Looking for something different for your next holiday?

There's a reason beach holidays remain a firm favourite. A bit of sunshine, time to relax and a change of scenery are hard to beat. But holidays don't always have to mean a week by the sea.

In fact, ABTA's latest Holiday Habits research* found that 53% of people had taken a city break in the past 12 months, compared with 49% who had taken a beach holiday. A reminder that while beach breaks remain hugely popular, there are plenty of other ways to spend your time away.

From travelling through spectacular landscapes by train, to watching the world go by on a river cruise, getting closer to incredible wildlife, exploring a country with a knowledgeable guide or adventuring to places a little further off the beaten track - here are eight of our favourite alternatives to the “fly and flop” holiday.

1. Rail journeys that make the journey part of the adventure

Some journeys are just as memorable as the places you visit along the way. Travelling by train gives you the chance to watch landscapes change, pass through small towns and enjoy views that you might otherwise miss.

Perhaps you fancy travelling through the Swiss Alps, crossing dramatic mountain passes and passing lakes and valleys? Or exploring Japan by rail, to combine the energy of Tokyo with Kyoto's traditional streets and the natural beauty of the countryside?

And longer rail journeys that link several countries or take you through remote landscapes, turn the route itself into the highlight of the trip.

Rail holidays can work particularly well for couples and friends, but they're also a great idea for families with older children who enjoy discovering new places. Depending on the itinerary, you could stay in several destinations along the way or use one city as a base for exploring the surrounding area.

And if you like the idea of travelling by train but don't want to organise every connection yourself, a planned itinerary can take care of the logistics.

2. Cruising the world’s iconic rivers

Cruising doesn't have to mean a huge ship and days at sea. Smaller river vessels offer a different way to explore, often taking you closer to the places you're visiting and creating a more intimate atmosphere on board.

River cruises offer a wonderful way to combine several destinations without constantly packing and unpacking. Wake up in a different town each morning, spend the day exploring historic streets or visiting local attractions, then return to the ship as the scenery changes around you.

Europe's rivers offer plenty of choice, from the castles and vineyards along the Rhine to the historic cities of the Danube. Further afield, the Mekong offers a fascinating way to discover parts of Southeast Asia, while a Nile cruise can bring ancient Egyptian history to life.

River cruises suit couples, friends and solo travellers, of all ages with different ships offering different atmospheres, facilities and age policies. Plus, you can easily combine a cruise with a stay elsewhere. A few nights in Budapest before a Danube cruise, for example, or time exploring a city before heading home, can turn a cruise into something even more special.

3. Tours to discover more, with the details taken care of

A touring holiday is a perfect way to get to know a country, particularly somewhere with lots of places you'd like to see or where planning the route yourself feels a little daunting.

And the choice is much broader than many people realise. You could join an escorted group with an expert guide, follow a carefully planned itinerary independently, or arrange a private tour around the places and experiences that matter most to you.

Some tours focus on the major sights, while others take a deeper look at a particular interest. Think food and wine in Italy, ancient history in Egypt, wildlife in Africa, music in the American South or the landscapes of South America.

The benefit though is that the practical details are planned around the experience. So you spend less time working out how to get from one place to another and more time enjoying where you are.

Ideal for couples, friends, and families. Smaller groups, more comfortable accommodation options and specialist operators cater to different interests and travel styles.

For solo travellers in particular, a group tour can also be a good option. Many itineraries are designed with solo travellers in mind, although it's always worth checking the room arrangements and any single supplements before booking.

4. Get closer to the natural world

For many, the most memorable part of a holiday is seeing something you may never have the chance to experience at home.

An African safari that brings you face to face with elephants, giraffes and lions in their natural habitat. Guided walks that offer the chance to look for monkeys, sloths and colourful birdlife in the Costa Rican rainforest. Or something on a much bigger scale. The landscapes of Patagonia, the deserts of Namibia or an expedition cruise to Antarctica can all make for extraordinary journeys.

These trips also offer an opportunity to learn about different environments, understand the importance of conservation and experience places that feel a world away from everyday life.

The right trip depends on what you'd most like to see, how active you'd like to be and how much time you have. And you can combine wildlife and nature experiences with time on the coast, or a few days in a city before heading into the wilderness. Offering a perfect balance between adventure and relaxation.

5. Discover off-the-beaten track destinations

Sometimes the best way to find a different kind of holiday is to look beyond the destinations we hear about most often.

