destinations

With two bank holidays on the horizon, many people are keen to jet off on a cheap long weekend getaway and a travel expert has shared the four best value destinations he’d “genuinely” book himself

A holiday expert has listed four “hot and cheap” destinations well worth booking this May for a spring getaway without the “summer prices”.

With two bank holidays on the horizon, many people are looking to make the most of a break from work by jetting off on a long weekend on the quest for some guaranteed sunshine – never a safe bet here in the UK. With that in mind, holiday expert Rob, known online as Rob On The Beach, listed four places he’d “genuinely” book for himself.

Taking to Instagram, he said: “Four places I’d personally book for May if you want a properly hot holiday without paying summer prices.”

He continued: “May is easily one of the best value months for good weather at a pinch of a price. Plus, the UK’s fully into bank holiday season so you can stretch that annual leave a bit further, too.

“So I’ve looked at the data, the weather and the live pricing to find the four places I’d genuinely book myself.”

4. Malta

Kicking off his list, Rob began with island country Malta, which boasts 300 days of sunshine per year.

The holiday expert said: “In fourth, Malta. This is one people are slowly catching onto now. You’re getting consistent mid-20s heat, loads of sunshine, but it’s still not hit the peak pricing window yet in May.

“And the best part about Malta is it’s not just sit by the pool, either, which you can do, but there’s loads to explore and loads to see on the island.”

He then shared a deal he found from Monday, May 4 until Saturday, May 9, which cost £240 per person for direct flights from London Luton and a stay at the “gorgeous” St Julian’s Levante, Affiliated by Melia hotel.

3. Cyprus

Next, Rob listed Cyprus, another island country, which is located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. It offers renowned beaches and 320 days of sunshine a year, as well as rich history and culture.

Rob said: “This is your safe bet because in Cyprus in May, there’s proper sunshine every single day and by mid May, you’re well into the high 20s here.

“Also, quick one, because people always ask; yes it is safe in Cyprus right now. The FCDO advice has not changed and everything there is operating as normal. But speaking of things that aren’t normal, just look at this deal.”

Rob detailed a five night stay at Hylatio Tourist Village in Paphos from Friday, May 15 until Wednesday, May 20, at half board, with direct flights from London Stansted for £280 per person.

He added: “For that level of weather, this early in the year in a premium destination like Cyprus, that’s a cracking price.”

2. Dalaman

In second place, Rob put Dalaman, a municipality and district of Muğla Province, Turkey. Dalaman is famed for its award winning beaches, scenic snorkelling, rich history, views of the legendary Turquoise Coast, as well as its natural beauty complete with nesting loggerhead turtles, and plenty more.

Rob “specifically” recommended Fethiye and said: “Now look, Fethiye is unreal all year round but May is when I personally think it’s at its best.

“You’ve got that perfect balance of temperatures in the mid 20s, proper sunshine all month and all without the peak pricing the peak level of tourists.

“It’s green, it’s scenic, there’s loads to explore, it’s absolutely drop dead gorgeous and you still get that classic Turkey all-inclusive value here, too.”

Rob shared a deal he’d found for a five night all-inclusive stay at the five-star Club Tuana Fethiye with direct flights from London Gatwick from Saturday, May 2 until Thursday, May 7, for £350 per person.

He said: “This is one of the best value holidays you can book in May, full stop.”

1. Albania

Rob said he’d “gone for something a bit different this time”, putting Albania in first place. The small Balkan country boasts vibrant coastlines and rich history and culture. There’s many castles and archaeological sites, as well as hiking options and peaceful, uncrowded Mediterranean beaches.

The holiday expert explained: “Somehow, Albania is still flying under the radar – because here, you’ve got coastline that looks like Greece but prices that really do not.

“In May, you’re comfortably in mid-20s heat with loads of sun and crucially not a lot of people there.”

Rob shared a deal he found for four nights at the three star Hotel Vola with breakfast included from Saturday, May 9, until Thursday, May 14, and direct flights from London Stansted, priced at £175 per person.

He added: “For a sunny, cheap European beach break that’s also a hidden gem, that’s cheaper than most people’s weekends at home. This is the kind of place to go to now as well because people will cotton on and it will be busy next year.”

SIX in 10 dog owners base their holiday destinations on what their pet would like.

A poll of 2,000 people with a pooch found Cornwall is considered the best doggy holiday destination, followed by Devon and Yorkshire, where dog-friendly pubs, restaurants and scenic walks are abound.

But 30 per cent would never return to a staycation spot that didn’t meet their pup’s needs.

More than three quarters (78 per cent) have selected specific destinations because they believed their woofer would love the walks, and 55 per cent actively look out for dog-friendly pubs and restaurants.

The research was commissioned by EV charging company GRIDSERVE, which is giving away doggy bags of pet-pleasing goodies at its electric charging points at forecourts across the UK over the Easter weekend.

