Top 10 destinations for 2008
Choosing the holiday destination that’s perfect for you can be tricky, so check out Expedia's selection of the Top Ten places to visit in 2008. From old favourites to up-and-coming destinations, you can find your perfect trip right here.
1. New Zealand
If Martians landed and needed a one-stop shop for a showcase of the best that the world had to offer, they could do a lot worse than a trip to New Zealand. From sandy beaches to stunning mountain scenery, vine yards to glaciers, buzzing cities to the wide open spaces of one of the least crowded countries in the world, all underwritten by a unique heritage. Its incredible natural geographic area includes three harbours, two mountain ranges, 48 volcanic cones and more than 50 islands. At certain times of the year it is possible to surf, ski and snowboard on the same day.
Holidays to Auckland
from £1001
Flight + 10 nights in a 4* hotel
Travel 18 Jun - 25 Jun
Book together and save £226
Hotels in Auckland
4* hotels from £54
Travel between 18 Jun - 25 Jun
Prices per room per night based on 2 adults sharing.
Flights to Auckland
from £1076
Travel 18 Jun - 25 Jun
The price shown above includes all flight taxes and fees.
2. Argentina
With a unique nationality comprised of Italian, Spanish and South American influence, Argentina is a country full of surprises. At its heart is Buenos Aires, a throbbing, sophisticatedly beautiful metropolitan city that would look more at home in Europe than in South America. From incomparable steaks, flamboyant tango, passionate locals and neighbourhoods that change dramatically from street to street it is a wonderful city to explore. But there is so much more to this country than BA, with Iguazu Falls, Tierra del Fuego (literally translated ‘Island of fire’ but in reality the gate way to Ushuaia the most southerly city in the world) Patagonia and the awesome Andes, Argentina will use several tactics to take your breath away.
Holidays to Buenos Aires
from £815
Flight + 7 nights in a 4* hotel
Travel 18 Jun - 25 Jun
Book together and save £41
Hotels in Buenos Aires
4* hotels from £55
Travel between 18 Jun - 25 Jun
Prices per room per night based on 2 adults sharing.
Flights to Buenos Aires
from £624
Travel 18 Jun - 25 Jun
The price shown above includes all flight taxes and fees.
3. China
With the current boom sweeping through China, now is a great time to visit and see the contrast and ambitious transition between new and old. Nowhere is this change more evident than in its forerunning cities of Beijing and Shanghai. With the Olympics arriving in Beijing in summer 2008, the boom has stepped up another gear. Shanghai contains more than 17 million people and 4,000 skyscrapers (with another 1,000 in the pipeline) whilst Beijing may have the cultural edge, Shanghai has the glitz. Always nice to have options!
Holidays to Beijing
from £509
Flight + 7 nights in a 4* hotel
Travel 18 Jun - 25 Jun
Book together and save £19
Hotels in Beijing
4* hotels from £39
Travel between 18 Jun - 25 Jun
Prices per room per night based on 2 adults sharing.
Flights to Beijing
from £388
Travel 18 Jun - 25 Jun
The price shown above includes all flight taxes and fees.
4. Cape Verde
Coming back for a second year as one of Expedia customers Top Tips is the collection of sunny islands already dubbed the 'new Caribbean'. Year-round sunshine, white sand beaches and Creole culture perfectly mix to offer you a relaxing holiday.
Flights to Sal Island
from £497
Travel 18 Jun - 25 Jun
The price shown above includes all flight taxes and fees.
5. Abu Dhabi
Few places can have undergone such fundamental change over the past 50 years as the emirate of Abu Dhabi. Today it’s a powerhouse of the Arab world, perched atop vast oil reserves, with development and ambitious construction to rival its famous neighbour Dubai. Today visitors can enjoy the beach, desert safari’s and acres of glossy malls and shops in and around the city, variety enough to quench even the strongest thirst for retail therapy.
Hotels in Abu Dhabi
3* hotels from £71
Travel between 18 Jun - 25 Jun
Prices per room per night based on 2 adults sharing.
Flights to Abu Dhabi
from £324
Travel 18 Jun - 25 Jun
The price shown above includes all flight taxes and fees.
6. Alaska
Alaska is like travelling to no other place on earth. There are 586,000 square miles of extraordinary terrain, and almost that many possibilities to enjoy it. A haven for outdoors enthusiasts, choose from spectacular wildlife, including humpback whale and grizzly bear spotting, sea kayaking, guided glacier hikes or a chance to reel in your own world famous Alaskan King Salmon. Truly a destination with a difference for 2008.
Holidays to Anchorage
from £1351
Flight + 7 nights in a 3* hotel
Travel 18 Jun - 25 Jun
Book together and save £44
Hotels in Anchorage
3* hotels from £127
Travel between 18 Jun - 25 Jun
Prices per room per night based on 2 adults sharing.
Flights to Anchorage
from £829
Travel 18 Jun - 25 Jun
The price shown above includes all flight taxes and fees.
7. Reykjavik
The world’s most northernmost capital is quite literally a breath of fresh air, beautifully blending a mix of fun, space, clean air, nature and unique Icelandic charm. With the stunning volcanic landscape speckled with natural thermal lagoons and geysers, if you aren’t lucky enough to see the Northern Lights there are always those of the lively café culture and clubbing scene to fall back on.
Holidays to Reykjavik
from £355
Flight + 3 nights in a 3* hotel
Travel 21 Jun - 24 Jun
Book together and save £53
Hotels in Reykjavik
3* hotels from £119
Travel between 21 Jun - 24 Jun
Prices per room per night based on 2 adults sharing.
Flights to Reykjavik
from £216
Travel 21 Jun - 24 Jun
The price shown above includes all flight taxes and fees.
8. Berlin
Anyone with a premonition of Berlin based on its past will be pleasantly surprised upon arriving in one of the greenest cities in Europe, with some of the most laid back locals. While the city has always been a meeting point of east and west, today it’s also a major cultural centre, combining top-flight museums, galleries and concert halls with thriving alternative arts and music scenes. Travelling within the city is effortless with some of the best public transport in Europe, perfect for visiting all those must see sights from the Check Point Charlie museum to uber-modern East Berlin.
Holidays to Berlin
from £322
Flight + 3 nights in a 4* hotel
Travel 24 May - 27 May
Book together and save £62
Hotels in Berlin
4* hotels from £44
Travel between 24 May - 27 May
Prices per room per night based on 2 adults sharing.
Flights to Berlin
from £302
Travel 24 May - 27 May
The price shown above includes all flight taxes and fees.
9. Boston
With is reputation as a historic, arts and culturally shaped city, Boston is coming into its own as destination for American and world-wide visitors. With great shopping and beautiful open spaces Boston is rapidly gaining a reputation as a more accessible New York.
Holidays to Boston
from £634
Flight + 7 nights in a 4* hotel
Travel 18 Jun - 25 Jun
Book together and save £70
Hotels in Boston
4* hotels from £65
Travel between 18 Jun - 25 Jun
Prices per room per night based on 2 adults sharing.
Flights to Boston
from £306
Travel 18 Jun - 25 Jun
The price shown above includes all flight taxes and fees.
10. Liverpool
Liverpool is experiencing a renaissance as it moves in on its title of European Capital of Culture 2008. With more listed buildings than anywhere in the UK outside of London it is a great city to walk around, the perfect opportunity to soak up the musical, sporting and historic heritage that beats through it.
Hotels in Liverpool
2* hotels from £52
Travel between 21 Jun - 24 Jun
Prices per room per night based on 2 adults sharing.
