After a long period of tourism hiatus, leisure travel is finally making a comeback, and many of us are bouncing off the walls with excitement. Months of being cooped up at home, wondering when the world goes back to normal, does that.
If you’re flying from Manchester, you are in luck. The airport has over 190 direct flights all over the globe, allowing you to visit places as far as China. You’ll find an extensive range of destinations – from beach cities on the Mediterranean coast to tropical jungles in South America and quaint hilltop villages in Europe – all available to book online.
With the upcoming winter break, be sure to get ready for the perfect getaway. Aren’t you eager to escape the cold and drear in the UK and fly to sunny Florida? Or, if it’s a combination of snow and adventure you want, head to the Spanish Pyrenees and brush up on your skiing skills. Flying from Manchester, you’ll have plenty of options. For your convenience, we’ve scaled down the list to the top five.
1. Israel
Spanning a mere 8,000 square miles, Israel is a testament that big wonders sometimes come in tiny packages. Indeed, hardly any other country this small cram in as many cultural treasures, diverse landscapes, and complex history. The sights to discover are wide-ranging – from biblical ruins to the Holocaust Museum, trendy flea markets to the Dead Sea, yacht-lined marinas to the crusader fortresses in Akko.
Holy to three faiths, the ancient city of Jerusalem is a literal religious experience with its sacred sites, including the Temple Mount, Western Wall, Dome of the Rock, al-Aqsa Mosque, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. In contrast, the cosmopolitan city of Tel Aviv, with its Bauhaus buildings, café culture, and skyscrapers, is the country’s culinary, cultural, and nightlife hub.
But there’s more to Israel than culture and history; it is chockful of breathtaking natural wonders. Pristine beaches dot along the Mediterranean coast, deep craters and sand dunes fill the emptiness of the Negev, verdant hills and fertile valleys constitute the Galilee region.
2. The Galapagos
Home to a unique ecosystem that shelters over 9,000 animal species, many of them endemic, the Galapagos is one of the world’s premium destinations for nature exploration. A wildlife tour of the islands is a must when you visit the archipelago.
Head to San Cristóbal to watch sea lions slumbering on the shore, go to Tortuga Bay to meet the rare black sea turtles, visit the tortoise reserve on Santa Cruz Island, and sail to Isabela Island for the unique and gravely endangered Galapagos penguins. With a Galapagos expert like Rainforest Cruises, you can take a side trip to the coastal town of Puerto Villamil to enjoy its saltwater lagoons crowded with pink flamingos. At Las Tintoreras, you can explore the lava formations and watch black iguanas sunbathing on the rocks.
Hike up to the 6-mile crater of Sierra Negra Volcano and marvel at its fiery fumaroles. Look for stowed away treasures at the old Pirate Caves on Floreana Island. Spot colourful birds at Los Gemelos, massive sinkholes overgrown with vegetation, including the endangered Scalesia tree. Find time to snorkel or dive the marine-rich waters, kayak around the islands, or travel the coasts on a mountain bike. After a long day of adventure, relax at a seaside restaurant in Santa Cruz.
3. The US
From the bustling streets of multi-cultural New York to the slow-paced small towns of the Southern states, the US is teeming with unmissable attractions and hidden gems. Your first thought might be to visit only the big cities. But as iconic as they are, Los Angeles and Las Vegas do not represent the entire country.
There is much to see in off-the-radar destinations. You will often find the most stunning sceneries in nature and off-the-beaten paths. Imagine verdant low rolling hills, snow-capped mountain ranges glistening in the sun, miles of sweeping deserts, and endless stretches of honey-coloured beaches.
Of course, there are unbeatable theme parks, fascinating museums, extravagant festivals (Mardi Gras, Lollapalooza, Coachella), and famous landmarks made more famous by movies (we’re looking at you, Empire State Building.) Then, there’s the incredible food scene, which is probably the most diverse and complex in the world. The choice is extensive, from classic American favourites – burger, fried chicken, mac and cheese – to exotic fusions and internationally-influenced dishes brought by the immigrants.
4. Spain
Millions of visitors flock to Spain each year, and who can blame them? With its mesmerising landscapes, intriguing history, sun-kissed islands, awe-inspiring architecture, and fabulous fiestas – who doesn’t want to visit Spain?
Spain has a plethora of delectable treats. And no, we are not talking about the sumptuous tapas, jamon, paella and sangria. We mean art, beaches, museums, cathedrals, landmarks, and flamenco. Marvel at the Sagrada Familia and Gaudi creations in Barcelona, explore La Giralda and Royal Alcázar in Seville, stroll around Plaza Mayor in Madrid, admire the unique Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. Find your way to the towering seaside cliffs of Los Gigantes, see the dramatic ravines of El Tajo Gorge in Ronda, then wander along the halls of Alhambra in Granada.
You can’t leave Spain without enjoying its beaches, and you will find some of the most stunning on the Balearic Islands. Party in Ibiza, cycle along the flower-clad meadows in Menorca, swim in a secluded cove in Formentera, go on a scenic drive along the coast of Majorca. While you’re on the islands, stay in luxurious and spacious Spanish villas for the ultimate relaxing holiday.
5. China
As one of the four ancient civilisations, China has a long and fascinating history and a unique centuries-old culture. It is full of attractions found nowhere else, including the majestic Forbidden Palace, the Dali Pagodas, the Terracotta Warriors in Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum, and the incomparable Great Wall.
China boasts modern cities full of soaring skyscrapers, striking skyline, colossal shopping malls, and futuristic infrastructure. But if you want natural wonders, China is overflowing with breathtaking sceneries that seem out this world. Be awed by the sandstone peaks of Zhangjiajie, which look like they are hovering in the air, particularly on a misty day. Li River is postcard-perfect with its karst landscape and glassy crystal-clear waters, while the colourful valley of Jiuzhaigou is a masterpiece.
The country has a great variety of cuisine, making it a haven for food lovers. Be sure to sample its best-loved dishes, including Beijing roast duck, spicy hotpot, Shanghainese soup dumplings, and the famous desserts red bean bun and egg tart.
