mercury travel holidays

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View our latest online brochures for Escorted Tours, Worldwide Holidays, River Cruises and Solo Travellers and discover your next dream getaway! If you want to download a copy, just the click the link to save a PDF version for sharing or offline browsing.

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Mercury Holidays   Reviews

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Reviews 4.6.

9,742 total

Most relevant

Not quite straightforward

Not quite as straightforward as it should have been. Differences between brochure and online descriptions eg WiFi and booking sea view rooms.

Date of experience : 17 June 2024

Excellent personalised service.

Clear and easy to use website - great offers! We booked with Mercury last year and couldn't fault them. The hotel was even better than expected, great airport transfers, local representative available for advice. Recommended!

Date of experience : 13 June 2024

Excellent customer service

Excellent customer service. Very polite and patient .Arranged assisted airport travel which I requested,I have had many holidays with Mercury Travel and always found them excellent, Wyn

Date of experience : 16 June 2024

We are Travelling with Mercury holidays…

We are Travelling with Mercury holidays again always great value for money and we can book with confidence. We would definitely recommend them to others.

We have travelled with Mercury Holidays…

We have travelled with Mercury Holidays several times now, we had a couple of hiccups in the past but all was corrected quickly. The staff are always ready to help whether its via messaging or phone call. Very easy to book a holiday on line too. Very pleased with everything.

Date of experience : 05 June 2024

Great service

Very pleasant lady was very helpful no fuss just booked what we wanted with nice clear instruction. Also the person I had on the chat was very patient and helpful and answered my queries. And helped me sign into the airline too, discovered I was using 00 instead of OO when trying to sign jn 🫣

Date of experience : 07 June 2024

SPEAK TO ME MORE QUICKLY…

After waiting over 40 minutes to speak to someone over a payment query, I trued the line for new bookings. Surprise it was answered immediately. The representative Nick was polite, efficient and sorted the problem out immediately. I have no actual gripe with the company other than the long wait in answering calls. Would I use them again? Most definitely.s

Date of experience : 12 June 2024

justin le cruz such a very helpfull…

justin le cruz such a very helpfull travel adviser very knowledgeable such a true professional many thanks justin it is because of you we booked a passage through for jan 2026

Online booking was easy to use

Online booking was easy to use, took less than 3 minutes to book the holiday. I received booking confirmation instantly.

Date of experience : 10 June 2024

Mercury are excellent

Mercury are excellent. I had several tours with them in different parts of the world and it was great. My recent trip to Japan with Mercury was one of the best ever.

Date of experience : 14 June 2024

Have been to china india and thailand…

Have been to china india and thailand with mercury.fantastic trips.excellent guides, and have now booked alaskan cruise with vancouver extension. Cant wait. Very confident all will be great

Date of experience : 08 June 2024

Sri Lankan holiday at a great price!

Just booked my holiday to Sri Lanka via the website which was an excellent price compared to me booking everything separately as I usually do.The booking process was clear and easy with the confirmation documentation coming through straight away.I can now sit back and look forward to my trip which I’m very excited about.Mercury makes travel accessible to all!

Date of experience : 02 June 2024

Easy to use web site and full…

Easy to use web site and full information without too much techy jargon

I went to India March 2023

I went to India March 2023, wonderful experience...our tour guide Amit was brilliant....it was a well organised trip from start to finish...also, I stopped in Dubai for 3 nights on the way back... I have always found the staff at Mercury friendly, helpful, courteous and polite... I did go to Malta in October 2022, again well organised with airport transfers but not fussed on the hotel... I am going to Morocco with you in September so hopefully that will be as good as the Indian tour was...

Date of experience : 29 May 2024

A holiday to remember in Egypt

My Wife and I have been to Egypt many times but The Majestic Nile trip with Mercury was the best yet. Right from making the original booking ,throughout our trip to Cairo ,then down the Nile and onto the departure day all the staff at Mercury were top class. They were welcoming, friendly and professional throughout, showing great humour as well as showing real empathy towards my wife who is a coeliac and requires a gluten free diet. The waiters were always friendly and efficient making each mealtime enjoyable. The restaurant manager was absolutely superb, taking my wife under his wing, ensuring her dietary requirements were met so she could enjoy her holiday to the full. All the transfer teams were great and the tour guides superb. A special mention for Waleed Mourad, our tour guide down the Nile. He was without doubt the best tour guide we have ever had on a holiday. His knowledge ,professionalism and enthusiasm was second to none. Along with that he was always very friendly and helpful at all times. A really genuine person who is a credit to his profession and his country. We would recommend Mercury to anyone for a Nile cruise tour and will definitely look at traveling with them on other holidays in the future.

Date of experience : 01 June 2024

I dealt with two travel advisors

I dealt with two travel advisors. Both were friendly, polite and knowledgeable. I liked the way the brochure price was the actual price, not plus the usual hidden supplements.

Date of experience : 09 June 2024

Mercury Holidays - great company for long haul.

Great company to deal with, booking was a breeze, agent was efficient and listened to our requirements.

Excellent experience booking new holidays with you.

I spoke to Justin today, who has helped me book holidays with you before. Justin always works really hard to get me the best deal as a single traveler, and patiently explains the different holidays to the destinations I am interested in. I can’t recommend him and your service highly enough! Thank you.

Date of experience : 03 June 2024

Extremely pleasant and helpful

The lady who I spoke to on the telephone was so very pleasant and extremely helpful. Everything about my upcoming holiday was explained to the letter and all I had to do was sit back whilst everything was done me. I have used mercury holidays in the past and I shall definitely be using them again in the future

Date of experience : 04 June 2024

I've had many hoildays with Mercury…

I've had many hoildays with Mercury over several years, they are reliable and offer good value. When contacted, the staff are very pleasent and helpful I thoroughly recommend them.

