Europe is arguably one of the most diverse and exciting continents and European holidays are some of the most popular for travellers around the world. Its rich wealth of ski and sun holidays as well as fabulous European city breaks make it an ideal holiday location for whatever your budget or reason for wanting a break from everyday life. This HeadingThere guide aims to help you on your way to deciding which holiday hotspot you might want to visit this year. Holidays in Europe can be such fabulously enriching experiences you’ll gain a wealth of memories wherever you decide.
If you want diversity look no further than Europe’s real jewel in the crown. Encompassing close-by islands such as the Balearics and the Canary Islands as well as the mainland itself, Spain really does have something for everyone.
For amazing city breaks look no further than a weekend (or longer) in Barcelona. Barcelona is a big city with a big heart and there’s plenty to get stuck into on your trip there. From a tour of world famous Nou Camp to an open top bus tour of the city encompassing Gaudi’s Cathedral and the beautiful coast as well as everything in between.
For something more traditional, Costa del Sol (http://www.visitcostadelsol.com/) can offer you a traditional family holiday in beautiful surroundings on the south coast of Spain. A popular holiday destination for travellers all over the world, this place has plenty to do for individuals, couples and large families alike. The Costa del Sol endures as a British holiday favourite, with exceptionally cheap flights and top class resorts inviting people to return time and again.
If traditional is the opposite of your fancy, in summer the tiny town of Benicassim plays host to the world famous festival of its namesake that takes over for four amazing days. Attracting many British festival goers and world-famous bands, Benicassim is a once in a lifetime experience that will never be forgotten. Location allows you to be able to travel to Barcelona for a quick visit either before or afterwards to make your trip even more special.
The Balearic and the Canary Islands
These two set of islands are as diverse as their mainland counterparts. The Balearics, home of Ibiza, Menorca, Majorca and Formentera and the Canary islands, home of El Hierro, Palma, Gomera, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote all offer sun, sea and sand with a spectacular volcanic backdrop. The Balearics are most famous for their party atmosphere with it being home to the infamous island of Ibiza. But even places like that, there is a gentler, more family friendly, atmosphere to be found and Ibiza is one of the most popular destinations for families seeking a traditional beach holiday.
Islands like Lanzarote also provide a traditional holiday complete with a beautiful volcanic landscape and the islands volcanic centrepiece is open for regular coach tours. Don’t be fooled however, because although the two sets of islands do trade quite a lot on their spectacular geographical origins, a good beach, a nice restaurant and lovely shops are always close to hand and it is possible to enjoy a lovely, relaxing holiday without feeling that you ought to hike everywhere over dormant volcanoes!
France can offer you almost anything; from an amazing city break in Paris, to a camping holiday on the coast, you’ll have no problem finding something perfect for you.
If you want a family holiday but Disneyland Paris isn’t exactly your idea of a fun-packing two weeks, a family camping holiday is something definitely worth considering. Companies such as Venue offer you self catering holidays with fully equipped family tent or mobile home accommodation across France.
France though is perhaps most famous for its Skiing breaks. The French Alps create a stunning snow-capped backdrop and France’s ski resorts boast world class facilities, with all the après ski activities you could wish for. Courchevel is the place to go for luxury villas, Val d’Isere is a great resort for beginners, and Maribel is the hot spot for parties when you’ve had enough skiing for one day. Proof, if needed, that France is the place to be for skiing enthusiasts – whatever your pedigree!
Nowhere in Europe does romance quite like Italy. Whether you’re sunning yourselves on the Amalfi Coast or strolling along the streets of Rome; loosing yourself, quite literally, in the canals and winding streets of picturesque Venice; or strolling through the hilltop towns of Tuscany, you’re sure to fall in love with this incredible country.
The classical and cultural impact of Italy around the world is staggering and a trip to any location in Italy, with its heavily retained classical features, both physically and intellectually, will make you think you are travelling back in time with a warmth and fondness that not many countries could seek to inspire.
If a traditional trip to Rome doesn’t do anything for you, the aforementioned Amalfi Coast, located within the olive groves, vineyards and almond trees of postcard friendly Italy, is a great place to visit and keep as a base as you visit places such as Pompeii and Capri.
For a more rustic retreat, nothing could be better than a trip to Puglia, Italy’s best kept secret and least populated region. Located in the heel of the boot, it boasts a 500-mile long sandy coastline and unique Trulli houses, some of which are available to rent.
Eastern Europe
The best city breaks are undoubtedly to be found in Eastern Europe. Capital cities such as Prague, Belgrade, Budapest and Zagreb, offer you a plethora of experiences meaning you’ll never be short of places to go and things to do.
Prague is known the world over for being a hot bed for stag-do’s but don’t let that put you off. The city is steeped in culture and has things to do for all kinds of people. The nightlife has a great party atmosphere to it containing a mixture of bars and clubs playing music and serving drink for all sorts from head bangers and fans of pop, funk and disco. It’s a real cultured, sophisticated and diverse city that isn’t hindered at all by its party reputation.
Budapest is an amazing, culturally diverse city. In similar style to much of Eastern Europe, hints of Turkish, Jewish and Soviet societies permeate throughout and give a real impression of the vast culture of offer. A visit to the baths, the central market hall, Danube promenade and Hungarian parliament as well as the old Budapest Synagogue, all give you an impression of just how spectacular this city is.
As is expected, the nightlife is also incredible. A plethora of night clubs and bars occupy the streets in Budapest and much the aforementioned Prague, there certainly is something for all everyone. Most clubs have live music, cheap drinks and an all round fantastic atmosphere, famous for their total lack of negative vibes!
These cities are famous for being not only amazing destinations but also for their cost. With most of them being located just outside the Eurozone, cost to get there and survive when you arrive is extremely low compared to other destination. Not only is the cost of a city break a fraction of the price, but the comparative lack of tourists makes for a more relaxed, unique city break experience. Except if you go looking for something more exciting when you get there!
Whatever you decide to do and wherever you decide to do it however, I hope this guide has helped you to make your decision. If it has then a have a very happy holiday!
