• 2019 Travel Guide

Top Holiday Destinations For 2019 From The UK

Whether you travel every so often or jet off several times a year, there are always new destinations to tempt and entice. The world is such a fun place to explore, and nothing beats the feeling of getting away from it all and experiencing something new.

But where should you be adding to your travel list for your next adventure? We thought we would run through ten of our most popular destinations with you to give you a little bit of insight and inspiration into some great places you might want to check out for yourself!

San Francisco


San Francisco is a city that is truly iconic, and it has so much to offer that it’s no wonder people flock there to check it out for themselves. This city stays firmly on the map, and despite being a fairly small city at just seven miles by seven miles, it’s a big deal for tourists and locals alike.

Whether it’s the Golden Gate Bridge, the colourful Victorian houses or the famous cable cars, or Alcatraz Island out in the bay, San Francisco is famous for a lot of different reasons and there are so many wonderful attractions to keep you busy while you’re there.

The year-round fog makes for very atmospheric views that have been photographed hundreds of times, and it has the most restaurants and farmers markets per capita in the whole of North America, so if you’re a foodie then it’s a must visit. What’s not to love?

Key facts:
Time difference: GMT -8 hours
Official language: English
Currency: USD ($)
Average flight time: 11 hours

Manila



The capital of the Philippines, Manila is a huge and fast-paced city. It has become one of our most popular destinations, as people learn to appreciate it’s underrated charm. There is plenty of sightseeing to do, and the city is actually more creative than it may at first appear, with vibrant galleries to visit and an indie music scene.

Manila is a modern day metropolis, and highlights include Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, and the National Museum of the Filipino People. The Mind Museum is a great place to visit if you have kids in tow, and a day trip out to the nearby Masungi Georeserve is unmissable.

People visit Manila all year round, but there is a rainy season which runs from June to November and a dry season which is December to May. December to February are the coolest months, and so probably the most comfortable to visit during.

Key facts:
Time difference: GMT +8 hours
Official language: Filipino
Currency: PHP
Average flight time: 14 hours

New York



New York has become so familiar to people all over the world through it’s depiction in popular culture, that it’s no wonder it is one of our most popular destinations. People flock to the city to see the famous sights such as the Empire State Building and Central Park for themselves.

Whether you’ve always dreamed of seeing a show on Broadway, or you want to visit the sights of your favourite shows, there is plenty to just no shortage of things to draw you to New York, and you’re sure to fall in love.

There are historic sights, museums and galleries, more places to eat and drink than you could ever wish for, and a lively nightlife, so whoever you are there’s something for you to enjoy. Check out our flights to New York and plan your own trip for 2019!

Key facts:
Time difference: GMT - 5 hours
Official language: English
Currency: USD ($)
Average flight time: 8 hours

Chicago



One of the largest cities in the United States, Chicago is famous for its bold architecture, skyscrapers, and the Cloud Gate sculpture (aka The Bean) and outdoor theatre in Millenium Park.

Chicago is well known for its distinctive blues, soul, jazz and house music, so if you’re a big music lover, a visit may well already be on your to-do list!

It’s a great city to visit at any time of year, and there are lots of special events to catch. Chicago takes St Patrick’s Day very seriously, dying the Chicago River green and holding a huge downtown parade. In the winter there is ice skating in Millenium Park, and the summertime means music festivals and barbecues.

Key facts:
Time difference: GMT -6
Official language: English
Currency: USD ($)
Average flight time: 8 hours

Orlando



Orlando remains one of our most popular destinations, and it’s really no surprise that us Brits are so keen to pay a visit to this magical holiday spot. If a visit to Florida is on your bucketlist, Orlando is definitely the place to go.

You can enjoy all of the excitement of the world famous Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios theme parks, visit the Kennedy Space Center, or pay a visit to Winter Park, where you’ll find lots of great places to shop and dine.

It will take you around 8 or 9 hours to get to Orlando from the UK, so why not take a look at our flights to Orlando and start planning your visit today!

Key facts:
Time difference: GMT -5 hours
Official language: English
Currency: USD ($)
Average flight time: 8 or 9 hours

Los Angeles



Los Angeles is home to Hollywood, and all of the glitz, glamour, and celebrities that come with it. It’s a great base for heading out and exploring a little more of California, and home to some of the most stunning beaches you could wish to lie on while soaking up the California sun.

