As the languid autumn sunlight enhances the orange glow of leaf-strewn streets and grinning jack-o’-lanterns, it’s time to put aside the woes of busy workdays for a much needed respite of the October half-term break. A quick sojourn to warmer climes may be just what you need before airing out the woolens. So pack those bags, put on your comfy shoes, for as the old song goes – “It’s a long way down the holiday road!”
With the twin traditions of siesta and fiesta, Spain fits the bill perfectly as the ideal place for holidaymaking. Its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife and rich history leave nothing to be desired. Pay a late night visit to Madrid’s lively tapas bars and flamenco theatres, kick a football in Barcelona and experience the exquisite Alhambra palace in Granada. A lesson in history in Cadiz, Cordoba and Seville, cycling down the Vías Verdes and a taste of some Valencian paella have the real flavour of the country.
As John Masefield says, “In solemn beauty like slow old tunes of Spain”.
Experience a personal renaissance in Italy, the Bel Paese or Beautiful Country. It’s a name well-deserved for Italy combines an abundance of natural beauty with a rich cultural and architectural heritage. Revel in the magnificence of Rome, play art critic in Florence and savour a plate of pasta in Bolognese sauce. Don’t miss the Leaning Tower of Pisa or a view of the infamous Vesuvius across the Bay of Naples. The Italian Alps are a sight to behold and the enchanting depths of Lake Como might just inspire you to do a Wordsworth!
The Portuguese have historically been great travellers, discovering sea routes and charting the oceans. Now it’s time to pay them a visit which is almost as, if not more, fascinating as discovering a new world! The landscape evolves from the mountainous North to the exquisite beaches in the Algarve region teeming with luxurious spas and resorts. Don’t forget to take a ride in the gondola-like moliceiros in Aveiro and soak in the picturesque old-world charm of Lisbon.
The call of Mexico is strong. Ancient ruins, colonial towns, luxury beachside resorts, all ensconced within a diverse landscape of mountains, jungles and deserts, set to lilting strains of mariachi music. The allure is unmistakable. Aztec ruins in Mexico City, a bustling nightlife in Acapulco, lively beaches in Cancun and a colonial downtown in Guadalajara, there is something here for all tastes. And don’t forget – it’s the birthplace of tequila shots!
The Tri Hita Karena or the three principles of the Balinese are to honour the connection between humans and God, between humans and humans and between humans and nature. These are evident in this island paradise’s spiritual ethos, beautiful temples, rich traditions of dance and music and a natural landscape ranging from volcanic slopes to rice fields. Visit Ubud the cultural centre, relax at the resorts of Seminyak, dive deep at Padang Bai and ride the waves at Kuta. Bali awaits!
Thailand is a haven for holiday goers looking for exotic locales, a fascinating cultural experience and a scrumptious cuisine. Bustling shopping districts of Bangkok contrast with the serene beaches of Pattaya, Phuket and Ko Samui. See the old Siamese capital of Ayutthaya and the Bridge over the River Kwai at Kanchanaburi. Wrap it all up with a traditional Thai massage!
So make the best of this week. Relax your senses. Pamper yourself at a luxury resort. Travel. Explore. Discover. And remember the world is your oyster, so go find the pearl!
