My “what’s new for 2018” article in the Sun, on New Year’s Eve, featured flights to the Seychelles and Nashville being launched by British Airways.
And the destinations are included here in BA’s list of must-see destinations for 2018, also influenced by sporting events and TV programmes. The latest season of Game of Thrones has put Croatia firmly on the map, and a number of far-flung destinations rank among the top picks, including Barbados and Muscat.
As one of the most desirable holiday destinations, the Seychelles is a must-see for 2018. Famed as some of the most idyllic islands on the planet, the Seychelles has something for everyone, whether you’re a sun-seeker looking for serious relaxation, or a thrill-seeker wanting to scuba dive or trek through the jungle. From March 24, British Airways will offer direct flights from the UK.
The ever-evolving and constantly innovative Toronto also features as a hotspot to watch. Canada celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2017 and, with Toronto leading the celebrations, more people are thinking of the city as one of Canada’s best destinations.
Claire Bentley, managing director of British Airways Holidays, said: “Savvy holidaymakers are always looking for top tips to explore the latest and coolest destinations. We’ve built up years of experience to offer deals to suit all travellers, from city breaks, to fly drives to multi-city tours.
“Our holidays won’t break the bank and a deposit of just £150 will secure your break away.”
Here’s the Top 18 top destinations from British Airways:
SEYCHELLES
A paradise for honeymooners, families and sun worshippers, the Seychelles is famous for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and colourful coral reefs. Made up of 115 diverse individual islands, there is something on offer for holidaymakers seeking ultimate relaxation or adventure, from snorkeling and scuba diving to wandering through exotic markets or relaxing on the blissful shores of the numerous white beaches. From March, British Airways is the online airline to fly directly to the Seychelles from the UK.
Package: Seven nights at the 3* Le Relax Hotel & restaurant , from £849 per person, travelling on selected dates in September. Includes World Traveller return flights from Heathrow and accommodation with breakfast. Book by January 30.
Flights: Return flights in World Traveller start from £598, World Traveller Plus from £898, Club World from £2298 and £2998 in First.
TORONTO
Treat yourself with a trip to Toronto, the biggest city in Canada and a metropolis with fantastic art, culture, sightseeing, restaurants and nightlife. Time your visit during the star-studded Toronto Film Festival, which draws global crowds and is one of the largest publicly attended film festivals in the world attracting over 480,000 people annually. With direct flights from London to Toronto year round, find your way to a vibrant city which is perfect during sunny summer days or snowy winter evenings.
Package: Three nights at the 3* Bond Place Hotel Toronto, from £479 per person, travelling November 1 to November 30. Includes World Traveller return flights from Heathrow and accommodation. Book by January 30.
Flights: Return flights in World Traveller start from £374, World Traveller Plus from £735, Club World from £1410 and £1810 in First.
Nashville skyline: Direct flights from May to the home of country music
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
A new route to Music City will be music to travellers’ ears, as from May, British Airways will be travelling directly from Europe to the home of country music and good living. Discover Nashville through its streets, stories, and the stars on its pavements. Must see’s include the famous Bluebird Café and The Country Music Hall of Fame, whilst must do’s include a whiskey tour of Jack Daniel’s distillery followed by a huge traditional Southern meal of delicious crispy fried chicken and shrimp.
Package: Five nights at the 3* Hyatt Place Nashville/Brentwood , from £779 per person, travelling November 1 to November 30. Includes World Traveller return flights from Heathrow and accommodation. Book by January 30.
Flights: Return flights in World Traveller start from £499, World Traveller Plus from £777 and Club World from £1318.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
It has never been easier to get to New Orleans; the birthplace of jazz, rock ‘n’ roll and R&B. Famous for its Mardi Gras, make the most of the city by visiting during the historical celebrations to catch the popular parades and electric atmosphere. Plan a visit to the architecturally fascinating French Quarter, followed by an evening out on the monumental Bourbon Street.
Package: Five nights at the 4* Wyndham New Orleans – French Quarter, from £699 per person, travelling November 1 to November 30. Includes World Traveller return flights from Heathrow and accommodation. Book by January 30.
Flights: Return flights in World Traveller start from £496, World Traveller Plus from £771 and Club World from £1584.
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
The futuristic capital of South Korea, where modern skyscrapers and pop culture meet Buddhist temples and street markets, is a must-visit for 2018. Explore the fascinating culture of Seoul in one of the most authentic ways possible – through its local cuisine. For those who prefer an activity holiday, hiking is a popular activity in Seoul, and there are world-class golf course and ski resorts within driving distance. Snow sport lovers should plan to visit in February to tie in with the Winter Olympic Games being held in PyeongChang.