Date of experience : 30 May 2024

• Mercury Holidays

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A Guide To Mercury Holidays

Mercury Holidays is a long-running, well rated, ABTA and ATOL protected tour operator, based in the UK. They offer holidays, cruises and escorted tours, packaged with flights, to top destinations in Europe like Spain, Cyprus and Malta, as well as longhaul hotspots like Sri Lanka, the UAE and Peru. And with really positive reviews on the likes of TrustPilot and Feefo, they are definitely a holiday brand worth considering for your next escape in 2024 and 2025.

Popular Destinations With Mercury Holidays

Malta Holidays

Cyprus Holidays

Sri Lanka Holidays

Mauritius Holidays

• Top Destinations

City Breaks

River cruises, booking & offers.

Destinations

Mercury offers package holidays to a wide variety of destinations both in Europe and around the world. We've picked a couple of our favourite destinations with Mercury below:

Cyprus is definitely one of the brand's most popular holiday destinations in Europe. Take a look at the beach destinations in and around Paphos and Larnaca with plenty of hotel accommodation options available.

Discover Malta and combine the Mediterranean sunshine with the culture and history of this fantastic island. Wander the little marinas and ports to find your favourite seaside restaurant for dinner after a long day by the pool.

The beautiful island of Sri Lanka is just waiting to be explored with the Indian Ocean at your doorstep. Beach resorts twinned with national parks and rainforests, make this a holiday to remember. Walk the trails, tour the temples and watch the wildlife on a stunning escape to Sri Lanka.

As the most popular holiday destination in Indonesia, Bali has long had a reputation as the ideal destination for a tropical beach escape. Whether you prefer to be waited on hand an foot in Sanur Beach, or head up into the rainforest around Ubud for a more peaceful stay, it's hard not to come back feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

For a truly unforgettable experience, a trip to Japan will play with the mind and the senses. From the bright lights and hustle and bustle of Tokyo and Osaka, to the rural retreats of Mt Fuji and Okinawa, you'll need more than just 7 nights to get to grips with this exciting destination.

The gorgeous city of Marrakech in Morocco is the ideal winter sun and city break destination. Less than four hours flight from the UK, Marrakech is home to both the traditional riads and sprawling spa hotels. Whether you prefer to be in the heart of the Medina, close to the souks, sights and sounds, or you'd rather be on the outskirts of the city centre with a swimming pool or two, amongst lush surroudings, there's an accommodation option for everyone.

Why not combine a city break with a beach holiday? Take a look at Dubai as one top destination , particularly if you're looking for some winter sun. While flights can be a bit more expensive than the low cost options of travel to Europe, with so many luxury hotels, there are often some fantastically cheap deals on accommodation available. Check out hotels in and around Jumeirah beach to take advantage of enjoying both the beach and the city.

The lesser know city and holiday destination in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi holidays are perhaps a little less "showy" than Dubai. Here you'll still find plenty to do, like Yas Island with Ferrari World and Warner Bros Studios, as well as both budget friendly and gorgeously luxurious hotels like the Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, set on a beautiful sandy beach.

Fly Drive & Escorted Tours

Mercury Holidays is well known for its worldwide escorted tours. From South America to Asia, these few days to several week long tours, both escorted and self-guided fly drives, allow holidaymakers to discover somewhere new and truly incredible, as well as enjoy local traditions and excursions. They can also be the perfect option for solo travellers looking to experience more of the world in a safe and comfortable way, while making new friends along the way.

Whether you want to explore the northern wonders or head down to the southern beaches, escorted tours of India are such an incredible way to discover the country. It's also a great way to meet likeminded people too.

New Zealand

New Zealand is such an incredible destination to discover and with so much to see and do, it's great to have the freedom of your own choice. That's why a fly-drive trip to New Zealand allows you to check out the towns, national parks and beaches that you want to. From the streets of Auckland to the vineyards of Marlborough.

As part of their large list of destinations, Nepal features in their walking tours section. A stunning place to discover by foot, Nepal treks incorporate Buddhist temples, national parks and the incredible landscape of the Himalayas.

River cruises are also a great holiday option to see more of Europe in a small but welcoming environment. These cruises float effortlessly along Europe's famous rivers, including the Rhone, Seine, Guadalquivir and even the waterways of Venice. These cruises offer all inclusive dining, modern, well-equipped cabins and a sun deck to make the most of the scenery as you float along with your favourite drink.

Nile Cruises

For those looking to book a Nile cruise, you can do so as part of a larger escorted tour package to Egypt, taking in the Giza Pyramids, Cairo tour and a cruise along the magnificent Nile river from Luxor.

From newspaper offers to discount codes, we're all out to get a budget break. Mercury Holidays has a number of special offers and holiday deals including no single supplements at selected hotels, 2nd week free and early discounts. Sometimes they do provide a promo code for larger value bookings which you may be able to find online. It can often be cheaper to book your flight and hotel or tour together.

All Inclusive

They also sell your typical all inclusive destinations like Greece, Gran Canaria, Egypt and Turkey, allowing you to book and pay for your holiday without having to worry about spending extra money while you're away. Bed & breakfast can also be the ideal board basis to both save money, and give you the opportunity to eat out in local restaurants and bars.

Discount Codes

Sometimes Mercury Holidays discount codes are available and these are usually available directly on their website. You can find the latest discount code at the top of their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you pay monthly with mercury holidays.

Yes, if booked far enough in advance, you can pay a deposit and regular installment payments. The full balance is usually payable 10 weeks before departure.

Are Mercury Holidays ATOL protected?

Yes, Mercury Holidays are ABTA and ATOL members.

Which airlines do Mercury Holidays use?

