Exotic Destinations


Broaden your horizons and journey further afield for an altogether more exotic holiday. Going off the beaten track to explore far-flung shores, distant temples and aromatic islands is one of travel’s most rewarding experiences. There’s a whole world of new discoveries to be made – and Manchester Airport can help you get there in no time at all. Start exploring right here...

Abu Dhabi
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Flight time:7 hours
Time zone:GMT +4
Currency:United Arab Emirates Dirham

Abu Dhabi

Multicultural Abu Dhabi is the sleek and shiny capital of the UAE, but peel back the surface and you’ll find a more traditional city just a stone’s throw from the glitz, which is laid-back and distinctly Arabian.

Must See
Take a deep breath and head for the incense shops on the third floor of the Abu Dhabi Mall – we promise a feast for all the senses!

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Antigua
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Flight time:9-10 hours
Time zone:GMT -4
Currency:East Caribbean Dollar

Antigua

There’s so much perfect sand on Antigua that you can visit a different beach every day for a year without coming back to the same one twice. Add friendly locals, great sailing and clear blue waters for a classic Caribbean holiday.

Must See:
High above Nelson’s Dockyard, visit Shirley Heights on a Sunday afternoon for delicious barbecue cuisine and big reggae beats.

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Bahamas
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Flight time:9.5 hours
Time zone:GMT -5
Currency:Bahamian Dollar

Bahamas

Imagine a touch of British pomp at the edge of the Caribbean and you’ll get a sense of what the Bahamas are all about – a sunshine island chain with a noble imperial past, and a very laid-back, chilled-out present. Bliss.

Must See:
The islands’ capital, Nassau, is a fusion of Caribbean vibe with classic British touches you’ll recognise even today.

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Barbados
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Flight time:8.5-9 hours
Time zone:GMT -4
Currency:Barbadian Dollar

Barbados

Classically Caribbean, Barbados has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Add to that fields of sugar cane, cosmopolitan towns and its own unique calypso rhythms, and you’ll understand why it’s so very special.

Must See:
Check out the Malibu rum factory. It’s right on the beach, so you can marvel at the ocean with a free shot in your hand...

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Brazil
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Flight time:10-11 hours
Time zone:GMT -2
Currency:Brazilian Real

Brazil

Sample modern Brazil with pillow-soft sands, aquamarine seas and jungle-draped hills... all backed by an irresistible samba rhythm. Brazil is more than the modern home of the Beautiful Game – it’s a beautiful country to boot.

Must See:
Ponta Negra is a spot where the beat is contagious – and sizzling samba spills from the bars on to the beach.

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Cape Verde
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Flight time:5.5 hours
Time zone:GMT -1
Currency:Cape Verdean Escudo

Cape Verde

Ten shimmering islands off West Africa make up Cape Verde – and it’s a magical mystery tour for travel pioneers... a new, exotic and thoroughly undiscovered holiday hotspot. Now you can be among the first to experience it for yourself.

Must See:
The picture-book town of Santa Maria with its cobblestoned lanes and pastel-painted houses and eateries.

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Cuba
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Flight time:10 hours
Time zone:GMT -5
Currency:Cuban Peso

Cuba

Think cigars, Caribbean, Castro and so much more, for modern day Cuba has variety on tap – not to mention a reputation for great value. Add tropical scenery, colonial treasures and some serious salsa for a dose of real Latin spirit.

Must See:
The sight of pre-revolutionary Cadillacs and Pontiacs cruising the city streets.

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Dominican Rebublic
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Flight time:9.5 hours
Time zone:GMT -4
Currency:Dominican Peso

Dominican Rebublic

Put a dash of Latin nightlife and a dollop of sunshine beach life together and what have you got? The potent blend of vibe that is the Dominican Republic. Postcard-perfect beaches, dazzling reefs, friendly locals and great day trips all make for the most memorable of holidays.   

Must See:
Check out secluded Bavaro on the east coast for sandy perfection and blissed-out pace.

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Dubai
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Flight time:6-7 hours
Time zone:GMT +4
Currency:United Arab Emirates Dirham

Dubai

The breathtaking scale of development in sun-baked Dubai – and its breakneck speed – has taken the world by storm. Today, the ever-evolving Emirate boasts some of the Middle East’s finest hotels, resorts and shopping...

