Spring holiday suggestions from our travel team
Easter's a great time to get away for a break, whether it's within the UK, a short trip to Europe, or somewhere a bit more exotic. We've asked Kathy Gardner, one of our travel experts, for her advice on the best destinations to visit during this part of the year.
What's proving to be popular with our members at the moment for this Easter?
It's the first two-week holiday of the year for the kids so it's a great chance to go somewhere you've always wanted to visit, with distance not being too much of an issue. Florida is usually a popular destination with our members as there is a lot to do for all the family and the weather is consistently good. The Caribbean, New York and the Canary Islands are also traditionally Easter break favourites. New York has its huge Easter parade every year, which is quite a spectacle and definitely something everyone should experience at least once. These destinations are extremely popular though, and get booked up quickly so availability will be limited at this time of the year.
What are your personal picks for exciting 2010 destinations?
Beirut's really happening at the moment. Marrakech has also been getting more popular in recent years, and Istanbul has a lot of cool new bars, making it ideal for anyone looking for a European break. Krakow is getting more popular with our members, as people are seeing it as an alternative to Prague. It's good value, there's a lot to see and do, and the atmosphere around the city is great. For anyone wanting to get away a bit before Easter, I would recommend going to Boston for St. Patrick's Day as a good alternative to the Dublin experience.
How about unusual ideas for members looking for an Easter break that's a little bit different?
I'd suggest Iceland. There will still be a good amount of snow, without it being too cold, and there is also the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights, which can be a phenomenal experience. The Blue Lagoon is well worth paying a visit, too. As it is Easter, it could also be interesting to take a trip to St Petersburg, in Russia, and check out the Fabergé eggs at the State Hermitage Museum.
What are your top picks for a family break?
Paris is particularly brilliant at Easter, with fantastic shop displays featuring beautiful Easter egg collections. The city is wonderful in the springtime and a lot of the hotels put on egg hunts for the children. It's perfect for a short weekend break, and with its renowned romantic character is also very popular with couples. Whilst February half term tends to be the peak holiday season for skiing holidays, Easter is also a fairly popular time, although in some of the more popular countries and resorts, availability may now be limited so please call your lifestyle manager who will be able to recommend and suggest the most suitable destinations for your family, and then put together an itinerary for your trip.
What do you recommend for those looking to stay closer to home for Easter?
There's a great amount of choice for Easter breaks within the UK. A lot of hotels put on Easter egg hunts, and organise kids clubs for the duration of the school holidays, giving parents the opportunity to relax. A lot of people like to come to London for a short break. We often get requests to organise itineraries for members going to the capital, involving sight-seeing, taking in a West End show, and visiting a few great restaurants. If this sounds like your sort of thing, we are more than happy to organise it for you.
