Planning a quick getaway at short notice? You might instinctively look to mainland Europe in search of glamorous destinations for your last-minute holidays – but if you’re willing to travel a little further, your options can broaden considerably. Let’s consider how.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: for Glittering City Sun
If you’re travelling from the UK, Dubai might appeal for a host of reasons. It’s only just beyond Europe, which means that you won’t have to tolerate all that much jet lag. The cultural shift is fairly well calibrated – it’s exotic enough to be interesting, and yet English is widely spoken. You might spend a day at the beach at Jumeirah, or you might ascend the famous Burj Khalifa, and marvel at the sunset skyline. You can fit it all into a short trip, making a last-minute plan seem like a long-planned adventure.
Maldives: for Tropical Island Paradise
For those willing to travel long-haul, the Maldives, in the middle of the Indian Ocean, might be more than worthwhile. It’s an island paradise, in the truest sense of the term. There are pristine beaches, clear blue water, and an abundance of gorgeous wildlife. If you’d like to switch off and recharge, this is the perfect setting in which to do it – where better to relax than one of the world’s most beautiful places?
Mauritius: for Rugged Island Explorations
Elsewhere in the Indian Ocean, we find a slightly different kind of island experience. Mauritius, like the Maldives, is home to clear water and white beaches – but there’s a greater emphasis on exploration and sightseeing, making it perfect for explorers who’d like to stretch their legs. You might also, through the right package deal, be able to head out to Mauritius at short notice.
Thailand: for Sun, Beaches and Culture
Vibrant and accessible, the south of Thailand is packed with amazing nightlife, and no shortage of shrines, limestone lakes and beaches to uncover during the day. It’s worth noting that the Foreign Office is currently advising against all but the most essential travel to regions bordering neighbouring Cambodia – so be sure to check your arrangements prior to departure.
United States: East or West Coast City Break or Natural Wonders
There’s an amazing variety of holiday experiences to be enjoyed in the United states. You might explore the major metropolises of Los Angeles or New York, or you might seek out one of the national parks that lie midway between the coasts. The Grand Canyon and Yellowstone Park are both worthy of consideration. There are also a number of great options in California, including Yosemite, and the famous Petrified Forest in Arizona.
The truth is that the States contain more natural splendour than you can reasonably explore in one holiday – so it’s a good idea to simply keep your options open, and understand which ones appeal to you. If you’re travelling spontaneously, make sure that you have all the documentation required to get in, including a valid passport and an ESTA or visa.