Must See:
The world’s largest indoor ski slope, which on some days can be 50 degrees cooler than the temperature outside...

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Egypt
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Flight time:5.5 hours
Time zone:GMT +2
Currency:Egyptian Pound

Egypt

With 4,000 years of history to draw on - and living coral that dates back even further – Egypt is an awe-inspiring place to come on holiday, even if all you want to do is lie back and discover the true meaning of the word ‘unspoilt’.

Must See:
The sight of the Great Pyramid at Giza at either dawn or sunset – take your pick, for both are unforgettable.

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Israel
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Flight time:5 hours
Time zone:GMT +2
Currency:New Israeli Sheqel

Israel

Break the holiday mould and set foot in a thoroughly modern country shaped by the history of the Holy Land... with ancient sites, temples, skyscrapers, beach resorts and more. Few other places can rival Israel’s mix of the ancient and contemporary.

Must See:
Tel Aviv is where beach resort meets modern metropolis – a jewel with golden sand to compete with the best in the Med.

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Jamaica
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Flight time:10 hours
Time zone:GMT -5
Currency:Jamaican Dollar

Jamaica

For many, Jamaica is the real Caribbean. With the unmistakable smell of jerk meat, soul food and the sound of Rastaman vibrations filling the air, Jamaica oozes laid-back, chilled-out Caribbean vibes. It’s totally tropical.

Must See:
The sunset. What’s even better is that you can sip rum punch while you’re watching it.

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Maldives
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Flight time:10 hours
Time zone:GMT +5
Currency:Rufiyaa

Maldives

The Maldives are the very picture of perfection – a whole set of tiny Indian Ocean islands each with white sands, crystal clear waters and access to some simply stunning coral. Just add a touch of Asian Fusion for dinner under the stars. Paradise.   

Must See:
The reefs are best seen from below – so scuba or snorkelling should be top of your list.

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Mexico
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Flight time:8 hours
Time zone:GMT -8 -6
Currency:Peso

Mexico

Two coastlines, pulsating nightlife, world-class resorts and astonishing ruins lie in wait for visitors to Mexico; a country steeped in a passion for serving-up the hottest cuisine – and seaside fun with all the trimmings.

Must See:
Dazzling Mayan ruins and deep, dark rain forest are there to be savoured.

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Singapore
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Flight time:12 hours
Time zone:GMT +8
Currency:Singapore Dollar

Singapore

This graceful Empire-era city lies at the bottom of the Malay peninsula and retains the trappings of its British past in much of its architecture and orderly approach to life. You’ll find the welcome warm and the accent very much on flawless service.

Must See:
The legendary Raffles Hotel, where you can still order a Singapore Sling in the very room where it was first mixed.

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St Lucia
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Flight time:9.5 hours
Time zone:GMT -4
Currency:East Caribbean Dollar

St Lucia

Dazzling white beaches, dense forest and dizzying peaks – St Lucia is home to some of the Caribbean’s greatest contrasts – as well as some of the region’s best hotels and resorts.
 
Must See:
What’s the catch of the day? You’ll find out at the 100 year-old street market in Castries.

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United States
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Flight time:8-12 hours
Time zone:GMT -5 -10
Currency:US Dollar

United States

Nothing beats the USA for sheer quantity and quality of life – and a holiday in glorious Florida puts it all within reach; from the Kennedy Space Centre and the Everglades to Miami and the Keys – not to mention a generous helping of the world’s best theme parks.

Must See:
Walt Disney World near Orlando is still the ‘daddy’ of the theme parks – Florida’s original and arguably best tourist attraction.

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Venezuela
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Flight time:8.5 hours
Time zone:GMT -4
Currency:Bolívar

Venezuela

Dramatically positioned on the Atlantic coastline of South America, Venezuela is there to be discovered. As lush, jungle gives way to golden beaches and crystal seas, it’s a country rich in Latin passion and unspoilt purity.

Must See:
Marvel at the 978 metre drop of the legendary Angel Falls, the world’s highest free-falling waterfall.

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