Friday, April 4, 2025

Early Sun in Malaga, Spring Hikes & Cairo Planning Inside

 
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Hi All,

Spring is definitely in the air, and now is the perfect time to lock in your peak-season getaways before prices climb and the best spots fill up.

This week, we've lined up some early summer sunshine, scenic spring hikes, and a cultural adventure worth planning ahead for.

1. MÁLAGA

WHY BOOK NOW?

With temperatures around 22°C in May, Málaga is warm enough for the beach yet cool enough for sightseeing. It's also much less crowded than it is in the peak summer months.

Recently, the city has transformed from a mundane port to an excellent European city destination.

There's world-class art (Picasso Museum, Louvre, Thyssen-Bornemisza), great food and cool beach clubs.

You can also take a fascinating day trip: the white villages, the remarkable Alhambra in Granada or the Mezquita-Catedral in Córdoba.

BOOKING TIPS

  • Flights: EasyJet has direct flights from London to Málaga starting at £19.99.
  • Don't miss: Caminito del Rey – The best hike in Spain, but spots sell out fast so book in advance.

2. LAKE DISTRICT

WHY BOOK NOW?

There's something magical about spring in the Lake District. As the snow melts and the daffodils bloom, this stunning region transforms into a hiker's paradise.

Walking conditions are best from April to June, with crisp, fresh air, mild temperatures, and fewer tourists than in summer.

We have just booked our June hiking holiday and can't wait.

BOOKING TIPS

The Sunday Times recently listed its best places to stay in the UK, several of which were in the lakes.

  • Langdale Chase – Restored Victorian mansion on the edge of Windermere
  • Gilpin Hotel & Lake House – 30 rooms, many with private hot tubs, an on-site spa, and the Michelin-starred Source Restaurant.
  • The Brackenrigg Inn – A revamped inn on the shores of Ullswater, specialising in roaring fires and Sunday roasts.

    3. CAIRO

    WHY BOOK NOW?

    The Grand Egyptian Museum is due to open fully in July 2025.

    It will become the largest archaeological museum in the world, showcasing a vast array of Pharaonic treasures, including all 5,600 objects from Tutankhamun's tomb.

    The city can be sweltering during the summer months and the museum has been delayed already, so we think a trip to Cairo for November or December is a great idea.

    BOOKING TIPS

    Where to stay:

    • Le Riad Hotel de Charme: Located near the Khan el-Khalili market, it offers themed suites reflecting Cairo's rich heritage
    • Kempinski Nile Hotel: Situated along the Nile River, this hotel has luxurious rooms and a rooftop pool with panoramic city views
    • Marriott Mena House: This historic hotel is located near the Great Pyramids of Giza and offers stunning pyramid views and lush gardens.

    Nile Cruise: After staying in Cairo, add a three to four-day cruise on the Nile. We like Nou El Nil and Nile Dahabiya.


    Happy travels!

    Paul & Mark.

    PS. If you like our newsletter, forward it to your friends who can sign up here.

    Wellesley House, 204 London Rd, Waterlooville, UK

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    Thursday, April 3, 2025

    ✈️ Travel Like A Pro: Iceland, Korea & India Vibes 🌍🔥

    Ready for your next adventure? These must-know travel hacks will level up your trips to Iceland, Korea, and India! 🚀✨ ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­

    Friday, March 28, 2025

    Cotswolds Under £150, Cappadocian Dreams & Undiscovered Italy

     Affordable UK stays, balloon ride timing tips & budget Italian flights.
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    Hi All,

    Spring has officially sprung here in London! 

    The clocks are about to go forward, the cherry blossom is adding much-needed colour, and we're all gearing up for the annual 'wisteria hysteria'.

    Naturally, the longer, brighter days are reigniting the travel itch. If you feel the same, here are a few fantastic destinations that are perfect for booking right now:

    1. COTSWOLDS

    WHY BOOK NOW?

    With the days getting longer in the UK, it's the perfect time to plan a spring getaway. 

    The Cotswolds is ideal for a quick weekend break or a longer country escape.

    The Times has recently published its list of the best 33 hotels in the UK priced under £150

    Three of which are in or on the outskirts of the Cotswolds.

    BOOKING TIPS

    Here are the three Cotswolds hotels that are all under £150 per night. We also have plenty of guides to help you plan a Cotswolds trip

    • The Bull, Charlbury – Cosy local pub with a restaurant centred around open-fire cooking. Bonus: Charlbury is just 1 hour and 10 minutes from London by train.
    • The Stroud Hotel, StroudFresh from a major makeover, The Stroud retains all its country charm. Stroud itself is an excellent base for exploring Painswick and the scenic western Cotswolds.
    • The Old Bell, MalmesburyA dreamy English inn brimming with old-world character, quirky safari wallpaper, and inviting nooks. It feels like staying at your wonderfully eccentric uncle's country house for the weekend.

    2. CAPPADOCIA

    WHY BOOK NOW?

    Imagine drifting over an otherworldly landscape dotted with ancient cave dwellings and unique 'fairy chimney' rock formations. That's Cappadocia. 

    The absolute highlight is witnessing (or riding in!) one of the hundred or so hot air balloons that grace the sky each dawn.

    While you can visit for just a few days, windy weather can occasionally cause balloon flight cancellations.

    Planning your trip for April or May significantly increases your chances of a successful flight, as these months generally offer the best conditions. 

    It's also a fantastic time for hiking through the region's stunning valleys.

    BOOKING TIPS

    3. REGGIO CALABRIA

    WHY BOOK NOW?

    Okay, full disclosure: Reggio Calabria is a relatively new discovery for us too. But our interest was piqued when Ryanair launched a direct route from the UK to this southern Italian city.

    Located on the 'toe' of Italy's boot, just across the strait from Sicily, it has beautiful beaches and inviting May temperatures averaging 24°C.

    If you love the idea of exploring a less-trodden path, enjoying authentic Italian coastal life, and snagging a great travel deal, this could be the perfect adventure for you.

    BOOKING TIPS

    • Ryanair has direct flights to Reggio Calabria from London Stansted for as little as £20 one way.
    • Check Expedia - we spotted potential deals like 4-night packages from around £200 per person and 1-week packages from approximately £300 per person (flight + hotel).
    • Based on initial research and positive reviews, accommodation options like Town House Cavour or Angel's Care B&B seem worth checking out.


    Happy travels!

    Paul & Mark.

    PS. Here is the full list of The Times best UK hotels under £150.

    Wellesley House, 204 London Rd, Waterlooville, UK

    If you buy through links on this newsletter, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.


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