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| The Press: Saying it how it isn't |
So that's it then, no holiday this year - they've all gone. Mass hysteria has swept the nation and the only hotel with vacancies in August is the Kabul Travelodge. Really? The Tabloids do like a good scare story but what are the facts and what should you do if you have not yet booked your August summer holiday? What you should not do is panic.
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| Benidorm: already popular in August |
The facts are that with Egypt and Tunisia all but off limits and with bookings to Turkey sharply down, the number of early bookings to the Western Med (Spain and Portugal) are higher than usual and Greece is catching up.
Capacity is being switched to the in demand destinations where possible but there are obvious constraints and it is inevitable that prices here will rise. Add to this the fall in value of the Pound v the Euro. What then are the alternatives for an August sunshine trip that will not break the budget?
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| Cantabria: plenty of fish in the sea |
If the August crowds and heat of southern Spain are too much then why not head north to Cantabria. This fertile region has long sandy beaches and some of the best seafood on the planet. Excursions inland to the Pyrenean foothills and Rioja wine lands offer plenty of distractions.
HOW? Fly or Ferry to Santander or Bilbao. Rent an apartment or Villa and self drive .
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| Corsica: One of the great beaches of course |
If France is more your thing but the thought of spending your entire budget on a round of ice creams in Antibes fills you with dread then look offshore to the island of Corsica. With family friendly beaches on the south east coast and the town of Porto Vecchio to explore, this is a piece of France that feels very removed from the mainland and better value.
HOW? Fly to Figuri in the south. Rent a Villa or apartment.
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| Not packed in like Sardinians |
Next door to Corsica and across the water from the Amalfi crowds and traffic jams is Sardinia. The north has the glitz and the glamour but head south for quieter beaches. Boat trips to remote caves and beaches and historic towns add a touch of adventure. Then there's the food...
HOW? Fly to Calgiari in the south. Rent an apartment or bungalow close to the beach.
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| About 101 Dalmatians on this beach |
Moving over to the Adriatic, if Greece is looking too busy then nearby Croatia has been winning lots of new admirers. With long, wild (and pebbly) coastlines and fascinating old towns, the Dalmation coast has plenty to offer. Lopud island a short boat ride from Dubrovnik has sandy beaches, less people and no cars.
HOW? Fly to Dubrovnik or Split. Rent an apartment or book a beachfront hotel.
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| Thailand: It's a long way... |
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| Thailand: but it's very nice! |
The logic of Thailand? If you are looking at a 10-14 day holiday, you will probably be surprised to find that the costs will not be vastly different from a mid-August break in southern Europe. Prices are much lower and the standard of hotels, food and service is very high relative to the cost. Also a trip to the Spa won't immediately re-stress you when you get the bill.
HOW: Fly to Koh Samui via Bangkok. Stay in a boutique hotel or beach bungalow on quieter Mae Nam beach.
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| The sun hasn't set on August yet |
Wherever you choose to go, there are always alternatives. Try something new and don't be persuaded by panic headlines just to be somewhere overcrowded and pay overpriced charges. The world is a big place so be adventurous - you might find somewhere new that you want to go back to time and time again!
For further inspiration, please visit my Website and Facebook page and follow me on Twitter.
w: http://eyelinetravel.co.uk
e: david@eyelinetravel
t: 020 8123 2569
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w: http://eyelinetravel.co.uk
e: david@eyelinetravel
t: 020 8123 2569
A change is as good as a rest!
David Sutherland
EyeLine Travel (ABTA L3832)
26 February 2016
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