Rebecca Trebble, chief customer officer at the company, said: “The research clearly highlights the impact pets have on our journeys.

“The nation holds its four-legged friends so dearly, it seems only natural to cater to them at our EV charging stations.

“Every Electric Forecourt is now dog-friendly, offering walking routes so drivers and their hounds can stretch their legs while they recharge.”

The study also found man’s best friend is an influence when it comes to pit stops, with 36 per cent choosing where to pull over based on the doggy amenities in the area.

Nearly half (48 per cent) of those polled chat to their dog while driving, and 36 per cent choose to put their pet in the front seat.

More than one in 10 (13 per cent) even admitted they’ve tailored driving playlists to include songs they thought their hound would enjoy, according to the OnePoll research.

Photos from trips away are most likely dominated by pooches according to their owners, with 28 per cent saying they tend to take and share more photos of them than themselves.

Men were revealed as the biggest spenders on their pets while travelling, splashing out £49 per trip on average, compared to women who part with £40.

Rebecca Trebble, from GRIDSERVE, which is also offering members 25 per cent off charging across the UK, added: “We also found the average journey break is around 42 minutes, but the latest electric vehicles can add over 100 miles of range in less than 10 minutes, so your car will often be ready before you are.

“We want every stop to feel like a highlight of the journey, for drivers and their pets”.

WE are rethinking travel plans amid uncertainty in the Middle East.

Price comparison site TravelSupermarket has found British holidaymakers are returning to reliable European favourites but also looking further afield.

In the first 25 days of March, interest surged for the Italian island of Sardinia, with searches up 236 per cent.

Chris Webber, head of holidays and deals at TravelSupermarket, said: “What’s striking about this data is the range of destinations seeing a boost.

“On the one hand, you have Majorca and Bodrum, places that Brits know and love, seeing huge jumps, which tells you a lot of people just want the certainty of a tried-and-trusted destination.

“But then you have California in the top ten, which is a sign some travellers are using this moment to think differently about where they want to go.”

WAIL OF A TIME

I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

TEMPTED?

Tiny ‘Bali of Europe’ town with stunning beaches, €3 cocktails and £20 flights

We’ve found great deals for some of the destinations seeing the big increases in online searches. 

1. SARDINIA – Searches up 236%

THIS Italian island is the ultimate beach destination and promises pristine white sands with turquoise waters.

From the granite coves and glitzy resorts on the Costa Smeralda, to the dramatic cliffs of the Gulf of Orosei, there is huge choice.

The 4* Sentido Orosei Beach sits on wide, soft white sands and has a huge pool to laze alongside.

Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £766pp including flights from Stansted on May 20, 22kg luggage and transfers.

For details see jet2holidays.com.

2. MAJORCA – Searches up 168%

IT has been our go-to since the very start of package-holiday travel and its enduring popularity is no surprise.

From family-friendly resorts such as Alcudia, Puerto Pollensa and Cala Bona, to the laidback delights of Sa Coma for couples, there is something for everyone.

The Tui Blue Levante sits in one of Cala Bona’s smartest spots and has indoor and outdoor pools, as well as direct beach access.

Seven nights’ half-board is from £442pp including flights from Gatwick on April 17, 25kg luggage and transfers.

See tui.co.uk.

3. BODRUM – Searches up 138%

WITH its perfect mix of affordable luxury, stunning Aegean coastline and rich history, the coastline on this Turkish delight is dotted with beautiful beaches and lively coastal spots.

A standout is the 5* Bodrum Holiday Resort, set directly on the shores of a crystal- clear bay.

There is lots to keep little ones entertained, including a water park with five slides.

Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £279pp including flights from Gatwick on April 19.

See loveholidays.com.

4. MONTENEGRO – Searches up 122%

SMALLER than Wales, this tiny Balkan country on the shores of the Adriatic has so much to offer, from beautiful beaches to sleepy medieval villages and dramatic mountain scenery.

The 4* Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort sits alongside the beautiful Bay of Kotor, and has stunning views over the surrounding hills and mountains from the outdoor pool.

Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £1,110 including flights from Birmingham on May 7, 22kg luggage and transfers.

For details see jet2holidays.com.

5. TUSCANY – Searches up 122%

THERE’S no better place to start exploring the idyllic Tuscan way of life than with a city break to its capital, Florence.

Breathtaking Renaissance art, architectural masterpieces and restaurants for hearty food are all within easy walking distance of the Italian gem.

The 4* Hotel Embassy with cosy interiors sits in an elegant 19th-century building close to the city centre.

Three nights’ room-only is from £468pp including flights from Luton on May 4.

Check out easyjet.com/en/holidays.

6. SOUSSE – Searches up 102%

YOU are guaranteed a sunshine break with a difference on the shores of the Mediterranean here in Tunisia.

