HolidayVoucherShop’s Destination A-Z - Part 3

Posted by on 15th 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 Q through to Z

Q is for… Quebec City (Canada)

Quebec City is the capital city of the province of the same name and one of the top destinations to visit on Canadian soil.

The Historic District of Old Quebec - Vieux-Québec - features the only fortified city walls still in existence in North America, with a number of impressive buildings located within the walled area. Located across two levels, a historic funicular train can be used to get from one part of the Old Town to the other.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is arguably the place to go with the famous hotel in Vieux-Québec dominating the city landscape.

Also consider - Quarteira (Portugal), Quinta do Lago (Portugal), Qawra (Malta)

R is for… Reykjavik (Iceland)

Reykjavik is the most northerly capital city in Europe and is an interesting alternative to the normal city breaks.

Whilst there are some historical sites both within the city and the surrounding area - such as the Hallgrímskirkja Church and The Pearl - you’re more likely to spend your time getting close to nature with impressive glacial landscapes and dramatic volcanoes all within easy reach of the city.

There are also plenty of hot springs, the most famous of all being the Blue Lagoon.

Once you’ve enjoyed an adventure filled day embracing the Icelandic landscapes, the nightlife within Reykjavik will be ready and waiting, particularly in the area round the Old Harbour. Whilst in Reykjavik, you might also sample some traditional Icelandic cuisine, which will be unlike anything you’ve sampled before…

Also consider - Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Rhodes (Greece), Rome (Italy), Reus (Spain), Rotterdam (Netherlands)

S is for… Santorini (Greece)

The island of Santorini is one of the most picturesque in Europe, famous for its traditional whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches.

Shaped by volcanic activity that saw the centre of the island lost forever to the sea, the island is home to a number of small towns and cities that are worth exploring, including the capital Thira with its various museums telling the story of the island.

Nearby Imerovigli is the place to go for some of the best views, with the town sitting right on top of the cliffs. It means the bars and restaurants here have the most impressive backdrop imaginable.

One thing that you won’t find on Santorini is golden sand, with the volcanic make-up of the island leaving beaches that are more a mix of grey and red - another factor that makes Santorini somewhere unique to visit.

Also consider - Singapore, San Francisco (USA), Salou (Spain), Sharm el Sheikh (Egypt), Sidari (Greece)

T is for… Tokyo (Japan)

If you don’t like crowds then you don’t want to visit Tokyo, which is one of the busiest cities anywhere in the world. Should you be able to deal with the sheer number of people however, then you’re in for a real treat…

Visiting Tokyo is an experience like no other, with so many things to see and do. Although the city is packed with towering skyscrapers and the brightest of bright lights, you’ll also be able to find little areas of peace and tranquility amongst the mayhem; particularly in the district of Asakusa which is home to the Senso-Ji temple.

If you’re into shopping then you will be spoilt for choice at everything from small markets to huge malls, whilst Tokyo is a dream destination for lovers of food - who will have the chance to sample every Japanese dish imaginable.

Also consider - Taupo (New Zealand), Tignes (France), Toronto (Canada), Torremolinos (Spain), Tunis (Tunisia)

U is for… Uluru (Australia)

Uluru is one of the most iconic destinations anywhere in the world and is an instantly recognisable symbol of Australia.

Better known to many as Ayers Rock, Ulura is located in the heart of the Outback which means that anyone who elects to visit will be given the chance to see a very different side to Australia compared to those who stick to the big cities like Sydney and Melbourne.

Holidays to Uluru tend to be centred around Alice Springs but that provides an indication of how vast the outback is - given it’s some 450km away. The journey however is well worth it.

Also consider - Universal Studios (USA)

V is for… Venice (Italy)

Venice is famous for its network of waterways and whilst a gondola ride along the Grand Canal holds plenty of appeal, there is much more to the city.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Venice is packed with historical buildings that mean it is something of an open air museum, with the likes of the Rialto Bridge, Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica featuring right at the top of any 'to do' list.

Venice is known for prosecco so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to sample some whilst you are in the city, whilst a short trip outside to the surrounding region means you visit some of the vineyards where it is produced.

Venetian cuisine - and particularly the seafood - is another highlight.

Also consider - Val d’Isere (France), Vilamoura (Portugal), Valencia (Spain), Varna (Bulgaria), Varadero (Cuba)

W is for… Whistler (Canada)

Whistler is one of the top ski resorts in Canada and a fantastic option if you want to use your HolidayVoucherShop voucher for a winter adventure beyond the alps.

No matter what your skiing ability may be, Whistler has slopes to suit spread across two mountains - Whistler and Blackcomb - which are linked by the spectacular Peak2Peak gondola.

As well as the skiing itself, Whistler has fantastic apres-ski for when your day on the slopes is at an end whilst there is no shortage of non-skiing activities if you want to do something slightly different.

Also consider - Wadi Rum (Jordan), Windhoek (Namibia), Washington (USA), Wellington (New Zealand)

X is for… Xaghra (Malta)

Xaghra is located on the Maltese island of Gozo and is a destination where you’ll be able to take a step back in time to see what life used to be like.

The village is home to a number of ancient buildings, the most impressive of which is the Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady, which dates back to the early 1800s. The nearby beach at Ramla Bay is one of the best on the island, whilst the local winery provides fine wines that you can sample alongside traditional meat and fish dishes in the various restaurants that line the quaint streets.

It isn’t just what you can see on the surface that will be an attraction either, with a network of tunnels and caves underground that you are able to visit.

Also consider - Xcaret (Mexico)

Y is for… Yala National Park (Sri Lanka)

The second destination in Sri Lanka to feature on the list is Yala National Park and is famous for its wildlife.

Bordering the Indian Ocean, the park is home to a wide and varied collection of wildlife that includes elephants, leopards and buffalo as well as lizards, snakes and crocodiles.

Without doubt, a Yala safari break is one that you will never forget.

Also consider - Yokohama (Japan), Yosemite (USA), Yukon (Canada)

Z is for… Zagreb (Croatia)

The capital of Croatia is one of the increasing number of destinations in Eastern Europe that are becoming popular with tourists, and it isn’t hard to see why.

A stroll through the streets will provide ample opportunity to take in the sights and to embrace history that goes all the way back to Roman times.

In particular, the area to the north of Ban Jelačić Square – the central square in the city – is the best place to go if you want to visit medieval churches and palaces that tell the story of Zagreb through the ages. Zagreb Cathedral in particular is worth a visit, dating all the way to the 13th century.

Should you want to enjoy a good night out in Zagreb then head for Tkalčićeva, which is where you’ll find the best bars and nightlife to let your hair down.

Also consider - Zante (Greece), Zell Am See (Austria), Zürich (Switzerland)