If you’re in LA then you’ll no doubt see the Hollywood sign at some point, whether it’s from a distance or treking on horseback to get right up above it. The Hollywood Walk of Fame will give you a good dose of Hollywood history, and if you head to the Chinese Theatre you can check out how the hand or footprints of the stars compare to your own.

Venice Beach is the place to go for an artistic bohemian vibe, as it’s packed with colourful murals, street performers, and fun alternative shops and coffee bars. There’s also a skate park, and the famous Muscle Beach outdoor gym!

Key facts:
Time difference: GMT -8 hours
Official language: English
Currency: USD ($)
Average flight time: 11 hours

Kingston (Jamaica)



Jamaica is a wonderful vibrant place to visit, and it is popular with visitors from the UK searching for some sun and beaches that look like something right off a postcard. There’s so much to enjoy in the capital from the culture to the cuisine, and the music, that you should definitely add Kingston to your list of places to visit in 2019.

Kingston is nestled right by the Blue Mountains, which makes for breath-taking views, and there are trails and waterfalls to explore if you fancy venturing out. Downtown, you will find historic buildings, street markets, and a fantastic art gallery, while uptown is Emancipation Park and some of the city’s best restaurants and hotels.

While you’re visiting you should make sure you enjoy plenty of authentic jerk chicken, as well as Jamaican patties, and ackee and saltfish, which is the Jamaican national dish.

Key facts:
Time difference: GMT -5 hours
Official language: English (Jamaican Patois is the national language)
Currency: JMD
Average flight time: 10 hours

Tokyo



Japan’s busy capital city blends tradition with the modern world, and draws visitors from all around the world to experience the unique Japanese culture. While the city can seem daunting at first, it is surprisingly convenient and easy to navigate once you’re there, and many of the signs are in English, making it popular with Brits.

Art and culture in Tokyo is something truly unique, with ancient performing arts from centuries ago still taking place, and museums covering Japan’s entire art history, alongside a public scale model of an anime robot.

They also have an unrivalled food scene, and you’ll be spoiled for choice as the city is so tightly packed with great restaurants, from the famous ones that boast celebrity chefs, to the understated noodle or sushi joints that still serve up the most fabulous fare.

Tokyo is famous for its cherry blossoms, and if you are lucky enough to visit at the right time of year you can join the locals in enjoying this beautiful sight.

Key facts:
Time difference: GMT +9 hours
Official language: Japanese
Currency: JPY
Average flight time: 12 hours

Miami


Another popular Florida gem is Miami, which is one of the most popular holiday spots in the world. The cultural centre of South Florida, there is so much more to Miami than its famous beaches. There is so much creativity and fun to discover, so why not add it to your list of destinations to visit in 2019?

Miami is a melting pot of diversity, and with such an eclectic population comes a creative fusion in everything it has to offer, from art and design to cuisine. There’s plenty of natural beauty, too, with trails to walk, wildlife to spot, and sparkling sands to relax on.

Highlights include South Beach, where you’ll find super trendy nightlife, Little Havana, where the Cuban influenced cafes and cigar shops are, and the Wynwood Arts District, home to graffiti and art galleries aplenty.

Key facts:
Time difference: GMT -5 hours
Official language: English
Currency: USD ($)
Average flight time: 10 hours

Punta Cana



If you’re seeking out some warm tropical weather, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic is an excellent choice. With the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other, this beach paradise is the perfect place to unwind.

There are over 30 miles of picture perfect beaches, loads of activities to enjoy, and plenty of luxurious accommodation. There are many award-winning golf courses, and people enjoy activities such as windsurfing, sailing, and zip-lining so there’s no chance that you’ll get bored.

You can enjoy a horseback ride through the coconut groves, or head out to a beach bar, club, or casino. Punta cana really has something to offer for everybody, and with it’s rise in popularity and resulting growth you won’t run out of things to do.

Key facts:
Time difference: GMT -4 hours
Official language: Spanish
Currency: DOP
Average flight time: 9 hours

 

We hope this has given you plenty of holiday inspiration! If you’re itching for a holiday now, head over to our flights page to book now, or if you need even more inspiration you can check out our destinations pages.