Travel writers are a picky bunch. They’ve seen everything from the most breathtaking to the most hidden and out-of-the-way places in the world. So, if something truly impresses them and makes them return time and again, you know there's something special there.
Wouldn't it be nice to have a list of expert-approved destinations to help you choose your next holiday, all powered by an Avios credit card? If you said yes, today's your lucky day. To save you the hassle of researching endless destinations, here's a list of the top hotspots preferred by travel experts that you can travel to with your Avios.
Costa Rica
Despite its compact size, Costa Rica is packed with national parks, wildlife refuges, and reserves that make it a true ecological treasure. The travel blogger Isabel Leong says, "I've never seen such abundant wildlife and nature as I have in Costa Rica. Costa Rica has 27 separate national parks, 58 refuges for wildlife or sanctuaries, 32 protected zones and 19 forest or biological reserves."
With so much to do, here are our top recommendations for things to do in Costa Rica:
- Soak in the natural hot springs near Arenal Volcano. Nothing says fun like a steaming soak with a literal active volcano keeping things exciting in the background.
- Hike through Manuel Antonio National Park. You’ll discover secret beaches and tropical wildlife around every corner.
- Surf the waves at Tamarindo Beach in Guanacaste. It's a popular spot for both beginners and pros, so there’s a bit of everything for everyone.
- Glide across suspended bridges in Monteverde Cloud Forest and explore a mist-shrouded reserve famous for biodiversity and canopy walks.
- Join a guided boat tour in Tortuguero National Park. Spot nesting sea turtles and other exotic animals along winding canals.
If you’re planning to fly from London to Costa Rica with reward flights from British Airways, an off-peak, Business Class seat between London and San Jose costs 180,000 Avios plus £475.
Greece
There’s a reason travellers keep coming back to Greece. Maybe it’s the golden light on ancient ruins, the scent of salty air and grilled souvlaki, or the feeling that time slows just enough for you to soak it all in.
The blogger Isabel Leong says, "I was first there in 2015 visiting Santorini and Milos, and then again in 2022 to Corfu, Tinos, Mykonos, Naxos, Delphi and Meteora. There is so much to explore! Apart from the turquoise clear waters that the Greek waters are famous for, it is also a country steeped in history and culture. Aristotle should be enough to convince you of that."
Here are our top recommendations for things to do in Greece:
- No trip to Greece is complete without climbing the marble steps to the Acropolis in Athens to visit the Parthenon.
- Watch a fiery sunset in Oia on Santorini. As the sky explodes in colour, the whitewashed buildings on dramatic cliffs sit there looking effortlessly perfect, just like your next Instagram pic.
- Hike to the cliff-top monasteries of Meteora and explore centuries-old spiritual havens built atop towering rock pillars.
- Wander the cobblestone alleys of Nafplio. Discover neoclassical mansions and panoramic fortress views by the Argolic Gulf.
- Try Greek cuisine at a traditional taverna. Enjoy the tasty moussaka, souvlaki, and sweet baklava in the company of friendly locals.
If you’re part of the British Airways loyalty programme, you can find reward seat routes to several Greek destinations, including Athens, Corfu, Crete, Kefalonia, Kos, Mykonos, Rhodes, Zante, and more. You can book an off-peak Economy return reward seat between London and Greece starting at 27,500 Avios plus £1.
Italy
Italy is a place where carbs don't count, gelato fixes everything, and every wrong turn is secretly the right one. Alyssa Ramos, the travel blogger from My Life's A Travel Movie, says, "I have to admit it's a bit cliche, but Italy is always a great idea. Recently, I've been exploring more and more of Italy, past the trending Instagram photos and into lesser-known areas, and it never ceases to amaze me. My current favourite little seaside town is called Castellammare del Golfo. The small town with cobblestone streets boasts plenty of delicious local restaurants, and there's a small boat port where we set off for a leisurely day trip along the crystal clear blue waters that bring you up to hidden coves and beaches."
You can never go wrong with things to do in Italy, but even then, we can't help but recommend the following activities:
- Conquer gravity at the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa in Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa. Take photos from the top and take in the medieval architecture below.
- Check out Renaissance masterpieces in Florence's Uffizi Gallery, which houses iconic works by Botticelli and da Vinci.
- Channel your inner gladiator strolling through Rome’s Colosseum. Imagine gladiatorial clashes in one of the world's most famous amphitheatres.
- Drive the winding roads of the Amalfi Coast from Positano to Ravello. Soak up sea views and pastel-hued villages perched on cliff tops.
- Order an authentic Neapolitan pizza in Naples. It’s saucy perfection topped with melty mozzarella magic.
With reward flights from British Airways available to Bari, Bologna, Florence, Naples, Perugia, Sardinia, Sicily, Venice and Rome, as well as others, no matter which part of Italy you want to visit, chances are you’ll get a great flight. An off-peak, Economy return reward flight between London and Italy starts at 18,500 plus £1.
Japan
Japan feels like stepping into a parallel universe. It's a place where robots pour your coffee while centuries-old temples stand guard. Travel expert and author La Carmina said, "I have been visiting Japan regularly since I was a child, and I continue to return to Tokyo and other Japanese cities every year on average. I feel creatively invigorated every time I return to immerse myself in the underground events such as drag shows, Harajuku fashion walks, and Gothic club nights."
Here are a few things you can do in Japan:
- Visit Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo to experience one of the world's busiest pedestrian intersections. Then, reward yourself with ultra-fresh sashimi and sushi at Tsukiji’s outer stalls.
- Take a bullet train to Kyoto and visit UNESCO-listed temples such as Kinkaku-ji. Then, walk through the bamboo maze of Arashiyama for a quiet moment of zen.
