When you think of a short break, you might picture a familiar European city or a quiet country escape. But what if you could pack a real expedition into just a few days? For those who want to swap sightseeing for something more memorable, we’ve gathered five ultimate wildcard short breaks. These trips prove that with clever planning from your Travel Counsellor, you can fit a once-in-a-lifetime experience into a long weekend.
This September, a group of Travel Counsellors got the opportunity to explore the variety of Vietnam, exploring the energy of Hanoi and the scenic beauty of Ninh Binh. With the support of Wide Eyed Tours, the group discovered Vietnam through its food, history, and people, with every detail carefully organised to create a smooth and memorable trip from start to finish.
If you’re dreaming of a journey that blends adventure, nature, and authenticity, Costa Rica deserves a spot at the top of your list. With its rainforests, striking volcanoes, and pristine coastline, this Central American gem perfectly captures the relaxed pura vida way of life. What truly sets it apart, though, is the extraordinary range of wildlife that calls it home. From sleepy sloths to migrating whales, Costa Rica offers some of the most remarkable animal encounters on Earth. Here are five you won’t want to miss…
Some experiences are too good to leave to chance. The sort of trips where the timing has to be right, the seasons align, and the best places fill up long before most people even think about packing a bag. Planning early isn’t just about being organised, it’s about giving your Travel Counsellor the time to secure the view, the table, the cabin, or the front-row seat that turns a holiday into a story you’ll replay for years. Here are five destinations that almost insist on being booked over a year in advance to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Boston is a city where history and modern life sit side by side. You can walk past landmarks from the American Revolution, then grab a coffee at a busy corner café or head to a Red Sox game that evening. It’s compact, easy to get around, and has plenty to see, whether you’re there for a weekend or a longer stay. The city’s hotels reflect that same mix; some have long, storied pasts, while others focus on space and comfort with a more modern feel. Here are three great options that show off the different sides of Boston.
There’s a reason Sri Lanka is called the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’. This jewel of an island is full of ancient history, beautiful landscapes, golden coastlines, and a rhythm of life that will stay with you forever. From mystical rock fortresses and emerald tea hills to wild safaris and colonial coastal towns, every corner reveals a new facet of beauty. Here are our top five must-visit destinations when visiting Sri Lanka, as chosen by our Travel Counsellors.
It's official: Chicago is a city that just keeps getting better. For an incredible ninth year in a row, readers of Condé Nast Traveller have named it the ‘Best Big City in the U.S’. As if that wasn't enough, it also scooped the 2025 Travel Noire Award for ‘Best Stateside Vacation’. These accolades confirm what savvy travellers have known for years: Chicago offers a city break experience that’s hard to beat, blending iconic sights with a friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere. It’s a city of soaring skyscrapers, world-class museums, and a food scene that constantly innovates, making it a perfect destination for any time of year.
For those who seek more than sightseeing, who crave experiences that linger long after the journey ends, Riviera Travel is offering free upgraded experiences worth up to £399 on select worldwide tours.
Travelling with Travel Counsellors is always about so much more than just seeing new places - it’s about connection, learning, and genuine enjoyment, all underpinned by expert planning and care. This September, a group of Travel Counsellors spent a long weekend in Rabat, Morocco. From the moment the group landed in Casablanca, the warmth of Moroccan hospitality was matched only by the sunshine that set the tone for three days filled with laughter, camaraderie, and discovery.
Finding your match...
