HolidayVoucherShop’s Destination A-Z - Part 2

Posted by on 8th December 2021

As we’ve said multiple times, the beauty of gifting - or being gifted - a voucher from HolidayVoucherShop.co.uk is the fact that you can use it against such a wide range of different things.

From UK short breaks to a week on the beach overseas and from a winter break in the snow to a world cruise, the options are pretty much endless when it comes to where you can go once you take the decision to redeem your voucher.

With that in mind, with put together an A-Z guide to some destinations you might want to consider and we move on now to I through to P

I is for… Istanbul (Turkey)

If you want to see East meet West then Istanbul is the place to go, with the Turkish city being famous for covering two continents. On one side of the Bosphorus River, you’ll be in Europe but cross to the other and suddenly you’re in Asia.

Istanbul is popular all year round but more so in the summer months when the temperatures are more favourable for those people who want to head out and explore the sights - particularly in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old City, which is home to the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

A visit to the Grand Bazaar is also a must, with the huge market being one of the biggest and best anywhere in the world.

The city is a real mix of the new and the old, and one where you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.

Also consider - Izmir (Turkey), Iguaza Falls (Argentina), Ibiza (Spain), Isafjordhur (Iceland)

J is for… Jumeirah Beach (Dubai)

Jumeirah Beach is home to some of the best hotels in Dubai, including the world famous Burj Al Arab - which has become something of an attraction in its own right.

It’s also home to some of the best beaches in the Emirate where you can relax at leisure and make the most of the sun, and there will be plenty of that regardless of when you visit.

Clear blue waters are the ideal place to take a dip or to engage in a range of water based activities whilst on land you can head for one of the biggest waterparks in the region or even try your hand at skiing at a huge indoor ski slope.

A trip to the top of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, is also a must.

Also consider - Jodhpur (India), Jakarta (Indonesia), Jasper (Canada), Jebel Ali (Dubai), Johannesburg (South Africa)

K is for… Koh Samui (Thailand)

Located off the Eastern coast of Thailand, Koh Samui is an island paradise where you can relax on white sandy beaches, take a refreshing dip in clear blue waters and embrace natural beauty at every turn.

It’s a popular choice for couples wanting a romantic and luxurious break in the sun thanks to a raft of world class hotels but it isn’t just the beaches that make it such an appealing place to visit.

The waterfalls of Na Muang are stunningly beautiful to look at and a great place to cool off with a refreshing dip in one of the various plunge pools, whilst the are a myriad of religious sites to explore that include the stunning temple of Wat Plai Laem.

For a unique experience, a visit to the Koh Samui Elephant Sanctuary will allow you to get up close to these majestic creatures as they relax having retired from the logging industry

Also consider - Kos (Greece), Kusadasi (Turkey), Kotor (Montenegro), Krakow (Poland), Kosice (Slovakia)

L is for… Las Vegas (USA)

If New York is the city that never sleeps, then Las Vegas must come a close second. Situated in the Mojave Desert, Vegas is the place to go if you want to be entertained no matter what time of day - or night - it may be.

Along the famous Vegas Strip you’ll find plenty of glitz and glamour with hotels that are known all over the world housing casinos, stage shows and musical entertainment featuring some of the biggest names in the industry.

There are plenty of opportunities to shop in the local malls and practically every option imaginable when it comes to dining - ensuring Vegas caters for all tastes.

Whilst in the city, a trip out to the Grand Canyon is a popular thing to do.

Also consider - Lisbon (Portugal), Los Cristianos (Tenerife), Levi (Finland), Los Angeles (USA), Lourdes (France)

M is for… Monte Carlo (Monaco)

Sitting on the French Riviera, Monte Carlo is well known as a playground for the rich and famous but you don’t have to be a millionaire to visit…

Although part of the appeal is to see how the other half live with a stroll along the harbour to marvel at the huge yachts bobbing on the water, you might prefer to visit famous attractions like the Casino de Monaco, the Hôtel de Paris and the Opéra de Monte-Carlo.

The Monaco Cathedral is an important historical site as the place where Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly were both laid to rest, whilst Fort Antoine - dating back to the 18th century - provides impressive views across Monte Carlo.

Given the kind of people who call Monte Carlo home, you’ll find the very best designer stores lining the streets - meaning this isn’t the kind of place where you’ll be seeking a bargain buy!

Also consider - Mahe (Seychelles), Malaga (Spain), Marrakech (Morocco), Montego Bay (Jamaica), Mumbai (India)

N is for… Nessebar (Bulgaria)

Nessebar is sometimes called the 'Pearl of the Black Sea' - and with good reason. The Bulgarian resort has become a hugely popular beach destination in recent years, thanks in no small part to  stunning stretches of beach where you can fully enjoy the sunshine.

Nessebar is very much a resort where new meets old, with the newest part of the town housing plenty of shops, bars and restaurants that cater for the tourist trade.

Head across a narrow strip of land to the Old Town and you’ll find yourself in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to more than 40 churches and ancient Roman ruins.

It’s a fascinating mix that is sure to appeal.

Also consider - Nassau (Bahamas), Nice (France), Nha Trang (Vietnam), Noonu Atoll (Maldives), Naples (Italy)

O is for… Orlando (USA)

We already covered off Disney World, but there is plenty more to experience on a trip to Orlando.

Universal Orlando is second only to Disney in terms of its size and is home to a number of parks, with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter having become one of the top attractions in the region.

SeaWorld Orlando, with its various rides and collection of marine life rounds out the 'big three' resorts although there are plenty of smaller attractions that you might consider visiting.

Understandably given the many parks in the area, there is no shortage of accommodation available which ranges from private villas to high end hotels that cater for all budgets.

Also consider - Osaka (Japan), Oslo (Norway), Olu Deniz (Turkey), Oranjestad (Aruba), Ocho Rios (Jamaica)

P is for… Playa de las Americas (Tenerife)

Playa de las Americas is one of the top resorts on Tenerife and sits between Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje on the southern coast.

Home to a range of accommodation options to suit singles, couples and families alike, Playa de las Americas is tailor made for the tourist trade with half a dozen sandy beaches, a huge number of bars and restaurants and a bustling night-time scene.

The resort is also home to Siam Park, one of the top waterparks to be found anywhere in Europe.

That in itself is an attraction that makes Playa de las Americas worth a visit, with easy access to the other main sights on Tenerife only adding to the appeal.

Also consider - Paris (France), Phuket (Thailand), Paphos (Cyprus), Playa del Carmen (Mexico), Petra (Jordan)