The clocks have gone back, our evenings are getting longer and there’s a distinct scent of summer in the air. This one promises to be better than ever with record high temperatures forecast by the Met Office and will be the first summer since 2019 that we have lived without Covid-19 restrictions.
That’s why millions of Britons have already started planning their summer holidays. If you haven’t thought that far ahead yet, fear not, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find out about some of the most popular and affordable summer holiday ideas for 2022.
Greek Sailing Holiday
With all the news stories of Russian oligarchs having their yachts seized off the coast of Mediterranean countries recently, you could be forgiven for thinking that yachts are the sole domain of the mega rich.
Nothing could be further from the truth, thanks to a company called Borrowaboat – the Airbnb of yacht hire. Head over to their website and you can find a range of yachts and boats available for hire to suit all budgets and plans, the majority even come with their own captains!
For the ultimate experience, look into hiring a boat to take you from Athens on a tour of the stunning islands and islets just off the mainland. Your 7 day trip will take you from Athens to Korfos and back via Aegina, Poros, Palaia Epidavros, Agistri and Perdika.
What about the price though? Well if you were to head out on this route in the peak of summer season in mid-June it would set you back just over £900. That’s for 7-day boat hire with a captain on a vessel that sleeps 6 people – that works out at around £150 per person. Not bad for the holiday of a lifetime.
Plan An Epic Road Trip
As flight cancellations continue to disrupt the holiday plans of millions of people, it is only understandable that you’d prefer to invest in something different than a long-haul flight.
Luckily, you’ll have plenty of choices to visit local attractions and hidden gems – with the right road trip! Whether you have always wanted to enjoy a solo motorcycle adventure or a family car trip, this might just be the best year for it.
When planning your adventure, make sure to prioritise safety and comfort. Some of the best ways to do so include planning your itinerary beforehand, learning about road conditions, getting the contact details of a car or motorcycle accident lawyer, and choosing your destination wisely.
Once you have ticked all these boxes, you are ready to make the most of your trip to the Yorkshire Circuit, the Atlantic Highway, or the North Coast 500 in Scotland!
The Wild Atlantic Way
Over the past couple of years we have been forced to look closer to home for holiday ideas because of Covid-19 restrictions and that’s no bad thing. It’s woken us up to the natural beauty and stunning sights on our own doorsteps.
One such beautiful holiday destination is Ireland, which is best enjoyed by car. Pack your boot, get behind the wheel and head to your nearest ferry terminal and you could be on the Emerald Isle in as little as 2 hours.
If you arrive in Belfast, set your Sat Nav for the stunning Tullan Strand beach in Donegal and from there make your way down Ireland’s Atlantic coast. On your travels you’ll take in the enchanting 19th century Benedictine monastery, Kylemore Abbey in Connemara.
The majestic Cliffs of Moher on the Clare coast will provide you with plenty of Instagrammable pictures. Then for an other-worldly experience you can set out on a 12km boat ride to Skellig Michael Island off the coast of Kerry.
Price wise this trip can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be. You can drive the entire route, stopping off at every town that takes your fancy and seeking out the best hotels and BnB’s. Or you can be economical with your stops, spend your nights in camp sites and enjoy the fresh Irish country air!
The Gateway to South America
After two years spent stuck at home the idea of a holiday to Ireland or a trip to Greece might seem somewhat underwhelming. If that’s the case then why not make the most of our new freedom and embark on the holiday of a lifetime?
Known as the ‘Gateway to South America’, Colombia is one of the most underrated and misunderstood holiday destinations on the planet. The country, which still suffers from the bad press of Pablo Escobar, is one of the most beautiful, welcoming and culturally diverse countries on the planet.
Book flights for the capital Bogota and spend a couple of days exploring the high-altitude city, learning about the history of the country from early civilizations to Spanish conquistadores. Head north to Medellin – Pablo Escobar’s old stomping ground – and take in the public escalators in Comuna 13 on an Escobar tour.
Then to finish your trip head further north to the gorgeous coastal city of Cartagena, on Colombia’s Caribbean coastline. Spend your time relaxing in the old town, traipsing through the small, crowded streets and browsing the city’s many artisan shops.
Price wise your biggest barrier to visiting Colombia is flights, but if you shop around and book early you can get flights from as cheap as £250. Once in the country you’ll be amazed at how far your money will stretch – a bottle of Aguila, the country’s national beer costs around 40p and a night in a 5 star hotel can be as cheap as £30.
