There is nothing better than getting away for a romantic weekend with your partner, and if the two of you are looking for some place special to spend your holidays it might just be in your own backyard.

Before you book tickets to the other side of the world, take a look at some of the destinations that are closer to home.  Every town, village, county and country has delightful bed and breakfasts that are perfect if you escape to somewhere peaceful.  Some establishments have special deals that allow an extra night’s stay if you book two or three nights.    

A bed and breakfast is an establishment that offers guests private bedrooms and bathrooms.  Smaller B and B’s have shared bathroom facilities.  As the name implies the price includes a night’s stay and breakfast in the morning, which is usually served in the kitchen or a shared dining room.  During the day you can get out and about to enjoy the countryside and visit some local attractions.  Some B&B’s will pack you a picnic lunch if you are off hiking.

A colourful and bustling city, this east-meets-west destination is truly unique.  With a mix of both Christian and Islamic influences, you certainly need more than a long weekend to discover what Istanbul – formally Constantinople or Byzantium – has to offer.

You will find a great selection of accommodation in the city, from central boutique hotels to cheap and cheerful hostels.  For those planning on staying a little longer, you can even rent a room in private accommodation.  In any case, the underground makes it easy to get round the city, so if you wander a little too far from the centre a good map and dictionary should get you where you want to go.

The main sights include: The Blue Mosque, a huge, domed building commissioned by Sultan Ahmet I; Topkapi Palace, which housed some of the famous Sultans; the bustling Grand Bazaar where you enjoy the art of haggling; the Bosphorus (the night cruises are recommended) and the Archaeology museum.

Although Istanbul is the capital city of Turkey, it is almost like another country by itself.  It is a great transport hub too, so you can take a coach to one of the bordering countries, or venture deeper into Turkey itself to see its wide beaches or green countryside.

If you like the idea of going on a ocean cruise but would also like the chance to do some proper exploring and sightseeing on shore, a Cruise and Stay holiday could be a great option.  Days at sea are interspersed with longer stops at various ports, allowing passengers to fully experience the local area and culture. 

Many people choose this kind of trip because of the variety it can provide.  Rather than being restricted to a ship for days on end, guests have the opportunity to go out and explore a range of fascinating destinations, while still having the experience of staying and sailing on a cruise liner.  It is also possible to take part in a much wider range of activities than would be available on a regular voyage, while still being able to come back on board at the end of the day to relax in style. 

Cruise and Stay holidays are available all over the world, with plenty of exciting places just waiting to be explored.  Try a week long cruise from Alaska to Canada, followed by a tour of the Rockies, or you could go for a voyage around the cultural hotspots of the Mediterranean; the choice is almost endless.

Location

Austin lies within the state of Texas in the United States.  Situated in the centre of the state, Austin is quickly gaining a reputation as a great city to visit.

Getting There

Austin Bergstrom International Airport lies only six miles out of town and receives most international airlines.  In the city you can also find an Amtrak train station and Greyhound Bus Terminal.

Things To Do

As a college town, Austin has a young laid-back feel to it and has a thriving bar and café culture.  The popularity of its famous music festival, South By Southwest, has led to the city being known as the  ‘Live Music Capital of the World’ and the venues downtown on Sixth Street have live music most nights.  It is a cosmopolitan city and you experience almost any cuisine from Sushi to Italian, with the local speciality, Tex-Mex food, especially easy to find. 

If you are looking for something unique, why not take a look at the world’s largest urban bat colony living beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge.  At dusk every night you can see 1.5 million bats fill the surrounding skies.

For a look at grand architecture you can visit the state capitol building, which is open all week and is free of charge.  If not then why not look beyond the city limits and explore the rural hill country where scenic trips can be taken by steam train through the beautiful Texan landscape.

When To Go

The climate is good all year round, although summer can be extremely hot.  Spring or Autumn could be the best time to visit.

With temperatures cooling from their blistering summer highs and the hordes of tourists thinning, autumn is perhaps the best time to take a sightseeing holiday. Dahab, a small town on the coast of Egypt, is the perfect autumnal destination. Temperatures, which throughout the summer months reach into the thirties Celsius, have become more comfortable. Still remaining deliciously warm, in the upper 20s or lower 30s, the days are warm, perfect for sunbathing or visiting the sights.

