All-inclusive Luxury Or An Adventure Of A Lifetime…

As the dark winter nights firmly set in and we swap reindeer for resolutions and tinsel for toning, we're all left thinking about one thing… where should we go on holiday this year?

Travel Bureau’s personal travel experts have pulled together their must-see destinations and travel trends for 2018, all backed up with over 55 years of personal experiences and first-hand knowledge. Whether you want to fly and flop or really immerse yourself in a destination, there is a holiday out there just waiting for you. Go on discover somewhere different.

Thailand – Currently the shining star of the Far East and easy to get to from Newcastle, flying with Emirates. Enjoy the buzz of Bangkok in a swanky hotel then head to the beach for lazy days soaking up the sun. Choose an island paradise like Phuket or Koi Samui or stick to the mainland beach resort of Hua Hin, which is growing in popularity due to its easy access from Bangkok. Accommodation ranges from simple to stylish and eating and drinking out is great value for money so no need to opt for all-inclusive. There’s plenty to see and do too, and it’s easy to get about, if you get bored of the beach.

Sri Lanka – Another hit for those looking to combine beach, culture and nature. Awash with colour, from golden sands to verdant jungles entwined around ancient monuments, it’s fast becoming a favourite with North East travellers. Luxurious boutique retreats and all-inclusive beachfront resorts are popping up all over the place and on

going investment in domestic travel means it’s a great option for a touring holiday, either as part of a small group or with a private driver/guide.

Costa Rica – This years ‘go to’ spot for those heading to South America. The northern Pacific coast is a nature lovers’ paradise with tropical forests, beautiful remote beaches and an abundance of wildlife to discover. Head to the Caribbean coast if you want a taste of the high life and to relax and unwind in an exclusive resort (don’t forget your yoga mat!) The capital San Jose is also a must for visitors (still a little gritty but full of history with a flourishing arts and restaurant scene), as is a walk among the cloud forests where scenic peaks give way to sweeping coffee plantations and smouldering volcanos below.

Japan – Remaining in the spotlight for many travellers in 2018; both beguiling and bewildering, its ancient traditions meet the rush of globalisation headon to create a country like nowhere else on earth. There are plenty of ways to discover this destination’s popular and more lesser known attractions on a self-guided adventure or private tailormade itinerary, be it cherry blossoms, snow monkeys or climbing Mount Fuji. Combining your trip with a cruise is also a great way to see even more of this fascinating country.

Closer to home…We all still love to experience a little bit of La Dolce Vita in Italy, with Lake Garda and the Neapolitan Riviera remaining firm favourites. If you think you’ve exhausted all your options, think again, choose romantic Verona instead of Venice for a city break, or laid-back Ischia (just a 40-minute ferry ride from Naples) as an alternative to glitzy Capri.

Greece – Making a come-back after a bit of a popularity dip in recent years. Corfu’s mix of beaches, nightlife and culture make it a great choice for families and couples alike, with Corfu Town being a great base for a long weekend break. Direct flights from Newcastle and whitewashed boutique hotels make Santorini perfect for a romantic hideaway and a new direct flight in 2018 to Halkidiki, opens-up the Greek mainland and the popular Sani Resorts.

On the horizon…After many years in the doldrums, Egypt is starting to appear again on holiday hit-lists. River cruises along the world-famous River Nile, from Cairo or Luxor to Aswan will forever remain an iconic holiday experience. The Red Sea resorts of Sharm-el-Sheikh and Hurghada offer world class diving and snorkelling combined with all-inclusive value for money. Reachable in less than six hours it’s a great choice for long and short stays.