They use a variety of airlines including easyJet, British Airways, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines and Emirates.

How can I contact them?

The best contact telephone number for Mercury Holidays is 0333 321 3144.

Manage My Booking & Agent Login

If you're a customer and want to check the status of your booking before you travel, check details and pay your balance by using the Manage My Booking section on their website . If you're a travel agent, you can use the agent login to book and manage your customers' travel, download marketing material and claim any booking incentives you have earned through your account.

Mercury Holidays And Coronavirus

If you are an existing customer and you believe your booking has or will be affected by the Coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic, you should contact them directly to discuss your options. You should always read your booking terms and conditions for the cancellation policy, and check the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

Mercury Holidays Reviews In 2024

Reviews for Mercury Holidays in 2024 are very positive with customers rating them four and five stars (out of five) on travel review forums like TripAdvisor, Feefo and Trustpilot. There are positive comments about the handling of bookings and refunds during coronavirus with supportive and friendly customer service and staff. Mercury Direct is also a brand of the company.

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Mercury Holidays   Reviews

In the Tour Operator category

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Reviews 4.6.

9,742 total

Most relevant

Yohann was very clear with all we needed

Yohann was very clear with all information requested, and continued to be helpful throughout our enquiry which ended with us booking three weeks away in Malta, in November 2024. We look forward to using Mercury again in the New Year. Thank you.

Date of experience : June 23, 2024

We just got back from a 13 day guided…

We just got back from a 13 day guided tour of South Africa, what can we say but get it booked you will not be disappointed, we weren’t. The whole experience from day one in Cape Town to the final day in Johannesburg gets a 10. All the sights and sounds of South Africa were amazing they just got better each day and our guide Mark was amazing he made the trip more enjoyable his knowledge was never ending (thanks mate). All hotels were clean and the food and drink delicious, never had a bad meal and all the staff couldn’t do enough for you.

Date of experience : June 01, 2024

Ring back facility really excellent.

Quite quick response given it was mid day Sunday. Ring back facility really Excellent. Knowledgeable and courteous staff.

Excellent South Africa tour

Just returned from a 13 night Best of South Africa trip with Mercury Holidays. Amazing experience from start to finish. Smooth flights with BA. All the hotels we stayed in were good. Excellent knowledgeable tour guide and Driver. Such great value for money. Would definitely recommend and use again.

Date of experience : June 04, 2024

Another great tour in prospect.

So, so easy to book online. Great tour itinerary at an affordable price, Royal Indian Odyssey. Such good value for money as we have found on all our escorted tours with Mercury.

Date of experience : June 17, 2024

Unfair Policy

I booked a holiday with Mercury Holidays yesterday afternoon for holiday in May for more than than 30 days After checking my Travel Insurance I was only covered for 28 days So I rang this Morning for amendment and they charged me extra £50.I feel that is unfair for them to charge as I notified them in less than 24 hours

Date of experience : June 21, 2024

Easy booking experience

Spoke to Essa in the morning and all my questions were answered. Booked during the afternoon with more questions! Again all answered. Easy booking and I was sent details of accommodation and information straight away. So far, no problems at all.

Date of experience : June 18, 2024

As always very polite and effecient.We…

As always very polite and effecient.We have Travelled with you many times over the past years and have had great experiences. David and Sandra arnott

Date of experience : June 20, 2024

Really easy to use.

Really easy to use. Great prices & bonus of extra discount. Escorted tours.

Date of experience : June 22, 2024

Just returned from a 15 day holiday…

Just returned from a 15 day holiday with Mercury and it was the best holiday I’ve ever had and I travel a lot!! 5* service all the way. So wanted to rebook again for 3 months time. I had trouble with an issue on the website so rang in and Katy on reservations was superb and listened to all my requests (and more bless her) and sorted everything out - ringing me back with all the options and advice. All booked and paid and a very very happy customer 😀

Date of experience : June 16, 2024

Customer service …

A lady called Hajar was very helpful yesterday however the person I spoke to today Carmen was confusing and frustrating . I have found in the past customer service pretty poor and to be honest I will not use Mercury again

Lorraine was very professional and helpful getting us the best price as we are pensioner's its important. This is our 3rd booking with you and we are always very happy with the outcome.

I booked a holiday on the 22nd of June…

I booked a holiday on the 22nd of June online then we decided that we wanted to change the hotel to a more central location in benidorm so called mercury the next day & changed the hotel with no hassle at all with a small admin fee the lady on the call desk was very polite & helpful excellent travel firm thank you

First time booking

Pleasant young man made my booking. Polite, informative and efficient. First time booking with Mercury Holidays which I found smooth and a pleasure.

Date of experience : June 19, 2024

Grand tour India and Sri Lanka experience

The lady who i spoke to was very helpful in explaining everything i needed to know for my booking.

Great customer service and very professional. …

Katy the adviser dealt with my call to book two holidays in November 2024 and January 2025 to India. Katy was very gentle, polite and professional and helped me and answered any questions I asked. Really good service.

Date of experience : June 14, 2024

Holiday Booking experience

Was unable to find out all information on line (not able to book top deck cabin) resorted to telephone contact but still not able to ascertain whether Top Deck cabin was available, Booked holiday with proviso that agent would contact me as to availability of Top Deck cabin. No contact as yet (24hrs)

Have just booked our 4th holiday with…

Have just booked our 4th holiday with Mercury, going to Cyprus for 3 weeks in December. Excellent price, good choice of hotels, and a generous discount for booking early. We have been really pleased with previous holidays.

The agent listened to my questions and…

The agent listened to my questions and found me tours which met my request. The booking was made without any problems.

Holiday booked to the Maldives

Holiday booked to the Maldives, price was very reasonable and travel agent Nick helpful and polite.

