7 Types of Holidays to Try When You Fancy Something Different
There’s something wonderfully exciting about having a holiday to look forward to. Whether it’s a long weekend exploring somewhere new, a fortnight in the sunshine or a few peaceful days in the countryside, getting away from everyday life can be just what we need.
But choosing where to go isn’t always the difficult part. Sometimes, it’s deciding what sort of holiday we’re actually in the mood for.
Do you fancy switching off completely, filling your days with sightseeing, discovering somewhere through its food or simply spending quality time with someone special?
The beauty of travel is that there’s no single way to enjoy it. A luxury hotel might be perfect for one trip, while a secluded woodland cabin, independent city apartment or adventurous solo escape could be exactly what you’re craving next.
If your usual holiday routine is starting to feel a little predictable, these seven types of holidays might inspire you to try something different.
1. Romantic Countryside Retreats for Two
Best for: Couples, anniversaries, romantic weekends and peaceful escapes.
Sometimes the most appealing holiday involves doing very little at all.
Picture a cosy cottage with a roaring log burner, a luxurious cabin overlooking the countryside or a secluded lodge where the only difficult decision is whether to take a long walk before settling in for the evening.
Romantic countryside retreats offer the chance to enjoy uninterrupted time together, away from busy schedules and everyday distractions.
And while they’re lovely during summer, there’s something particularly appealing about a rural escape during autumn and winter. Crisp mornings, colourful landscapes, cosy country pubs and evenings spent beside the fire all add to the experience.
Where to go
The UK has some beautiful destinations for a romantic countryside getaway.
- The Lake District: Ideal for lakeside lodges, boutique hotels, scenic walks and cosy restaurants.
- The Cotswolds: Perfect for traditional cottages, charming villages and luxurious country house hotels.
- The Yorkshire Dales: Wonderful for secluded cabins, countryside walks and welcoming village pubs.
- Northumberland: A lovely choice for peaceful coastal retreats, dramatic landscapes and rural hideaways.
How to make the most of it
Look for accommodation that offers something special, such as a private hot tub, freestanding bath, outdoor terrace or beautiful countryside views.
Location matters, too. A remote cabin might sound idyllic, but check how far you’ll need to travel for restaurants, shops and local attractions.
For a genuinely relaxing break, avoid filling every day with activities. Sometimes, the best moments happen when there’s absolutely nothing on the itinerary.
2. Foodie Holidays Built Around Great Places to Eat
Best for: Food lovers, adventurous eaters, couples and friends.
If you’re the sort of person who researches restaurants before booking a hotel, a food-focused holiday could be your perfect escape.
Food is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience a destination. From bustling markets and independent cafés to traditional family-run restaurants and exceptional fine dining, every region has something different to discover.
A culinary holiday doesn’t necessarily mean spending a fortune on tasting menus, either.
Some of the most memorable meals are found in tiny neighbourhood restaurants, local markets and unassuming places serving regional specialities.
Where to go
San Sebastián, Spain
A wonderful destination for food lovers, with its celebrated pintxos bars, seafood restaurants and Basque culinary traditions.
Bologna, Italy
An excellent choice for anyone who appreciates traditional Italian cooking. Explore local markets, discover regional pasta dishes and enjoy long, leisurely lunches.
Lyon, France
A city with a rich gastronomic identity, known for its traditional bouchons, food markets and accomplished restaurant scene.
Bristol, England
A fantastic UK option, with independent restaurants, international cuisines, creative dining experiences and a lively food culture.
How to make the most of it
Build your itinerary around a handful of experiences rather than booking every meal in advance.
Consider visiting a local food market, taking a cooking class or joining a guided food tour to discover places you might otherwise overlook.
And don’t underestimate the pleasure of wandering through an unfamiliar neighbourhood and stumbling across somewhere wonderful for lunch.
3. Short City Breaks Packed With Culture and Experiences
Best for: Long weekends, couples, friends and travellers with limited annual leave.
You don’t need two weeks away to enjoy a memorable holiday.
A well-planned city break can offer an incredible variety of experiences in just a few days, from museums and historic landmarks to shopping, restaurants, architecture and nightlife.
They’re particularly appealing if you enjoy exploring on foot and discovering different neighbourhoods.
One morning might involve visiting a famous gallery, while the afternoon is spent browsing independent shops before finding a lovely restaurant for dinner.
Where to go
Copenhagen, Denmark
Ideal for design lovers, with stylish neighbourhoods, attractive waterfront areas, excellent restaurants and a relaxed café culture.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
A wonderful city for museums, canals, historic architecture and independent boutiques.
Lisbon, Portugal
Full of character, with colourful streets, impressive viewpoints, traditional trams and a vibrant food scene.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Perfect for a UK city break, offering historic streets, fascinating attractions, excellent restaurants and beautiful surroundings.
How to make the most of it
The secret to a successful short city break is choosing accommodation in a convenient location.
A cheaper hotel on the outskirts might initially seem tempting, but transport costs and travelling time can quickly outweigh the saving.
Try to plan one or two main activities each day, leaving enough time to explore without constantly checking the clock.