Somewhere you can learn about local culture, try unfamiliar food and seeing places that feel different from home.

Oman, for example, offers much more than the sunshine and big city lights of its UAE counterparts. Instead, explore Muscat's architecture and souqs, spend a night in the desert, discover mountain scenery and finish with time beside the sea.

Montenegro as an alternative to Croatia combines historic coastal towns with mountains, lakes and beautiful scenery. While Bolivia offers a very different South American adventure, from the vast salt flats of Uyuni to the landscapes of the Andes.

Or head to central Asia and Uzbekistan, where the ancient Silk Road cities of Samarkand and Bukhara offer extraordinary architecture and a fascinating glimpse into the history of trade between East and West.

Yes, these trips might need a little more thought when it comes to transport, the best time to visit or how to plan your route. But choosing somewhere less familiar definitely doesn't mean you have to compromise on comfort. You can build a trip around boutique hotels, private guides or a slower pace, depending on what you want from your holiday. And that's where putting together the right itinerary makes all the difference.

6. Explore further on a walking or cycling holiday

If you'd rather spend your time outdoors on-the-go than lazing by a pool, then a walking or cycling holiday could be a great shout.

Specialist operators offer a wide range of options, from gentle routes with comfortable accommodation to more challenging trips for experienced walkers and cyclists.

Days could be spent walking between villages in the Italian countryside, following coastal paths in Portugal or exploring the dramatic mountain scenery of the Dolomites. Cycling holidays can take you through vineyards, along rivers or between historic towns, with plenty of opportunities to stop along the way.

Some holidays include luggage transfers, so you can enjoy the route without carrying everything you need. Others offer guided walks or rides, while self-guided itineraries give you more freedom to explore at your own pace.

These trips can be a lovely way to experience a destination beyond its main attractions. You'll have more time to notice the smaller details, stop in local villages and enjoy the scenery rather than rushing between sights.

And you don't necessarily need to spend your entire holiday walking or cycling. A few active days followed by a stay in a city or somewhere by the coast can offer a good balance.

7. City breaks beyond the usual favourites

City breaks remain a popular choice, and it's easy to see why. A few days away can give you a change of scenery, good food, interesting architecture and plenty to explore without needing to take a whole week off work.

But while Paris, Rome and New York always grab the headlines, there are plenty of other cities worth considering.

Bologna is a great option for anyone who loves Italian food, with its historic streets, porticoes and lively food scene. Ljubljana offers a compact, easy-to-explore centre with riverside cafés and access to Slovenia's beautiful countryside. Or Thessaloniki combines Ottoman influences and elegant waterfront promenades with a lively food scene and a more laid-back feel.

The best choice depends on what you'd enjoy most. Perhaps you're interested in history and architecture, want to discover somewhere through its food, or simply fancy a few days exploring somewhere you haven't visited before.

You could also make a city break part of a longer holiday, spending a few days exploring before heading to the countryside, mountains or coast.

Sometimes, a change of scene doesn't mean travelling to the other side of the world.

8. Build a holiday around something you love

Our final idea for planning your next trip is to start with an interest rather than a destination.

So maybe following a passion for food and wine, or attending a major sporting event, exploring ancient history, photographing wildlife or discovering the places behind your favourite music or artist.

There are holidays built around all sorts of interests, from motorsport and architecture to astronomy and photography with some including expert-led visits and behind-the-scenes access.

The advantage of this type of trip is that you have a natural focus, and rather than trying to see everything, you can spend your time doing something you genuinely enjoy, often alongside people with similar interests.

Trips can be as structured or as relaxed as you like, too. A specialist tour might take care of tickets, transport and access to experiences, while an independently planned trip could give you the flexibility to explore on your own.

It’s the perfect way to discover somewhere new. And your interest might just lead you to a destination you hadn't previously considered, or encourage you to see a familiar place in a completely different way.

Ready to try a different way to travel?

There's no single right way to travel. You might love the simplicity of a beach holiday one year and feel ready for something more adventurous the next. Or perhaps you'd like to combine the two, with a few days of exploring followed by some time to relax.

What’s important is finding the trip that suits you: the places you're interested in, the experiences you'd love to have and the pace that feels right.

And we’re here to help you do just that. From exploring the possibilities to searching out the best options and making suggestions if you know you’d like to try something different.

It all starts with a conversation.

Speak to one of the team today to start planning your world.