Best 2-Week Holiday Destinations

DISCLAIMER: This post might have links to travel services and products that we enjoy. We might make a commission from it at no extra cost to you.

I know that two weeks is not a very long holiday for someone, but this is the reality for many people. If you are from Europe, Australia, or New Zealand, a three-week holiday is about normal. But in places like the US, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, two weeks is more the standard.

Don’t fret, that doesn’t mean you can’t go exploring the world. Although I run my own business, I still get in situations where I can only go away for 2-3 weeks at a time. If it’s only a 2-week vacation, I make sure that I don’t bring my laptop and take a full break from work.

This list of the best 2-week holiday destinations will show you why these places are worth taking the trip for. I also included a link to each destination to specific 2-week itineraries to give you an idea of how to spend 14 days there.

ALSO READ: 2 weeks in India itineraries or 2 weeks in Hawaii itineraries

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST DESTINATION FOR YOUR VACATION

3 images - two are a photos of a plane in an airport with sunset background and a photo of pointy location sighs with different names of countries - Best 2-Week Holiday Destinations

Two weeks can easily be spent in a small country like Denmark or Maldives. While a massive country like Australia, two weeks might not be enough, but it’s plenty if you focus your itinerary on one area.

Have you been here before

I was a preacher of exploring new places. However, that changed when I only had limited time for a vacation. If I really want to, I’d choose a new place. But if I’m looking to lie on the beach, drinking cold coconut, I’d pick a nice destination near me even if I’ve been there before.

Sometimes, I even go to the same country but will explore a different part. For example, if last year you spent two weeks on the east coast of the US. Perhaps, this year, you could explore the Midwest or the West Coast of the US.

If you spent the summer in the south of France last year, maybe this year, you can save the holiday and go skiing in winter in the mountains of France.

Distance from home

The number one that I will recommend is calculating the distance of the destination from home. If you only have exactly 2 weeks, coming from Canada and heading to Australia, you’ll easily spend 2-3 days travelling, not to mention the fatigue from jetlag.

That doesn’t mean you should never visit Australia, but maybe you can rearrange your holiday and make sure it starts on Saturday and ends on Sunday. You can book a flight that leaves on the evening of Friday. In this way, you can account for the travel time during the weekend and not shave off your actual off-from-work-time.

You can also save that destination for the year where you didn’t use your sick leave and instead convert it to holiday leave.

First, check how long the flight is and how many connections are. There are no flights directly to Australia from the US, perhaps, that would be a good route for you. Just avoid 2-3 connections if possible.

Season

Of course, the season will play a big part. Some companies require employees to take annual holidays during a specific season. While people with children usually take their time off during summer when school is also on a break.

Choose destinations like the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Southeast Asia if you want a summer holiday. Destinations like Switzerland, Canada, and the Nordics are great for winter activities.

One thing to remember, the seasons are different in the southern hemisphere. So, don’t expect warm temperatures in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Chile, and Argentina from May to August.

Knowing the season in your destination will help you write your travel itinerary and packing list for your 2-week trip or a packing list for a summer trip. It will also help you visualise the activities you can do. For example, don’t expect to go swimming in the ocean in Australia from June to August because the water is absolutely freezing. Those months are the winter season in Australia and New Zealand.

Budget

One last thing – budget. If you have a limited budget, perhaps a holiday domestically will be a better option. This way, you can easily drive around, save money on transportation, and spend it on a nice hotel room.

Countries in Southeast Asia and South Asia, such as Sri Lanka are one of the most affordable places in the world. So, if you’re after good food, extraordinary adventures, interesting culture, and budget-friendly – consider this region.

If you have all the budget, places like Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Scandinavia, Western Europe, and North America are fantastic destinations. Do you know that not many people expect Chile and Israel to be expensive?

BEST 2-WEEK HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS

Honestly, almost any place in the world can be an excellent destination for your 2-week vacation. But here, I include the places I spent 10-14 days in, and I will explain why they are perfect for a short holiday period.

Brazil

I know, Brazil is such a huge country. However, most people, especially seasonal travellers, are keen to see popular places, such as Rio de Janeiro and the Amazon. Rio will give you the best beach holiday you expect from Brazil

From beach bumming or dancing on Carnival, there’s nothing better than water activities and street parties. Spending 7 days in this region of Brazil, you can also visit Sao Paulo. Before heading north, you can take a 2-day stopover at the capital city of Brasilia.

