Lucky travel destinations for 2017

Goa

It may the smallest state in India, but Goa takes first place on the lucky destinations list for 2017. Thanks to the slow pace of life, fascinating history, and some of the most unrivalled beaches in the country, it’s been a front-runner for holidaymakers since the 1960s.

You’ll find it’s a two-for-one deal in Goa, where east meets west. This place was a Portuguese colony more than 400 years ago, so it comes with a distinct European feel. Take Old Goa, for example, where there are many crumbling Portuguese churches, plus a distinctive European cuisine. You can sample everything from tiger prawn curry, to sardines with potatoes, and seafood hot pots.

Up in north Goa, it’s all about colourful hippy markets, luxury restaurants, and an ever-growing nightlife scene. It’s also home to Baga Beach, where there’s a huge strip of golden sand. Plus, watersports, like wakeboarding and parasailing keep you busy during the day, so it’s ideal for thrill-seekers.

If it’s classic Goa you’re after, make tracks for the south. Here, there are powder-white beaches, coconut plantations and bright-green paddy fields all within easy reach. It’s a paradise for wannabe islanders, too. The beaches are ideal if you fancy a traditional, homemade curry. There are plenty of stalls selling them, and they’re very cheap, too.

Here’s where you can find out more about our Multi-Centre holidays to Goa.

Sri Lanka

Nature lovers will fall head over heels with Sri Lanka. It’s known as the teardrop, sitting just under its much larger neighbour, India. Here, safaris, elephants, and national parks are all on the cards.

Bentota is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to tick off wild animals. It plays host to acres of thick, green forests, where local residents include crocodiles, tree frogs and white-bellied sea eagles. And that’s just for starters. Plus, the capital city Colombo, takes around two hours’ drive from here, so it’s a great stopping off point.

Negombo, meanwhile, is a surfer’s haven. You’ll find it on the western coast of Sri Lanka, boasting huge swathes of sand. Thanks to its westerly facing position in the Indian Ocean, this means it’s a year-round destination for those who want to tackle the waves. They reach 10 feet at their tallest – perfect for adrenaline junkies.

Here’s where you can find out more about our Multi-Centre holidays to Sri Lanka.

Thailand

The land of smiles has so many cards up its sleeve. We’re not just talking about the beaches, temples or tuk tuks, either. Thailand has some of the best cuisine in the world, as well as the friendliest people, and a long list of national parks that’ll leave you spoiled for choice.

Any visit to Thailand should start in Bangkok. Did you know this place is home to some of the best ice-cream cafés in the country? Not only that, you’ll get to sip cocktails at some of the coolest rooftop bars in the world, explore historic monuments like the Grand Palace, and haggle at the bustling floating markets.

If you’re looking to escape the buzz of the capital city, Khao Lak is the ideal place to relax. Here, the otherworldly Similan Islands are just a short speedboat ride away, ticking off some of the best snorkelling spots in the world. You’ll also have easy access to Khao Lak’s national parks, where jungle trekking, dipping into hot springs, and wildlife spotting will fill up your day.

Here’s where you can find out more about our Multi-Centre holidays to Thailand.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of those places you’ll never forget. It’s a mixture of skyscrapers, hidden beaches, and jaw-dropping mountains – all in one. It’s also a foodies’ heaven, where teahouses, street food, and the dim sum are off the charts.

One of the main attractions is Victoria Peak, the highest mountain on Hong Kong Island. You can ride the tram up to the top, and soak up spectacular views of the entire city – which are perfect for Instagram, FYI. Just be sure to check the weather forecast in advance – it can get foggy up there.

For a mixture of culture and fitness, look no further than the bronze-coloured, 112-foot Big Buddha statue on Lantau Island. There’s a slight catch when you arrive – to get to the top, you’ll need to climb 268 steps. Don’t let that put you off, though. The journey to the Big Buddha itself is exciting, you’ll get to travel on a glass-bottomed cable car, gliding over green forests. Dreamy.

When it comes to low-key vibes and relaxing, Lamma Island is the place to be. This Chinese fishing village is ideal for day trippers – you can have a seafood barbecue on one of the beaches, then stroll around one of the tiny villages, or go hiking in the mountains, where you’ll be sure to hit your 10,000 daily steps.

Here’s where you can find out more about our City Breaks to Hong Kong.

Singapore

Did you know Singapore is both a city and country? It’s also known as the Lion’s City, thanks to its impressive financial and economic status. That’s not all it’s famous for, though. Singapore has some of the most delicious food in the world, bringing influence from China, Malaysia and India altogether – so you’ll never run out of things to try.

Marina Bay is one of the main draws when visiting Singapore. This silver-tinted skyline gives New York a run for its money, with a mixture of swanky hotels, huge skyscrapers, a glamorous casino, and huge shopping malls that boast high street and designer goodies. While you’re there, Gardens by the Bay is a must-see. This place is home to the Supertrees, which come to life after dark, featuring a music and lights show. You’ll get to stroll past the colourful branches, and if you fancy a bite during or after, there’s an Indochinese restaurant within easy reach.

Singapore Zoo is another place you have to tick off when visiting the Lion’s City. It’s home to more than 315 species of wildlife, with 16% of those endangered. As you stroll through the grounds and make your way around the enclosures, you’ll come across Sumatran orangutans, elephants, and even white tigers.

Vietnam

Vietnam was unveiled as one of our Multi-Centre holidays

Fancy being an islander? Phu Quoc is just one of the places in Vietnam that is attracting more and more holidaymakers. It’s home to a huge national park, measuring in at a whopping 31,000 hectares – and it’s filled with beautiful mangroves, forests and mountains to explore. Elsewhere, there are footprint-free beaches where you can tuck into freshly netted seafood, and street food stalls selling delicacies like bánh mí. Why not check out these five Vietnamese dishes you have to try while you’re there?

Here’s where you can find out more about our Multi-Centre holidays to Vietnam.

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