Mercury Holidays

Global operator

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Travelers age

Trip prices

$928 — 4,213

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Mercury holidays reviews & ratings, straight forward to book on-line.

Straight forward to book on-line. Any problems are dea...

Stress free Holiday Booking

Just booked our holiday in Tenerife for next Christmas and found the Mercury Holidays web site extremely easy and straight forward to complete with the follow up of ...

Excellent service by Mercury Holidays

Well booked everything on my mobile so it was easy and stress-free

Miss Maureen

I am still waiting for all the information

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Great company, good value holidays.

Love this hotel always book well in advance so can benefit from your free single supplement, which I must say saves me money. This year and next year got a friend to...

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More Details

Solo friendly.

• No single supplement
• Solo & Singles Travel

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About the company.

Mercury Holidays  offer a great range of holiday deals in a variety of destinations for your well earned break. Book now for holidays & all inclusive packages.

Mercury Holidays Trips & Specials

Best of South Africa

Wonders of South India

Treasures of Japan

Chile Bolivia and Peru

Highlights of Ancient Greece

Kingdom of Bhutan

The Grand Capitals of Russia

Tuscany's Treasures

Want a tailor-made trip instead, your trip, your way, planned by an expert:.

• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
• Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

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Pompeii, Capri and the Amalfi Coast

8 day escorted tour.

Discover the dramatic Amalfi Coast where mountains cloaked in forest plunge into turquoise seas, cruise to stunning Capri, playground of the super-rich, discover the perfectly preserved ruins of Pompeii and immerse yourself in the food, energy and history of Naples.

Please note: Your guide will accompany you on all days when you have excursions, they will not accompany you on free days.

• Take a boat trip to the majestically beautiful island of Capri
• Visit haunting Pompeii, its ruins famously preserved under the volcanic ash of Vesuvius
• Explore vibrant Naples and its UNESCO listed historic centre
• Travel to the archaeological park of ancient Herculaneum at the foot of mighty Vesuvius
• Cruise along the picturesque Amalfi Coast, visiting Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello

Depart the UK for your flight to Naples Airport. Upon arrival, you will be met and taken to your hotel in the delightful village of Sant'Agata sui Due Golfi, near Sorrento. After you've settled in, enjoy a welcome meeting and drink with your local guide followed by dinner in the evening.

Transfer down the hill to the harbour in Sorrento, a stunning town nestled on the cliffs that was a favourite of Lord Byron, Charles Dickens, and Goethe. Take the public ferry boat along the Amalfi Coast stopping in sophisticated Positano with its vertiginous houses cascading down to the sea in a riot of sun-bleached peach, pink and terracotta. Continue to scenic Amalfi, set below steep cliffs, and explore the coast's most famous town. View the beautiful cathedral, Duomo di Amalfi dedicated to St Andrew. From Amalfi drive up into the hills to lovely Ravello which has enjoyed unrivalled views of the Amalfi Coast since its founding in the 5th Century as a Roman sanctuary. Enjoy a walk around town passing the Villa Rufolo, the Duomo di Ravello and other historic buildings. Return to Sant'Agata in the afternoon

Explore the local village with its shops and restaurants and marvellous views of the impressive Mount Vesuvius in the distance. If you'd prefer to visit Sorrento, your guide will give you instructions for taking the local bus into town.

Take the ferry from Sorrento harbour to the world famous island of Capri. With its steep cliffs and elegant villa's, fringed by the perfectly blue sea, it is easy to see how this has become the holiday island of choice for the rich and famous. Travel to Anacapri on the west side of the island by minibus to the top of Mount Solara for some truly amazing views. Explore Capri Town with its designer shops and stylish restaurants.

In AD79 Mount Vesuvius exploded in dramatic fashion, throwing lava and ash over the vibrant and busy city of Pompeii. Almost two millennia later the city remains frozen in time. Explore the amphitheatre, forum, lavish villas and discover how people lived their day to day lives.

Drive to the UNESCO listed City of Naples with its array of fine buildings and attractions. A guided tour will take you past the Royal Palace, the Garibaldi and Plebiscito squares, and the renowned San Carlo Opera House. Naples is well known as the place where the margherita pizza was invented and you will have time to search one out before you depart. Later, drive to Herculaneum situated at the foot of mighty Mount Vesuvius. Like Pompeii, Herculaneum was buried under the Vesuvian ash and has on show the best-preserved buildings of the era.

Spend your last day at leisure in the village, a great opportunity to enjoy the hotel facilities, get some last-minute souvenirs, or visit Sorrento on the local bus.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight, or continue on to your extension.

This tour can be booked by calling 1800 804 006

Sorry we cannot book this tour online at the moment.

Accommodation

Extend Your Tour

Pompeii, Capri and the Amalfi Coast with Santa Agata Sui Due Golfi Stay

Pompeii, Capri and the Amalfi Coast with Malta City Stay

Important information.

The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. The schedules of the domestic airlines in country are subject to frequent changes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. Some road construction &/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.

If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of €324.50pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.

It is your responsibility to check your passport validity. To enter Italy your passport must: have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive and have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave. Sources of information include; https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Weight restrictions will be finalized on your final documentation. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure. If you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0871 360 2000, quoting HX313.

We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote 'WK830' for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24-hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.

It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk , http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/ , www.hpa.org.uk , your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.

This tour is accessible to most people with a good level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves climbing of steep stairs and getting on and off coaches. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties. All our tours feature a “Tour Pace” to help find the right holiday for you. To travel on any of our tours requires unaided mobility and the ability to stroll around the sights, climb stairs and get on and off coaches and boats. The tour pace for Pompeii, Capri and the Amalfi Coast is rated as Easy Going. A reasonable level of fitness is required as you will be spending some time on your feet each day though there are no large distances to cover. You will be walking around the sights at a leisurely pace, and may be getting on and off coaches, trains and boats and climbing some steps.

