Holiday destinations around the world
From European city breaks to winter sun and ski resorts, these are the places Picolo has explored, sorted by continent, type of holiday and season.
Sunset in Bali
Bali's beaches are at their best in the golden hour, when surfers head in from the waves and the beach clubs come alive.
Find the best holiday destinations for you
The best holiday destinations are the ones that match the trip you are dreaming of. Maybe it is a long weekend of museums and restaurants, a week of island hopping, a ski holiday in the Alps or a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the other side of the world. Whatever you are looking for, our travel guides are here to help you choose.
Below you will find all of Picolo's destinations, organised by continent. Each guide gathers our articles, tips and favourite places, so you can go from inspiration to planning in a few clicks.
Europe: city breaks, coastlines and mountains
Europe is the natural starting point for many of us, with dozens of countries just a short flight or train ride away. Explore our guide to the best places to visit in Europe, from the fjords of Norway to the Greek islands.
Popular favourites include Italy for food and history, France for Paris and the Riviera, Spain for beaches and tapas, Greece for island life and England for London and the countryside.
Northern lights in Tromsø
Northern Norway is one of the best places in the world to see the aurora, usually between autumn and early spring.
Asia: temples, street food and tropical beaches
Asia offers some of the most exciting travel experiences in the world. Explore the islands of Indonesia, where Bali combines surf beaches, rice terraces and temples. In Vietnam, the lantern-lit old town of Hội An is a highlight for many travellers.
Japan blends ancient traditions with ultra-modern cities, the Philippines tempt with tropical islands such as Palawan, and in Israel, Tel Aviv offers long beaches and lively nightlife. See all our guides to travel in Asia.
Hội An by night
In the evening, lanterns light up the old town of Hội An and boats glide along the river.
The Americas: big cities and wild nature
From skyscrapers to rainforests, the Americas cover almost every kind of holiday. In the USA, you can explore New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, or head into the mountains and national parks of Montana. To the north, Canada offers vast wilderness and friendly cities.
Mexico combines the Caribbean beaches of Cancún and car-free Isla Holbox with the food and culture of Mexico City. Further south, Costa Rica is a paradise for nature lovers, and Argentina tempts with tango, steak and the elegant capital Buenos Aires.
America's national parks
The national parks of the USA protect some of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet, from mountains to canyons.
Africa: safari and island paradise
For many travellers, Africa means the trip of a lifetime. In Tanzania, you can combine wildlife safaris with the beaches of Zanzibar. Out in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius offers white sand, turquoise lagoons, waterfalls and lush green mountains.
Africa's distances are large, so plan your route carefully and allow plenty of time to enjoy each place.
Mauritius
Inland, Mauritius is surprisingly wild, with waterfalls, gorges and rainforest-covered peaks.
The best city breaks in Europe
A city break is the easiest way to get a lot out of a few days off. Many European cities are a short flight away, and on a long weekend you have time for museums, great dinners and a slow morning in a café. These are the cities we know best.
Food and wine: San Sebastián and Bilbao in the Basque Country are among the best food cities in Europe. Start with 48 hours in San Sebastián or 24 hours in Bilbao.
The classics: London, Paris, Rome and Amsterdam have enough sights, shops and restaurants for many visits.
Scandinavian style: Copenhagen, Stockholm, Gothenburg and Helsinki offer design, new Nordic food and waterfront life.
City and beach: Barcelona, Lisbon and Málaga combine city life with beaches and a mild climate for much of the year.
Something different: Belgrade and Sofia are exciting and affordable alternatives in the Balkans, while Edinburgh and Dublin are full of pubs and history.
Travelling in December? We have rounded up the European cities to visit at Christmas.
Holiday destinations by type of trip
Sometimes you know what kind of holiday you want before you know where to go. Here are our destinations sorted by what you are looking for.
Romantic getaways
For a romantic getaway, pick a weekend of fine dining in San Sebastián or head to Verona and Tuscany. Capri and the French Riviera are timeless choices for couples, and Mauritius is a favourite for honeymoons.
Ski holidays
The Alps are the first choice for a ski holiday. See our guide to the best ski resorts in Europe, or go straight to St. Anton, Zermatt, Chamonix and the Dolomites. In Sweden there is Åre, and further afield you will find the best ski resorts in the US and the Japanese Alps.