- Stay in a traditional ryokan to experience tatami floors and multi-course kaiseki meals.
- Relax in a natural onsen in Hakone with views of Mount Fuji. Or go fully off-grid in the peaceful hideaway of Kurokawa Onsen.
- Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to pay respects and learn about the city's history.
- Try a sizzling plate of Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for a taste of regional cuisine to warm both heart and belly.
You can book an off-peak Business Class return reward seat between London and Tokyo for 200,000 Avios plus £575.
Mexico
Mariachi trumpets, swirling skirts, and fiery salsa (both the dance and the sauce) — that’s Mexico’s everyday vibe. Gabby Beckford, the founder of Packs Light, said, "Every time I visit a new city in Mexico, I feel like it's a whole new country. Beaches in Quintana Roo, beautiful mountains in Oaxaca, waterfalls in Hidalgo. It's the 13th largest country in the world, but it has the most diverse landscapes I've seen from any country."
Here are some activities you can enjoy in Mexico:
- Check out the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán, then taste incredible street tacos in the lively markets.
- Lie back on the white sandy beaches of Tulum or Cancún, or snorkel in nearby cenotes if you're up for some adventure.
- Time-travel by visiting the archaeological remains of ancient Mesoamerican civilisations like Chichén Itzá and Teotihuacán. Explore the towering pyramids and intricate stone carvings the Mayans and Aztecs left.
- Join Oaxaca's Day of the Dead celebrations for a different cultural experience. Experience ornate altars, festive parades, and communal gatherings honouring ancestors in a deeply meaningful tradition.
- Revive your sense of adventure. From whale-shark encounters off the Yucatán Peninsula to lush jungles in Chiapas, Mexico is perfect for outdoor adventures like diving, hiking, and exploring hidden waterfalls.
Off-peak, Business Class return reward seats between London and Mexico City and between London and Cancun both cost 180,000 Avios plus £475.
Paris
Visiting Paris feels like stepping into an old movie. Nadeen White, from the travel blog The Sophisticated Life said, "I will be visiting France for the fifth time in November. I love all the places I have visited there, but Paris is at the top of my list. Paris is alluring and sexy. It is sophisticated and full of culture and culinary delights. You can spend days exploring the beautiful art and architecture or simply sit at sidewalk cafes sipping wine, chatting and people-watching."
Everyone already has a list of places to visit in Paris. But if you're looking for some inspiration, here are a few things you absolutely must do in the City of Love:
- This one's a no-brainer: go to the top of the Eiffel Tower for sweeping city views. Stay until dark to watch the tower sparkle every hour.
- Spend a few hours at the Louvre to see world-famous art, including the Mona Lisa. Reserve tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
- Stroll along the Champs-Élysées from the Arc de Triomphe toward Place de la Concorde. Stop for a café break or window-shop in luxury boutiques.
- Wander through Montmartre and climb the steps to Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Look back for panoramic views of the city's rooftops.
- Take a day trip to the Palace of Versailles to tour the Hall of Mirrors. Explore the formal gardens and fountains before returning to Paris.
British Airways loyalty programme members can book an off-peak, Economy return reward seat between London and Paris for 18,500 plus £1.
Romania
Romania is Europe’s real-life storybook — ancient monasteries, swirling mountain fog, and just enough Dracula lore to make your spine tingle. Erick Prince, travel blogger and founder of Minority Nomad, said, "Romania isn't only a travel destination for me ― it's like a second home. Romania maintains a deeply Romanian identity, rejecting many of the mass tourism tropes that plague other destinations."
Here are a few activities we recommend:
- Explore Bran Castle near Brașov, often linked to the legend of Dracula. Walk the narrow corridors and peer into secret staircases.
- Drive the Transfăgărășan Highway for panoramic views of the Carpathian Mountains. Stop for photos at Balea Lake along the route.
- Visit the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina, such as Voroneț and Sucevița. Admire centuries-old frescoes depicting biblical scenes on their exterior walls.
- Cruise the Danube Delta to spot pelicans, swans, and other waterfowl. Glide past reed islands in Europe's second-largest river delta.
- Tour the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest, one of the world's heaviest buildings with opulent marble halls and grand chandeliers.
An off-peak Economy return reward seat between London and Bucharest costs 27,500 plus £1.
South Africa
Safari sunrises, braai (barbecue) feasts, and penguin-packed beaches, South Africa knows how to keep things interesting. According to travel journalist Travis Levius, "There are both tangible and intangible qualities about South Africa that continue to reel me in. South Africa's lure, for me, stems from both the tangible and intangible. Then there's the people you meet, full of effervescence and openness, and I feel this invisible embrace upon arrival each and every time."
With so many things to see in the Rainbow Nation, there's always the fear of missing out on something. Here are some activities which we recommend while in South Africa:
- Spend a day in Kruger National Park to see lions, elephants, and rhinos in their natural habitat. Take an early morning safari for the best wildlife sightings.
- Ride the cable car up Table Mountain in Cape Town and enjoy clear views of the city and the Atlantic coastline.
- Drive the Garden Route from Mossel Bay to Storms River. Stop at small towns like Knysna or Plettenberg Bay for local cuisine and scenic lagoon views.
- Visit Stellenbosch or Franschhoek for wine tasting. Pair Pinotage with regional cheeses while taking in the mountain backdrop.
- Hike in the Drakensberg Mountains to explore rugged cliffs and ancient rock art sites. Choose shorter trails if you prefer a day hike over multi-day treks.
Off-peak, Business Class return reward seats between London and Cape Town and between London and Johannesburg both cost 180,000 Avios plus £475.
