beat the brochure

We recently conducted a survey asking UK travellers where in the world they would take their dream holiday if money were no object. It was hardly shocking to find that distant and luxury locations topped the list, but we were surprised that people seem to have become more adventurous in choosing their holiday destinations.

10. Hawaii
An old favourite of many of those we spoke to, Hawaii is an unspoiled tropical paradise and our respondents were particularly keen on the island’s mix of volcanic and white beaches, the landscapes and the local culture. Many felt that holidays to Hawaii offered paradise without the price tag.

9. China
The Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Warriors, Beijing’s Forbidden City and China’s more modern, futuristic cityscapes were all points of interest for those polled and put China at number nine on our list. China is an eclectic country with ultra-modern cities mere miles from towns that seem to have been untouched for hundreds of years.

8. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a land of mystery and its exotic blend of miles of fabulous golden beaches, old colonial tea plantations and the relatively cheap cost of amenities in the country intrigued those we questioned.

7. Dubai
More and more UK travellers have been choosing to take their holidays in Dubai in recent years and our respondents were no exception. The luxury of Dubai’s hotels and attractions, its Shopping Festival, diverse culture and stunning architecture were reported to be enticements by those we polled.

6. New York
The ultimate cosmopolitan city, New York was a popular choice for many we asked and with its upmarket shops, world class dining and jumping nightlife who can blame anyone for choosing a New York city break? Greenwich Village, Soho, Central Park, The Metropolitan Museum, Little Italy, The Statue of Liberty and China Town were all named as must-see attractions.

5. Mauritius
With scenery that looks like it has come straight off of a postcard, respondents agreed that Mauritius is a slice of heaven right here on earth. Mauritius’ azure waters and melting pot culture were named as pulls and many even named Mauritius as their dream location for a wedding abroad.

4. Maldives
Swim, sunbathe, sail, scuba-dive, repeat – the lazy island lifestyle proved enticing to the people we surveyed. The Maldives is made up of more than a thousand coral islands, with long white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and beautiful palms which anyone would find hard to resist.

3. South Africa
Multicultural South Africa was very popular among those polled – popular lures were the many safaris and national parks, awe-inspiring scenery and the ancient culture of local tribes such as the Zulus. The cosmopolitan city of Cape Town and beautiful Port Elizabeth were also named as points of interest.

2. Peru
A surprising entry at number two and only beaten to the top spot by a thin margin, many respondents named Peru as their top holiday destination. Respondents were drawn in by the country’s archaeological monuments, particularly the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, and ecotourism in the Amazon.

1. New Zealand
Brits have been flocking to New Zealand in recent years and it appears it’s still on top of most people’s lists of once in a lifetime holidays. Those surveyed named the country’s breath taking scenery and ecotourism, complimented by the efficient transport and scenic rail journeys, as its main attraction.

Where is your dream holiday destination? Do you dream of visiting any of the locations our respondents chose? Let us know in the comments section.