travel

You may not believe it yet, but summer is just around the corner. Even though most of us are still shivering our way through January, before you know it, there will be a bevvy of sunburned bodies welcoming all of us onto an array of overcrowded European beaches.

That’s if the gods of Covid don’t kill our holiday plans again, but all indications seem to be that we’re going to have a much more agreeable summer than last year…and the one before that.

So even though we have to do the obligatory: remember to check all travel restrictions and guidelines before making confirmed bookings spiel, we’re also saying that if you’re always ready, you won’t have to get ready!

Let’s start.

First, where can’t your lovely, brand new and blue British passport get you?

The most noticeable destination on this list is Australia. All flights from Britain are banned until April, and with the state of Australia’s never-ending lockdown, who knows what will happen then? Our advice if you’re planning on prepaying your travel plans to get the best deals, maybe to skip the land down under for a while, at least until there is some certainty.

Speaking of travel plans…

Right now it’s a buyers market and if your travel agent or airline doesn’t offer automatic rebooking or ‘fee free’ changes – find another one, because there are plenty that does. Try to secure the best deals by booking with a deposit and if you can, a refundable deposit. Most providers are offering refundable deposits at this point, so it pays to double-check.

Near or far?

Destinations that may previously have been out of your reach, are now a lot more affordable. Think about South Africa for example. A long time favourite for British tourists, even their winter (our summer), is still worth exploring and it’s the best time for a safari.

A little closer to home perhaps.

Don’t write off old Blighty just yet, there are many gorgeous coastlines, villages, towns and cities to explore. Far too many Brits have the ‘I can tell you where a great restaurant in Mykonos is, but I’ve never been to Manchester’, syndrome. Not only does our little island offer a wonderful selection of family holidays and city-clicker breaks, but you’ll be giving a much-needed hand to those who need it the most, our beleaguered tourism and hospitality industry.

European adventures.

Look, when it comes to fabulous cities, world-class shopping gorgeous beaches and amazing food, our continental cousins are fairly hard to beat. From luxury villas in Quinta do Lago, to gorgeous vintage hotels in Paris and Venice, summertime on the continent is really quite special. Most of Europe is open to Brits, but some spots like Spain are only open to fully vaccinated Britons.

Check out this article from the Independent for more information about travel restrictions.

Remember that your British pound is still worth something in other parts of the world, so if you’re able to travel to Africa, the Caribbean or the Far East, think about it because you’ll get great value, and be supporting communities that really need it.

As winter begins, our thoughts are traveling towards where we want to go on our next vacation. Your next beach getaway may come in the winter months in order to shake off the winter blues. Whether you are going right away, or if you are going to wait until your time off in the summer, here are a few things you should think about buying to make your next beach getaway one to remember. 

Sunblock

This cannot be said enough. It may seem futile to buy sunblock so early and just keep it laying around, but it’s the one ingredient that is mostly forgotten when people go on vacation. It’s one of the most expensive items that needs to be purchased as well. However, if you buy the sunblock in advance, you won’t have to pay so much money.

When you go to the store during the winter months, sunblock costs a fraction of the cost. You can stock up on it and have it on hand when it’s time for you to go on that vacation you have been waiting so long to take. If you forget to pack the sunblock, you’re going to have to pay for it at the resort, and it’s going to cost you a huge amount of money. 

Beach Towel

The beach towel is a fashion staple for anyone laying by the pool or laying by the ocean. Beach towels show our personality, they show our class and style, and they show how luxurious we can be. If you ever learned about the history of beach towels you would know that fashion icons have taken the beach towel and they have made it a statement. 

Take the time to flip through magazines or go online and see what beach towel speaks to you. Maybe it’s a certain designer, a certain color, or a certain pattern that when you are going to be laying out will make you feel glamorous, happy, and full of joy as you take in the sun and relax your mind. 

Sandals

Sandals are the official shoes of summer and just one pair won’t be enough. As you are strolling around your vacation destination, you are going to need sandals for walking, for hanging by the pool, and going out to that fancy dinner you have been dreaming about for weeks. 

