Holiday planning doesn't have to come with money stresses From Cosmopolitan
Devon has topped the list for quality of life in England and Wales, beating off stiff competition from Somerset, Harrow and Sheffield. High levels of physical activity, volunteering, good air quality and local living conditions led Devon to be given its top ranking. The analysis carried out by wellbeing charity Happy City examined more than 60 indicators to determine its results.
The chocolate eggs are in the shops, the daffodils are out and spring is well and truly in the air… Easter is looming – which, for many of us, means a long weekend away from work.But how to fill those precious four days off?There are plenty of holidays you can squeeze into this timeframe, whether you’re keen to jet off abroad or stay on home turf.From Cornish staycations to a Spanish city break with a difference, we’ve found ten of the best holidays that you can fit into four days, for the Easter break and beyond.For a quick pampering fix, head to Studland on the Isle of Purbeck. Feel yourself unwind as soon as you arrive at the quaint village, famous for its beaches and nature reserve. A ten-minute stoll from the beach, Knoll House is offering pamper packages, ideal for everything from a romantic spa getaway to a relaxing hen-do party. The price, from £169pp, includes one night’s B&B, lunch, dinner and a 45-minute treatment. [Photo: Getty] Wildlife lovers can squeeze a bear viewing trip into four days. Gane & Marshall has a four-day getaway to one of Europe’s premier bear locations, Martinselkosen Wildlife Centre, in Finland. Located close to the Russian border in Suomussalmi, next to the Martinselkonen nature reserve, it’s one of the country’s best spots to see and photograph brown bears in their natural habitat. You and your guide will stay in a “hide” deep in the forest, close to bears and other wildlife. The cost, from £645pp, includes one night at Martinselkosen Wildlife Centre, two nights in the bear hide, breakfast, dinner, guiding and airport transfers. Excludes flights. Available from mid-April to mid-August. [Photo: Getty] Savour some of Scotland’s finest sights and flavours on a three-day break to Speyside, home of over half of the country’s malt whisky distilleries. Indulge in a wee dram as you tour four distilleries, with a Scotch Malt Whisky Society lunch and tasting. The trip includes a visit to Elgin – home to the best little whisky shop in the world – and you’ll be able to explore the beautiful Cairngorms National Park. Prices start from £119pp, including transport and guiding (excluding accommodation, which can be reserved when you book). [Photo: Getty] It may sound like a bizarre way to spend four days, but throwing tomatoes is actually a great way to embrace Spain’s more wacky cultural side. The annual La Tomatina Festival sees locals gather in the square of Buñol, half an hour from Valencia city, to throw tomatoes in what’s often dubbed the world’s biggest food fight. G Adventures has a four-day trip that includes full immersion in this festival, as well as a walking tour of the Old Town of Valencia. Departing on August 26, the trip costs from £329pp, including three nights’ hostel accommodation. Excludes meals and flights. [Photo: Getty] Getting to the Lake District doesn’t take long (an average of just over three hours from London by rail), yet you’ll feel a world away from everyday life on arrival. The landscape – dotted with glassy lakes and rugged fells – is one of the UK’s best walking destinations, with trails that could keep you occupied for well over four days. Ramblers Walking Holidays can help you condense it into a long weekend – they offer four-day walking holidays staying at Hassness Country House on the shore of Buttermere. The price, from £260pp, includes three nights’ full-board and guided walks. [Photo: Getty] Newquay can be reached by car, rail and also plane (Newquay airport is connected to UK hubs, including Heathrow, Birmingham, Manchester and Dublin), making it ideal for a long weekend. Overlooking the world-class surf spot, Fistral Beach, the Headland Hotel has just launched the Great British Staycation package, including three nights’ B&B, a three-course dinner, afternoon tea, a hamper of Cornish goodies, tickets to the Eden Project or Lost Gardens of Heligan, a book about the South West Coast Path and spa access. The break costs from £349.50pp, based on two sharing and is available until September. [Photo: Getty] A short hop over the Channel brings you to the Pas-de-Calais area, with its dramatic beaches, fresh seafood and good wine. And adventure-loving families are in for a treat if they book an inclusive break with Family Adventure Holidays, who offer a three-night Opal Coast Moulin – Easter trip. Based at the three-star Hotel Moulin aux Draps, which is surrounded by countryside and close to sandy beaches, it includes all meals and activities – so there’s no need to put hands in pockets after arrival. Children are kept busy with activities, from sand-yachting to visiting the sea lions and tropical sharks at the Nausicaa aquarium, while parents can enjoy a four-course meal in the restaurant. Three nights’ all-inclusive costs from from £299 per adult and £199 per child (excluding travel). [Photo: Getty]
It's seriously stunning
From a zen-inducing property in Lake Como to a hip guest house in New Orleans and a tropical Australian island getaway, these are the most interesting hotels opening in April 2019.The Independent's hotel reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and book, but we never allow this to affect our coverage.
