With the UK having a measly average temperature of 14 degrees this summer, a few of our writers decided to take flight in search of fun and sun.
From Barcelona to Berlin – here are some of our favourite holiday destinations of 2024.
Rosina Butcher, Travel and Lifestyle Editor – Naples, Italy
In August, me and my friends Nick and Sam went on a week-long trip to the city of Naples in Southern Italy. Being a group who quite frankly couldn’t organise a piss-up in a brewery, it ended up being a great trip.
Naples has a bad reputation for being ‘dirty’ and ‘rough’ – but I prefer to say it has character. In my two visits, I felt safer there than I did in many other major European cities.
It’s one of the most affordable cities in Italy, with an Aperol spritz costing you as little as three euros. And you can find affordable and authentic Italian street food on every corner.
On our last day, we tried the famous fried pizza at 1947 Pizza Fritta, which came in at about five euros. It was delicious and I now understand why they always have a queue.
The streets are lined with endless bars, restaurants, and cafes, so you’re never short of choice. Just make sure to check the reviews in advance if you’re going for a sit-down meal – because they can be a little hit or miss in touristy areas.
With it being the middle of August, the weather was great. Sure, maybe a little too hot, but a nice change from the far-from-tropical English climate.
One of my favourite nights in Naples was one of our last. We had pizza and shared a bottle of beautiful wine, before taking to the streets and drinking at several bars.
It was a Friday night and people were spilling out onto the streets drinking spritz’s and socialising with strangers.
Naples has so much to offer – a beautiful coastline, rich history, Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, vibrant nightlife and atmosphere, and its iconic narrow streets. Why not give it a go?
Jasmine Thomas-Allie, Deputy Editor – Alicante, Spain
If you’re in need of a quick weekend trip away and are unsure of where to go, then Alicante in Spain is the place for you. I spent just under three days in the southeast on a random weekend in October and wished I had stayed longer.
As we settle into winter and the cold weather fluctuates, looking for cheap deals can cross our minds. Luckily, travel distances between this perfect location and the UK will not require you to endure long-haul departures.
Throughout the year, budget airline EasyJet has a range of outgoing flights to Spain for less than £30. Travelers can seek this deal specifically for months between September to March.
Flights back and forth are around two to three hours. However, be prepared to spend a little bit more for outgoing flights as they can vary in price depending on the day, time, and length of travel.
Located in Southeastern Spain and under the province of Valencia, Alicante typically maintains its warm climate all year round.
According to the UK’s Met Office, the daily average temperature for Alicante is 23.2 degrees. I can confirm this from my own experience, sweating buckets and leaving without a jacket was a pleasant change.
In the city itself, Alicante has a variety of shopping malls and complexes. Centre Commercial Plaza Mar 2, one of the shopping areas I visited, had a wide range of familiar stores and restaurants such as JD, Pandora, and Taco Bell.
Situated within the area, tourists can access by bus or Uber, if preferred.
George Palmer-Soady, Editor-in-Chief – Barcelona, Spain
My three nights in Barcelona in June were full of moments I’ll cherish forever. Being my first holiday abroad in about ten years, I wasn’t really sure what to expect – and I’d forgotten what leaving the country really felt like.
But as soon as we got off the Ryanair flight – our aching knees sighing with relief from the agony of the tight seats – it instantly became clear me and my family were in for a real treat.
Staying in the vibrant and central Exiample area was like nothing I’d ever done before. We were surrounded by exciting cocktail bars, shops, cafes and, of course, Gaudi’s brilliant Sagrada Família – which we could even see clearly from our window.
A true highlight of the city was the exceptional food. From fresh seafood paella to flaky berry pastries to exciting tapas dishes – we were never stuck for choice.
During our short stay in Barcelona, we visited the beautiful beaches, the eccentric La Boqueria food market, and the brilliant Moco modern art Museum – full of Banksy, Haring and Basquiat, this was something I particularly loved.
The MX Chocolate Museum was also a real treat and something which we stumbled upon by chance. It may not be the city’s hottest tourist destination, but it’s definitely worth a visit.
We even had time for a bit of flamenco dancing, followed by a professional performance. It’s fair to say I didn’t get invited onto the stage…
Barcelona was a brilliant city – young, vibrant and full of art and culture. It’s not the cheapest, and it’s definitely on the busier side.
But we never had a dull moment, and I’d recommend it to anyone. I can’t wait to go back.
Nathan Woollard – Berlin, Germany
In May of this year, I spontaneously jetted off to Berlin for two nights with some friends from university.
Germany has always really interested me as a country, mainly due to their immense love for beer – a love we indeed share.
I had a truly wicked trip, and I would strongly recommend visiting the city if you get a chance. My flight was £20, which I thought was a steal. I used the website Skyscanner which automatically filters the cheapest flights for you.
The food was unreal (If you love sausages). I had a Bratwurst hot dog from a street vendor, and it was great, you can tell they pioneered the sausage game.
We tried to go clubbing, but unfortunately on the day we were there, none were open. I was disappointed as I heard amazing things about Berlin’s nightlife prior.
If you ever go, make sure it’s on a day the nightclubs are open (if that appeals to you, of course).
The city was very calm – never overcrowded or overbearing. People were (most of the time), friendly and accommodating.
Technology in Germany is very efficient and user-friendly, which is expected for the world’s third-largest economy. A lovely city in a seemingly pleasant country, Berlin was a blast.
Featured Image Credit: Taylor Ind