The currency in Italy is the Euro, We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK, however cash machines are available in all the major cities to withdraw money in the local currency.

As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels as well as American Express.

You will need to take money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry, any meals not included in the itinerary as well as drinks and any additional snacks. Approximately £300- £400 per person will be sufficient for the duration of the tour. It is a good idea to try and maintain a supply of small notes and change in the local currency for tipping or small purchases.

Tipping It is customary to tip your guide and driver at the end of your tour, this is at your discretion, but we recommend you allow approximately €2 per person per day. Optional excursions are at an additional cost.

The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10, and the maximum will be 35. If in the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date, then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.

This tour does not operate as a fully escorted program. Your English-speaking guide will be with you on all scheduled excursion days, however, on free days when there are no planned activities, your guide will not accompany you. This allows you the flexibility to explore at your own pace and indulge in personal interests. You will still have access to a local team member who can assist you in case of emergencies on your free days.

Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character, and can range from business hotels to leisure hotels. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist compared to what you might expect in the UK. All group tours hotels have private bathroom facilities and air-conditioning, where needed. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Mercury Holidays is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs.

Breakfast will be at set times in the morning and dinner (when included) will be at the hotel.

It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way.

Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information

On your arrival in Naples you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Europlan, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/ Europlan representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your local guide will be on hand 24 hours a day should you have any queries.

If you need to contact your representative during your stay the details are:

Europlan: Address: Via Gabriele D’Annunzio, 11, 37011 Bardolino VR, Italy Contact number: 0039 045 620 9448 Email: [email protected]

Emergency contact information: Please find below the 24 hour emergency contact details for Europlan: 0039 045 620 9448

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We all can not thank you enough for an excellent trip you organized for us to The Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Thanks to your meticulous planning everything was fantastic and we had no issue whatsoever.

We are back home in Brisbane still wishing our wonderful India holiday was not yet over. We had a fantastic time - and, once again, thank you for your most efficient organisation of the detail. The driver, guides, in fact everyone we came in contact with from Mercury Travels were great. Finally, we will return to India and we will most certainly contact you to organise our trip.

We would like to thank Mercury Travels for organising wonderful tour for us in Delhi, Agra and Rajasthan. Everything was very well organised. Thank you very much for everything!

We would like to say thank you for a marvellous time in Rajasthan! We are deeply impressed by the excellent organisation of all the guides, hotels and the drives to 11 unique places in your beautiful country. We did not have to wait for one single minute; everyone took outstanding care of us. And we would like to emphasize the fantastic job of your driver! We will definitely recommend your company to our friends. Thank you and best wishes from Europe.

Overall it was an amazing trip and the service was excellent. The best notes go to our driver and our guide in Jaipur. We want to visit the south of India in the near future so with our comments I hope you can arrange a trip that fits our needs in the future.

Thanks so much for your help in planning a wonderful trip of South India which each and every one of us enjoyed thoroughly! The hotels were superb, including the facilities provided by them. The houseboat stay was also very pleasant. Overall we were very happy with the service provided by Mercury Travels throughout and would return to you in the future!

Mercury Holidays 2024 – Great Beach Holidays and Escorted Tours

Mercury Holidays have been providing holidaymakers holidays for over 40 years to a number of great destinations around the world. Some of their most popular destinations include Cyprus, Malta, Madeira and further afield worldwide destinations like the Maldives, India, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. 

Mercury Holidays offer a number of holiday types. You can enjoy the perfect getaway with luxury holidays, river cruises, worldwide escorted tours, rail holidays and even walking tours. If you would rather explore yourself you can book a fly drive holiday where all your hotel reservations are taken care of for you. You won't be stuck for holiday inspiration.

It's your holiday and you can pick from some truly fabulous holidays and let the travel experts in Mercury Holidays create an unforgettable holiday experience for you.

Mercury Holidays Best Prices

Mercury Holidays would not have been around this long if they didn't offer great holidays but also excellent value as well. Mercury Holidays are committed to providing the best holidays at the best prices. If you find you holiday cheaper anywhere else they will match the price. Full details and terms of this offer can be found on the official Mercury holidays website. 

You can also amend your holiday up to 14 days prior to travel. Plus in the event the FCO advice prevents travel to your destination you will get a full refund within 14 days.

Mercury Holiday Destinations

An A-Z list of escorted holiday destinations offered by Mercury Holidays. If you have any of these destinations on your travel bucket list you are in luck. You may be able to visit one or more on the one escorted tour.

Albania, Borneo, Botswana, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Georgia, Iceland, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kerala, Lebanon, Madagascar, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Norway, Oman, Peru, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Seychelles, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Tibet, Turkey, USA, Uzbekistan, Vietnam.

You can browse tours and the massive range of holidays on the Mercury Holidays website.  

Mercury Package Holidays

Mercury Holidays is also a provider of package holidays and have holiday deals in the most popular holiday destinations around the Mediterranean. They also offer Canary Island holidays covering Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura.  

You can select from all your favourite board basis. So expect to see self catering, bed and breakfast, half and full board and of course all-inclusive holidays  Once you find you ideal flights you can select your accommodation and airport transfers. You can also select the luggage requirements you need for your holiday. This way you only pay for what you need. If you have your own flights you can also book hotel only deals.

All Mercury offers on package holidays are ATOL protected. Mercury Holidays are also members of ABTA

Mercury Holidays Malta

Malta has always been a favourite holiday destination for holidaymakers from the UK. You have the option to stay on the main island or go to the smaller islands of Gozo and Comino. With the national language being English it's easy to interact with the islanders.  Valetta is the capitol of Malta and is a fortified 16th-century city recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Popular holiday resorts on the island include Sliema and St. Julians and for a quieter holiday experience look at Qawra and Bugibba. Mercury Malts holidays include cheap package holidays to 5 star luxury stays.

