Country Living’s Secrets of the English Country G arden Break with Sarah Raven in June includes a private, early-bird visit to the famous Kent garden of Sissinghurst. This small Pacific nation offers uninhabited tropical beaches where you can live out your scuba-diving dreams. Visiting in April guarantees warm and sunny weather for diving, snorkelling and swimming – although it is possible to go to Palau throughout the year, as the country does not experience typhoons. Ikaria, Greece Yes, December can be bitingly cold in Prague – but that doesn’t mean it’s not a magical time of year, and the perfect month to find a traditional cozy pub to warm up and sink a tall Czech beer. Hearty Czech cuisine warms you up, and the cobblestone streets are illuminated with twinkling lights. Don’t miss the Christmas markets: the biggest is in the Old Town Square and runs until the end of the month – with mulled wine, gingerbread biscuits, seasonal gifts and musical performers. Plan your trip’Obby ’Oss, one of the oldest festivals in the UK, takes place here on May Day. Expect two colourful processions, led by the titular ‘hobby horse’, to wend their way through the town. — Huw Oliver To compilethis ranking, we went to our local experts across the UK to figure out which cities, towns and regions are really worth visiting next year. These are places with thriving food, drink and arts scenes. They’re cities with big cultural openings and spectacular new hotels. And they all have at least one huge event (and in many cases, several) coming up that should immediately go in your calendars.

The long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum is set to open its doors in 2024, offering a tantalizing immersion in Egypt’s ancient treasures. What’s more, budget travelers will have more options, with the potential launch of low-cost flights from Ryanair and Air Sphinx. Unsure when to visit? October is usually a great time, as crowds thin out, temperatures remain balmy and the light provides excellent photography opportunities. Patagonia Though Spain might be one of the most popular countries for visitors, the sun-washed destination is leading the green-travel way with its plans for a more sustainable, circular tourism model. The Mediterranean city of Valencia is a European Green Capital for 2024, and March is the perfect time to visit and explore Jardines del Turia, a 9km (5.5-mile)long riverbed that’s been transformed into a road-free park. Algeria For those seeking a trekking experience away from snowy summits, the Anti Atlas Mountains in Morocco are perfect in March, when you can embrace tranquil hikes and the season of wildflowers and blooming trees. Don’t miss the annual almond blossom festival in Tafraoute, held in February or March to coincide with the vibrant flowering and harvest of almond trees. Uzbekistan

Soaring peaks, plunging ravines and chocolate-box villages make the Alpine region of Switzerland a breathtaking place to visit, as do charming towns and cities including Bern, Lucerne and Interlaken.

But don’t think for one second the fun ends there… we’ve got underground gigs for music lovers, gorgeous green spaces for relaxation, historic houses and museums full of intrigue, cutting-edge art galleries and independent cinemas, cool restaurants and bars, some marvellous markets and top notch themed tours. We really could go on (and on), but we’re sure you’re keen to start planning your itinerary. First, phone or visit the GP practice or practice nurse to find out whether your existing UK vaccinations are up-to-date. Some destinations offer great prices for accommodation and food, which can balance your expenses. So feel free to do the math and compare the destinations to determine where and when to go on vacation without having to go over your budget. Best time to go depending on the climate and the seasons? The cost of travel vaccines that are not available on the NHS will vary, depending on the vaccine and number of doses you need.It’s been 15 years since Liverpool was named the European Capital of Culture, but its legacy endures in allthebars, restaurants and arts spaces that have opened up across the city over the past decade. And 2023 might just be the best time to visit, as the locals will be pulling out all of the stops with Liverpool set to host Eurovision. While business owners are gearing up to give their warmest Scouse welcomes, Liverpool Council has also confirmed plans to open a Eurovision Village on the city’s famous Pier Head.It will be a celebration of both Liverpool’s culture and that of Ukraine, which won last year’s competition. Expect street art from Ukrainian artists and an art trail featuring Liverpudlian Eurovision legend Sonia.

Deceptively vast and blessed with a ridiculous amount of stunning coastline – 540km (335 miles) to be exact – this is where you may find you’ve scored an entire beach to yourself. Kangaroo Island invites guests to indulge in its unique local produce, encounter adorable Australian wildlife and discover some of the country’s best beaches. And the island is a total show-off during the Aussie summer months of January and February. Taking or sharing photographs that are perceived to be damaging to the country’s image is also forbidden. Similarly, making strongly negative comments about Egypt or its politics, including on social media, can lead to you being detained. Exclusive Guided Tours are available on selected dates from November to May, with tours starting at varioustimes11:00 - 16:30. The Greek island of Ikaria seduces with aquamarine waters and wild terrain, plus an independent spirit. As spring unfolds, Ikaria comes alive with delightful weather and vibrant natural landscapes, creating the perfect setting for island tours and outdoor activities. Embark on sailing adventures, explore the waters through kayaking or pedal along scenic cycling routes. Ikaria is also a popular spot for stargazing.

These vaccines are free because they protect against diseases thought to represent the greatest risk to public health if they were brought into the country. Which travel vaccines will I have to pay for? The Portuguese Way – also known as Caminho Portugues de Santiago – unfolds with ancient villages, locally owned albergues (hostels) and scenic paths through Portugal and Spain. June is an excellent time to take on the pilgrimage route, thanks to generally bright and pleasant weather, moderate crowds and lush, green fields.