Posted in: Blog
Published on: 12th June 2025
The world is at your feet when flying from Teesside Airport via Amsterdam Schiphol with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
KLM serves around 160 worldwide destinations from Amsterdam– from Accra to Zanzibar – so you can plan your perfect getaway with ease.
And the airline is now making it cheaper to travel. Fly to Amsterdam and Europe with a minimum £140 spend and receive £50 discount* off your KLM Royal Dutch Airlines booking. Fly worldwide from Teesside with a minimum £170 spend and receive a £60 discount* off your flight. Book via klm.co.uk and use discount code KL50MMES25 or KL60MMES25.
And with fast, reliable check-in from Teesside taking you from your car to boarding gate in no time at all, it’s smoother than ever to fly local and go global.
Here are ten of the best holiday hotspots you can visit, with one easy connection at Amsterdam.
Europe:
The old and new marry together in Greece’s capital city, for an unforgettable escape for holidaymakers of all types. History fans can marvel at the ancient landmarks like the Acropolis and Parthenon, culture vultures will love its mix of museums – from the National Gallery and War Museum to the Benaki Toy Museum and, if you’re a big fan of…pipes, I guess…even the Industrial Gas Museum! There’s vibrant nightlife and a short hop to the Athenian Riviera offers as many sandy beaches as any sun-seeker could want.
2. Helsinki, Finland
Finland has been named top in the World Happiness Rankings for the eighth year, so travel to its elegant capital to put a smile on your face! The world-renowned destination for lovers of design is home to fantastic Nordic architecture, with the Central Railway Station, sea fort Suomenlinna and Temppeliaukio Church – built directly into solid rock – must-visits. This eclectic and welcoming city also boasts strong coffee culture, saunas and the famous Kauppatori Market.
3. Porto, Portugal
Portugal’s second-largest city is surprisingly laid-back and easy to explore on foot, making it perfect for a city break as well as a longer stay. Less touristy than Lisbon, its cobbled streets are peppered with independent bars and restaurants – with pints up for grabs for just over £3. Of course, if you fancy a different tipple, the city is famed for – yup – Port. There’s a multitude of Port Houses open for tastings and tours, just make sure you don’t get lost on the winding streets after a session!
4. Venice, Italy
Come on, we don’t need to sell you on Venice, surely? The whole city, spread over 118 islands on a lagoon, is a masterpiece in itself, recognised with UNESCO World Heritage designation. Take a gondola and explore the waterways, visit the Rialto Bridge over the Grand Canal, the 15th century “Bridge of Sighs” in Doge’s Palace and iconic cathedral St Mark’s Basilica. It’s not cheap but, If you want to splash out, grab a coffee at Caffe Florian, the oldest coffee house in Italy.
5. Vienna, Austria
The cultural and political centre of Austria, the city has been shaped by its contribution to music – home to celebrated composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and Midge Ure of Ultravox (okay, maybe not that last one). You can explore the grand palaces of Schonbrunn and Hofburg, the 12th century St Stephen’s Cathedral and even see horses DANCING(!!) with the Spanish Riding School’s Lipizzan ballet. World-class museums, vibrant food markets and stunning architecture all make this a destination not to be missed.
Worldwide:
6. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Live it up in the lap of luxury, where you can shop til you drop and eat and drink in style. But there’s much more to Dubai than splashing the cash at Dubai Mall or independent souks. Relax at one of the city’s beautiful beaches, take in the floral creations of the Dubai Miracle Garden or have thrills and spills at the Aquaventure World water park. Want to escape the city? Explore rugged mountains and nature in Hatta or embark on a desert adventure in Al Marmoon.
7. New York, USA
Take a bite out of the Big Apple and explore its diverse neighbourhoods – from the trendy Greenwich Village, lively Chinatown, and historic Little Italy, Manhattan alone has enough to do for days. Explore Central Park, see a show on Broadway, or get breathtaking views at the Empire State Building and Rockerfeller Centre’s Top of the Rock. Let’s face it, it’s New York, you know the drill…
8. Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Jesus Christ, he’s big! Famed for its Christ the Redeemer statue, lively Carnival (Feb 13-21, 2026) and Selaron Steps, Rio’s mixture of rainforest, beaches, glam city life has it all. Have a head for heights? Take a cable car tour up the 1299ft Sugar Loaf Mountain and admire the views of Niteroi, Copacabana and Santa Cruz Fortress. Trek through Tijuca National Park or take one of many cruise, Jeep, train or even hang-gliding excursions then be back in time for live music and Samba!
9. San Francisco, USA
The instantly recognisable Golden Gate bridge, cable cars and Alcatraz are huge selling points of San Fran (as the cool kids call it), but there’s a lot more to explore in what’s considered one of the most stylish US cities. Spot sea lions on Pier 39, visit the bustling shops and restaurants of Fisherman’s Wharf and get a snap at Lombard Street – the wonkiest street in the world. Golden Gate Park’s vast urban green space hosts the Japanese Tea Garden and California Academy of Sciences, and it’s a great base for an excursion to Sonoma and Napa Wine Country.
10. Tokyo, Japan
The modern west side and traditional east truly make Tokyo a city of two halves. The city’s history can be explored at the Edo-Tokyo Museum alongside very living artefacts like the Nezu-jinja, Meiji Jingu and Senso-ji shrines. For Anime and Manga geeks, the city’s the worldwide centre of the genres. There’s also bathhouses, baseball, cycling and sumo to enjoy. And check out Tokyo Night & Light, a huge animated light projection on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, guest-starring Godzilla (cause who doesn’t like giant lizards smashing stuff up?).
*T&Cs apply, subject to availability, limited discounts available. Discounts valid only on klm.co.uk
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