talking about a country, only to want to visit it on your time off.
Cambodia holiday ideas
Express Cambodia – 9 days
Relaxing Cambodia – 15 days
10. Wine, glaciers, waterfalls and gauchos in Argentina
Argentina is such a vast and varied country to explore. You might spend a day sipping on a glass of red in the Mendoza Wine Valleys and the next being dwarfed by the icy Perito Moreno glacier or the cascading Iguazu Falls , all before dancing the tango on the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires . We love this country: The scenery, the people, the steak! (Plenty of vegetarian-friendly options are available too.) Our expert, Lou, has spent so much time exploring and has plenty of stories to share. She’s perfectly placed to cherry pick the best experiences and routes to suit you.
Ideas for your Argentina holiday
Complete Patagonia – 16 days
Northern Off-Road Adventure – 13 days
11. A collision of new-world technology and old-world charm in Japan
Japan is one of those countries that manages to seamlessly blend mind-blowing modernity with all of the charm of the ancient world. A holiday here will take you far beyond the bright lights of Tokyo . You’ll ride bullet trains, soak in hot springs, dine on traditional dinners in old-world ryokans, walk ancient streets, step back in time exploring tranquil temples, and – most likely – feast on gyoza any chance you get.
Emma, one of our Japan experts here at HA, spent an incredible three weeks adventuring around Japan on her latest trip, sampling the delicacies, exploring the temples and meeting the wonderful people. She’s bursting with unique ideas and ways to make your Japan holiday unforgettable, all based on her own experiences and adventures. And our Fenton has an endless host of Japan-based knowledge to share.
Two Japan holiday ideas to help inspire
The Road Less Travelled – 15 days
Classic Japan – 11 days
12. A slice of Moroccan magic
So close to us in distance, but so far in culture – a Morocco holiday could be a great option if you don’t want to go too long-haul on your next holiday. Enjoy moments of calm in the Sahara Desert as the sun sinks below the dunes, and moments of endearing chaos as you attempt to find your way around the bustling souks of Marrakesh and Fez’s ancient medinas. We’ll help make sure you soak up the culture authentically. Sharing a home-cooked tagine in a local family home. Sipping on a fresh mint tea as your guide tells you tales of his hometown. Heading high into the Atlas Mountains to learn all about how the Berber people live. You can do it all. And, whatever time of year you’re looking for a holiday, Morocco could work. Things get a little chillier over our winter months, but there’s something to be said for cosying up in your riad with snow-capped mountains in the distance and a roaring fire to keep you toasty.
Morocco holiday ideas we think you’ll love
Ultimate Morocco – 21 days
Morocco Family Break – 9 days
13. Cheeky orangutans, rainforest music festivals and desert islands in Borneo
When you think of Borneo , if you’re anything like us, hairy orangutans will swing through your mind. This is the very best place in the world to see these cheeky primates in their natural habitat – and we know it will be a holiday highlight you chat about around the dinner table for years to come. But, you’ll also have the chance to explore lush national parks and snorkel in some of the clearest water you’ve ever seen. If this sounds like a holiday you could get on board with, chat to our Erin or Ian, our Borneo specialists, and let’s get your wild Borneo show on the road.
Borneo holiday ideas
C lassic Malaysia and Borneo – 15 days
Orangutans and Tropical Islands – 12 days
14. Nature, wildlife, cities and beaches on an adventure through Malaysia
Incredible as a stand-alone holiday, or perfect to tag on to your Borneo holiday after you’re done hanging with the orangutans, Malaysia is soaring in popularity and for good reason. In one holiday you’ll soak up the buzz of city life, the tranquility of some of the world’s best nature (don’t miss the Cameron Highlands ), and learn about rich cultures that differ so much from our own. Wander the streets of Kuala Lumpur , where shining skyscrapers dominate the skyline, towering above historic temples and maze-like markets. For the sun-worshippers or those who just want to get their toes in the sand, the shores of Langkawi and the Perhentian Islands are the perfect place to unwind. Clear waters. White sand. Glorious sunshine. What could be better?
We couldn’t do a brief roundup of Malaysia without raving about it’s food scene now could we? Blending Malaysian, Chinese and Indian influences to create delicious dishes like nasi lemak and laksa, it’s got some of the best street food you can find on your travels. You’ll want to recreate them when you get home – trust us on that!
Malaysia holiday ideas
Wild Malaysia – 18 days
Relaxed Malaysia – 14 days
15. Vespa rides and rice-paddy hikes in Vietnam
Vietnam is so varied, you could visit every year and have a completely different holiday and experience every single time. Cruise between the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay . Fly through the streets of Hanoi on the back of a Vespa, sampling local specialities as you go. Trek through the rice paddies and share lunch with a hill tribe in the mountains. Float down the Mekong Delta on an overnight adventure. And sip on a sundowner on a white sand beach, reminiscing about the experiences you’ve had and hatching a plan for your next Vietnam holiday.
What’s more, stretching as far as it does from North to South, Vietnam is a country you can visit all year round. You just need to be a little clever about where you head to when – but we can help with that.
Vietnam holiday ideas we love
Ultimate Vietnam – 17 days
Northern Mountains to Hoi An – 15 days
So there you have it: Our pick of our favourite holidays you could be taking off on next. We’ve only just scraped the barrel though – the number of options, tweaks, combinations and experiences on offer is endless. We’ve lost count of how many holidays we’ve designed over the years, and no two have been the same. When you send an enquiry or pick up the phone to us, your journey has begun. Our team are so full of passion and love for what they do and the destinations to sell, we know you’ll end the conversation knowing your next big holiday is in the best hands.
We understand how important it is to get it right. We’ll be as excited about your holiday as you are.
Get a quick quote or give us a call on 01242 253 073 to get the ball rolling today.