The historic city and its 3,000 years of history sit alongside Bou Jaafar Beach with 10km of sugar-soft sands.

The 3* Marhaba Salem Hotel has palm tree-filled gardens right beside a sandy beach, as well as five pools.

Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £396pp, which includes flights from Birmingham on April 20.

Head to tui.co.uk for more details.

7. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – Searches up 95%

THERE are more and more travellers looking towards the Caribbean for their long-haul sunshine breaks.

So it’s no wonder this holiday favourite is increasing in popularity with its idyllic white-sand beaches and lush, green national parks.

The 3.5* Sunscape Dominicus La Romana hotel is next to the soft sands of Playa Dominicus and has 13 restaurants, as well as plenty of activities on water and land.

Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £1,081pp including British Airways flights from Gatwick on October 25.

See britishairways.com.

8. CROATIA Searches up 91%

KNOWN as the Land of a Thousand Islands, the crystal-clear waters of this Adriatic wonder are the big attraction.

The 2,700 hours of annual sunshine definitely help, combined with the fascinating history in Dubrovnik.

The 5* Hotel Croatia Cavtat is a 30-minute drive or boat ride from the famous city but also offers the chance to switch off and relax in style overlooking the waters of Cavtat Bay.

There’s a spa with indoor pool and rooftop pool to soak up the rays.

Seven nights’ B&B is from £576pp including flights from Bristol on April 12.

See easyjet.com/en/holidays.

9. CALIFORNIA – Searches up 90%

WITH the World Cup arriving this summer, the West Coast of the US was always going to be of added interest.

The state is hosting 14 matches, in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

But there’s also the long-awaited reopening of Highway 1 through Big Sur after years of reconstruction.

Take a road trip to experience it all. Virgin Holidays has flights from Heathrow to Los Angeles plus seven nights’ car hire from £782pp in May.

See virginatlantic.com/holidays.

10. ST LUCIA – Searches up 86%

THE Caribbean paradise is an-eight hour direct flight from the UK and promises rainforest adventures, volcanic mud baths and, of course, endless beaches.

The small but perfectly formed Bay Gardens Inn is in lively Rodney Bay, a short walk from Reduit Beach.

There’s also a complimentary shuttle to sister hotel Bay Gardens Beach Resort where you can enjoy the beach and water park.

Seven nights’ room-only is from £1,004pp including flights from Gatwick on September 15.

To book, see britishairways.com.

AN AIRLINE has returned to a major UK airport for the first time in two years.

ITA Airways has returned to London Heathrow Airport after two years and has launched a route to Italy.

The Italian airline is operating two flights a day between the UK and Rome, Italy after securing slots from Lufthansa.

The flights from London Heathrow will depart each day at 10:30am, landing at 2:10pm and the second flight will take off at 4:30pm and arrive at 8:10pm.

Flights from Rome to Heathrow will leave at 7:50am and arrive in London at 9:40am and then at 1:50pm, arriving at 3:40pm each day.

A one-way flight in April costs as little as £57.45 with the airline.

Read more on travel inspo

HOL YES

I’m a travel editor & mum-of-3… my favourite family holidays from just £3pp a night

BUNNY WELL SPENT

Cheapest Easter days out whatever the weather & FREE kids activities

Last year, Rome was named the world’s best food destination in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards.

The awards recognise destinations with a high volume of “above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period”.

TripAdvisor stated: “In Rome, you can drink from a street fountain fed by an ancient aqueduct.

“Or see the same profile on a statue in the Capitoline Museum and the guy making your cappuccino.”

Italy might be well-known for being the home of pizza and pasta, but more specifically a number of great dishes originated from Rome.

For example, Cacio e Pepe, spaghetti carbonara and tray-baked pizza were all created in the city.

Earlier this year, Rome was also named the best city for ‘noctourism’ by Radical Storage.

The luggage storage platform assessed over 50 destinations across four categories including experiences (such as the number of night tours) and natural factors (light pollution levels).

Rome came out on top scoring 6.07 overall out of 10.

The Italian capital scored particularly well in the experience category (9.2 out of 10), offering an impressive 305 night tours.

ITA Airways used to operate flights from London Heathrow but suspended operations due to high costs.

The airline also did not own its Heathrow slots, instead it was leasing them from Etihad Airways for around £3.3million per year.

Instead, the airline turned to focus on London City Airport and London Gatwick Airport.

The airline’s return to Heathrow Terminal 2 has been made possible through its partnership with the Lufthansa Group, which means the airline has been given slots at the airport by Lufthansa.

According to Travel Weekly, the airline said in a statement: “The resumption of flights from Europe’s busiest airport – the most connected airport in the world – was made possible thanks to the co-operation with Lufthansa, which made the necessary airport slots available to ITA Airways.