A new report takes several factors into consideration including drink prices, an evening meal and accommodation
Just the coolest suitcases around, no biggie
From gap year-inspired bus trips to zero waste holidays
Wondering where to book for your next holiday? With anniversaries, new flight routes and sporting events, there are plenty of must-visit overseas destinations to choose from, whether you’re keen to soak up culture or simply a bit of sunshine. From the deserts of Jordan to the ice cap of Greenland, these are the hottest destinations to visit this year.
If the Christmas comedown and endless talk of snow has left you craving the summer months, then you’re not alone.Monday 21 January 2019 has been dubbed ‘Blue Monday‘, with claims that it’s set to be the most depressing day of the year so far.But there’s no need to fear, as we’ve found the perfect excuse to add some must-see spots to your 2019 wanderlust list. And, in keeping with the day’s theme, they’re all blue.From the world-famous Blue Lagoon in Iceland to gram-worthy tiles in Porto, feast your eyes on some of the most awe-inspiring spots across the globe.Hands up, who else is already reaching for their passport?Have we missed your favourite blue spot? Let us know in the comments below.Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for non-stop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyleUK.Read more from Yahoo Style UK: 10 best Airbnbs revealed, from a tropical treehouse in Bali to a Moroccan palace From Hawaii’s forbidden zone to the Great Wall of China: The world’s most Instagrammed stairs revealedWhat is Blue Monday and is it real?
Happy holidaysFrom Harper's BAZAAR
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Leave your big coat at home, break out the shorts and embrace the Swiss Alps as a genuine contender for your next summer holiday.
Head to Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit to explore the colourful Pacific coast of Mexico.
Where to take your brood this summerFrom Harper's BAZAAR
The number one thing millennials look for when booking a holiday isn’t culture, great food or things to do, it’s how Instagrammable their destination is.That’s right: millennials (those born from between 1980 and early 2000s) say the Instagrammability of a location is the most important factor when deciding on a getaway.But that’s not to say we can all afford the dreamy destinations that fill our Insta feeds.We all wish we could check into the likes of La Mamounia in Marrakech for a birthday bash a la the Beckhams, or Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc where every A-lister stays during Cannes Film Festival. But, with their ££££ price tags, it’s not an option for most of us.But don’t despair.They are plenty of photogenic hostels that offer more than an affordable night’s stay. Hostelworld‘s Insta 155K followers have voted for the most wanderlust-inducing hostels – proving there are some incredible options out there.From baths perched on ridges looking out over South African mountains to a converted train, feast your eyes on these highly-shareable hostels.Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for non-stop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyleUK. Read more from Yahoo Style UK:The hottest openings, news and experiences in the world of hotels The 65 cleanest beaches in the UKThe Residence Maldives hotel review
The May bank holiday is fast-approaching – but if you haven’t yet planned your three-day weekend there are still plenty of options.Whether you’re looking for some winter sun further afield or a family-friendly camping trip closer to home, we’ve found 20 of the best last-minute escapes in the UK and Europe to book now.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.Read more from Yahoo Style UK: The best weekend UK festivals to look forward to this summerFrom afternoon tea to rooftop screenings: The best ways to celebrate the royal weddingThe best London day festivals for summer 2018
There’s no where in the world like the Maldives. Made up of over 1000 islands and 26 ring-shaped atolls, the tropical nation is a sight to behold. No wonder it’s such an idyllic destination. But while it’s beautiful, remote and, for most, a once-in-a-lifetime getaway, it’s not a country that should be saved solely for honeymooners. If you have the money to spare (the majority of the resorts are geared for those with deep pockets), you’re unlikely to ever again experience the standard of service and cuisine the hotels nestled around the turquoise lagoons boast. But first, you have to get ...
Perched on a hillside, overlooking the largest natural lake in Sri Lanka and miles of untapped natural beauty, Tri serves up an almost unrivaled location.
Nestled on the coast, metres from Yala National Park, Wild Coast Tented Lodge in Sri Lanka offers a getaway with a real difference.
How will you be ringing in the New Year? If you’ve got no plans yet but are hankering after an escape from the norm to welcome in 2018, look no further. From spa breaks by the sea to parties in some of Europe’s hottest cities, there’s a break to suit you, whether you’re a couple, family or solo traveller.The best bit? All these getaways cost less than £300, so they won’t break the bank. Happy New Year!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for non-stop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyleUK.Read more from Yahoo Style UK:12 UK cottages to cosy up in on New Year’s Eve10 beautiful winter destinations you can fly to in under four hoursThe best European cities to visit during the winter