It’s also worth considering an early morning departure and a later return journey, provided the additional travelling doesn’t leave you exhausted.
4. Wellness Holidays That Help You Properly Switch Off
Best for: Relaxation, self-care, spa enthusiasts and anyone needing a change of pace.
Holidays aren’t always about seeing and doing as much as possible.
Sometimes, what we really need is an opportunity to slow down, sleep properly and enjoy a little time without the usual demands of everyday life.
That’s where wellness holidays come into their own.
Whether you’re interested in spa treatments, yoga, gentle exercise or simply spending time somewhere peaceful, a wellbeing-focused escape can be as active or relaxing as you choose.
And you certainly don’t have to commit to an intensive retreat to enjoy the benefits.
A beautiful hotel with a swimming pool, a relaxing massage and good food might be everything you need.
Where to go
Bath, England
A lovely choice for a relaxing city break, combining spa experiences with elegant architecture, independent shops and excellent restaurants.
The Algarve, Portugal
Ideal for combining sunshine, coastal walks, yoga sessions and peaceful accommodation.
Tuscany, Italy
Perfect for slower-paced holidays, with beautiful rural surroundings, charming accommodation and opportunities to enjoy the countryside.
The Scottish Highlands
An appealing destination for those who find relaxation in nature, fresh air, walking and peaceful landscapes.
How to make the most of it
Before booking, think about what relaxation actually means to you.
Some wellness retreats follow structured schedules, with group activities and early starts. Others allow guests to spend their days entirely as they please.
Check what’s included in the price, particularly when it comes to treatments, meals and activities.
Most importantly, resist the temptation to create an exhausting itinerary. The whole point is to return home feeling refreshed.
5. Solo Travel Adventures for a Little Independence
Best for: Independent travellers, personal adventures and anyone wanting to explore at their own pace.
Travelling alone can feel daunting if you’ve always taken holidays with a partner, friends or family.
But there’s also something incredibly liberating about being able to plan an entire trip around your own interests.
Fancy spending three hours wandering around an art gallery? Go for it.
Want to enjoy a long lunch, visit a completely different neighbourhood or change your plans at the last minute? Nobody else’s preferences need to come into the equation.
Solo travel offers a wonderful opportunity to become more comfortable exploring independently, whether you’re spending a weekend in a UK city or planning a longer adventure abroad.
Where to go
Porto, Portugal
A lovely option for exploring historic streets, riverside restaurants and local attractions at a leisurely pace.
Kyoto, Japan
Appealing to travellers interested in traditional architecture, gardens, cultural experiences and Japanese cuisine.
Hanoi, Vietnam
A fascinating destination for discovering street food, historic neighbourhoods and a lively café culture.
York, England
An excellent starting point for a first solo trip, with historic attractions, independent shops, restaurants and plenty to explore on foot.
How to make the most of it
For your first solo holiday, consider choosing somewhere relatively easy to navigate.
Book accommodation in a convenient area, research local transport and keep a flexible itinerary.
Walking tours, cooking classes and small-group excursions can be enjoyable ways to meet other travellers without committing to a fully organised group holiday.
It’s also sensible to share your travel plans with someone you trust and keep important booking information accessible.
Remember, travelling alone doesn’t mean you have to spend every moment by yourself.
6. Multi-Generational Holidays for Making Memories Together
Best for: Extended families, groups of friends, celebrations and reunions.
Finding enough time to spend with loved ones can be surprisingly difficult, particularly when everyone has different schedules and commitments.
That’s one reason group holidays can be so appealing.
Bringing everyone together for a few days provides an opportunity to enjoy shared experiences without the usual distractions of everyday life.
And there’s no need to travel halfway around the world to make it special.
A beautiful holiday cottage, coastal property or countryside retreat can provide everything needed for a memorable escape.
Where to go
Cornwall
Perfect for coastal walks, attractive seaside towns, beaches and family-friendly attractions.
The Peak District
A great option for countryside accommodation, scenic drives, walking routes and traditional villages.
The Cotswolds
Ideal for large holiday cottages, characterful villages, independent shops and relaxed countryside experiences.
Pembrokeshire, Wales
Wonderful for coastal scenery, beaches, charming towns and outdoor adventures.
How to make the most of it
When several people are travelling together, choosing the right accommodation is especially important.
Look beyond the number of bedrooms and consider the communal spaces, bathroom arrangements, parking and accessibility.
A large dining table, comfortable living area and well-equipped kitchen can make an enormous difference.
It’s also worth agreeing on a rough budget before booking and ensuring everyone has opportunities to enjoy their preferred activities.
The best group holidays balance time together with a little personal space.
7. Slow Travel Holidays for Discovering More by Doing Less
Best for: Curious travellers, longer breaks, cultural experiences and relaxed exploration.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to fit too much into a holiday.
When visiting somewhere new, the temptation to see every landmark, visit every attraction and squeeze in as many destinations as possible can turn a relaxing escape into an exhausting schedule.
Slow travel takes a different approach.
Instead of rushing between locations, you spend more time getting to know one particular place.
That might mean renting an apartment for a week, exploring nearby towns by train, shopping at local markets or returning to the same lovely café each morning.