“Connections between the British capital and Milan Linate will continue to operate via London City Airport.”

ITA Airways chief executive Joerg Eberhart added: “Today we celebrate a major milestone: our company is back at Heathrow, the UK’s only hub airport and the most connected airport in the world.

“Returning to Heathrow will bring many advantages.

“Thanks to the characteristics of the airport, we will be able to operate flights with larger aircraft and greater capacity, increasing both passengers and revenues.”

In other flight news, a UK airport has revealed plans for its first long-haul flights in 15 years – with a massive £500million investment.

Plus, find out when flights are cheapest and what is the best day to book a flight, here.

WHEN you book a £9.50 Holiday, you get the added bonus of all the fun family events and activities available on-site.

But sometimes you fancy venturing out as a family to explore the area, and luckily, these resorts have plenty to see and do out and about.

Plus you don’t have to blow the budget by leaving the park – there’s loads of free and cheap things to do as a family.

Hols from £9.50 are set to be restocked this Tuesday, with thousands of new holidays AND new holiday parks – and you can get priority access with Sun Club.

If you fancy signing up to Sun Club to access the £9.50 Hols deals early, head to thesun.co.uk/club and join for £1.99 a month or £12 for a year.

Once you’re a member, go to the Sun Club Offers hub and find the Hols From £9.50 page.

Read more on £9.50 holidays

PARK UP

10 of our fave £9.50 holiday parks in the UK – with MORE breaks added from today

PARK UP

£9.50 Holiday expert picks best parks for entertainment and top beach resorts

Follow the link from the offers page, and you can book your break from midnight on Tuesday, March 31.

Whether you’re a family full of mini outdoor explorers, rail enthusiasts or older teens who love a thrill ride, we’ve rounded up some of the most affordable family days out at top £9.50 UK holiday destinations.

Here’s our pick of UK holiday spots with plenty of affordable attractions and day trips to enjoy, close to £9.50 holiday parks.

Kent

Kent makes for a fantastic family holiday destination, not just for its beautiful beaches and unspoilt outdoors, but for the range of cheap attractions and museums it offers, too.

If you holiday at Harts on the Isle of Sheppey, you’ll have some of Kent‘s most unspoilt nature on your doorstep.

What better place to re-wild with the kids than by taking a walk over saltwater marshes that are home to local wildlife.

The Swale National Nature Reserve fills the southeast of the Isle of Sheppey, with flat landscapes that make cycling its routes a breeze for the whole family.

Stop to take in the views of coastal marshland home to creatures such as rare butterflies, and birds of prey like Marsh Harriers.

The reserve is completely free to enter.

Over in Dymchurch, families can stay at Romney Sands, Marlie or New Beach – three seafront resorts that are built for families.

Dymchurch beach make for the ideal afternoon walk full of fresh sea air. Kids can enjoy rockpooling, building sandcastles and perhaps finding a buried fossil.

Over in Whistable, Alberta is a £9.50 holiday park with plenty to do nearby.

For an affordable indoor option, the Whitstable Community Museum is a family-friendly attraction bursting with hands-on activities for kids.

Dedicated volunteers show kids the ‘wonders of Whitstable’, like the invention of the diving helmet.

Adult tickets are only £3 each and children are free with an accompanying paying adult.

Or if it’s a sunny day, what nicer activity than a family picnic?

At the top of a winding hill overlooking the sea, Whitstable Castle provides the perfect backdrop to lay out the picnic blanket.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the perfectly-manicured gardens, and let the kids sail the high seas in the hidden gem pirate-themed play area, Dollar Dan’s Tankerton Cove. Sometimes the castle even puts on events.

Best of all, entry to the grounds is completely free!

And if you fancy checking out New Romney, train enthusiasts are in for a real treat at New Romney Station.

Not only can they watch the collection of traditional steam locomotives come and go, the station itself is home to a massive interactive model railway exhibition.

Construction of the model railway started in 1973, and has been running for 270 days each year since.

Kids will love watching these tiny trains travel a remarkable 3.5 miles a day. Entry for children is only £2 and £4 for adults.

Take your pick from five £9.50 holiday resorts in Kent.

Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire boasts a wide range of attractions and activities that the whole family will enjoy.

Budding naturalists in the family will love exploring some of Lincolnshire’s wildlife attractions.

Sun reader Linda McDonnell, 71, from Lincoln, recommends the Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary and Wildlife Centre, saying: “It’s very interesting – and there is more than seals to see.

“You also have other animals like parrots (Australian cockatiels), lemurs and reptiles.”

If you fancy getting outdoors in nature, Hubbard’s Hills is a fantastic free option for families holidaying in Lincolnshire.

The outdoor area of natural beauty is just under 30 minutes from £9.50 resorts Southview Holiday Park and Parkdean Sunnydale.