After that, if you are up for an adventure, you can get on a flight to Manaus, where you can spend some time inside the Amazon Jungle. Of course, not all areas are accessible but you can simply book a cruise or a 2 or 3-night stay in a cabin. Check out 2 weeks in Brazil itineraries.

Cambodia

Cambodia will always be one of my favourite destinations for a 2-week vacation. During this time, you can explore the magnificent and unique Angkor Wat, which should take 2-3 days. Make sure to do a day trip and visit Battambang to experience the bamboo train ride.

Next, head to Sihanoukville for some water activities under the sun. Book a boat trip that will take you to Koh Rong Samloem and Koh Rong (different islands that sit next to each other).

For the final leg of your vacation, head to the capital city Phnom Penh where you can learn more about Cambodian culture, including the genocide that happened in the 70s. From here, you should not have a problem getting on an international flight home. We have a 2-week travel itinerary for Cambodia to give you some ideas.

Colombia

This country has a perfect size, you can easily spend 14 days in Colombia or stretch it out for another week or two – there’s just so much to see and do!

You could start by landing in the capital city of Bogota. There are many walking tours and day trips you could join. You could learn why Colombia has one of the best coffees in the world, and perhaps, you’d like to bring some home. I personally spent 4 days here, but you could easily spend more.

Next, take a flight to the city of eternal springs – Medellin. Unfortunately, it is more known for its dark history brought by the drug cartels. But with the help of the locals and foreigners who love living and travelling here, slowly, Medellin has created a new welcoming and more positive image.

Your final destination is to visit the Caribbean without spending too much. Take a flight to Cartagena, where you can book boat tours that will take you to beautiful beaches and islands of the Caribbean. You can even take a day trip near Barranquilla, where you can try the mud volcano spa from El Totumo.

ALSO CHECK: 2 weeks itinerary for South America

France

2 images - eiffel tower with sunset background and Louvre
Louvre on the left and Eiffel Tower on the right

If you are thinking of Europe, one of the best 2-week holiday destinations is undeniably France. It is famous for so many things. But its beauty goes beyond the Eiffel Tower and Paris City. France is a destination that you can visit all year round. Looking for a ski destination for winter? The French Alps have you covered.

Thirsty for a beach holiday? The towns of Marseille and Nice sit pretty on the Mediterranean while Bordeaux and Bayonne offer you to go surfing in the Atlantic Ocean. If you plan a 2-week honeymoon, France is a fantastic place for that celebration.

Food lovers or wine enthusiasts? You already know that France will not disappoint you. And if you are a fan of cycling, make sure to schedule your trip during the summer season and follow Tour de France.

Before you decide, take a look at our compilation of 2 weeks in Europe. It has 6 different European itineraries and we will keep adding fun and exciting travel plans to it. But we also have an itinerary for 2 weeks in France with 3 different options.

Iceland

Iceland is one of the destinations that many people want to see but also cannot afford. It’s true that Iceland is not affordable. It’s actually one of the most expensive places to travel for many people and even to live for many locals.

But it’s all worth it. When I booked my 2 weeks in Iceland trip, I knew it would cost me more than what I normally spend on a holiday. But I also know it’s a place like no other in the world.

Spending two weeks in Iceland can be affordable. First, most flights from Europe are already affordable. Second, coming from North America, there are a lot of direct flights to Iceland that are affordable.

Second, most tourists rent a car when visiting Iceland. This gives you not only freedom to move, but since it’s popular, there are many deals available where you can book a flight with a car rental combo or car rental and accommodation package.

During your visit, make sure to check out the Blue Lagoon Bath, Gullfoss Falls, Skogafoss, Pngvellir National Park, and Geysir, to name a few. Following the Golden Circle will lead to the most popular spots in Iceland.

Italy

From my personal experience, since there is so much to see, explore, and eat in Italy, two weeks here might not cut it. But the good news is that focusing on just one region will work just fine. Then on your next visit, you can travel to a different region and have a completely different yet wonderful experience.

You can choose to focus your holiday in the northern or southern parts. Of course, the South has so much to offer for the summer vacation. In contrast, the north is an excellent area for hiking and learning about the culture and arts. If you want to go skiing, the northern part is your destination.

