Odyssey 2027: Inspiration and ideas for planning next year’s travels

With so much of the world to explore, it’s easy to overlook your old favourites, nudged off your list by a string of exciting new destinations. But there’s a good reason why places such as the Costa Blanca never go out of fashion. One of the first package holiday destinations in the 1950s, the popularity of the 'White Coast' has endured, with good reason.

Despite the passing decades, you can still discover authentic Spain in towns such as Altea Xàbia, with whitewashed buildings along cobbled streets, and the historic port of Dénia, 65 miles from Alicante, whose Museum of Archaeology houses a collection of artefacts dating back more than 100,000 years, while art lovers can see works by Dali at the town’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA). Away from the beaches, you can wander through fruit orchards, along ancient pilgrimage paths and past Roman ruins on a Walking in Costa Blanca holiday.

There are other much-loved holidays destinations that retain their allure, such as Majorca, with its beautiful blossoms, Gothic architecture, clear seas and captivating beaches, or Sicily the captivating island renowned for the beauty of landscapes and towns, delicious food and the warmth of its people – and climate.

Catania, Sicily

Sometimes it’s the choice of when to travel that makes your holiday memorable, avoiding the crowds and discovering places in the off or low season.

Montenegro is one of Europe’s fastest growing tourist destinations, with visitor numbers almost tripling over the past 20 years, thanks to the spectacular scenery of the Bay of Kotor, the Venetian glories of Budva and natural gems like Lovćen National Park.

Visit in April-May or September-October and you’ll avoid the peak season summer arrivals but still enjoy pleasantly sunny and warm weather that’s ideal for strolling and sightseeing.

Dolomites, Italy

Walking enthusiasts should head to the Dolomites, where spring and autumn are perfect for exploring the mountains in the north-east of Italy. September is particularly special, with cooler temperatures after the busy summer – you might even see the first golden leaves of the larch trees towards the end of the month.

Some countries capture our heart from the very first trip, enticing us back again and again. And when you’ve seen the golden sands of Cyprus, it’s not surprising that this island is somewhere people love to return to year after year. The third biggest island in the Mediterranean, there’s so much to discover beyond the beaches that you could easily plan a trip for 2027 and again in 2028 with barely retracing your footsteps.

On our Jewels of Cyprus tour you can explore its extraordinary history, culture and landscapes on a three-centre tour that includes the capital, Nicosia, with its lively streets and fascinating past; Larnaca, the pretty port renowned for its ancient ruins and traditional crafts, the Troodos Mountains and the classical sites of UNESCO-listed Tombs of the Kings and the Baths of Aphrodite.

Santorini, Greece

You could take many trips around the Greek islands too, so how about mixing one of the more popular destinations with a less-explored corner of the Aegean? Our Greek Island Hopping Tour encompasses three Cycladic islands: Santorini, Paros and Naxos. Santorini is famed for its whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches perched above the Aegean Sea. Paxos is renowned for its pretty fishing harbours and relaxed beaches, while Naxos combines stunning mountain scenery with ancient mythology. The itinerary allows you to enjoy the islands’ slow pace of life, while taking in the highlights on included excursions.

If there’s somewhere you’ve always yearned to go, make 2027 the year you finally fulfil that wish and book the holiday that’s always tempted you. There’s never been a better time to stand in the shadow of the iconic pyramids, the only surviving wonder of the ancient world, with the new Grand Egyptian Museum now open nearby.

As well as marvelling at these astonishing ancient construictions, you can see the treasures of Tutankhamun’s tomb, a 4,500-year-old boat, and galleries transporting you from prehistoric Egypt through the millennia via the pharaohs and onwards to the time of Cleopatra and Roman Egypt.

Giza, Egypt

Of course, that’s only the beginning of what there is to see in Egypt with a choice of three escorted tours: Egypt’s Nostalgic Nile by Dahabiya explore Cairo and Luxor before setting sail on a five-night cruise on the Nile, while our Cairo, Alexandria and Nile Cruise also includes time in Alexander the Great’s city on the Mediterranean coast. If you’ve already seen the pyramids, the Magic of the Nile gives you longer to explore Upper Egypt, including the imposing temple of Abu Simbel and Aswan.

Will 2027 finally be the year you learn a new language? Or see the elusive bird missing from your spotter book? Whatever your passions, our special interest holidays are the perfect way to indulge your interests, whether it’s a new hobby or something that has fascinated you for years.

For those who love history, how about an archaeology holiday? Head to the island of Minorca to lose yourself in more than 3,000 years of history, from megalithic sites to a Roman settlement, Moorish architecture as well as 18th-century military sites from the time when the island was under British rule.

Cavalleria Cape, Minorca

If you’d like to add another string to your bow, why not brush up your Spanish with a four-week course at a language school on the Costa Tropical, where you’ll enjoy a daily class before exploring and relaxing in the sun? Or treat your tastebuds in Malta, trying some of the island’s classic dishes while learning to make a few traditional recipes, such as pastizzi, cheese and jam on a food and wine in Malta holiday.

Keen birders will love our birdwatching holidays, whether you’re a novice or a long-term devotee, while the green-fingered can see some of the world’s most spectacular gardens on our gardening holidays. Whatever you pick, all our Special Interest holidays have an expert host and at least four excursions included to allow you to fully immerse yourself in the activity you love.