Sarah Al-Aidi, General Manager at Southview Holiday Park said: “Woodhall Spa is a former spa town with a really beautiful place called Hubbard’s Hills.

“It’s a real beauty spot with great picnic areas, dog walking trails and nature walks“.

Here, families can while away the day by splashing in rivers, taking nature walks or visiting the cafe, which has a play area for kids.

There are also plenty of hills for kids to burn off their energy by climbing and playing.

Hubbard’s Hills is totally free to visit, so if you take a picnic you can enjoy a free family day out. However if you’re driving, parking costs £1.

Of course no trip to the Lincolnshire seaside would be complete without a visit to Skegness.

Sun Hols from £9.50 offers four affordable resorts in the area: Southview, The Chase, Golden Anchor and Golden Palm Resort.

Simply enjoy a free day out on the beach and strolling the bustling promenade, or if you have pocket money to spend, load up an iCard with £5 to use the tokens on rides at Fantasy Island.

The park has thrilling rides for the whole family, from white-knuckle roller coasters to Dodgems, water flumes and carousels.

There’s also ten-pin bowling and crazy golf to help keep your whole brood entertained all day.

For some nature away from the noise, a fantastic free-to-visit option is the unspoilt Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve.

Here there’s walking trails, dunes, and bird watching, all located just a short drive south of the town.

Take your pick of from 9 Hols from £9.50 resorts in Lincolnshire.

Sussex

If you’re eyeing up a £9.50 family holiday to Sussex, you’ll be happy to hear that there’s plenty to keep the whole crew entertained.

Of course, you can easily spend your time on the beautiful beaches, which don’t cost a penny to visit.

Camber Sands in East Sussex is a perfect pick for families, the Blue Flag rated beach being home to calm waters and soft sands practically made for buckets and spades.

Plus with Parkdean Resorts Camber Sands on the seafront, you’ll only be steps away from your lodge or caravan down to the shore.

But if you’ve already had your fill of beach trips, then there’s a whole raft of family-friendly activities nearby.

Georgie Radford-Brown, Assistant Guest Experience Manager at Camber Sands Holiday Park recommends Rye Water Sports.

She said: “It’s an action water park that’s really close to us. They have a variety of water sports, like sailing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.”

The location will also put parents’ minds at eas, as lessons take place on a safe inland lake between Rye and Camber Sands.

The centre runs everything from board hire (from £20) to holiday clubs for children aged eight to 15 (one day from £85 including sailing, windsurfing and paddle boarding).

Meanwhile, in West Sussex, Hols from £9.50 resort Chichester Lakeside has practically more water than land, with 10 fishing lakes spread across 150 acres.

But if that’s not enough, it’s only an 8-minute drive from the resort to Chichester Watersports.

Here there’s an aqua park complete with inflatable slides. Suitable from age seven, a 50-minute session costs £20.

For another activity that will burn energy without burning a hole in your pocket, head to one of the brilliant cycle paths in Sussex.

If you have your own bike, they are also completely free to explore, and the traffic-free terrain also works well for families with prams.

The South Coast East route takes you along the seafront – you could start at Worthing and extend it to Shoreham, Lancing or Brighton depending on how far you want to go.

Alternatively, start at Shoreham-by-Sea and head inland past woods, streams and rivers on the Downs Link.

If you can’t bring your own bikes, hire a Donkey Bike via the app (from £1.80 for 30 minutes), or try Riverside South Downs who rent bikes from £20 for two hours.

Take your pick from six £9.50 holiday resorts in Sussex.

WHEN it comes to city breaks, some of the cheapest in Europe are found a bit further east.

And Romania‘s Bucharest is not only affordable, but is getting more flights too.

Romanian airline, AnimaWings, has started six new weekly flights from London Gatwick to Bucharest.

This isn’t the only option though as there are also cheap flights with Ryanair from London Stansted with one-way journeys starting from £18.99.

Wizz Air also offers cheap flights to the city from London Luton.

With a flight time of just over three hours, Bucharest is the ideal city break destination.

HOT LIST

Where our travel experts will holiday this year – and how we found the best deals

ALL IN

The CHEAPEST all-inclusive holidays in May half term – from £259pp and kids go free

Last year, The Telegraph even named Bucharest as being one of Europe’s ‘last great cheap cities’.

It added that Bucharest has everything you need for a good city break with “expansive, tree-lined avenues, lively bars and characterful museums.”

Bucharest is inexpensive, according to Numbeo – a pint of local beer costs on average £2.55 and an average meal is around £10.18.

For a three-course meal, you’re looking at around £50 and a cappuccino is just £2.45.

It’s not just food and drink that’s on the cheaper side as public transport is the same – a typical single journey on the tram and metro network is as little as 85p.

One of the most popular places in the city to go is Therme Bucharest, a spa and waterpark.

