Top places to take a Short Break this Summer
Looking to escape the daily grind of work and enjoy a short break? There are many options for a summer break, and you do not have to travel far or spend a great deal.
There are many culturally diverse locations in Europe where you can immerse yourself in the rich architecture, flamboyant history and local art not to mention stunning scenery. If you are after a more restful beach holiday, you will not be disappointed with the selection.
For a city break, one gem in Europe’s crown is Amsterdam. Well known for pleasing the younger more adventurous types, few people realise that the city offers more than just coffee houses and red light districts. Amsterdam is a very picturesque city situated on a series of canals and you can hop onto numerous cruises along the canals. During the months of Spring the tulip fields are alive and are a major draw card for gardeners and nature lovers. There is also a variety of historical sights and museums to satisfy the cultural enthusiasts and a wide selection of beers and cheeses for the foodies.
Holiday makers after a sand and surf should look to Montenegro which is fast becoming the pearl of the Mediterranean. With over 117 breathtaking beaches you can choose an area that most suits you from sand to pebble or rock beaches. Many of the beaches have bustling resorts with restaurants, bars and shops so after a long day lounging in the sun, there are plenty of things to entertain you. Montenegro is rich in culture and home to many artists as well as offering a colourful history which can be displayed in the numerous galleries, festivals and other event shows.
If you’re after an adventurous outdoor holiday, Southern Spain offers the ultimate walker’s paradise. Las Alpujarras, near Granada has Spain’s most enchanting mountain region perfect for high-altitude hiking or walking. Hikers can embark on independent self guided walks or as part of a walking holiday tour group. Walkers can see the true Spain which is not possible by sitting on one of the popular tourist lined beaches. The walking holidays range from easy to experienced so you don’t need to have peak fitness to enjoy this outdoor nature-based holiday.
For many families, the recent economic downtown has meant that holidays abroad are no longer an option and the stay-cation is becoming a very attractive alternative to a summer holiday in a foreign land. The Lakes District is a stunning area of the UK perfect for a summer stay-cation. The most visited area of this region is the Lake District National Park which is the largest national park in the UK. The mountains and the lakes provide picturesque scenery and a plethora of wildlife as well as being the home to many famous poet and writers, notably Beatrix Potter who took residency in the region during the early 20th century. The quant towns thrive on tourism and there is an abundance of wonderful bed and breakfasts, quant shops and tour groups to take nature lovers on guided walks.
Jenny Oneill is a freelance travel writer who is currently researching places to take a <a href=”http://www.centerparcs.co.uk/”>short break<a/> in the UK.