Holidays at Home for British Vacationers This Year

Posted by Mari Nicholson May 24, 2009

I might even join them!

Despite the lure of favourite European cities and coastal areas, the cost of travelling in Europe is a drawback. I've recently returned from Cyprus and before that Spain and Italy, and I am still reeling from the shock of the prices. Mind you, there are still bargains to be had if one does one's research well enough, especially if self-catering is undertaken rather than staying in hotels, or the newest alternative, the all-in holiday. At least with the latter you know exactly how much the holiday is going to cost and it can be paid up front.

Limassol, Cyprus

The weather in Limassol in Cyprus was just perfect in May, cloudless, blue skies and calm seas, and as the waters around the cost of Cyprus are crystal clear, swimming was a delight - even if a little cold. My gorgeous hotel, the Amathus Beach & Spa at Limassol had a superb indoor pool however, and evening swims after a hard day's sightseeing were delightful.

Salamanca, Spain

Before that, Salamanca in Spain was equally good for weather, the sunny skies reflecting off the yellow-stone buildings to warm the narrow streets. Sitting at sidewalk restaurants dipping hot freshly made churros into our hot chocolate was a pleasant mid-morning break (the chocolate in Spain is thick and heavy, churros are doughy sticks sometimes dipped in sugar) while evenings spent people watching in the Plaza Mayor over coffee and brandy made a satisfactory ending to the evening.

Madrid and Toledo, Spain

My time in Madrid was spent tracking down favourite paintings in The Prado and Reina Sofia and the trip to Toledo was mainly to catch the new El Greco exhibition and visit his house, now a Museum. I hadn't been there for about 15 years. I'd forgotten how charming the place was, how beautiful the old train station was and how stunning the vista of Toledo on the approach from town. I only had a couple of days there, but I want to go back and spend some time walking along the river bank and imagining life in the time of El Greco.

New Forest, UK

But I'm staying in the UK, for a while at least. Next week I'm off to the New Forest where wild ponies and donkeys trot up to be fed and patted and beautiful highland cattle sit placidly on the greens - it's one of my favourite places in S.E. England.

After that I have a sneaking feeling I'm heading off to Belgium to meet up with some friends. It's only across the water, so it's almost like home - isn't it?