10 inspirational travel ideas for the wild at heart
Get ready to see some spectacular sights with these summer holiday suggestions
Summer holiday season is right around the corner, and if you’re anything like us you’ll be keen to get some plans in the calendar. To help you out, we rounded up some of the most inspiring companies and services offering unforgettable travel experiences right now – from river cruises to spiritual hiking routes. All you need to worry about is booking time off work.
Get on track in Spain
One of the ways to see Spain and explore its ravishing countryside, beguiling cities and mind-blowing food is by train. Since much of the network has upgraded and extended to high speed in recent years, you can zip between incredible cultural centres like Barcelona, Madrid or Seville at more than 180mph. Not only that, but when you arrive, you’ll actually be in the heart of town as opposed to at a remote suburban airport.
Spain trains are fast and reliable, with big comfy seats, decent wifi and large windows for dreamily gazing out at the colourful passing countryside. For top value and other great travel advice, head over to rail.ninja/spain-trains and purchase tickets up to a year in advance, saving time and hassle.
Cosy up in Cornwall
Sure, it’s technically in England, but Cornwall is truly worlds apart from much of the country. A mythic land of dramatic coastlines, pristine beaches, rolling hills and generous hospitality, one of the finest ways to experience this special destination is by staying in a self-catered holiday cottage. Equally ideal for noisy families with dogs, or cute canoodling couples, your own comfortably appointed and stylish bolthole will allow you to embrace the slow pace of rural life and wake up to enchanting views.
Spend your days ambling along tranquil coastal paths before recharging in ancient pubs and dining on the catch of the day at night. Stop dreaming about your magical Cornish getaway and start planning now.
Find out more at Aspects-holidays.co.uk
Get the most out of your summer holiday in Egypt
Famous for its magnificent history, mesmerising landscapes and colourful cities, Egypt should be top of any travel lover’s bucket list. If you’re going to visit, let Four Seasons Egypt unveil the beauty of the destination through lavish accommodation and exclusive experiences. Four Seasons Resort Sharm-El Sheikh is all about making the most of the country’s abundant sunshine, with a kilometre-long palm-fringed beachfront, historic dive sites, water activities and a backdrop of magical, domed rooftops and courtyards with fountains.
Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza boasts views of unforgettable riverside scenery and is near the ancient Khan El Khalili market. It’s also not far from the great pyramids and the awe-inspiring sphinx. This year, the Grand Egyptian Museum will open nearby, too – the biggest archaeological museum in the world, it will feature the treasures of Tutankhamun.
Book your historic stay now at Fourseasons.com
Live the luxe life on Turks and Caicos
If you’re lucky enough to be planning a trip to the Caribbean, why not go the whole hog and book a luxury, high-end exclusive villa from The Source to stay in? Situated on dreamy Turks and Caicos – the land of swaying palms, talcum-soft sand and captivating cerulean seas – your villa will feature exquisitely furnished interiors, gorgeous modern architecture and stylish lighting.
You’ll also get your own private chef, with meals tailored to your wants and needs, a personal butler and a local concierge service to help you make the most of this unforgettable slice of paradise. Plan your ultimate fantasy escape and find out how the team at The Source can make your Caribbean break one to remember.
Push the boat out on a river cruise
Ever contemplated going on a river cruise? The ultimate in stylish, old-school sophistication, this fantastic way to travel allows you to immerse yourself in diverse cultures and dazzling landscapes at a gentle pace. On your sumptuously decorated floating hotel you’ll have every amenity you could want, as North American cities, Cambodian temples or the forests of the Ganges roll by at a pleasant tempo.
This year, the Ganges and the Mekong are particularly popular, but you can also take a trip closer to home, sailing past the castles of the Rhine, New Year fireworks in Budapest, or Christmas markets across Europe.
Discover the top prices at Globalrivercruising.co.uk now (ABTA and ATOL protected)
Splash out in Bath
Homewood is a gorgeous Georgian country house hotel situated in the rolling hills of the Avon Valley, just outside Bath. You’re in proper Jane Austen country here, albeit updated for scandalous modern tastes with a luxurious boutique spa. There’s also a heated pool flanked by intimate cabanas and glass-domed pods where you can dine under the stars if it gets chilly.
Recline with a glass of champagne in one of the hot tubs, or dress up for dinner at Olio, Homewood’s tasteful bay-windowed restaurant serving local produce with a Mediterranean accent, before retiring to one of the hotel’s characterful bedrooms. Book now for 30 per cent off all rooms and suites with code “TRAVEL30” at checkout (offer Valid until 31 May 2023).
Put your best foot forward in Spain
El Camino de Santiago – known in English as “the way of St James” – has been a famous pilgrimage route across northern Spain since medieval times. Beloved by devout Christians, spiritual adventurers, keen cyclists and curious hikers alike, it has a few different starting points to choose from, but all paths lead to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, where the remains of St James were said to have been unearthed in the 9th century.
On every savvy traveller’s bucket list, the “Camino” can now be enjoyed with the help of Follow The Camino, a tour operator offering 24/7 backup, detailed walking notes, luggage transfers and travel admin support, so you can make the most of this incomparable UNESCO Heritage Way on foot or cycle.
Plan your holy pilgrimage now at Followthecamino.com
Taste freedom on the open road
Whether you’re planning a family summer holiday, romantic getaway for two or a bonding trip for just you and the dog, a campervan is the way to go. Fully equipped with everything you need to sleep, cook and get around, a camper means freedom from airport queues, luggage restrictions and immovable itineraries. Choose your own route, go at your own pace and enjoy flexibility throughout your trip.
For the top results, hire from Roadsurfer, which has more than 50 locations across the UK, Europe and US, and a selection of small and large campervans available to drive away with unlimited mileage and a free second driver. Enjoy the life of limitless freedom with a 10 per cent discount when you use the code “TRAVEL2023” at checkout (offer Valid until 31 May 2023).
Find out more at Roadsurfer.com
Stay at Caesars Palace Dubai
If the idea of sipping cocktails on the sun lounger of your resort’s private beach while deciding whether to book a private jet ski tour or check in for a rejuvenating spa treatment sounds like your idea of holiday heaven, then you’re in luck. The Caesars Palace Dubai resort in Bluewaters Dubai on the shores of the Arabian Gulf is the place to be this summer. The resort’s amenities include an award-winning state-of-the-art spa offering top-quality treatments including leading aesthetic experts from Young LDN, and no fewer than eight restaurants and three beach clubs — including Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen.
Enjoy five-star rated service and plush rooms with breathtaking views of the Ain Dubai — the world’s tallest observation wheel — or the uninterrupted seascape of the nearby beachfront. It’s stylish, it’s high-end, and right now you can save 25% on your room by booking via caesars.com/dubai/caesars-palace-dubai/offers
Discover the finest of Jordan
Since 1998, The Jordan Tourism Board has been committed to promoting Jordan as the destination of choice through a range of marketing strategies, including press trips, multimedia production, trade fairs and media relations. The adopted strategies are tuned to reflect the true image of the Jordan tourism product, being a cultural, natural, religious, adventurous, leisure and MICE destination.
Plan the trip of a lifetime with Visit Jordan’s handy services, including The Jordan Pass, brochures and even a Virtual Travel Assistant service. The Jordan Pass allows guests to skip crowds at some of the country’s most popular sites, as well as saving them money on tourist visas and activities, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites As-Salt and Mansaf, plus The Golden Triangle and more.
Find out more at Jordanpass.jo and Visitjordan.com
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