Windsurfing is a particularly popular activity in Dahab, with 320 days of perfect wind; lessons are readily available for groups or individuals. They are suitable for beginners, experts and those in between.

With a famed selection of reefs offering wonderful scuba diving and snorkelling options, Dahab attracts a young, ‘alternative’ crowd compared to some of the nearby tourist resorts. Shore dives into the Red Sea reveal fish and plant life of such variety and colour that the area is noted for being one of the best dive sites in the world. Lessons and groups are available for all skill levels and glass bottomed boats offer a glimpse into the underwater world without ever having to touch the wet stuff.

The surrounding area offers a variety of breathtaking scenery and activities that visitors will never forget. Take a trip to St. Catherine’s Monastery across the burning desert; ride a camel, or combine the trip with climbing Moses’ Mountain at sunset to experience the spectacular colours and sights. Safari trips through nearby canyons, such as the Coloured Canyon and the White Canyon are perfect for adventurous types, while visitors who prefer to take a more leisurely excursion can remain in a jeep to view these natural beauties.

France is a popular holiday destination, not least for its rich culture, fine foods and beautiful landscapes. It’s also very close to Britain and at the same time, a world away. If you’ve never been to France before choosing a destination can be a headache.  Here is a flavour of each region.

Picardy

Picardy in Northern France is close to channel ports, so ideal for a quick getaway.  Picturesque and rural, Picardy has rolling hills, plenty of sandy beaches and a thought-provoking history.

Brittany

Brittany is the most popular holiday destination in northern France thanks to its mild climate.  The thunderous waves of its Atlantic coastline is popular with surfers, while it’s small fishing villages and Medieval towns nestle amongst larger more commercial cities of St Malo and Rennes, creating a rich and charming fabric.

The Vendee

The Vendee boasts some of the best beaches in France with miles upon miles of clean white sand sliding into clear blue waters. Famous for its water sports and seafood, the area is a hub for sun worshipers. Also known for its wine, the Vendee is home to vineyards that supply the world with good French rouge.

Normandy

Hop across the channel to Normandy and find yourself a world away from British culture.  Lush countryside collides with rugged coastline that’s home to both ancient and recent history.  The town of Bayeux tells the story of the Battle of Hastings, while the coastal towns of the region tell stories from the Second World War.

The Loire

The Loire Valley is The Garden of France and home to hundreds of fairytale chateaux’s, vineyards and range of cuisine that will take your breath away.  Tight streets weave their way around gothic cathedrals leading holiday makers into another world peppered with fine cafes and restaurants all eager to serve a glass of the local grape.

Paris

For the epicentre of all things French, head to Paris and be wooed by the passion and romance in the City of Light.  With some of the most beautiful architecture and perhaps the finest shopping in the world, Paris is an unforgettable spectacle that’s a must-see on any itinerary.

Situated midway along the eastern Caribbean chain, St Lucia is a tropical island rich in natural beauty.  Spectacular twin peaks rise 2,000 ft from the sea, with white sandy beaches to the north and black volcanic sands to the south.  St Lucia is a perfect luxury holiday destination for couples, families or the single traveller.

With the Caribbean to the west and the Atlantic to the east, the island’s interior combines lush green rainforest and fields of banana, mango, coconut and papaya. St Lucia boasts the world’s only drive-in volcanic crater. St Lucia is steeped in history, influenced by French and British culture, dating back to the early 17th century.

St Lucia holidays offer the visitor opportunities to explore its strikingly diverse landscapes and tour small villages with open-air markets, experiencing first hand the island’s warmth, high standards of hospitality and excellent cuisine. Luxury holidays in St Lucia offer many prestigious hotels and resorts.

For divers, St Lucia has many colourful reefs, underwater mountains and caves to explore. Other offshore activities include windsurfing and deep-sea fishing, while inland adventures include hiking, cycling or island tours on horseback.

St Lucia Holiday Choices

St Lucia luxury holidays will appeal to the most discerning of travellers seeking luxury holidays, such as wedding or honeymoon packages, spa and pamper treatments, water sports or simply quiet relaxation.