Beach holidays
For white sand and warm water, look at Zanzibar, Cancún and the Philippine islands. In Europe, Mallorca, the Costa del Sol and the Greek island of Skopelos are great choices in summer.
Northern lights and nature
The northern lights are best seen in Arctic Norway from autumn to spring, for example in Tromsø, on Andøya and in Svalbard. In summer, the fjords around Loen and Stryn are perfect for hiking and cycling.
How to choose your next holiday destination
Not sure where to go? Start with a few simple questions.
When are you travelling? Seasons vary hugely around the world, so the best destination in January is rarely the best in July.
How long do you have? A long weekend suits a European city break, while long-haul trips deserve at least ten days.
What kind of trip do you want? City culture, beach relaxation, active adventures or a mix of all three.
Who are you travelling with? Families, couples and groups of friends often need very different destinations.
Once you have the answers, dive into our continent and country guides for inspiration and practical tips.
Where is hot? Holiday destinations month by month
The best destination depends on when you travel. Here is a simple guide to where is in season throughout the year. Always check the advice on when to go in each guide, as the climate can vary a lot within one country.
November: If you are wondering where is hot in November, Mexico is a great choice. The rainy season is ending on the Caribbean coast, so Cancún and Isla Holbox enjoy warm days. Mauritius is heading into summer, and in Europe it is a quiet season for city breaks.
December: For winter sun in December, try Mauritius or Zanzibar, while the dry season begins in Mexico and Costa Rica. If you would rather have festive cheer, the Christmas markets of Europe are at their best, and in Svalbard you can see in the New Year during the polar night.
January and February: Peak season for winter sun in Mexico, Costa Rica and Zanzibar, and for skiing in the Alps, Åre and the Japanese Alps, famous for their powder.
March and April: Long days and good snow make this the time for spring skiing. Southern Europe warms up, and cities such as Rome, Lisbon and Barcelona are a pleasure to explore on foot.
May and June: The Mediterranean warms up before the summer crowds arrive. Perfect for Sicily, Tuscany and the Greek islands. In Norway, the fjords are green and the evenings are long.
July and August: Beach holidays in southern Europe, hiking in the Alps and the Dolomites, and dry season in Bali and Zanzibar.
September and October: Grape harvest in Italy and Spain, still-warm seas in the Mediterranean and great conditions for city breaks. In northern Norway, the northern lights season begins.
For specific ideas with hotels, see our guides to where is hot in October, November, December, January, February, March and April.
Flights and hotels
Want to book the trip in one go? In our flights and hotels guides you will find guides to London, Paris, Rome and New York, winter sun and holiday packages, and how to get to Tromsø, Svalbard and Lapland. We explain which airport to choose, when a package makes sense and where to stay.
Frequently asked questions about holiday destinations
What are the best holiday destinations in Europe?
Some of the best holiday destinations in Europe are Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal and France for sun, food and culture, and Norway and Switzerland for spectacular nature. For city breaks, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Amsterdam and Copenhagen are classic choices with great food and plenty to see.
Where is hot in November?
In November it is hot in Mexico and Mauritius. The Caribbean coast of Mexico enjoys warm days as the rainy season comes to an end, and Mauritius is heading into its southern summer. In Europe it is rarely warm enough to swim in November, but southern Spain and Portugal often have mild, sunny days.
What are the best winter sun destinations?
The best winter sun destinations are Mauritius, Zanzibar, Mexico and Costa Rica, which all offer warm weather and beaches during the European winter. Mexico and Costa Rica are in their dry season from around December. Closer to home, southern Spain is mild, though the sea is cool.
Where should I go for a romantic getaway?
Go for a romantic getaway somewhere with great food, beautiful surroundings and a special place to stay. In Europe, San Sebastián, Verona, Tuscany, Capri and the French Riviera are all wonderful choices. Further afield, Mauritius and Bali are popular for honeymoons.
What is the best long-haul holiday destination?
The best long-haul holiday destination depends on your interests. Bali and Vietnam are great for culture and beaches, Japan for food and cities, Mexico and Costa Rica for nature and adventure, and Mauritius or Tanzania for a mix of beaches and wildlife. Always check the best season for your chosen destination.