Flights: British Airways flies year round directly from Heathrow to Seoul Incheon Airport, with return flights in World Traveller start from £656, World Traveller Plus from £943 and Club World from £1793.
New York: One of the greatest cities in the world
NEW YORK
Wake up in the city that never sleeps by treating yourself to a long weekend in New York in 2018. With an iconic skyline, energetic nightlife, bounty of museums and endless shops, a trip to the Big Apple is guaranteed to leave you dazzled.
Package: Three nights at the 3* Marrakech Hotel, from £449 per person, travelling February 1 to February 28. Includes World Traveller return flights from Heathrow and accommodation. Book by January 30.
Flights: Return flights in World Traveller start from £371, World Traveller Plus from £747, Club World from £1392 and £1792 in First.
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA
Oakland’s booming tourism this year, particularly among millennial travellers, has raised its profile and helped it hit the hotlist for 2018. The city offers museums and historical sites, a vibrant arts scene, innovative restaurants and bars, and boutique shops. Catch the train for a short journey to San Francisco, a small city which is big on food, eclectic sights and history.
Package: Five nights at the 3* Best Western Plus Americania, from £599 per person, travelling February 1 to February 28. Includes World Traveller return flights from Gatwick and accommodation. Book by January 30.
Flights: Return flights in World Traveller start from £374, World Traveller Plus from £644 and Club World from £1788.
MALTA
Discover remarkable history, glistening hidden coves and timeless villages by visiting Malta, one of the smallest counties in the world and a melting pot of Mediterranean culture. Made up of three tiny Islands on the southern edge of Europe, a must-visit is Valetta, Malta’s capital and a 2018 European Capital of Culture. This remarkable city is small and easy to explore on foot, bursting with ancient palaces and baroque churches.
Package: Seven nights at the 5* Grand Hotel Excelsior,from £529 per person, travelling February 1 to February 15. Includes Euro Traveller return flights from Gatwick and accommodation with breakfast. Book by January 30.
Flights: Return flights in Euro Traveller start from £82 and Club Europe from £271.
RUSSIA
From party capital Moscow to culture capital St Petersburg, Russia is a brash, exciting and fascinating place to visit blessed with so many cultural and national treasures that it would take several trips to see them all. Take advantage of British Airways flights to Moscow and St Petersburg, which are both proud host cities for the 2018 Fifa World Cup.
Package (St Petersburg): Three nights at the 3* Nevsky Central, from £189 per person, travelling February 5 to March 19. Includes Euro Traveller return flights from Heathrow and accommodation with breakfast. Book by January 30. For reservations visit ba.com or call 0344 493 0125.
Flights: Return flights to St Petersburg in Euro Traveller start from £144 and Club Europe from £377.
CROATIA
Croatia’s rare blend of glamour and authenticity have made it one of Europe’s hottest holiday destinations. Customers can fly British Airways to the fashionable setting of Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik, to the coastal city of Pula and to the capital Zagreb. Festival fans will be delighted to know that, with no Glastonbury happening in 2018, British Airways flies directly to Split. Situated at the heart of the Dalmatian coast, this city is bursting with energy and a charming Mediterranean vibe set against a backdrop of pine-fringed coastline and mountainous landscape, and is a convenient driving distance to Hideout festival, a leading European music festival.
Package: British Airways Holidays offers four nights at the 4* Duje, from £399 per person, travelling March 6 to March 26. Includes Euro Traveller return flights from Heathrow and accommodation. Book by January 30.
Flights: Return flights in Euro Traveller to Dubrovnik start from £127 and Club Europe from £265.
SANTIAGO, CHILE
Stretching 4,300km from the driest desert in the world to massive glacial fields, few countries can boast the rich contrast of Chile. Santiago provides the perfect base, a colourful and cultural feast for the senses. By day the sights, vineyards, coastline and mountains are all within easy reach of this city, where by night the streets are thronging with partygoes. British Airways now offers direct flights to Chile’s leafy capital.
Package: Six nights at the 4* Hotel Fundador, from £1049 per person, travelling September 1 to September 30. Includes World Traveller return flights from Heathrow and accommodation. Book by January 30.
Flights: Return flights in World Traveller start from £951, World Traveller Plus from £1213, Club World from £2299 and £4298 in First.
INVERNESS, SCOTLAND
A small and compact city, Inverness is the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, a diverse and spectacular region of wilderness renowned for its lochs, sweeping glens, imposing mountains and rugged coastline. Ideal for adventurous holidaymakers, the highlands offer mountaineering and climbing during the summer and, and skiing at Aviemore in the winter months. For a more relaxing day trip, Speyside is located just south of Inverness and has the largest concentration of whisky distilleries in Scotland. With British Airways offering direct daily flights to Inverness, customers can be in Scotland in no time
Package: Three nights at the 3* Crerar Ben Wyvis Hotelfrom £149 per person, travelling March 1 to March 25. Includes Euro Traveller return flights from Heathrow and accommodation. Book by January 30.