Leisure Activities Include:

•    Golf at one of three courses.
•    Water-skiing.
•    Diving or snorkelling the coral reefs.
•    Turtle, whale and dolphin watching.
•    Island cruises.
•    Duty-free shopping.

St Lucia Features:

•    Soufriere volcano.
•    Castries yacht basin.
•    Diamond mineral baths.
•    Cape Moule à Chique.

Straddling the banks of the Elbe, Dresden city is a charming spectacle of Baroque architecture.  Almost completely destroyed during the Second World War and dominated by Soviet architecture during the years of the German Democratic Republic, Dresden has seen its centre restored to her pre-war majesty since Germany’s reunification in 1990.

The city has been famous across Europe for centuries and celebrated its 800th birthday in 2006.

The Frauenkirche, in Altstadt, (the Old Town), is the most famous attraction in Dresden.  Recently rebuilt, its pinnacle is a gold cross, gifted by the people of Coventry as a mark of friendship between the two cities.  Climb to the top of the Bell Tower and enjoy breathtaking views of the “Florence of the North”. Other famous landmarks include the Opera House and the Zwinger, home to Saxony’s art treasures.

Neustadt, or New Town, is home of the more alternative communities and students.  Every year it hosts the Neustadt festival, celebrating all of the creativity that Neustadt embraces.  It’s also home to Dresden’s best comic store, “Dresden Comic Laden”.

Steamboat trips along the Elbe are very popular, giving visitors fantastic photographic opportunities.  The banks of the river are also a favoured spot for enjoying beer gardens.

Situated in the heart of Europe, the Czech Republic is a historical jewel. Filled with fairytale castles and medieval towns, the country is one worth making time to tour. The Czech Republic offers visitors many beautiful national parks and elegant resorts. It is also known to produce some of the best beer in the world.

Most people who visit the Czech Republic use the city of Prague as their home base. This city is bursting with historical monuments and tales that go back as far as one can imagine. Attempting a thorough sightseeing trip of this city is going to take some time as the city dates back to about 400 BC, around the time of the Celtic Tribes.

One of the main focal points in this city is the Prague Castle while other attractions include the New Town of Wenscslas Square, the famous Charles Bridge, St. Vitus Cathedral and the University. This city has suffered immensely during its existence from constant invasions, especially when the Nazis arrived during WWII. It was during this time that the entire country was locked tightly under Soviet rule. In 1989 the communism of the Velvet Revolution saw the city slowly restore to become one of the most powerful and visited in Europe.

The Czech Republic’s varied historical past has made it an honoured country of several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, one of which is the exceptionally beautiful town of Cesky Krunlov, which is adorned with fairytale castles and accented by the Vltava River.

For sightseeing activities, head off to Kutna Hora, which is the country’s ancient silver mine. A good tour will also include stops at several of the local castles. Other places worth a visit include the impressive Vranov Castle, Hluboka, or the striking Konopiaita Castle. 

For travellers looking for the ultimate in luxury holidays, the island of St Lucia in the Caribbean is the ideal destination. Known as one of the most scenic islands in Caribbean, St Lucia is also one of the most mountainous, with numerous volcanic peaks giving way to valleys of lush, green jungle. Stunning beaches can be found in St Lucia, as well as pretty coastal villages and banana and coconut plantations.

Until the recent tourism boom in St Lucia, the economy of the country was heavily reliant on the exportation of bananas. With heightened competition in the banana industry, tourism has become crucial to St Lucia, and a greater number of luxury resorts have appeared in recent years.

Luxury holidays in St Lucia are often beach-focused, although there are plenty of other activities to entertain visitors to the island. The capital city of Castries is a port of call for cruise ships and hosts an impressive duty-free shopping centre in the harbour, as well as lively markets held regularly in the city. Landmarks such as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Fort Charlotte can also be seen here.

Other sites to visits during holidays in St Lucia include the Pigeon Island Museum, Sulphur Springs; the site of one of the only drive-in volcanoes in the world, and the West Indian town of Soufriere. Cape Moule a Chique boasts one of the most impressive views on the island, where it is possible to see the island of St Vincent on a clear day.