Hoping to escape and make the most of the Easter break? Worried you might have left it too late? Seeking inspiration? Can’t decide between city-break or beach? Fear not, there’s still time. Read on for some last-minute ideas and suggestions…
Crete
The beautiful island of Crete has plenty to explore and the weather in spring is mild, so it’s ideal for activities!
What to do here? Build sandcastles on the pretty beaches or hop into the water and try out the various water sports on offer. Discover quaint villages. Hike in the mountains. Visit the famous Minoan Archaeological sites (and learn about the Minotaur!) Take a day trip to Spinalonga to explore the fortress.
Tenerife
From beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife to tropical forests and volcanic landscape, Tenerife is an island of contrasts and outstanding natural beauty. The largest of all the Canary Islands, Tenerife is a year-round holiday hotspot if you’re hoping for sunny shores.
The lively tourist resorts of Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos in the south west of the island offer stunning beaches, a dizzying array of restaurants and bars, and a very lively nightlife scene.
Further up the coast, you’ll find the sophisticated resort of Costa Adeje with its luxury hotels and designer shopping. My Travel Counsellor colleague Angela spent a week with her family at the 5* Gran Hotel Bahia Del Duque: “Tenerife is an ideal family destination. We visited Loro Parque, which has grown and grown over the years and keeps getting better! We also did Aqualand instead of Siam Park (the reason for this is it has a Dolphin Show and the slides were smaller).” She recommends the hotel and private villas for “any family looking to have a great holiday with relaxation in mind!”
Dubai
April in Dubai offers warm, sunny weather, with temperatures in the mid-twenties – perfect for sun-seekers! This dazzling city might be glamorous but it’s also family friendly.
The incredible resorts offer activities galore for all ages, the beaches offer bright white sands, and the thrilling water parks to discover include Aquaventure Waterpark and Wild Wadi Waterpark.
Mallorca
Mallorca, or Majorca as it is also known, is the largest of the Balearic Islands, and it’s an island of glowing beaches, lively nightlife, arts and culture, and iconic buildings, including Palma’s Gothic Cathedral and the Banys Arabs Bathhouse, the last surviving Moorish building in Palma.
There’s plenty to offer all interests, as each corner of Majorca has its own unique identity, so whether you’re based in Puerto Pollensa, Magaluf, Santa Ponsa or Camp de Mar, there’s somewhere to suit your needs.
Cala Ferreira makes an excellent base. You can walk down to a few beautiful coves such as Cala Esmerelda (like a perfect postcard). The scenery around here is breathtaking – it’s hilly but spectacular. Cala Ferreira comes to life in the evening and it’s like a paradise for the under 10s. Bungy rockets, trampolines, mini golf, pedalos, night markets and so many lovely restaurants.
Puerto Pollensa is another good option. At night the town square is where it’s at! Kids play football with makeshift goalposts. Small kids run about chasing each other. Bunting and fairy lights are hung overhead which makes the square feel really magical and inviting. The square is surrounded by about a dozen restaurants. You can sit and eat tapas, steak and seafood or whatever you fancy while allowing your kids to roam free and you can see them. Amazing!
There are really cool boutiques and ice cream parlours along the Pine Walk. If you walk all the way to the Illa D’or, a well-known luxury hotel, with lots of history, you can reward yourself with the best sangria in Mallorca!
The Algarve
The long coastline of The Algarve stretches a huge 100 miles and the landscape is stunning. Here, you’ll find sleepy fishing villages and majestic cliff-faces, sand-swept coves and lush Championship golf courses. As well as the sparkling water of the Atlantic Ocean!
Florida
April and May are ideal times to visit Florida as the weather is warm but not too hot and humid. So, you can explore both the theme parks and the spectacular natural landscape.
A few ideas for your holiday to Florida… If you’re looking for the great outdoors, try Everglades National Park or Biscayne National Park. Add a laidback coastal vibe to your trip with a journey into the Florida Keys.
And, delight big kids and little ones with trips to the theme parks and water parks! Stay at a Disney hotel so you don’t have to hire a car – maximise your time in the theme parks! The buses from the hotel are very regular and it’s quick and easy to get around.
Decision Time!
If any of these tickle your fancy, you’ll need to be quick – availability is limited. Give me a call, or drop me an email, and let’s see what I can find for you…
Matt Hills
Travel Counsellor
Call: 0203 642 6570
Email: matt.hills@travelcounsellors.com
Visit: travelcounsellors.co.uk/matt.hills
Twitter: @MattHills_TC
Facebook: @MattTravelCounsellor