Mercury Holidays Cyprus

Cyprus is another favourite destination with British holidaymakers so it is not surprising that Mercury Cyprus holiday range also reflects that. There is a great portfolio of beach holidays, mid-range holidays and all inclusive holiday deals. 

You can pick from a good range of resorts including Ayia Napa, Coral Bay, Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos, and Protaras. 

If you are looking for a luxury Cyprus hotel you will find plenty of 5 star hotels plus other 3 and 4 star hotel choices. Some hotels also have the option for upgrades in board basis and rooms > more

Single Travellers & Solo Offers

Mercury Holidays love single travellers and have secured holidays with no single room supplements. So solo travellers can stay in a twin room without having to pay extra. This single traveller offer is limited and the single room special offers can sell out. So if you see a no supplement deal grab it while it is there!  There are solo traveller deals on a great range of holidays in resorts in Spain, Malta, the Algarve, Madeira, Greece, Turkey and more.  Solo travel deals apply to more exotic destinations like Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Kenya and Dubai,  

Mercury Holidays Discount Code

Sometimes there are discount codes offering even greater value on many Mercury Holidays. These can be destination specific or for certain accommodation. If there id a discount code available then you will see it on the website. The discount codes are there to get you to book!

Mercury Holidays Special Offers 

Mercury Holidays special offers can be found on their special offer page on their website. Typical special offers include all inclusive deals , free weeks and no single supplement offers.

At some properties if you book a 7 nights holiday deal you get a 2nd week free. The 7 nights free deal also applies to some 14 night holidays where you get the 3rd week free > more

Mercury Late Deals Holidays

As with most tour operators Mercury holidays late deals or late availability can be booked if there is availability. Popular dates such as the school holiday periods and Christmas and New Year tend to sell well in advance. In simple terms it just comes down to supply and demand. 

If the demand is low then the prices may get reduced to stimulate bookings. However Mercury Holidays do not do their own charter flights so have no need to off load cheap holidays. They take advantage of airlines distressed stock and use those deals to offer better prices. 

Mercury Holidays River Cruises

Sailing down a river with great views and a drink in your had as the world goes by. What could be better than enjoying the scenery, sights and sounds on the river? Plus you get to stop and explore lots of towns and cities hassle free. Jump back on-board and sit back and relax as you gently sail off to your next place to visit. 

Enjoy great food & entertainment whilst on-board as you contemplate your next cultural or shopping experience the next day.  River cruising is a very popular holiday choice for many holidaymakers and their are so many options to choose from.  There are river cruise holidays in Austria, Czech Republic, France, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Russia & Spain. Each country and river offering something different.  Cruise along the Danube and visit Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. In Germany you could explore the Rhine and the Moselle and visit Frankfurt and Heidelberg. In Italy you could explore the waterways of Venice and Chioggia

Combine some great walking tours with a river cruise from Basel. Sailing to Breisach, Mainz, Koblenz, Dusseldorf and Amsterdam. On this trip you visit four countries on the one holiday!

Mercury Holidays Escorted Rail Journeys

There is something relaxing about a train journey (outside the UK) The mix of old and new trains each offering a unique journey experience. Plus you get to travel in more comfort than on a coach. You can get up and stretch your legs without missing out on any of the scenery.

Mercury escorted rail holidays are offered in China, japan, India & Vietnam.  Depending on the trip you book your journey may also include flights during your holiday as well as getting you to and from your holiday destination. You can holiday with ease as everything is taken care of for you.  Holiday by rail in China starting in Japan with a rail trip to Kyoto followed by flights to Shanghai and onto Xi'an to see the Terracotta Warriors before heading to Beijing. Indian rail journeys include trips to Nepal. Other rail holidays in India include Delhi to Mumbai with stops at Ahmedabad, Udaipur, Jaipur and Jodhpur.

Mercury Walking Holidays

Walking holidays are a great way to stroll through some amazing parts of the world and really experience a destination. Fortunately Mercury walking holidays help you achieve this. You don't have to travel to the other end of the world to enjoy an escorted walking holiday. 

Walking holidays in Madeira can be combined with a stay in Funchal where you can enjoy a few days off walking before flying back the the UK. Some days you will be walking for 3 hours per day and others 4-5 hours. the group numbers are normally kept to under 20.

If you would rather explore a more excising there are walking holidays in Nepal hiking the Himalayas' Annapurna trail. Vietnam offers walking holidays with a Hanoi and Halong Bay extension after all the walking is over > more

Mercury Fly Drive Tours

A visit to New Zealand is not an annual holiday for most holidaymakers. So in order to get the best out of your trip the holiday specialists at Mercury Travel have put together a few fly drive holiday package deals. These flexible holidays offer 17 – 24 day fly drive experiences in New Zealand. Each days drive is designed to get you the best possible holiday experience > more

Mercury Holidays use a number of different airlines depending on the route chosen. If there are more than one you have the option to choose the cheapest or the one with the flight times most suitable for you.

If there is a discount code it will be clearly displayed on their website.

Mercury Holidays are popular with solo travellers as they offer a number of hotels with no single room supplements.

Yes, all package holidays booked with Mercury Holidays are ATOL protected. They are also members of ABTA.

The booking terms and conditions can be found on the Mercury Holidays website.

To contact Mercury Holidays by telephone call 0333 305 0794 or click here

Mercury Holidays have been going for over 40 years. They wouldn't last this long if they weren't!

Mercury Holidays accept Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards

Mercury Holidays fly from most airports around the United Kingdom. 

