Summer holidays are amazing – they’re what gets us through the winter and most of the dire British summer and have the ability to make memories of a lifetime.
We Brits are sick of the wind, rain and cloud that descend on us from April onwards and give us little respite aside from a week of clear weather here and there. The depressingly predictable summer weather pattern is the perfect excuse to take a week (or two) off from the trials and tribulations of home life and jet off somewhere hot and sunny and leave your worries at the airport.
Package deals are hugely popular and can be really convenient and budget friendly; but what if you want to do your own thing and avoid the home crowd? Well, here is a round-up of some of the best destinations to visit this summer (all are accessible from one of London’s major airports) for plenty of sunshine and something a little bit different.
Munich, Germany
Munich is perfect for travellers who don’t like to be in the air for too long. It’s a short hop over the water, making it suitable for a week’s indulgence or a last-minute weekend escape.
Unlike more northern parts of Germany such as Hamburg, Munich has considerably more sunshine in the summer and a warmer climate over the peak summer holiday season.
The beautiful historical city centre (Marien Platz) makes it a perfect city-break destination but its rail connection to other parts of Germany and Austria make it worth visiting for well over a week.
To top it all off, it’s the home of those fantastic Weiss biers, nothing quite quenches your thirst on a hot day like the lovely cloudy German brews!
Interesting attraction: The Therme, Erding: Located just outside Munich, this waterpark is a haven for both adults and children!
Flights from: London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton.
Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
A very popular summer holiday destination, Gran Canaria caters well to Brits who have earned a break. Unlike many typical holiday resorts, it has a more relaxed attitude towards night life, making it a popular choice for families.
There’s a selection of bars and clubs around the Kasbah including night-club chain favourite, Pacha. The beautiful sandy beaches present the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy your holiday.
There are many restaurants surrounding the shoreline which makes it the perfect spot for an evening meal. Families who want some privacy or young adults looking for some lively night life can stay in one of the many villas overlooking the sea.
Interesting attraction: Although it’s a little pricey, Palmitos Park is a beautiful zoo in pristine condition, it’s well worth leaving the beach for a day and taking a family outing there.
Flights from: Gatwick, Stansted, Luton.
Sicily, Italy
A must-visit destination for foodies, this Italian island provides sunshine in abundance alongside high quality cuisine. If you love good food then this is the place to go with flavoursome, affordable and generally healthy meals.
Due to its rich food culture, fishing is popular along the surrounding coastlines. Fresh seafood is incredibly popular and definitely worth trying.
Sicily is a little different to typical holiday resorts. While it caters to tourists you’re unlikely to find flashing neon signs directing you to the pub – this place is far more authentic!
Interesting attraction: If you haven’t visited a volcano before then Mt. Etna is an eye-opener!
Flights from: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton.
London is a huge tourist destination in its own right and travel connections from the capital are second to none. This means that not only do tourists find it easy to access the city, but locals have a huge choice of destinations when it comes to holidays.
SkyParkSecure, who wrote this guest post, provides airport parking at all of London’s major UK airports so if you’re thinking of adding parking to your journey then why not check out their site? They often run promotions on airport parking at Heathrow and Gatwick to ensure you get the best value for money. Visit here to find availability at Heathrow Airport.
(Featured image: dweekly)
