Having a tough time figuring out what to get your loved ones this holiday season?
If they happen to love travelling, you can’t go wrong with a travel voucher or gift card. You can find this at a number of vacation websites, gift card sites, airlines and travel agencies like STA Travel, American Airlines and Global Travel Card.
Complement your gift card with popular travel destination ideas and you’ll have the perfect gift!  Here’s a few suggestions on unique  places to travel, where every travel junkie should visit – at least once in their lifetime.

1. Greece
Located in southeastern Europe, Greece is rich in culture and history. Often called the cradle of Western civilization, this is a great vacation spot if you appreciate magnificent architecture that has been around since ancient times.
This unique travel destination also boasts some pretty scenic views as it encompasses thousands of islands throughout the Aegean and Ionian seas. Within the mountainous areas of these islands, quaint villages featuring architecture unique to Greece contribute to the beauty of the area’s surroundings.
Among the villages you should explore when in Greece include:

• Christos Rachon, Ikaria Island : Besides being one of the most beautiful towns on the island, Christos Rachon is also the village that stays up all night. Why? Because the shops open all night – from sunset to sunrise. As for the islanders who live here, they live a haste-free life. This town is also probably one of the few places in the world with a self-service bakery. The owner of the bakery makes the bread, then leaves. So visitors wanting to buy bread are expected to leave the cash on the counter.

• Apeiranthos, Naxos Island: This is known as the marble village, as almost all structures and monuments here are made of the sought after material. Speaking of monuments, you’ll find many ancient ones in Greece, which are a part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. This includes the Temple of Apollo Epicurius (natural sanctuary where gods were worshipped in ancient times) and Meteora (the stone forest).

Don’t miss out on these top places to visit as well:

• Santorini: The gem of the Aegean, Santorini is made up of a group of islands consisting of Thíra, Thirassiá, Asproníssi, Palea and Nea Kaméni. Its beauty makes it the perfect place for a romantic getaway for two. Besides that, this vacation place is unique because its whole complex of islands is still an active volcano –  and probably the only volcano in the world whose crater is in the sea.
• Crete: As the largest island in Greece, Crete has it all! Visitors can explore its glorious beaches, impressive mountainscapes, different architecture styles and rich gastronomic culture.
• Parthenon: Dedicated by the Athenians to Athena Parthenos (the patron of their city), the Parthenon  is a double peripteral Doric temple with unique architectural features. Built between 447 and 438 BC, it’s a magnificent piece of history that’s worth a visit.

 

2. Japan
Nothing beats experiencing authentic Japanese cuisine in Japan. Besides its offerings of fresh sashimi and sushi, this island nation in the Pacific Ocean features interesting places to visit, mountainous national parks, and thousands of shrines and temples.
However, the country’s biggest attraction happens to be its pretty cherry blossom trees, appreciated by many for its quiet beauty. They can be seen throughout the country during the cherry blossom season (from mid-March to mid-April).
When making travel plans, choose places to visit in Japan depending on what you’d like to do.

• Tokyo: The capital of Japan. Known for skyscrapers, shopping and pop culture. If you or your friends are visiting this bustling city, you should bring along light bags like the ones from the Pacsafe Metrosafe range, to keep your money safe.
• Kyoto: This vacation destination is famous for its Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples and picturesque gardens.
• Osaka: Known for its modern architecture, nightlife and hearty street food.

 

3. Egypt
If your friends or family love the combination of adventure plus history – recommend egypt! An experience of a lifetime, you may want to join the trip too.
Linking northeast Africa with the Middle East, Egypt’s remarkable history dates back to the time of the pharaohs. It features millennia-old monuments, temples, tombs and the biggest attraction – ancient pyramids. Best places to see in Egypt include:

• The Great Pyramid of Giza: The oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which remains intact.
• Valley of the Kings:  Where tombs were constructed for the Pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom.

 

4. Italy
If you or your travel-loving friends have yet to visit Italy, you should definitely consider it. After all, it’s one of the top tourist destinations in the world.
A European country with a long Mediterranean coastline, Italy is home to many beautiful places to visit – each with their own unique offerings.

• Rome: The capital of Italy, featuring Ancient ruins such as the Forum and the Colosseum.
• Venice: This beautiful vacation spot is known for its art and culture. It’s also famous for its intricate transport system of interconnected canals, lined with gorgeous buildings and churches. The city also features museums and monumental architecture as seen in the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) and Basilica di San Marco – Venice’s most famous church.

• Florence: This is the birthplace of the Renaissance, featuring world-class art and architecture including Michelangelo’s David.
• Milan: Global capital of fashion and design.
• Sicily: Offers a melting pot of delicious cuisine, beautiful historical sites like the Valley of the Temples, and magnificent beaches.

However, there is one downfall to this top travel destination – pickpockets. Taking advantage of the country’s ability to attract many tourists, pickpockets can be found everywhere. Try to protect your things the smart way by using stylish yet theft-proof bags like the Pacsafe Instasafe™ Z300 anti-theft tote bag.
 

5. New Zealand
There’s a reason why this country was the selected location for movies like Narnia and Lord of the Rings – its tranquil scenic views inspire magnificence. Many would even nominate New Zealand as one of the best places to visit in the world.
However, this laid-back country isn’t short of adventure. There are many fun places to go for exciting experiences. From bungee jumping and skydiving to kayaking, and mountain biking, this cool travel destination offers a list adrenaline-pumping activities.
This is the reason why the country attracts countless adventure-seeking backpackers each year. If your friends fall under this category, they would need a reliable backpack to keep their belongings safe during their travels.   Backpacks from the Pacsafe Venturesafe X range would be ideal for them as they have a special anti-theft feature – you can never be too safe when you’re travelling. 
Having gone through our list of exciting places to visit, are you inspired to give the perfect gift and treat your family or even someone special to a holiday? If you’d like more ideas on where to go around the world, check out these 10 magical places.