Where would YOU go?

[ChanceEauFraiche]

If you had a few days over October half term child free and wanted to go somewhere / do something just for yourself, where would you go/what would you do?

I’m thinking UK or nearest bits of Europe. Needs to be hassle free, relaxing, uplifting. I’m open to anything, but it’s been so long since I’ve had a break away on my own I’m overwhelmed at the options!

(Budget to be agreed, but I’m not a millionaire! 😆)

Santorini

Ah, love Santorini, but been a few years ago and also possibly a bit too couply as a destination?

Although thinking about it, the blue sea/sky, whitewashed houses, the light….does sound appealing!

If heat/ sun is important I'd go to the Canary Islands. If you're not fussed I'd probably do london or Paris

I don't think anything abroad will be hassle-free, judging by recent holiday traffic at ports/airports.

Think I'd stick to somewhere in the UK that you haven't been to before if I were you.

Canaries if you want warmth, find an adults only hotel.
Cape Verde?

I live in London! But Paris is definitely a contender. I’d have to find some new things to do/places to see though as have been many times.

Canaries possibly not, as I’m only looking to go for 3/4 nights.

@BorisJohnsonsHair I don’t know if that’s true for a lot of people. I’ve just flown Heathrow to a popular holiday destination and there was no delay or fuss at all. I’d even say it was better organised and quicker through security than I’ve ever experienced before.

Having said that, a leisurely train ride somewhere might be less faff than a flight…

Porto - easy to get to the city from the airport on the metro, compact city, lovely views. Excellent city break destination!

Amsterdam? Bruges, Ghent?

I'm thinking the same for a short break and looking at Valencia/Seville as should still be warm or the Balearic Islands.

Helsinki. It’s unexpectedly lovely, elegant, cool. There no specific sites, but the Rock Church and Sibelius Park are worth seeking out. There are boulevards of gracious Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) apartments, mid-century Alvar Aalto-inspired architecture. The Puu-Käpylä district with it’s wooden houses built in the 1920s for working class people, that’s worth a wander. Not forgetting saunas. It’s so easy to get around, good, integrated ticketed buses/trams. Being Nordic, it’s not cheap, but it’s a great place for a few days.

Probably to the Netherlands as I have not been for four years and miss it.

Probably would go to Copenhagen. A city I have always wanted to visit.

Somewhere like Nerja, Malaga or Mijas depending on whether you want to be by the sea.

But in any case, you can fly to Malaga (flights most days from most airports so should be able to find one that suits for not very much).

Maybe stay in Malaga and then have a day trip to Mijas (lovely white village). But in reality there's so many options in that area in terms of where to stay, what to do and whether you want an authentic Spanish experience, a high end 'Marbella beach club' vibe or even a cheap and cheerful package holiday. Plus the public transport is good and cheap for getting around.

Nice? Easy flight, tram to centre. Lots of galleries if it's raining, if it's still warm then you've got the beach. An interesting train ride to Monaco or Cannes for the day.

Istanbul is a wonderful city to visit x

A leisurely train trip rather than airport faffing sounds lovely. Eurostar then on to Begium or Netherlands, or via Paris to Lyon or Dijon?

Malaga and Nice are both good ideas - by the sea - should be warmer and sunnier than the UK and probably not overrun with Brits on holiday with kids in Oct half-term. They both have some nice museums too.

Paris is great in any season, but if you've been loads of times you know that.

Amsterdam is a nice city, but might be getting chilly and damp by October, so would that fit the bill of 'uplifting'?

I think I'd head somewhere on the Med, if it were me. Valencia is nice and I've heard that Palma is too, but I haven't been.

Malaga is a great city break. I disagree with @BorisJohnsonsHair - as much as there is some chaos there are also thousands of journeys going ahead as planned, I've had three trip through Manchester Airport recently which were very straight forward.

I would go to Seville. Beautiful city, amazing food, tapas/sherry bar culture. Plus has the beautiful Alcazar. And it will be warm in October

Sorrento. Wine, cheese, spaghetti & a book. Plenty to do and see and beaches! Xx

Alicante. I have never been but its something I have been meaning to do solo for a while. Its supposed to have a lovely old town, great transport links and it will be warm too!

Edinburgh on the train

Seville , or Lanzarote.

Istanbul?

Seville
Just wonderful
Brugge
Barcelona