Top Holiday Destinations For 2016

The arrival of the New Year will bring with it a whole host of exciting new travel opportunities and it’s a chance to start planning which destinations you’ll discover and where your next holiday will be. The below five destinations are ones we’re predicting will be big in 2016 and that should be on any adventure-seeker’s list. Here’s our roundup of the top holiday destinations for 2016…

Croatia

Croatia still has a relatively ‘undiscovered’ status, but it won’t stay that way for long and many tourists are catching on to the country’s beauty and offering. Located between central, southern and eastern Europe, the destination has a great climate for sun-seekers in the summer months, but there’s plenty to do for those not wanting to spend their whole trip laid up on a beach or sun lounger.

There are plenty of ancient attractions and museums displaying the rich history of Croatia and visitors won’t ever grow tired of the sightseeing opportunities. Whether it’s cycling, diving, water skiing, hiking or island hopping by boat around a handful of the 1000 Croatian islands, you’ll never be stuck for something to do. Highlights include the medieval walls of Dubrovnik, the capital of Zagreb, the beautiful island of Hvar and Plitvice Lakes National Park. The nightlife is also very lively for those wanting to party until dawn before heading off into the sunrise on their next adventure on the Dalmatian coast.

Example Deal
Location: Rab Island, Croatia
Overview: Situated in the bay of Prva Padova, just 500 metres from the sea and 2 km from the old town of Rab. The hotel features indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a wellness centre and tennis courts.
Hotel: 3 Star Padova Hotel www.sunshine.co.uk/hotels/Padova_Hotel-11053.html
Date: 1st June 2016
Duration: 7 Nights
Board: B&B
Prices from (hotel only):£498.76 per room (£249.38pp)
Flight Prices from: Depart Gatwick with Norwegian Air International from £109.13pp
Overall Cost Per Person: £358.51pp

Bulgaria

Bulgaria is another up and coming holiday destination for cultural and adventure holidays. Resorts on the Black Sea like Sunny Beach have long been popular with UK tourists, but many people don’t realise that Bulgaria has much more to offer in terms of trips and excursions from there. It’s a great base, but there’s more to see.

In winter, the skiing opportunities in Bulgaria can rival some of the bigger countries, thanks to its mountainous terrain, which is also perfect for climbing and hiking. The Pirin Mountains stand almost 3,000m high at their peak and offer amazing scenery and adventure opportunities. There’s also an adrenaline-fuelled 1,200km endurance bike race through the mountains.

Those not wanting to head into the hills can soak up some culture, with historical artefacts dating back as far as the Romans and Thracians and scattered towns and villages with their own traditions and crafts. New museums are currently being built to accommodate the historical findings from Bulgaria and there’s a wealth of romantic architecture from the time of the National Revival era.

Example Deal
Location: Sunny Beach, Bulgaria
Overview: This stylish modern hotel offers comfortable and relaxing accommodation in wonderful surroundings.
Hotel: 4 Star Lion Sunny Beach Hotel www.sunshine.co.uk/hotels/Lion_Sunny_Beach_Hotel-2707.html
Date: 1st June 2016
Duration: 7 Nights
Board: Half Board
Prices from (hotel only): £106.13 per room (£53.07pp)
Flight Prices from: Depart Gatwick with Thomas Cook Airlines from £243.01pp
Overall Cost Per Person: £296.08pp

Latvia

A short flight or ferry ride from the UK, on the Baltic sea between Estonia and Lithuania, is where Latvia can be found. Although popular with rowdy stag parties, it has so much more to offer than simply lively nightlife. The capital, Riga, was named as the European Capital of Culture 2014, thanks to its medieval old town, the many museums, churches and wooden and art nouveau architecture and a huge Central Market.

Those seeking exploration have a varied landscape as a playground, from wide beaches along the 350 miles of coastline to expansive, sprawling forests where Kemeri National Park can be found – famed from its bird watching observation towers and marshes. Latvia is a very small country, but it sure packs a punch!

Example Deal
Location: Riga, Latvia
Overview: This city hotel offers excellent services and luxury surroundings to create a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere.
Hotel: 4 Star Monika Centrum Hotels www.sunshine.co.uk/hotels/Monika_Centrum_Hotels-9187.html
Date: 4th June 2016
Duration: 7 Nights
Board: B&B
Prices from (hotel only):£466.58 per room (£233.29pp)
Flight Prices from: Depart Stansted with Low Cost Carrier from £113.01pp
Overall Cost Per Person: £346.30pp

Dominican Republic

The Caribbean is home to a host of beautiful islands, each offering a different experience and activities. The Dominican Republic has varied terrain, from rainforests and savannah to stunning mountains and more white sandy beaches than you can shake a stick at.

The rugged coastline to the north of the island is perfect for surfers and stand up paddle boarding and there are plenty of diving centres and snorkelling hotspots around the island for those looking to get acquainted with the tropical marine life.

It is the most-visited destination in the Caribbean, with 4.6million tourists heading to the island every year. So, whilst the Dominican Republic certainly isn’t undiscovered, many people who visit the island stay in their resort or hotel and don’t explore everything it has to offer… but you can!

Example Deal
Location: Playa Bavaro, Dominican Republic
Overview: IFA Villas Bavaro Beach Resort boasts a beach front location and a wide choice of bars and restaurants. The lake style pool has centre place in the gardens and the hotel provides numerous daytime activities as well as evening entertainment.
Hotel: 4 Star IFA Villas Bavaro Beach Resort www.sunshine.co.uk/hotels/IFA_Villas_Bavaro_Beach_Resort-2118.html
Date: 1st June 2016
Duration: 7 Nights
Board: All Inclusive
Prices from (hotel only): £399.12 per room (£199.56pp)
Flight Prices from: Depart Gatwick with Thomson Airways from £591.03pp
Overall Cost Per Person: £790.59pp

Bali

Small enough to drive around in one day, Bali is an island renowned for its areas of natural beauty and lush landscapes. The Balinese people offer warm hospitality to visitors and the country has customs and traditions which visitors can fully immerse themselves in.

This is more of a laid back, cultural destination rather than an action-packed one, but it is certainly ripe for exploring. The beach towns of Lovina and Amed are growing in popularity, but the artistic area of Ubud is also one that shouldn’t be missed. Those looking for something a little more lively can head to the buzzing tourist spot of Kuta.

Denpasar is Bali’s capital city where markets and a good choice of shops, museums and art centres can be found.

Example Deal (Hotel/Room Only)
Location: Ubud, Bali
Overview: A peaceful retreat set on the edge of the Monkey Forest making it ideal for those seeking a good standard of accommodation set in the forest.
Hotel: 3 Star Champlung Sari Hotel www.sunshine.co.uk/hotels/Champlung_Sari_Hotel-21795.html
Date: 1st June 2016
Duration: 7 Nights
Board: Half Board
Prices from (hotel only):£462.60 per room (£231.30pp)
Overall Cost Per Person: £231.30pp

Book your 2016 holiday at www.sunshine.co.uk

By Chris Clarkson