From the idyllic shores of the Caribbean and thriving rainforests of Borneo to the flavours of India and majesty of Dubai - there are hundreds of dazzling destinations to visit worldwide. We love nothing more than helping you plan a journey of a lifetime, so here are some of our top 5 destinations to visit in 2021 and beyond…
Stavanger, Norway
Renowned across the world for its unique geographical hotspots, Stavanger is loved by nature lovers, hikers and photographers alike. Prekestolen - also known as Pulpit Rock - is a flat-topped crag which rises nearly 2,000 feet above sea level! For less active pursuits, Stavanger’s rich selection of museums are well worth visiting, including the Museum of Archaeology and the town’s Art Museum, which houses a collection of some of the finest Norwegian art as well as works from further afield. Whether you’ve got a few hours or a few days in Stavanger, it is sure to satisfy your taste for adventure and culture.
Brasov, Romania
Brasov, the ‘Gateway to Transylvania’, is resplendent with gothic, baroque and Renaissance architecture, as well as being ringed by the Carpathian Mountains. Piata Sfatului, the square at the heart of Brasov’s medieval history, is ideal for people watching, as well as admiring the surrounding ornate buildings and visiting the Black Church, Eastern Europe’s largest Gothic church. Uniquely, Brasov is also home to one of the narrowest streets in Europe, Strada Sforii or String Street is 53 inches at its widest point and just 44 inches at its most narrow point. Nearby the imposing medieval fortress, Bran Castle is well worth visiting. The atmospheric fortress is known to have held Vlad the Impaler prisoner and is believed to have inspired Bram Stoker’s novel.
Praslin, Seychelles
Soak up the sun and adopt the islanders’ slow pace of life in Praslin. Anse Lazio beach is an absolute must-visit - with plush white sand and turquoise water, this is the most impressive beach you’ll find anywhere and despite being voted as the world’s most beautiful countless times, you’ll easily find your own place in the sun. Be sure to keep an eye on the skies as you sunbathe, as the island is home to a number of rare bird species including the Seychelles bulbul and the black parrot. For more beautiful flora and fauna, be sure to head to Praslin National Park in the island’s south, which contains the spectacular palm forest of Vallèe de Mai. Divers, meanwhile, will love the ancient coral reefs off Praslin’s shores.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is home to a fabulous blend of history and modernity that has to be seen to be believed. To get a feel for Tokyo’s natural beauty, head to Yoyogi Park, where cherry blossoms are resplendent in spring. City life slows down just a touch in this former Olympic village, which also served as a military parade ground and barracks for American soldiers after the Second World War. Modern Tokyo can be deftly explored at the Roppongi Hills complex. Drink in breathtaking panoramic vistas at the 52nd-floor Tokyo City View, then peruse the exhibits at the Mori Art Museum. Indulge in traditional sushi and sake at one of the complex’s many restaurants or sit back and watch the world go by in the Japanese landscape garden.
Reykjavík, Iceland
On a cruise to Iceland, experience the country’s raw beauty, feel the force of its waterfalls and take a dip in natural thermal pools. For a taste of the eclectic, Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, is waiting. Red, blue and orange rooftops line the streets in Reykjavik, and its eccentric residents have transformed the remote capital into a hub for street art. As well as getting to know the friendly Icelandic folk, there are some other locals you ought to seek out during your cruise. Minke whales, humpback whales, killer whales and seals patrol the waters surrounding Iceland and can be spotted from your cruise ship, or a more intimate wildlife boat tour during an excursion. While roaming through the landscape, look out for the elusive Arctic fox, mink, rabbits and reindeer.