Split into three parts, the Galaxy area is a more family-orientated with 17 water slides, a wave pool and water playground.

The Palm zone is where people go to relax – with three mineral pools and swim-up bars, it has been created for relaxation.

And Elysium is a ”restoration area’ with lots of traditional and modern treatments from hammams to infrared light therapy beds.

Sun Writer Steve Corbett visited Therme and called it one of ‘Europe‘s greatest secrets’.

He compared it to Center Parcs’ Subtropical Swimming Paradise as he tried out the water slides, high-tech treatments and poolside bars.

One woman even flew to Bucharest for a spa break at the Therme because it was cheaper than one in the UK.

Kara Wildbur booked her and her mum in at the Therme for £64 after finding out a spa break would be £400 back home.

Even with the flights being £157 return for the two of them, with the hotel costing £94 – it worked out cheaper than a UK spa day.

Another attraction is the Museum of Senses, which is an interactive museum – especially good if you’re visiting the city with kids.

It’s full of optical illusions, infinity rooms and hands-on exhibits.

Tickets for adults start from £9.33, and £6.79 for children.

When it comes to eating, there’s plenty of quirky cafes within the city.

Some top spots include The Grand Café Van Gogh in Bucharest which some visitors have said reminds them of Amsterdam.

It’s an art-themed cafe filled with Van Gogh artwork in the Old Town.

Another is Dulcinella which sells éclairs, New York-style rolls and is known for having an ‘Instagrammable-vibe’.

Caru’ cu Bere is considered the most famous restaurant and beerhouse in Bucharest and was founded in 1879.

Its house beer, called Berea casei, is brewed on-site and is still made from the original recipe – you can pick up 400ml from £4.30.

The best times of year to visit Bucharest are between April and October, with highs of 31C in June and July.

Just skip the winter months – the average temperature in December and January is around -2C.

For more on Romania, here’s another city that is one of the world’s ‘most underrated destinations’ that’s super cheap with new 3-hour flights.

And one Travel Writer visited the ‘barely-known European city that has easyJet flights – with world-famous castle’.

Planning your summer holiday but want to avoid crowded tourist hotspots? These three stunning European destinations offer beautiful beaches and coastal charm without the crowds.

Spring has finally sprung, meaning summer is just round the corner. Britain is fortunate to have countless stunning countries within easy reach, and if you’re pondering where to head this year, you’re in for a treat.

One of the most frustrating aspects of arranging a holiday is deciding on a destination – and with hordes of tourists flocking to all the popular spots, finding somewhere peaceful and relaxing can prove even more challenging.

If you’re after coastal beauty without thousands of holidaymakers crowding the beaches with towels and parasols, these are the three European locations you need to consider, reports the Express.

La Gomera, Canary Islands

In contrast to Tenerife or Lanzarote, this stunning island remains relatively undiscovered and experiences fewer crowds during peak season than the British favourites.

Laura Evans-Fisk from eurochange commented: “It’s the perfect tranquil, peaceful alternative to the more popular islands. You could stay here for a restful few days or make a day trip from Tenerife by hopping on the ferry.

“La Gomera is also a great spot for hikers and nature lovers, home to the lush UNESCO-listed Garajonay National Park.

“Its beaches are much more secluded than the ones you’ll find on the other islands, and you’ll encounter no large-scale resorts or nightlife.”

“Like other islands in the region, La Gomera benefits from pleasant temperatures throughout the year too. And, its low light pollution means it’s an excellent spot for stargazing.”

Ksamil and Porto Palermo, Albania

Renowned for its breathtaking turquoise waters and pristine sand beaches, this stretch of Albania is known as the “Albanian Riviera”. It’s becoming increasingly popular with holidaymakers, yet sections of it remain largely undiscovered.

Laura explained: “Ksamil, an area often coined the ‘Maldives of Europe’, is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches, with white sands and strikingly clear waters.

“For a more relaxed vibe, visit Porto Palermo – this stunning bay has a small peninsula connecting it to the mainland, and an impressive 19th-century castle, Ali Pasha.”

Alentejo, Portugal

The Algarve is frequently packed with tourists, but further north in Alentejo there’s a far more laid-back atmosphere. With its picturesque coastal landscapes and gorgeous beaches it provides the ideal summer getaway.

Laura commented: “Further North than the Algarve, this coastline surrounds the city of Lisbon, making charming towns like Cascais, Estoril and Azenhas do Mar perfect day excursions from the capital.”

BRITISH AIRWAYS is launching two exciting new long-haul routes from the UK.

The airline is launching a route to Melbourne in Australia and Colombo in Sri Lanka.

The Melbourne route will be launching on January 9, 2027 in time for the Australian Open and the Melbourne Grand Prix.

The flights will operate year-round from London Heathrow, via Kuala Lumpur, on a daily basis.

