Posted on Monday, 27 March 2023

Whether you're seeking a tranquil beachside resort to enjoy some much-needed R&R, or you fancy an adventure in a buzzing, history-picked city, there's a host of options to consider for summer holidays 2023.

After a wobbly couple of years since the pandemic, the world’s holiday hot spots are hotter than ever, ready to welcome you and your loved ones.

Here's a selection of holiday ideas with options for families, couples and groups - where you can do as little or as much as you like (while spending as little or as much as you like!).

Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt

The epicentre of the Egyptian beach resort scene, Sharm el Sheikh is located at the foot of the Sinai Peninsula next to the famous Red Sea - on which you can float effortlessly thanks to the super-high salt content.

Aside from topping up your tan, you can enjoy a plethora of watersports, or book a boat trip and enjoy the vast expanses of azure-blue water.

Snap on your snorkel and take a peek at the teeming sea life and endless coral formations - then slosh back to dry land and try some fabulous Egyptian cuisine in one of the many affordable seaside eateries.

Inland explorations reward you with rolling cinematic sand dunes - which you can explore by quad bike or jeep.

And did we mention it's one of the cheapest beach destinations available?

This makes it a great holiday destination in 2023 if budgets are tight.

Majorca, Spain

Stunning beaches like Cala d’Or and Cala Bona await you on this sun-blessed Balearic - the largest in the archipelago.

And while beachcombing is one of the main pursuits thanks to the island's fringe of soft golden sand, there's lots else to enjoy.

The capital, Palma, is where much of the effervescent nightlife takes place, and where many of the top historic attractions are found - not least of which is the city's 800-year-old cathedral. 

The many trendy tapas bars and superb seafood restaurants, meanwhile, ensure Spain’s remarkable cuisine is always at your fingertips. 

Explore the hinterland and be rewarded with quaint old villages and stunning countryside vistas.

It might not be the most original of holiday ideas in 2023 - but there are some excellent reasons why we Brits love this island so much!

Planning a holiday to Majorca? Here's our pick of 10 of the best Mallorca All-Inclusive Hotels and Holiday Villages.

Tokyo, Japan

The captivating Japanese capital continues to attract Britons with its Shinto temples and shrines, futuristic architecture and buzzing street life.

Old and new sit side-by-side in this, the world’s largest city. And while it’s been a bit pricey for Brits in the past, the weak yen has made 2023 a great year to visit; according to Expatisan, Tokyo is 48% cheaper than London.

Aside from beautiful shrines like Asakusa, the megalopolis has innumerable modern attractions: Enjoy a day in Tokyo Disneyland or its thrilling theme park rival, Asakusa Hanayashiki. 

Come nightfall, wander famous neon-cast nightspots like Shinjuku, or admire the cityscape from the iconic Tokyo Skytree or the Tokyo Metropolitan Building Observation Decks.

Orlando, Florida

Long a favourite among British families, Orlando is packed with things to do for all ages.

Known as the theme park capital of the world, America's Sunshine State is home to Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World - to name but two dazzling parks.

Then there's the scintillating nightlife, epic shopping malls and vast golf courses to enjoy.

But it's not all about urban-centric fun - the surrounding area is a mecca for nature lovers: Biking, hiking, wildlife watching and lakeside picnicking are just a few of the list-topping outdoor activities. 

Airboat tours are another perennial favourite - where you venture deep into the swamps and the Everglades, keeping your eye out for eagles, turtles and, yes, alligators!

Discover things to do in Florida that don't involve Disney.

Crete, Greece

Blessed with hundreds of sun-drenched islands lapped by gas-blue waters, choosing a Greek beach holiday destination in 2023 is no easy task.

But Crete comes highly recommended - more peaceful than some options, it boasts more than 650 miles of fabulous coastline which make it perfect for some much-needed R&R.

Alongside alluring Blue Flag beaches, Crete is home to an array of ancient sites, too - including Knossos and the Byzantine Wall of Chania.

Add Turkish-style mosques, wonderfully preserved Venetian houses and a waterside fortress now home to an absorbing museum, and there's plenty to keep you occupied for a week or two.

Discover more about Crete in our Crete travel guide.

Rome, Italy

Perfect for a summertime city getaway, the Italian capital bagged its UNESCO wings long ago.

And little wonder: the Eternal City is packed with awe-inspiring, century-spanning sites like the Colosseum - where gladiators fought to the death so long ago.

Add the Pantheon and Roman Forum, and you may forget that Rome is also a truly modern city, with incredible shopping, nightlife and dining options.

Italian food is as good in Rome as it is anywhere in the country: think affordable local trattoria turning out world-class pizzas, gorging yourself on gelato, or splashing out on one of the city's fab Michelin-starred restaurants (like the ultra-classy La Pergola).

Find out all you need to know for a city break in Rome.

Algarve, Portugal

With more than 150 beaches - from secluded coves to family-friendly show-stoppers - the Algarve attracts many thousands of Britons every year.

From boat trips to snorkelling to surfing, there are many ways to enjoy the region's epic coastline - alongside, of course, soaking up the sun by the pool with a cocktail in your hand!

It's also a winner among golf lovers: the Algarve boasts dozens of world-class courses, many of them overlooking the Mediterranean. 

If you're visiting with children, there's lots to keep them occupied - think water parks, Zoomarine and dolphin-spotting boat excursions.

And with affordable prices for hotels, food and excursions, it looks set to be a favourite in the summer of 2023, too.

Prague, Czech Republic

Dreamy bridges, vast mediaeval squares and amazing Gothic architecture await you in the Czech capital - alongside fascinating museums, art galleries and a huge choice of excellent restaurants.

And let's face it - if you're looking for after-dark fun, it doesn’t get much better than this city: it’s little wonder it's so popular among those about to tie the knot, or those who want to see if this Eastern European party capital lives up to its rep (hint: it does!).

Three or four days is enough to see the main sites in this compact yet impressive city - but you'll doubtless find yourself hankering to come back for more!

Find out more about Prague in our travel guide.

Otranto, Puglia

Charming Otranto is loved for its whitewashed buildings which contrast magnificently against the crystal clear blues of the Ionian Sea.

The fine white sand makes it a perfect beach destination (think Porto Badisco and Frassanito), while the robust sea breeze makes it a favourite among windsurfers.

The city itself has lots of historic attractions to explore, including Otranto Cathedral, Aragonese Castle and Church of St. Peter.

A selection of waterfront accommodation is available - as notable for its friendly service as its affordable prices.

And, this being Italy, you're never far from excellent cuisine - including top-notch seafood drawn freshly from the Ionian.

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