For food, well, you can never go wrong – everywhere in Italy, the food and wine are worth eating and drinking. Whether you choose the north or the south, you want to start or end your vacation in Rome, I mean, you can’t leave without seeing the historical sites of the Colosseum, the Ruins, and many Piazzas.

We also have an itinerary for 2 weeks in Italy. You can choose between 4 different travel itineraries depending on what you enjoy (i.e historical places, beaches, hiking, etc).

Nepal

If you really want to make the most out of your vacation, you can spend 2 weeks in Nepal. You can go hiking there, sign up to trek Everest Base Camp and see wild animals in a national park. When I visited Nepal, I had one month, but I was trekking during the first two weeks.

A girl in our tour group was spending her 15-day vacation in Nepal and doing the EBC trek. The trip lasted for 2 weeks, so it’s super ideal, but make sure to train for a continuous trek for 14 days before you depart for the trip.

New Zealand

I’d probably say this depends on where you will be coming from and if the flights are reasonable enough. For example, from Midwest in the US, going to New Zealand might require you to make three connections and about a nearly 36-hour flight.

But if coming from Australia, Thailand, or even Europe, getting to New Zealand is very easy. If you have a very limited 14 days, you can probably make it to New Zealand if you plan to leave Friday night and return on the weekend.

Doing it this way can earn an extra 3-4 days. Although quite a journey to get to, New Zealand is very worth it. There are so many glaciers, lakes, Fjords, and an animal that can only be found here. Spending 2 weeks in New Zealand is perfect; you can explore the North and South Islands.

Israel and Palestine

Israel and Palestine might have political conflicts, but many visitors who come here actually visit both places. There are so many beautiful attractions to explore and so many historical spots. You can definitely spend 2 weeks in Israel and Palestine and get to see most of the top attractions.

In this region, you can also find the famous Dead Sea. A very salty sea, lets you float, and is covered in mud that is great for your skin. If you want to have some time under the sea, Tel Aviv is a popular beach destination, while the Read Sea is a great location for some snorkelling.

Visit places like Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jericho, and the famous Jerusalem. Here, you will find four religions coming together.

For foodies, don’t worry. Israel and Palestine offer you delicious Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern dishes. A lot of them are vegetarian and vegan-friendly. Spending two weeks here is filled with lots of adventure.

Peru

Another great destination if you are looking to spend your 2-week vacation in Peru. You can finally see the famous wonder of the world – Machu Picchu. While many tourists opt for multiple-day hikes, you can also go for a day trip from Cusco or spend only a night in the town near the ruins.

Next, you can spend some time in the capital city of Lima and eat some ceviche and lomo saltado. You can also get on a bus and head to Huaraz, a region filled with stunning glaciers and lakes. However, if you plan to hike from Cusco all the way to Machu Picchu, spending 3 weeks in Peru is more suitable.

Philippines

The Philippines is definitely one of the best 2-week holiday destinations on this list, especially if you love the beach and water adventure. It is composed of 7,000+ islands. Imagine how much fun you could have visiting this country. Check our 2 weeks in the Philippines itinerary with 3 travel plan options.

From hiking beautiful mountains to diving deep down the Pacific Ocean. The Philippines is a famous spot for people who love water activities, the corals here are very unique and cannot be found somewhere else. Getting your diving course certificate ad license here is also more affordable than in Europe or North America.

The locals also speak great English, and communicating and going around is easy. I recommend you not spend too much time in Manila, the capital. While it has its charm, it’s very traffic, and unfortunately, there are not many historical places left to explore except Intramuros. Head to Palawan, Boracay, or Siargao for beach time. Go to the north of hiking options.

South Africa

2 images - 2 girrafes and an aerial shot of Cape Point, South Africa
Giraffes on the left and Cape Point on the right side

This is one of my favourite destinations in the world. I’m not going to lie, it’s not the safest country I have been to. But, I didn’t let it stop me from exploring the area. Geared with safety tips in mind, I spent nearly a week at Kruger National Park, where I saw over 50 different species of animals. If you have never been, here’s a complete guide for things to know before you go to Kruger National Park.

From giraffes, elephants, big cats, dozens of birds, and lots and lots of animals like impalas and kudus with beautiful horns. 2 weeks in South Africa is plenty. They have great domestic flight choices that will take you to nearly all popular destinations.

After that, I recommend you get yourself to Cape Town. Rich in historical spots, the famous Table Mountain, and the spot where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic Ocean. If you plan to stay longer, check out this 3 weeks in South Africa vacation plan.