It will take off from Heathrow at 9:10pm and land in Kuala Lumpur at 6:05pm the next day.

The flight will then take off again at 7:45pm and land in Melbourne the following morning at 6:40am.

Read more on travel inspo

TAKING OFF

I’ve visited 50 countries & this much-loathed budget airline is the world’s best

ALL IN

I found the best value all inclusive London hotel… just £55pp with free food & booze

The return leg will start on January 11, taking off each day at 4:35pm and landing in Kuala Lumpur at 9:35pm.

The flight will then take off from Kuala Lumpur at 11:15pm and land back at Heathrow the following day at 5:20am.

Return flights will cost from £1,130 and go on sale on March 17.

Melbourne is the capital of Victoria and is Australia‘s second-largest city.

It was recently named the world’s best city by Time Out, with it scoring high among younger residents as well as for its food scene, art and culture scene nightlife.

The city is also often ranked among the world’s most liveable cities.

When you are there you can explore the city’s lively arts scene in Fitzroy, where there are a number of vintage shops, record stores and cosy cafes.

The city often hosts major sporting events as well, such as Formula One.

Melbourne also loves its coffee, with a large café culture including hidden bars and restaurants.

Flights to Colombo in Sri Lanka will launch sooner, on October 23, 2026.

The flights will operate three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from London Gatwick to Colombo.

The route will only operate during the winter though.

The flight will depart at 5:30pm each time, landing in Colombo the following day at 9am.

And the return leg – which starts on October 24 – will depart at 11am and land back at Gatwick at 5pm.

Return fares start from £620 and also go on sale on March 17.

Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka and is known as a vibrant and bustling city.

Top things to do include heading to Pettah Market, which features different ‘zones’ for specific goods, including spices and textiles.

Make sure to explore the colonial-era buildings in the Fort area as well.

Tuk-tuks are popular in the city too and are an experience in themselves.

In addition to the two new routes, BA is also boosting capacity on several routes including Cape Town in South Africa; Tokyo in Japan; Bridgetown in Barbados; Kingston in Jamaica and San Jose in Costa Rica.

Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, said: ”We’re delighted to announce sizeable growth to our flying schedule for winter 2026, including two notable new destinations that I’m confident will prove popular with our customers.

“We’re also increasing services across several high-demand routes around the world.

“Together, these changes represent a significant investment in our long-haul leisure network, adding even more options and choice for our customers.”

In other flight news, there are 37 new flights launching from a major UK airport this year including budget routes to Asia.

Plus, a UK airport is launching its biggest ever flight schedule with 19 new routes in major £60million expansion.

AS A RESULT of the Iran crisis, Brits have been looking for different destinations to travel to, with demand rising for some countries.

The conflict in the Middle East has had a ripple effect throughout the travel sector, with Brits being forced to cancel their holidays as the Foreign Office has issued ‘do not travel’ warnings to some destinations.

And now, Brits looking at booking a holiday are choosing destinations closer to home in Europe.

Last week, On The Beach confirmed that they had experienced a drop in demand for popular holiday destinations including Greece, Turkey, Cyprus and Egypt, as a result of growing tensions in the Middle East.

This is despite the Government having no warning against travel to any of the popular holiday regions in these countries.

But on the other hand, TUI has seen increased interest in Greece, as well as Portugal and Spain, as customers look to “familiar destinations”.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

TAKING OFF

I’ve visited 50 countries & this much-loathed budget airline is the world’s best

Neil Swanson, a director at TUI, said: “While we are seeing some cancellations in the affected areas, these are currently outweighed by customers choosing to amend their plans instead,” reports The Guardian.

Hays Travel on the other hand, has seen interest grow for trips to Italy, Malta and Croatia.

And Surrey-based holiday operator Kuoni has seen interest in longer haul destinations such as the Caribbean grow although this also comes with a jump in price as well.

Mark Duguid from Kuoni said: “What we’ve seen is huge increases in flight prices, because the seats remaining are limited – we are talking about seats going up by £1,000 a person for an economy seat, which then prices the holiday out of the market for many customers.”

Pure One Travel founder, Wesley Baker, said: “Travellers are still eager to explore the world, but geopolitical events inevitably influence where people choose to go.

“We are seeing customers pivot towards destinations they perceive as easier and more straightforward to reach.”

The tour operator added that interest has increased for destinations such as Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece.

Baker added: “Many travellers are simply redirecting their plans rather than cancelling them.

“Europe remains extremely popular, while long-haul destinations in Latin America are also attracting interest from travellers looking for something more adventurous.”

According to Expedia, popular European destinations for this spring based on search data include Paris in France; Amsterdam in the Netherlands; Rome in Italy and Majorca and Tenerife in Spain.

Ljubljana in Slovenia has seen a 90 per cent increase in search as well, and Valencia in Spain has seen a 65 per cent increase.