Once you have booked you can manage your holiday online. Just login on the “Manage Your Booking” page

Mercury Holidays last minute holidays are always available if there are flights and accommodation available to book. Obviously this will depend of the availability when you book and wish to travel.

You can book online for long stay holidays durations of up to 43 nights.

Mercury Holidays offer Tenerife holidays to resorts all over the island. Expect to see resorts like Costa Adeje, Playa De Las Americas, Playa Paraiso, Puerto de la Cruz, Golf del Sur and more.

Financial Protection

As a leading holiday specialists and tour operator offering a flight and a hotel or escorted tour package holiday you are financially protected under the ATOL scheme. Mercury Holidays are also members of ABTA.

It is a good idea to check your holiday destination before booking using the United Kingdom government website for the latest health. entry requirements and travel warnings. You can do this by visiting https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

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Travel | From globe trotting to globe tripping: Why…

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Travel | temperatures expected to drop after a scorching saturday in the bay area, travel | from globe trotting to globe tripping: why psychedelic vacations are on trend, the legal and physical implications of this sort of travel can be murky..

More people are opting to leave 5-star resorts and cruises behind and take a different kind of vacation, one that comes with a side of mind-altering drugs. But the legal and physical implications of this sort of travel can be murky.

For a moment, consider taking a slightly different kind of trip on your next vacation. You and your fellow travelers will explore unimaginable distances without moving much at all. You can’t take any luggage with you – unless your emotional baggage counts – or bring back souvenirs. In fact, you may not even be able to describe the journey to the folks at home.

Despite this strangeness, or perhaps because of it, many of the travelers who have turned to psychedelic vacations consider them to be life-changing experiences that are well worth the money. Others, however, point out that these retreats have an uneasy relationship with Indigenous communities – and they worry about the possible dangers of consuming mind-altering substances without proper guidance.

Why are so many tourists turning to psychedelic tourism, and what are some of the most popular substances offered at these wellness retreats ? Should travelers be concerned about the safety, ethics or legality of these experiences? Keep reading to find out.

What does a typical psychedelic vacation involve?

Sia-Luna Estrella, a healer and Shamanic practitioner , knows exactly how she found her way into running psychedelic retreats. “It was a higher calling from the sacred mountain here in Cuzco,” she remembers. She felt called to move to Peru and later invited others to join her on retreats to South America, South Africa and other locations.

Estrella said goodbye to her car, job and ocean-view apartment, and embraced a fresh start. “It brought me back to the truth of who I was and what is my greatest purpose here on Earth.”

Over the years, Estrella has seen over a hundred retreat participants come and go. She doesn’t always weave psychedelics into her retreats – sometimes, she just works with cacao ceremonies and the energy of the land – but she’s quick to note the importance of treating these powerful substances properly.

Plant medicines

“We don’t think of these as psychedelics, we think of them as plant teachers and plant medicine. They have their own consciousness,” explains Estrella. She primarily works with the San Pedro cactus, a plant that contains the psychoactive substance locally known as wachuma, or mescaline.

Mescaline is just one of several psychedelic substances that can be experienced during retreats. Peyote, another cactus that also contains mescaline, is a popular choice, as is ayahuasca, a psychoactive tea. Medicines gathered from toads can also be used, such as 5-MeO-DMT, which can also be derived from plants, and Kambo, a poisonous toad secretion that is applied to the skin through small burn wounds.

But perhaps the most familiar substance used in psychedelic retreats is psilocybin, also known as ‘shrooms – not to be confused with regular mushrooms . According to Thrillist , psilocybin can be experienced in vacations across the globe, from beachside ceremonies in Jamaica – where psilocybin is unregulated – to collaborative research projects in The Netherlands.

The recent emergence of wellness tourism is a brand-new phenomenon, but psychedelics have been used by Indigenous communities for thousands of years. Robyn Landau, writing for Trippin , noted that the growing demand for psychedelics can quickly become unsustainable, threatening to destroy traditional Indigenous practices.

Landau explains that in Mexico peyote has become scarce due to tourism, agriculture and mining. In light of the fact that the plant takes 15 years to grow, this is cause for concern. Landau suggests that travelers hoping to benefit from Indigenous medicines should take time to learn about the communities that are stewards of these remedies and how to respectfully engage with traditional practices.

Who will your fellow travelers be?

Why might someone be drawn to a psychedelic retreat? Some travelers are simply looking to try new experiences; others attend in hopes of working through bigger problems such as depression, anxiety, trauma or addiction.

In an interview with Travel Weekly , Justin Townsend, CEO and Head Facilitator at MycoMeditations, highlighted the diversity of attendees at their retreats. “A typical retreat normally consists of about 50% female, 50% male, and we get everything from blue-collar workers to white-collar workers from all kinds of professions, people from their mid-30s through to their 60s,” Townsend told Travel Weekly.

Psychedelics and mental health

In recent years, there’s been a growing conversation about the way in which psychedelics can address mental illness, as demonstrated by Michael Pollan’s 2018 book “How to Change Your Mind” exploring the subject. On the other hand, critics have also noted the risks associated with psychedelic use.

The New York Times warned that psychedelics “can cause psychosis or long-term mental health issues, particularly in patients with a predisposition to mental illness.” The same article also discusses the robberies, sexual assaults and even deaths that have occurred at psychedelic retreats.

Estrella is well aware of the dangers of misusing traditional medicines. “You see a lot of people in Western society go to the jungle for three weeks and say they’re a shaman who is qualified to work with the medicine, and that is incredibly dangerous,” she says firmly. But she also believes in the power of psychedelics to help people heal. “The medicine will help you work through trauma, limited beliefs and conditioning. If there are answers, the medicine will help you find those answers within yourself.”

Wait, is any of this legal?

