These are the best travel destinations to visit right now

Spain has long been the top travel destination for those seeking a quick fix of vitamin D. This year, Spain remains irresistible, but it is time to look beyond the big hitters. If you have been and done Tenerife and are looking for a warm weather escape fuelled by tapas and culture, head to Andalusia. Here, Granada seduces with its heady blend of Moorish heritage, poetic gardens and flamenco energy. The Alhambra still stuns, but the real magic is in the labyrinthine Albaicín neighbourhood and late-night tapas spots that rival those of neighbouring city, Seville. Once the sun dips behind the rocky peaks, head to Palacio Gran Vía, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, for the ultimate relaxing night’s sleep.

In the north, the reopening of the Canfranc Station as a luxury hotel has put this once-forgotten Pyrenean village back on the map. Surrounded by alpine drama and steeped in espionage-era history, Canfranc Estación, A Royal Hideaway Hotel, feels both cinematic and surreal. Grab your skis and enjoy the Apres-ski lifestyle, or head out into the great outdoors and maybe even complete part of the Camino de Santiago trail. Foodies will want to reserve a table inside the luxury train carriage, which offers delectable Michelin-star cuisine.

Swap Spain for Portugal for a sunny getaway full of Atlantic charm. Lisbon and Porto have had their moment; this year, it’s all about Faro, the Algarve capital, shedding its ‘airport city’ label. Art galleries, a revived old town and nearby picture-postcard beaches make it a stylish surprise. Don’t miss curiosities such as the Chapel of Bones, the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve and the cathedral; all must-see sights during your stay in Faro.

Want to get off the mainland? Head to Funchal, Madeira’s capital. This city is evolving fast. Once the preserve of pensioners and cruise ships, it’s now drawing younger, more design-conscious travellers. Exceptional hotels with rooftop pools overlook terraced hillsides. Chefs are reviving island cuisine with creative flair. And with its dramatic hiking trails, botanical gardens and year-round spring climate, Madeira blends wellness and wilderness like few places in Europe. If you are looking for a splash of slow glamour, beautifully mixed with untamable nature, this is the place.

Still under the radar for many travellers, Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is compact, green and supremely liveable. In fact, it is the kind of city that you arrive in without expectations and leave utterly smitten. Fall in love with its understated charm as you stroll down its leafy embankments that line the iconic Ljubljanica River. Stop and join locals in a quaint café and sip coffee in the sun beneath Art Nouveau facades. Don’t forget to stop at the street markets, especially during Christmas time and treat yourself to some souvenirs.

It is also worth paying a visit to the Dragon Bridge to admire the ornate dragon statues. The Ljubljana Castle is a day trip in itself and there is even a train that takes visitors up to the fortress. Yet it is Tivoli Park that makes visitors fall in love with the city. These beautifully manicured gardens are the green lungs of this city and a wonderful meeting place to relax in nature before retreating to one of the city’s hotels to rest. Adventurous souls can also stay in Ljubljana but use it as a base to explore. Within an hour, you can be paddleboarding on Lake Bled, wine-tasting in the Karst region or hiking in Triglav National Park, making it one of the best travel destinations this year. 

When you think of Warsaw, grey post-war buildings and solemn monuments may spring to mind. But let us tell you something. It’s a city that has reinvented itself with defiant creativity. Today, those visiting Warsaw can enjoy lively jazz bars on Nowy Świat along with cute patisseries and bookshops. The revitalised Praga district is now home to artist studios, craft breweries and murals that turn entire buildings into canvases. 

Head to the Old Town, meticulously reconstructed after World War II, and explore its cobblestone streets and medieval architecture. The Royal Castle is also a must-visit, along with the Lazienki Park, which invites serene walks around its frosty grounds. Don’t forget the food. Young, local chefs delight locals and visitors alike by turning pierogi and bigos into stylish, locavore creations. Stop for a meal at a local restaurant before resting your head in one of Warsaw’s city centre hotels. What’s not to love?