The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot explained: “There’s no doubt the current crisis in the Middle East is going to have a seismic impact on our holiday habits.

“Reports of travellers stranded in the UAE and across the globe will certainly prompt those looking to travel long haul to look at alternative ways to fly – with direct flights to places like Thailand, the Maldives and Japan sure to be very popular.

“Closer to home, the situation will sadly likely impact destinations like Turkey, Egypt, Cyprus and possibly even Greece.

“And with soaring fuel costs, tour operators will be looking to price alternative destinations competitively.

“But there are other options – our traditional resorts in places like Spain and Portugal are good, safe bets.

“Comparison giant TravelSupermarket has crunched the numbers for this summer and declared Spain’s Costa Calida one of the best-value destinations for this summer.

“Dubbed the ‘warm coast’, this region stretching along the south eastern region of Murcia is one of Spain’s most underrated coastlines with 150miles of beaches, crystal clear waters and the unique Mar Menor lagoon, Europe’s largest saltwater lake.

“Also worth exploring are the likes of Montenegro, Albania and even North Macedonia for cheaper hotel and restaurant costs as well as traditional favourite Bulgaria.”

For more inspiration on where to go on holiday, here are 10 European getaways in the Easter holidays for under £200 per person.

Plus, cheeky 48-hour holidays to Europe’s best cities, beach towns and islands this summer from £167.

THE best hotels in the country have been revealed and one even has rooms for under £70 a night.

It has also been praised for being family-friendly and sits on the estate of a stately home that appeared in the film, Pride and Prejudice.

The Times has revealed its ’50 best places to stay in 2026′ and The Hide was declared the winner for ‘great-value’.

The cosy 19th century hotel was formerly a Premier Inn, before being converted and reopened in October 2025.

The Hide sits on the Chatsworth Estate in the rolling Peak District hills – so guests can enjoy magnificent views.

The Times praised it highly and said: “It’s laid-back and unpretentious while still offering Chatsworth hospitality including produce from the estate farm, curated art on the walls and bespoke textiles in the bedrooms plus hand-painted room numbers.”

GO SEA IT

£9.50 holiday spot with shipwrecks, seals offshore & horseshoe-shaped waterfalls

SIGHT SEA

£9.50 holidaymakers’ favourite Skegness activities… away from the beach

It was awarded the title of ‘Great-value winner’ with rooms starting from £69.

They added: “The idea is that all are welcome – dogs, children, walkers in muddy boots.”

The hotel has a mix of bright and spacious rooms from doubles to triple, quad, bunk rooms and accessible ones too.

Each come with a double or king size bed, power shower and free Wi-Fi.

Meanwhile the triple or bunk rooms are suited towards families of three or four.

Guests can eat in from the All Day Dining menu available, with options such as fish and chips and beef and ale pie, as well as stone baked pizzas, burgers, steak, salads and BBQ ribs.

During the summer months, The Hide opens up its patio for outdoor dining with a pizza oven and BBQ.

There’s even a fire pit for s’mores – guests can get a sharing board for two for £10.

The breakfast buffet option starts from £15.95, or there are cook to order options including The Full Hide (essentially a full English).

There’s also a veggie option, pancakes and waffles too.

Sunday lunch is from £18 per person with a choice of Chatsworth beef, roast chicken, lamb or butternut squash, spinach and chestnut wellington.

As The Hide sits on the Chatsworth Estate, it’s easy for staying guests to explore the house.

Chatsworth House was built in the 1600s and famously appeared in the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice as Mr Darcy’s house, Pemberley.

It has also appeared on screen in The Duchess and Peaky Blinders.

Guests can buy a multi-entry ticket to Chatsworth to use throughout their stay, for less than the cost of a single day ticket.

This can be added to your booking or bought while at the hotel.

Chatsworth House is around a 15 minute drive away from The Hide.

On the grounds of Chatsworth House there’s also a farmyard and adventure playground.

At the farm are small animals like pigs, horses, goats and guinea pigs.

The playground has ladders, a climbing wall, rope bridges and racing slides – there’s also a zip wire, swings, and a giant sand play area

Tickets can be bought from £10 for both adults and children.

The Hide is a 23-minute drive from Matlock Bath which is known for being a seaside-themed town that’s nowhere near the coast.

Visitors strolling along the River Derwent will feel like they’re by the seaside as it’s lined with fish and chip shops, ice cream parlours and arcades.

You can get beautiful cliff-top views over the water, and there are boat parades too – also known as the Matlock Bath Illuminations.

The nearest city is Sheffield and it’s a 17-minute walk to Chesterfield.

For more hotels near The Hide, this hotel was named the best in the UK has Peak District views and guests say is ‘worth every penny’.

And here are some very affordable hotels that are better than a five-star – by a holiday expert who’s visited more than 200.