Before grabbing your passport, should you call your lawyer? To give a classic lawyerly answer: well, it depends.

“In some countries, particularly in South America, psychedelic retreats can be legal or legal-ish, per my understanding,” says Marc Z. Goldgrub, a lawyer at Green Economy Law Professional Corporation . The firm focuses on psychedelics, green business and housing. Goldgrub also runs the website PsychedelicLaw.ca. Estrella confirms this answer.

“But in the US and Canada, psychedelic retreats are generally simply illegal,” says Goldrub. In these parts of North America, “there is no such thing as a 100% legal psilocybin, MDMA or ayahuasca retreat that’s totally open to the public. Though some retreats are marketed with an impressive veneer of professionalism which wrongly would suggest otherwise to those who don’t know better.”

On top of how the psychedelic substances themselves are regulated, Goldgrub explains, there may be civil liability concerns to be aware of as well. “If something bad happens to someone, practitioners can be sued under tort law.”

Final thoughts

So, is a psychedelic retreat your next vacation? Some travelers will undoubtedly be eager to experience these medicines for themselves. Others will be content to curl up with a copy of Aldous Huxley’s “The Doors of Perception” and a mug of regular tea .

One thing is for certain: as the demand for wellness continues to grow, it’s likely that psychedelic retreats will become ever more popular. Will this cause them to lose their cool factor, though? Only time will tell.

For her part, despite the sometimes challenging aspects of running psychedelic retreats, Estrella maintains a characteristic sense of calm and optimism about introducing new travelers to medicine ceremonies.

“It’s quite normal for people to feel a sense of excitement and nervousness,” she says. “But as long as they come with an open heart, then it’s an incredible experience.”

Ksenia Prints is a writer, blogger, photographer and recipe developer from Montreal, Canada. She blogs over At the Immigrant’s Table , a food blog showcasing healthy, beautiful international recipes for adventurous home cooks. She loves to highlight ethnic cuisines and immigrant cultures and adapt those recipes to gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, sugar-free and other dietary restrictions.

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This Thanksgiving, Full Planes to Go With Full Plates

With about 30 million travelers expected to jam U.S. airports this year and storms in the forecast, you may want to take an extra helping of patience, too.

By Steven Moity

A government shutdown won’t be disrupting travel plans this Thanksgiving after Congress agreed on Wednesday to a funding package that lasts through early next year. But clouds and crowds might make your trip a slog anyway.

The Transportation Security Administration expects about 30 million passengers to fly between this Friday and the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, an 11.5 percent increase over the same period last year.

The weather won’t make the Thanksgiving crush any easier. Weekend storms in New England and low clouds and rain on the California coast could cause some delays. And Monday through Wednesday morning, a strong cold front will move eastward, slowing operations at airline hubs like Houston and Chicago before soaking the East Coast, said Paul Pastelok, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather.

If you haven’t booked your trip already, average airfare prices are slightly lower than they were in 2019, said Melanie Fish, head of public relations at Expedia Brands, and you can really save time and money if you fly on Thanksgiving Day.

“According to Expedia data, flying on Thanksgiving Day is 11 percent cheaper than average for the week of Thanksgiving, but here’s the real kicker — it’s almost half as busy compared to the day before Thanksgiving,” Ms. Fish said.

The four major New York City-area airports run by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey are expecting 3.1 million passengers from this Monday through the Monday after Thanksgiving, up slightly from three million over the same period last year, said Seth Stein, spokesman for the Port Authority.

Those planning to crowd the streets of Manhattan — instead of the airports — for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade can expect the giant balloons to be flying high: The forecast calls for very little wind, Mr. Pastelok said, and the day will be sunny and chilly, with temperatures topping out in the mid-40s.

On the ground

AAA predicts that 49.1 million Americans will drive to their destinations for Thanksgiving, an increase of 1.7 percent compared with 2022, said Robert Sinclair Jr., a senior manager at AAA. That means jammed highways, with the busiest days forecast to be this Wednesday and the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

Drivers may face longer travel times than usual on certain routes, AAA reported . Along Interstate 5 between Los Angeles and Bakersfield, Calif., expect to spend 88 percent more travel time than usual on Wednesday afternoon. Drivers on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, north of the nation’s capital, are projected to spend 71 percent more time on the road, starting early Wednesday afternoon.

Filling up the tank will cost those drivers less. Average gas prices nationwide are projected to drop to $3.25 per gallon next week, said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy . “Average gas prices have plummeted in all 50 states in the weeks ahead of Thanksgiving, with $2.99 prices spreading like wildfire just in time for the start of the holiday season,” he said in a news release .

Americans are also taking to the rails at higher numbers this year, with Amtrak expecting 750,000 customers from this Sunday until the Sunday after Thanksgiving, said Jason Abrams, senior public relations manager at Amtrak, a jump of about 2 percent.

Mr. Sinclair of AAA had a bit of advice for all the Thanksgiving road warriors: Beat the Sunday traffic by driving on Saturday. “For those who listen to Ben Franklin,” Mr. Sinclair said, “Fish and company go bad after three days.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2023 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Ljubljana, Slovenia:  Stroll along the river, explore a contemporary art scene and admire panoramic views in this scenic Central European capital .

Cities With Great Beaches:  Already been to Miami, Honolulu and Sydney? These five other coastal destinations  are vibrant on land and on the water.

Southern France:  The Canal du Midi traverses the Occitanie region and gives cyclists of all skill levels  access to parts of France that are rich in lore .

Port Antonio, Jamaica:  The D.J. and music producer Diplo recommends spots in a city he loves  on Jamaica’s northeast coast. A dance party makes the cut.

New Mexico:  Visiting the vast and remote Gila Wilderness, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary, is both inspiring and demanding .