It’s about enjoying the destination rather than simply ticking attractions off a list.
Where to go
Provence, France
An appealing destination for leisurely village visits, local markets, countryside drives and long lunches.
Tuscany, Italy
Perfect for exploring historic towns, enjoying regional food and spending time in beautiful rural surroundings.
The Lake District, England
A wonderful option for choosing a single base and enjoying walks, independent shops, cosy pubs and scenic villages.
The Greek Islands
Depending on the island, visitors can enjoy peaceful beaches, traditional tavernas, local villages and relaxed coastal living.
How to make the most of it
Choose one main base and resist the urge to move accommodation every couple of nights.
Research the surrounding area so you have a few ideas for places to visit, but avoid planning every hour.
Consider staying in self-catering accommodation, where shopping locally and preparing the occasional meal can become part of the experience.
And don’t worry if you return home without having visited every famous attraction.
Sometimes, spending more time in fewer places creates the most memorable holidays.
How to Choose the Right Type of Holiday for You
With so many different ways to travel, deciding what sort of holiday to book can feel overwhelming.
Before choosing a destination, it helps to think about what you want to get out of the experience.
Consider your main reason for travelling
Are you hoping to relax, reconnect with someone, experience a different culture or enjoy a little adventure?
Identifying your priorities makes it easier to narrow down the options.
A busy sightseeing holiday might be perfect when you’re feeling energetic, but less appealing when you’re exhausted and desperate for a proper rest.
Be realistic about your budget
The cost of a holiday extends beyond flights and accommodation.
Food, local transport, activities, airport transfers and additional fees can all affect the final amount.
Decide what you’re comfortable spending and consider which elements matter most to you.
You might prefer a luxurious hotel for a short stay or choose more modest accommodation so you can enjoy a longer holiday.
Neither approach is better. It’s simply about getting the experience you want.
Think about how much time you have
A long weekend can be ideal for a city break or countryside retreat, while more distant destinations may deserve a longer stay.
Consider the time needed to reach your accommodation, particularly when flights, transfers or multiple train journeys are involved.
There’s little point booking an ambitious itinerary if you’ll spend most of your holiday travelling between places.
Choose the right accommodation
Where you stay can have a significant influence on how much you enjoy your holiday.
Think about the facilities you’ll genuinely use.
A spa hotel might be perfect for a relaxing break, while a centrally located apartment could be more practical for exploring a city.
For a romantic getaway, privacy and atmosphere might matter more than having a long list of facilities.
Read recent guest reviews, check the location carefully and make sure the accommodation suits the type of trip you’re planning.
Allow room for spontaneity
Planning ahead is useful, especially for popular attractions and restaurants, but there’s something lovely about leaving a little space for the unexpected.
An unplanned afternoon, a recommendation from a local or a spontaneous change of direction can become one of the highlights of a holiday.
You don’t need to fill every moment to make a trip worthwhile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Different Types of Holidays
What are the most popular types of holidays?
Common holiday styles include beach holidays, city breaks, countryside retreats, adventure holidays, wellness escapes, cruises, cultural trips and family holidays. The best choice depends on your interests, budget, available time and preferred pace of travel.
What type of holiday is best for couples?
Romantic countryside retreats, boutique hotel stays, spa breaks and city escapes can all work beautifully for couples. For those celebrating a special occasion, accommodation with a private hot tub, scenic views or exceptional dining can make the experience particularly memorable.
What are the best holidays for a short break?
City breaks, coastal escapes, spa weekends and countryside retreats are excellent choices for two or three nights away. Choosing somewhere with straightforward transport connections helps you make the most of a limited amount of time.
What type of holiday is best for relaxation?
Wellness retreats, secluded cabins, quiet coastal destinations and countryside hotels are particularly appealing for travellers looking to unwind. Accommodation with comfortable facilities and opportunities to enjoy nature can help create a slower, more relaxing experience.
How can I make a holiday more affordable?
Consider travelling outside peak periods, comparing accommodation options, booking early when it offers a genuine saving and choosing destinations with good public transport. Setting a realistic daily spending budget can also help avoid unexpected costs.
Is solo travel a good idea for beginners?
Absolutely. Starting with a short trip to a familiar or easily navigable destination can help build confidence. Research accommodation, transport and local attractions before travelling, and consider guided activities if you’d like opportunities to meet people.
Your Next Holiday Could Be Something Completely Different
It’s easy to stick with what we know when booking a holiday. We return to familiar destinations, choose similar hotels and often follow the same routines because we know what to expect.
But trying a different type of trip can introduce us to places and experiences we might never otherwise have considered.
Perhaps your next holiday will involve a romantic cabin tucked away in the countryside, a food-filled weekend exploring an unfamiliar city or a peaceful wellness retreat where your biggest commitment is an afternoon massage.
Or maybe it’s finally time to take that solo adventure you’ve been thinking about.
Whatever appeals, the most rewarding holidays aren’t necessarily the most expensive, exotic or elaborate. They’re the ones that give us exactly what we need at that particular moment.
And sometimes, the best way to discover somewhere new is to travel a little differently.
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