With spring finally here and sunshine in the skies, thoughts turn to summer holidays. For many, getting away for a summer break is essential. When it comes to top places to go, there is plenty of choice available. With our selection of top destinations, we’ve come up with a wish list for all budgets, ranging from far flung destinations to cheaper options in Europe.
You may decide to opt for one of the more traditionally popular destinations like Spain, France or one of the sun-soaked islands in the Mediterranean or the Atlantic.
Another option is to explore somewhere in eastern Europe, which offers endless possibilities whether you like history, culture or just a couple of weeks on the beach.
It may be that you want to travel further afield, to gaze at wildlife in their stunning natural habitat in South Africa or to relax in the Caribbean sun.
Of course, it could be that you don’t want the hassle of organising travel visas and sourcing foreign currency and you just want to holiday in the UK or Ireland.
To help you make up your mind we have put together a list of top-rated worldwide holiday destinations:
Spain
If you just want to get away for some sun then head for the sweltering Spanish beaches of Costa Blanca or Costa del Sol. For a taste of the real Spain the destinations to consider should be Andalucía or Murcia and for a city break it might be Madrid or Barcelona. There are a range of holiday villas and apartments in Spain to suit any budget and to cater for however many people are travelling in your party.
France
It’s only a short ride away on the Eurostar train or you might prefer driving yourself but however you get there you will find a self-catering holiday in France to suit all tastes. Head to Paris for a romantic break, explore the Loire Valley for wine tasting and spectacular castles or laze on the beaches of the Cote d’Azur.
Canary Islands
Maybe you yearn for a holiday playing tennis or golf and then partying in a nightspot in the evenings. In that case somewhere like Tenerife, Lanzarote or Gran Canaria is an ideal destination. You will be spoilt for choice with the range of holiday cottages and apartments available in the Canary Islands.
Hungary
Until the ‘iron curtain’ came down at the end of the 1980s, the beauty of eastern European nations like Hungary were a well-kept secret. Well no more. Budapest, on the banks of the River Danube, is a stunning place to base yourself if you are looking for a self-catering holiday in Hungary.
Poland
For a relatively low-cost break it is worth considering holiday rentals in Poland. There are a wealth of historic attractions to explore and the local cuisine is well worth experiencing whether you head to Krakow, Wroclaw or Gdansk.
South Africa
The crime statistics put some people off visiting South Africa but by taking the right security precautions there is no reason why you can’t have a memorable holiday there. The spectacular mountains, beaches and wildlife are reasons to consider to renting self-catering accommodation in South Africa.
Barbados
Imagine sipping a cocktail on a luxurious sun-soaked sandy beach. Most destinations in the Caribbean will give you this wonderful experience with hours and hours of guaranteed sunshine. It may be only 21 miles by 14 miles in size, but why not look into a self-catering break in Barbados.
Turkey
There are some amazing villas to rent in Turkey for self-catering holidays whether you want to go somewhere for the history or the beaches. There is a homely feel to a villa and the potential for flexibility and privacy which you don’t get from staying in a hotel.
Scotland
If you live elsewhere in the British Isles then you are missing out if you have never explored a self-catering holiday in Scotland. Whether you base yourself near a big city like Edinburgh, a stunning location such as the west coast or a remote part of the Highlands you will not regret booking a break there.
Ireland
As a place to party there are fewer better locations than Dublin but there many other options if you prefer a more sedate break. It is well worth considering family self-catering holidays in County Cork where there is plenty to keep the children amused, along the unspoiled coastline and in the picturesque countryside.