Getting a sandal with a sturdy bottom that won’t chafe your toes or rub up against your feet is optimal for you to do walking tours, visit museums, and see all the sights. For your poolside, beach outings, something fluffy, soft, and comfortable is perfect. Getting material that won’t burn hot in the sun is also a good idea. Dinner sandals should be classy, dark with some glitter, and go with just about any outfit. 

A Killer Bathing Suit

Just like the beach towel, it’s all about the bathing suit. The bathing suit is truly the main fashion statement you can make on your vacation. Start buying them now before the prices skyrocket. First decide what look you are going for: bikini or one piece. Do you want to add a wrap? Do you want to accessorize with a fashionable robe? Once you figure out the answers to these questions you can then get to buying and styling. 

Don’t just buy one bathing suit, get one for every day of your trip. Treat yourself, and make yourself the shining star of the pool. If you have been preparing yourself for bathing suit weather and you are feeling good about your look, show it off with style and confidence. 

A Statement Hat

Keep your face out of the sun or at least prevent your face from burning. Too much sun exposure can cause wrinkles and aging. If you buy a big enough sun hat, you will be able to keep your face safe from sun exposure and still look fashionable. In recent years, fashion has told us that the bigger the hat, the better. 

Going online and searching for beach hats will yield some great results. A big floppy hat is in fashion right now, and they are easy to pack and carry with you because they are so floppy and soft they can fit in just about any bag or suitcase and not get squished or damaged. 

There are plenty of other things that you can throw in your suitcase, but these items are the most essential. Also, if you buy them early, you will save a lot of cash. 

 

If you’re looking to do some exploring in the north of England, you certainly won’t be disappointed by the wealth of options open to you here. There are so many great places to visit and lots of varied landscapes to appreciate. The north is home to some of the most beautiful natural vistas you’ll find anywhere in the UK or anywhere in the world for that matter. Here are five examples that really stand out for all the right reasons.

Lindisfarne

Lindisfarne is a very small island that you can get to by car. But the first thing to say is that you need to be very careful when attempting to cross to the island. There are safe crossing times and unsafe crossing times. If you’re not careful, your car could get swept away by the tide that washes over the road. But once you clear that hurdle, you’ll find a beautiful island with old ruins and beautiful views over the coast and sea. Lindisfarne Castle is the highlight here.

Whitby

Whitby is one of the oldest fishing villages in the UK and it’s also home to some of the most beautiful coastal landscapes. It’s found in the north east of England and has some of the best beaches you’ll find in the region; a lot of people go there to surf but they’re just as good for a long stroll. The streets of the village are full of quaint shops and cafes that you’ll definitely want to explore.

Durham

If you’re looking for a city that also has all of the charm and beauty of the countryside locations we’ve discussed as part of this guide, you’ll definitely want to visit Durham. It’s easy to get to and a joy to explore. The highlight for most visitors is Durham Cathedral, which stands as one of the most majestic examples of Romanesque architecture in all of Europe.

The Yorkshire Dales

There are few countryside landscapes in the UK more breathtaking and peaceful than the Yorkshire Dales. There are rolling hills but also beaches nearby too. There’s such a variety and so much to see and explore. You’ll be near Leeds if you want to visit a city, but the peace and quiet of the countryside is why many people retreat to holiday homes in the Yorkshire Dales each year.

The Lake District

The Lake District is home to some of the highest peaks and most beautiful lakes anywhere in the UK, as you might expect from the name. The beauty of the landscapes won’t let you down and there are lots of lovely small towns and villages dotted through the Lake District as well. The image below will tell you everything you need to know about the beauty of the lakes.

There are so many naturally stunning places to visit in the north of England, and if you haven’t yet visited any of the places discussed above, they definitely need to be added to your list. And the places we’ve discussed here are just the tip of the iceberg; the north has so much else to offer too.