Luxury vs budget holidays 2018
As you take the decorations down, it’s a great time to start dreaming of your next getaway. With our list of luxury and budget holidays, you can find some sunshine this January – whether you’re looking for a holiday that won’t break the bank or a little inspiration for your bucket-list.
Budget holidays
Porthcurno Bay, England
You don’t have to go too far to discover beautiful beaches and white sandy shores. A stone’s throw from Land’s End in Cornwall is the stunning shoreline of Porthcurno Bay. This oasis of natural beauty offers a secluded spot for both families and couples. Watch theatrical performances on the cliff tops at the Minack Theatre or enjoy Cornish cream teas by the sea.
Though you won’t have to pay for flights from London, it will take approximately five hours by car or train.
Cork, Ireland
Referred to as the ‘real Capital of Ireland’ by locals, Cork has a little bit of everything. Just inland from Ireland’s southwest coast, you can wander the city’s waterways and waterfront, listen to live music in a snug pub or begin your adventures on the rugged west of the country.
You’ll save a few pennies compared to visiting Belfast or Dublin. Get a return flight from London from as little as £38 per person. Flight time is approximately one hour 25 minutes each way.
Mallorca, Spain
It’s no surprise that the Spanish island of Mallorca is a popular holiday destination for UK tourists: great value, great beaches and great activities for families, couples and even thrill-seekers! The Balearic hotspot may be a tourist trap, but the island has plenty of lesser-known gems for you to discover too.
For an authentic experience, head to the quiet town of Banyalbufar, where you can admire spectacular views of the Tramuntana mountain range and pick up some handcrafted jewellery to bring home.
Flights from London are as little as £88 per person with a duration of two and a half hours each way.
Luxury holidays
Maldives, South Asia
Splashing through puddles may be fun, but the aquatic activities in the Maldives are a little more adventurous. Each of the 1200 Maldivian isles has its own shallow lagoon, formed by encircling coral reefs, which makes them a dream setting for scuba divers and snorkelers alike.
The Maldives is also the perfect destination for lounging under swaying palms on picture-perfect beaches, sailing on tropical shores or simply do nothing in paradise surroundings.
The luxury resorts are more than just a place to rest your head. Take advantage of exotic spas, fitness centres and even water villas!
St Lucia, The Caribbean
If you’re searching for the most dramatic scenery in the Caribbean, St Lucia is the place to visit. Set your sights on the volcanic cones of the Petit Piton and Gros Piton. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, these mountains are covered in a blanket of green rainforest.
Whether you’re travelling with your family or just your camera, St Lucia has lots of attractions. Yes, spend some time relaxing in on the golden beaches, but there are also lots of adventures to be had… from the national park Pigeo Island to the botanical gardens dotted around the island.
St Tropez, France
For luxury that’s closer to home, St Tropez is your go-to destination. Perhaps the most famous resort in Europe, A-listers continue to flock to the French shoreline. Grand yachts fill the coastal town’s harbour, and rocking bars and extravagant shops fill its buzzing streets. A trip here, and you’ll soon be rubbing shoulders with the great and the glitterati.
The rocky St Tropez peninsula is also blessed with spectacular views of the Maures mountains and has a rich military history – why not explore the fortifications located at Saint Tropez Citadel?
If you’re looking for luxury accommodation, you’ll find lots of lavish hotels with grand interiors and gorgeous swimming pools.