Make summer last longer with get-aways from just £15
Simon Calder joins us to help chase the sun into autumn and winter by booking a bargain price trip to some of the world’s fastest growing holiday hotspots. From Benidrom to Albania, the world is your oyster as they say… (but without the fancy price tag!)
DESTINATIONS:
DESTINATION 1: Greek island of Corfu
THE DEAL: Two weeks today (23rd September), TUI has a package holiday from Stansted to Corfu at £182 per person for a week - that’s about £1 for each hour you’re there. Staying at Lefkimi in Kavos, Corfu, self catering.
WEATHER COMPARED TO THE UK: 9 degrees warmer in September, much more chance of sunshine. WHEN IS BEST TO GO?: September definitely.
ANYTHING TO LOOK OUT FOR WHILE YOU’RE THERE? / TIPS AND TRICKS?: Take a ferry across to Albania - a country we might come back to later.
DESTINATION 2: Cassis in southern France (where Simon was on Friday)
THE DEAL: So much cheaper to reach and stay in. At the start of September all the Parisians return to the north, opening up the place to the rest of us. I flew back on Friday from Marseille to Bristol for £12, and flying out from Manchester to Marseille on Wednesday 18th September costs just £23 one way.
WEATHER COMPARED TO THE UK: Average high in Manchester in October is 14C, in Cassis 20C.
ANYTHING TO LOOK OUT FOR WHILE YOU’RE THERE? / TIPS AND TRICKS?: One of Europe’s top 10 bus routes clambers over a spectacular mountain pass on the journey from Marseille to Cassis, and this great journey costs only €3.50. And take a boat tour of the Calanques: France’s answer to Norway’s fjords.
DESTINATION 3: Turkish Riviera
THE DEAL: On 1st November you can travel from Luton to Antalya with easyJet Holidays for a week for only £410 per person all inclusive.
WEATHER COMPARED TO THE UK: In November, holiday company TUI says the average daily high is 22C - compared with 10C in Manchester.
WHEN IS BEST TO GO?: November has a good chance of sunshine and it’s so much better than home.
ANYTHING TO LOOK OUT FOR WHILE YOU’RE THERE? / TIPS AND TRICKS?: The city you fly into, Antalya, is an amazing place that most people seem to miss. Spectacular harbour, antique tram, beautiful Old Town, superb food.
DESTINATION 4: Algarve - Armacao de Pera
PRICES COMPARED TO SUMMER: About half the price compared to Summer. Jet2 will take you from Birmingham on 8th December for a week for £298 per person, including flights to Faro, transfers, accommodation and breakfast.
WEATHER COMPARED TO THE UK: Average daily high 18C compared with 7C in Manchester.
WHEN IS BEST TO GO?: I love a cheeky winter warmer in the first half of December, before all the high-intensity family stuff starts - and you also get outstanding prices.
ANYTHING TO LOOK OUT FOR WHILE YOU’RE THERE? / TIPS AND TRICKS?: This isn’t the Med, it’s the Atlantic, but Armacao is a superb, relaxed resort with plenty of shoreline walks.
DESTINATION 5: Benidorm in January!
PRICES COMPARED TO SUMMER: Half the price than in summer. From Manchester on 7th January, TUI will take you to the 4-star Rio Park hotel and provide full-board accommodation (all-inclusive but without the drinks) for £382 per person.
WEATHER COMPARED TO THE UK: 12C compared with 7C in Manchester - and Manchester has six times the rain in January.
WHEN IS BEST TO GO?: For maximum difference, make it January.
ANYTHING TO LOOK OUT FOR WHILE YOU’RE THERE? / TIPS AND TRICKS?: Take the excellent fast and economical tram from Benidorm into Alicante - a gorgeous Spanish city that even has a city beach.