Flights: Return flights in Euro Traveller start from £65 and Club Europe from £229.
Tallinn: Celebrating its 100th birthday with celebrations galore
TALLINN, ESTONIA
2018 will mark the 100th Birthday of the Republic of Estonia, with celebrations galore across the country. These will be lead by the capital, Talinn, a vibrant city whose historic centre has a UNESCO World Heritage status. Fusing modern and medieval with its ancient cobbled streets, glass skyscrapers, baroque palaces and trendy cafes, Talinn is a fairy-tale city which is perfect for a weekend break.
Package: British Airways Holidays offers three nights at the 3* Metropol, from £189 per person, travelling May 1 to May 29. Includes Euro Traveller return flights from Heathrow and accommodation. Book by January 30.
Flights: Return flights in Euro Traveller start from £64 and Club Europe from £226.
LISBON, PORTUGAL
The Portuguese city of Lisbon sits on several hills rising from the northern banks of the Tagus river. A beautiful and historic city, a mini-break to Lisbon offers traditional colourful culture and beautiful beaches alongside a modern foodie scene and busy nightlife amid picturesque, pastel coloured surroundings.
Package: British Airways Holidays offers two nights at the 3* Alvorada, from £199 per person, travelling June 2 to June 28. Includes Euro Traveller return flights from Heathrow and accommodation. Book by January 30.
Flights: Return flights in Euro Traveller start from £93 and Club Europe from £377.
MYKONOS, GREECE
A firm favourite amongst sunseekers, Mykonos is a must-visit due to its picture perfect beauty, fascinating history, spectacular beaches, cultured old town and white-washed villages. By day, holidaymakers enjoy snorkeling, diving and exploring the hidden coves and beachfront bars whilst waiting for night to fall, when some of Europe’s best nightclubs come to life. British Airways offers both flights and holidays to this designer island.
Package: British Airways Holidays offers seven nights at the 3* Kamari Hotel, from £489 per person, travelling May 13 to May 23. Includes Euro Traveller return flights from Heathrow and accommodation with breakfast. Book by January 30.
Flights: Return flights in Euro Traveller start from £135 and Club Europe from £610.
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
Budding explorers must take a visit to Scandinavia’s coolest capital. Innovation is the theme here in Denmark’s capital city, which is home to a thriving design scene, new and old architecture, quirky bakeries and pop-up bars. Perfect for a long weekend, visitors should take a stroll into Tivoli Gardens, stop by and see The Little Mermaid by the coast and relax by the harbour.
Package: British Airways Holidays offers two nights at the 3* Copenhagen Star Hotel, from £159 per person, travelling February 3 to February 28. Includes Euro Traveller return flights from London Heathrow and accommodation. Book by January 30.
Flights: Return flights in Euro Traveller start from £71 and Club Europe from £354.
MUSCAT, OMAN
Those seeking out the modern face of Arabia while still wanting to sense its ancient roots will enjoy the magic of Muscat, Oman’s charming capital city. The balance between tradition and modernity is well established, with medieval forts, palaces and bazaars sitting beside modern malls and opulent resorts. Visit the Mutrah Souq where Muscat comes to life with in clouds of incense, glittering gold jewelry and precious Omani artefacts.
Package: British Airways Holidays offers three nights at the 4* Park Inn by Radisson Muscat, from £389 per person, travelling on selected dates in January. Includes World Traveller return flights from Heathrow and accommodation. Book by January 9.
Flights: Return flights in World Traveller start from £299, World Traveller Plus from £512, Club World from £1099 and £1643 in First.
BARBADOS
Discover the best of Barbados with British Airways direct flights. Ringed by glittering azure waters, white-sand beaches fringed with palm trees and lush greenery, this genteel island makes for a truly special holiday. Those looking for action will find exhilarating watersports, whilst those looking for relaxation will love the sandy shores and gentle surf. Soak up the history in Bridgetown, enjoy a spot of afternoon tea at a 17th-century plantation before heading to the legendary Fish Fry for dinner. Wander the scene with a Barbadian rum whilst enjoying the energetic Calypso background music.
Package: British Airways Holidays offers seven nights at the 3* Rostrevor Hotel, from £529 per person, travelling on selected dates in September. Includes World Traveller return flights from Gatwick and accommodation. Book by January 30.
Flights: Return flights in World Traveller start from £461, World Traveller Plus from £813, Club World from £1488 and £2688 in First.
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