A Not-So-British Bank Holiday
If you are looking for a great way to escape the usual British Bank Holiday weather, here are a few suggestions for a long weekend abroad that might just be the perfect cure to the wintery beginning to 2010. There are plenty of great deals to be found online so shop around and see where you could end up come this bank holiday.
Andalucia
Beach bums will think they have died and gone to coastal heaven in Andalucia. Cheap flights to Spain are easy to find from companies such as Monarch and other web-based holiday booking companies. In fact, budget airlines often mean that flights abroad are the same price or less than many domestic train journeys, so you might be able to get away for less than expected. Watch the sun go down on a perfect beach bum day with a glass of Sangria or a bottle of local cerveza in your hand. Three days of chill out time In Andalucia should be more than enough to keep you going until your next big holiday.
Paris
If you thrive on city life then why not plump for a culture vulture weekend in France's spectacular capital? Art lovers should head for the Rodin and Picasso museums, both located near the Jewish quarter, where they will find a quieter and more personal kind of gallery than the Louvre of the Musee d'Orsay. Shopaholics will enjoy exploring the local flea markets and taking advantage of the many boutique outlets strewn across the banks of the Seine. And foodies will delight in sampling the freshly made macaroons at Laduree as the perfect afternoon tea break between sights.
The Alps
Thanks to increased flight and train services, it has never been easier to take a quick break in the Alps. Unlike the rest of Europe, you will be pleased to find that alpine villas and cottages are in fact cheaper in the summertime than in the winter, due to the peak ski season. The Alps have just as much to offer during the summer months, however, and a weekend of hiking, mountain biking or simply admiring the spectacular view could be just the refreshing break you need over your next long weekend.