Summer Holiday Inspiration
Planning your summer holiday early is a good idea for a number of reasons. Booking flights, ferries and trains early means you’ll enjoy cheaper fares, you’ll get the pick of the best self catering accommodation, hotel rooms, restaurants and experiences plus it will give you something to look forward to as you navigate your way through the cold winter months.
But which places are on trend right now and where are the best places to go on holiday in Europe? I’m seeing some trends emerging – here are the best European holiday destinations:
Austria
You might only think of Austria when considering a winter ski holiday but this country is well worth a visit in the Summer months too. Take your pick of some of the best spa hotels in Europe, numerous hiking trails in the Tyrolean Alps, Sound of Music vistas, excellent food and culture, glacial lakes and summer sports activities to keep any active traveller happy. Some of the best places to visit in Austria include: Salzburg, Vienna, Zell am See, Graz and the Styrian Wine Roads. Not your regular summer beach holiday but with wellness resorts, lakeside swimming and pristine man-made beaches it’s safe to say the Austrians know how to do summer.
Turkey
From the allure of cosmopolitan Istanbul to the more laid back coastal resorts along the Turquoise Coast, Turkey is having a moment. Travellers are being lured by some of the best luxury beach hotels in Europe, reasonable prices compared to the rest of Europe, great food, fascinating culture, ancient ruins and relatively short flight time from the UK (four-ish hours from London Gatwick). If you’ve explored the Greek islands and want to experience something similar but slightly different, planning a holiday to Turkey is a great option. Opt for Izmir, Kaş, Fethiye, Bodrum, the cave hotels in Cappadocia or atmospheric mountain retreats in the highlands.
Italy
Still one of the most enduring holiday destinations in Europe, Italy has it all. Some of the best food in Europe, art and culture that will blow your mind, friendly, passionate locals, breathtaking countryside and a range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. While summer in Italy can see you packed in like sardines on the beaches, escape the coastal crowds and head inland to explore the romantic landscapes of Tuscany, foodie hotspots of Emilia-Romagna or rugged beauty of the majestic Dolomites. If you’re craving beaches try one of the Italian islands such as Sicily, explore Puglia or head to the Italian lakes – Lake Maggiore is a good bet.
Spain
Spain will always hold a special place in my heart. I love the culture, food, people, cities, music and landscapes. I’ve travelled around most of it on various European road trips with the family and it never fails to disappoint. Sharing my on the ground knowledge with clients is one of my favourite pass times. From the alluring port city of Cadiz to the chic shores of the Costa Brava, let me help you decide where to go in Spain. If you prefer the islands, Mallorca, Ibiza and Minorca are great options when planning a holiday to Spain. Travellers can still enjoy relatively cheap prices when it comes to food, drink and accommodation so booking a summer holiday in Spain is a smart move.
Croatia
After driving from Brighton to Croatia on numerous European road trips I have experienced many stop offs in Croatia and discovered some absolute gems for summer holiday inspiration. Croatia boasts around 1,000 miles of coastline, nearly 1,200 islands, stunning National Parks, UNESCO heritage sites and some of the most crystal clear waters I’ve ever seen. Whether you want to spend time on the mainland in buzzy Zadar, head to the Italian-influenced Pula region, explore real-life Game of Thrones sets in Dubrovnik or escape to some of the best islands in Croatia, there is so much to do in this charming country that continues to delight European visitors.
UK
For travellers who want to stay closer to home this summer, the UK has a dizzying array of hotels, experiences and activities on offer. And why wouldn’t you want to make the most of everything the British Isles has to offer with a UK staycation? With some of the best beaches in Europe, a thriving foodie scene, arts and culture, famous nightlife, mountains, lakes and forests, holidays in the UK are perfect for families, solo travellers and anyone who wants to get a real taste of British hospitality. Some of the most popular destinations in the UK include Cornwall, Dorset, The Cotswolds, walking tours of The Lake District and Norfolk.
Where will you choose to travel to this year? If you’re looking for more travel inspiration keep reading to discover hotel reviews, destination guides and more.