Discover the extraordinary with Virgin Atlantic

Beach Bliss

If there’s one place you won’t leave without feeling more than a little laid back, it’s the Caribbean. If it’s beach living you’re looking for then Antigua and Jamaica has this by the bucket full. After your flight, relax on the beaches and lagoons of Jamaica, we’d recommend the island’s legendary Negril Beach, where the waters are warm and you can dip your toes into its pristine sands. Sunsets here are breath-taking, the skies flood with pinks, reds and oranges as the stars come out to play.

Also a popular option in the Caribbean is island hopping, Antigua is one of the easiest to travel to and also promises a charming beach for every day of the year. Ideal for snorkelers and those who love to watch the world go by with their favourite book on silky sands.

Teeing off!

We all know that you go to Barbados for its stunning Caribbean beaches and glorious sunshine but what if you visited for another reason – a chance to play one of the best golf courses in the world. If you’re a budding Rory McIlroy, then why not take on a round in one of the 3 spectacular courses at Sandy Lane.Play 18 holes at The Country Club featuring lakes and sea views, play 9 holes winding through the old estate, or tee off on the 18-hole Green Monkey course carved out of a quarry and designed by Tom Fazio.

Foodie Heaven

Catch a flight to Cancun and you’ll discover sun, sea and amazing street food. Visit the local markets and try the home-made enchiladas or meat pastries on offer, you won’t regret it. The seafood in Cancun is also especially tasty, so make sure you try some barbecued fish or grilled shrimp from a beachfront bar.

Foodie Heaven

Speaking of seafood, if you enjoy oysters and buttery, red crab or lobster, then head to Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. We recommend you try the coffee bars of San Francisco too in the SOMA neighbourhood; nobody does barista-crafted coffee quite like the west coast! (Well, apart from Italy perhaps!)

Diving Deeper

Want to get up close to turtles and rainbow-coloured shoals? Discover an underwater world in Grenadaby exploring over 20 shipwrecks and reefs home to thousands of creatures and an array of sea life.

If you’d rather visit an emerging dive destination, then Tobago is home to some of the best dive spots in the Caribbean. With sea beds covered in over 300 different species of coral, each with their own eco-systems, you’re bound to spot some truly unique tropical species.

Animal Lovers

If you’re an animal lover and you’ve always dreamt of embarking on your own safari adventure, then head to South Africa for the ultimate in wildlife experiences. Fly to Johannesburg, where there are a number of safaris on offer in the province of Gauteng or take half a day’s drive to the stunning UNESCO Kruger National Park. Here you’ll have a brilliant chance of spotting the Big Five, as well as the subtropical flora and fauna that accompanies it. Just don’t forget a pair of binoculars!

Shop 'til you drop

Whether you’re hunting for bargain souvenirs or designer goods to last you a lifetime, New York has it all. Begin on Fifth Avenue and you can’t go far wrong. Opposite the towering Rockefeller Center you’ll find Saks and if you heard towards famous Central Park, you’ll find Tiffany & Co and Bloomingdale’s. You may also want to pop into Macy’s for a Big Brown Bag.

But if you’re looking for shopping and guaranteed sunshine, then there’s nowhere quite like Dubai. Kick off your trip in Dubai Mall with over 1200 stores to tempt you, then delve into its souks, we recommend a trip to Deira Gold Souq to pick up a glistening necklace or two.

Walking Tall

If you consider yourself a regular Indiana Jones and love exploring when you’re on holiday, then Delhi offers the Mehraul Arachaeological Park, Raj Ghat Gandhi Memorial and Lodi Garden to discover. When you’re feeling a little peckish, why not indulge in Old Delhi’s vibrant bazaars and reward your taste buds with some delicious, fresh street food.

If you’re tempted by an altogether modern adventure, then head to Hong Kong and visit Lantau Island, ride the Ngong Ping cable car, then take a trip to the famous Temple Street Night Market or view the bright lights of the skyline from Victoria Peak.

Walking Tall

Want to escape the city and get back to nature? Fly to LA and visit Yosemite National Park, fun for all the family, you can try river rafting or kayaking on many picturesque streams, creeks and rivers.

Failing that, you could always escape to St Lucia and discover the meaning of hiking trails in its green and mountainous interior, not forgetting its immense Piton Mountains if you’re up for a challenge!

Dancing the nights away!

If night life is what you’re looking for, then Las Vegas will blow you away. Hit the Strip and party the night away in one of Vegas’ world-renowned casinos or clubs, before watching the fountain display at the Bellagio.

But if you’re looking for something a little more authentic but with a lot more Latin American flair, then head to Old Havana, enjoy a Mojito or two and take to the dance floor in one of Cuba’s many Salsa clubs. You’ll soon be dancing the night away!

Journeying to the past

Bit of a history buff? How about a flight to Boston or Washington DC? Embark on Boston’s Freedom Trail, a brick-lined journey that will lead you to 16 sites of historical importance, including burial grounds and churches. Or why not go see the big man himself, President Lincoln, in Washington DC and wile away a few days in the fascinating but extensive Smithsonian Museums.

Prefer paintings? Then head to Chicago. Home to one of the biggest collections of landscape art and design in the world, Chicago has more than enough to offer. Visit the Art Institute of Chicago, home to over 54,000 works of art and architecture from around the world, before trying an infamous deep dish pizza.

Journeying to the past

Or visit cosmopolitan Shanghai and set aside at least a day to explore the Shanghai Museum in the heart of the city in People’s Square. Designed by Xing Tonghe, it’s designed in the shape of an ancient bronze cooking pot and holds over 120,000 Chinese artefacts from sculptures to ceramics and paintings. Arrive early to avoid the lengthy queues.