Top things to do

Unforgettable holiday memories can involve anything from impressive architecture and great works of art to spectacular landscapes. The Eternal City of Rome is particularly packed with unique sights that will stay with you forever – the centuries-old colonnaded Colosseum and the raw complexity of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel paintings – while the night-time view of the Acropolis in Athens is simply sublime. The breathtaking natural beauty of Norway’s fjords lingers in the mind, as does Switzerland’s Jungfrau as the sun catches its snow-capped peak. But don’t forget that memories are made anytime, anywhere – your kids laughing in a hotel swimming pool or a decadent meal has just as much personal resonance as a visit to the Eiffel Tower!

A combination of all three approaches is probably the right way forward here. Joining an organised tour is a practical and informative way of familiarising yourself with a new city or region on arrival – and you’ll likely come away with inspiration for exploring off the well-trodden tourist trail. This in turn can lead to impromptu jaunts into little-known districts, to neighbourhood markets where you can chat with locals, or backstreet bistros known only to the residents. As for early-morning strolls, you may have to skip a lie-in but you'll have your destination virtually to yourself, and your stay will be the richer for it.

Seeing a famous city like Paris, Rome or London through local eyes will almost certainly deliver fresh perspectives to your own impressions and opinions. On the most basic level, locals can offer practical tips on navigating public transport, let you know about any upcoming festivals or events, and point you to lesser-known sights, family-run cafés, street markets and indie stores that don’t make the travel guides. More profoundly than that, however, they have an innate awareness of what makes their city tick, so they can guide you on social etiquette and help you to engage with people respectfully. They’re also bound to have a personal anecdote or two that will help you gain a deeper understanding of your destination.