Swap Cancun for Mexico’s Pacific coastline. Here you will find the Riviera Nayarit, a region home to wild nature and refined resorts. Visitors to this region will fall in love with Nuevo Vallarta, a coastal enclave where palm-lined boulevards lead to marina-front restaurants and high-end resorts that open onto golden beaches. Yet for those wanting to explore the more authentic side to this destination, a wilder world beckons. Spend your holiday kayaking through mangrove estuaries, relaxing by the hotel pool and tucking into delicious, fresh seafood with sunset views. Just offshore, Isla Isabel National Park is a protected marine reserve where manta rays glide through crystalline waters, humpback whales breach during migration season, and coral reefs teem with kaleidoscopic fish. The biodiversity here is dazzling: over 79 species of fish, nesting seabirds and untouched volcanic landscapes make it a paradise for eco-adventurers and divers alike.

For fans of secluded bays and weird and wonderful wildlife, Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful places in the world to visit. One of the most biodiverse places on the planet, visitors to this Central American country are in for a treat. Not only is it one of eight whale heritage sites in the world (a melting pot of humpback whales from both hemispheres), but it is also home to lush rainforests and natural beaches home to a rich array of flora and fauna. For a truly step-off-the-world experience, head to the Guanacaste Province, where you will find the hotel Occidental Tamarindo, overlooking the impressive Las Baulas Marine National Park. Not only are endless sandy beaches and world-class surf guaranteed, but lucky visitors will be able to get a front-row seat to watch baby turtles make their maiden voyage into the Pacific Ocean. 

Sri Lanka is a must for everyone’s travel list this year. Noted as one of the best travel destinations, Sri Lanka delights visitors with its layered history, abundant wildlife and generous spirit. Despite its small size, this country packs a punch. When visiting Sri Lanka don’t miss the misty tea plantations in Ella, sacred cities like Anuradhapura and Kandy, palm-fringed beaches along the south coast, and elephant-filled parks like Yala and Udawalawe. Travel like a local and catch the train from Kandy to Ella, one of the most scenic journeys in the world. Don’t forget the delicious Sri Lankan cuisine from hoppers to kottu roti, this food is spicy, soulful and made to share. 

The Maldives often appears on the list of the top 10 places to visit in the world and it is easy to see why. From paradisiacal beaches to luxurious resorts, these islands are the image of a daydream getaway. Bodufinolhu in the South Malé Atoll is one island that makes us go weak at the knees. With over 800 meters of pristine golden sand to enjoy, the beaches here are some of the best in the area. However, it is not just their outstanding beauty that makes them so special. Beneath the turquoise waters lies a whole world waiting to be discovered. 

If you are into scuba diving, you are in luck. Marvel at the manta rays, green turtles, and lionfish, but the real star of the show is the whale shark. The best way to see this amazing species is to sign up for an organised tour, allowing you to get up close and swim next to them. Yet, don’t worry! These sharks are only interested in eating plankton, so you can swim and play with them without any fear. This experience alone makes the Maldives one of the best travel destinations for the next year!

Phuket has swapped its party island reputation for something far more refined, making it one of the best travel destinations to enjoy right now. With the rise of wellness retreats, fine dining experiences and heritage restoration projects, Phuket is drawing in culture lovers and those in search of off-the-beaten-track luxury. During your Phuket holidays, head to the Old Town, with its Sino-Portuguese mansions and creative cafés. Here you can discover Thai designers, chefs and entrepreneurs giving Phuket a fresh and creative spirit. Explore the spiritual side of the island with a visit to Wat Chalong, the most important Buddhist temple on the island. On the coast, quieter areas like Nai Harn, Kamala and Cape Panwa offer pure relaxation. But for a real step-off-the-world escape, head to the Barceló Coconut Island Resort on Phang Nga Bay, home to distinguished scenery, pristine beaches and dream facilities in its exclusive villas. 

Often described as a feast for the senses, Marrakesh delivers centuries of history, vibrant city life and a warm, welcoming culture. From the jangle of horses' hooves in Jemaa el-Fnaa, the heat of spices in the souk and the cool hush of tiled courtyards behind unassuming doors, Marrakesh is a city full of flavour. Head to the famed Medina, where a kaleidoscope of colours will catch your eye. Pick up artisanal souvenirs like leather Babouche slippers, hand-painted ceramics, or traditional beauty products to add to your skincare regimen. Beyond the Medina, explore the iconic Jardin Majorelle, the stunning Bahia Palace, Menara Gardens and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. Venture outside of the city walls and you can explore the Ourika Valley, where spectacular views across the Atlas Mountains are combined with riverside dining. For something unique, guests at the Barceló Palmeraie Oasis Resort can arrange for a night spent camping in the desert for an unforgettable experience in the Moroccan wilderness.