ALSO CHECK: 2 weeks in Morocco or 2 weeks in Tanzania

Thailand

I can’t talk about the best destinations without mentioning the gateway to the Far East, right? Thailand is popular for its amazing beaches and very delicious dishes (spicy but yummy). Spending 2 weeks in Thailand means that you can explore both its northern part and the south.

Bangkok, the capital city, is a hub for partying in Southeast Asia like no other. At the same time, famous islands like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Phuket offer their white sand beaches and great spots for snorkelling and diving. You should be able to find a flight directly to the south, but you might still have to land in Bangkok.

There are airports in every popular tourist destination, so you don’t have to spend too much time getting from one place to another. You should be able to find direct flights between cities with no problem.

The top places you want to visit are Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Koh Samui, to name a few. You won’t surely run out of places to see even though you have been to Thailand before. It’s also a fantastic place to visit if you are on a budget.

The UK

The UK might not be many people’s number one travel destination. However, the UK consists of beautiful countries offering amazing destinations for hiking and, as we all know, very rich in history.

The UK is a great destination to spend two fun weeks. You can choose to cover two different countries. Many tourists often combine England and Scotland, while others would go with Northern Ireland and Wales.

Regardless of which places you want to see, they are easy to get to. You can rent a car, take a domestic flight, or use the train system. For starters, I recommend you enjoy the big city of London if you like cities and match it with a quiet exploration of the Scotland Highlands.

But the first time I went to England, specifically London, I was overwhelmed by the number of places I could see in such a short period of time. If it’s you have never been, I recommend you focus on historical spots if that’s your interest. For example, visiting the Tower of London and its surrounding can easily eat up your entire day.

If you don’t like cities, you can head right to Cardiff or explore the stunning Snowdonia, then to Belfast or visit the less touristy area of northern or southern England. For a complete city lover, London, Belfast, and Glasglow are the top cities you may want to visit.

We have 3 travel itineraries for two weeks in England or our 2 weeks in the UK itinerary if you want to explore that country for your first visit to the UK.

Turkey

I personally have mixed feelings about Turkey. I have safety concerns for solo female travellers to Turkey. However, I can’t deny how stunned I was by its beauty. Cappadocia is one of the places that is truly magical.

Get on a hot air balloon and see Cappadocia’s beauty from the top. If you want to be challenged, you can rent an ATV and drive around the area. Don’t forget to visit Istanbul, although it’s not the capital city, it’s undeniable how popular it is. It is also the gateway to Asia from Europe.

Here, you can visit Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque – the two are just a few hundred metres away. If you are looking for some sun love, the coastal city of Antalya is popular both with foreign and local tourists.

Check our 2 weeks in Turkey itinerary to help you plan your trip. This includes ideas on when, top places to go, where to stay, and how to design your itinerary.

Vietnam

Vietnam is famous for its unique and delicious dishes. Still, it’s also popular for adventurous activities such as motorbiking across the country, hiking to the highest point in Indochina, and visiting the world’s largest cave.

You can easily spend 2 weeks in Vietnam. Believe it or not, small towns around Vietnam have their own domestic airport, train station, or sleeper bus that can get you there. This means you can easily hop from one place to another.

Spend one week in the north, exploring Hanoi, Sa Pa, and Halong Bay (a UNESCO Heritage Site), then hop on a flight to central Vietnam, and then to the south. An easy itinerary to follow that lets you cover the country from top to bottom.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can rent a motorbike either from the north (Hanoi) or the South (Ho Chi Minh City), and travel the country driving it.

SUMMARY OF 2-WEEK HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS

Spending 14 days might does it not mean that you shouldn’t travel and enjoy your well-deserved break from work and life.

These places offer a lot of fun things to do, and you can definitely make the most out of your limited yet justified holiday. The key is choosing a place closer to you but offering exciting new activities.

I hope you found this list of the best 2-week holiday destinations helpful.

SAVE THIS ITINERARY ON YOUR PINTEREST:

For a memorable two-week trip, explore Italy's historic Rome, Florence's art, Venice's canals; Japan's blend of Tokyo modernity and Kyoto's traditions; Peru's Machu Picchu; and New Zealand's landscapes from beaches to mountains. Experience culture, history, and nature.  via @twoweektraveller