Holidays 2022

[LittleMy]

Lots of walking tours around Edinburgh; Greyfriars Kirk, the Harry Potter tour (if that’s your thing), Mary King’s Close, the underground vaults.
The Edinburgh Dungeons
Hop on Hop off bus tour
Edinburgh Castle which takes up a good few hours (the view from the top is worth it alone).
Princes Street for shopping
Princes Street Gardens
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions - we took our young children here for the first time before Christmas and they loved it. Very interactive and fun.
Maison De Moggy (cat café)


Lots of places to eat around Edinburgh, but since you’re going in summer (and hopefully the weather is favourable) I will recommend Mary’s Milk Bar on Grassmarket for amazing gelato.

 

[Colin]

I have been on my travels already this year which is amazing... Venice and Florence in January for new year, then Barcelona in Feb, Rome this weekend.. not sure where for Easter but somewhere. I was trapped in Thailand for much of the early pandemic...great country but I have really seen every inch of it now, and being trapped somewhere is less fun haha, it will be a few years before I feel the desire to go back.

I live in Romania so don't need to worry about restrictions in the EU which is lovely. We are fully open for tourists here, it's a really beautiful country with great weather all spring and summer...people should visit! There are zero restrictions or mask wearing requirements though (most people do wear masks in supermarkets or on public transport).

 

[BettyCrockerr]

Yeah on their online chat as the phone lines are closed. They said as we didn’t get an email to confirmed the flights were cancelled then they weren’t confirmed cancelled so we can’t get a refund.
Doesn’t make sense as their website said they were cancelled so we followed the website to rebook! Imo shouldn’t matter if we didn’t get an email as we wouldn’t have done it if their website didn’t say it!

I think it’s just one of those things you’re going to have to just chalk up to experience. For me, if I’m reading something telling me I get a free flight change - and then I’m being asked to make a payment- that would be a red flag to just stop the process and give them a call or whatever.

 

[Lucie1001]

I’m just about to book Bergen in Norway for a weekend in may! I’m so excited, always wanted to go to Norway, I’m just hoping putin doesn’t put a spanner in the works

 

[Romy]

Just saying Europe is boring is quite ignorant and snob. Especially when you basically plan beach holidays in the Caribbean.
Btw Cancun is completely artificial, just created for (US) tourists from the scratch. Tulum is beautiful and has more (ancient) history and nice views.
Personally, I loved Puerto Escondido in the Oaxaca coast (Pacific), quite touristy but very different vibe from the Caribbean coast and much cheaper. It was long time ago, I don't know if it has changed. Nice people, amazing food. I had a great time in Oaxaca city and surroundings too before but it's quite far by the road (many hours).
Oh and in this part of the Pacific, the water was surprisingly hotter than in any place I've been in the Caribbean (Cuba, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Los Roques islands in Venezuela...)

 

[Lonewolf]

Going to Salou on the 30th can't wait. Its my first holiday abroad. Think I'm pretty much there with clothes and items/lists. What's everyone else taken before just incase I have forgot anything?

Extension lead with an eu plug on the end

I absolutely love this thread & reading everyone's posts

I'm not long back from my week in Turkey and would like to thank all who helped me on this thread

Only thing is now I've got the bug again and am looking at Reykjavik for the first week in Jan or somewhere snowy but not a ski resort

 

[SpindleWhorl]

Got sorrento Italy booked for a week in June and 4 nights in Lisbon in august. Hoping to sneak a few nights in Dubai in March but won’t book until last minute. Really wanted to go to Caribbean last week as usually go away the first week in January but didn’t want to travel with the pre departure test.. which they have just got rid off!… so went to Scotland instead lol

I went to Sorrento for a week in June a few years ago, I know it's a touristy destination but I loved getting the train every morning to a different archaeological site then returning in the afternoon for a G&T or cocktail in one of the many bars in Sorrento.

 

[Ingognito.Queen]

For those who have been/are in Belfast - can I ask for recommendations for hotels/sights to see/restaurants to try?

I’m trying to plan a trip for next year and plan a rough budget. I don’t know whether to make it a weekend break or a week long trip?

My City

Depends what you're into really, but these would be my tips -

• Titanic Museum - very well done, but also very long and perhaps over detailed. I'd only do this if you are really into the history of it. It would probably take 2-3 hours to do it from start to finish. The whole of the Titanic quarter is lovely though and the Titanic Hotel is gorgeous and has a lovely big spacious bar which was the original drawing room for the plans of the Titanic. The place is so historic.

• The hop on/hop off bus is also worth doing. It brings you to both sides of the city (the Falls and the Shankill Rd) and you can see the murals. It also goes to Stormont.

• The peace wall which separates republican and nationalist areas and is covered in art work.

• St. Georges Market which has been going since 1604 and it's in a beautiful old Victorian building.

• The Ulster Museum - again, I'm not sure what you're into but this is a really good museum and it's located within the Belfast Botanic Gardens which is also worth going to.

• Queens University (Also near the Ulster Museum and Botanic Gardens) This is a gorgeous old building (reminds me of Hogwarts) and the grounds and gardens are really nice to walk around.

• City Hall - this is right in the centre of the city so it's hard to miss. This is where the Christmas markets are held every year.

• Cathedral Quarter - cobbled street area with restaurants and bars

• Belfast Castle - stunning views as it's 400 ft above sea level and there are unobstructed views over the city and Belfast lough.

For places to eat and drink:

• The Europa piano bar is lovely for a drink (The Europa Hotel was at one point the most bombed Hotel in Europe!)
• Granny Annies - this is a really quirky bar/resturant. The interior is meant to look like an old grannys house. It's actually worth going to just to see how it's decorated.
• Red Panda is a great Chinese restaurant
• Revolucion de Cuba - French Baroque design bar and restaurant.
• Darcys - family run restaurant that only uses local produce (if possible)
• Crown Bar (opposite the Europa Hotel) - the inside is classic Victorian architecture and is owned by the National Trust. It has pretty much been untouched inside since it opened - the tiling and stained glass inside is just gorgeous. It's pretty special. This place is always busy though, so perhaps try mod week if possible.
• The Morning Star - one of Belfasts oldest pubs and does good pub grub
• Whites Tavern - traditional cosy Irish pub with open fires
• Bittles - really unusually flat iron shaped building. Again, another cosy pub which is in the city centre.
• The Points - specialises in Whiskey and has a huge selection.
• Robinsons pub - 120+ year old relaxed pub with the usual pub food and pool tables etc.

Hotels -

The Merchant is pricy but luxurious.
Titanic Hotel is lovely, but again perhaps a bit pricy and just be aware that it is located in the Titanic Quarter which is a 15-20 min walk into the city centre.
The Malmaison is in a converted Victorian warehouse and has a nice bar.
Bullitt Hotel - great location and boutique vibes.

All the usuals are there too - Premier Inn, Jurys, Clayton, Hilton etc.

A long weekend (3 nights?) would be enough time.

 

[Glaschelle]

I care for my mum so we don't go abroad. We always holiday in the UK.

The past couples of years, we've had a wee mini break in Edinburgh in July.

2yrs ago (just as they were opening after the 1st covid lockdown) it was £90 for 2 nights at a premier inn.

Last year, it was £190 - kind of a normal premier inn price.

This year, I've been quoted £314 for 2 nights in the same premier inn I've previously stayed in!!!

And that's room only!!!

So we won't be going to Edinburgh this year!!!

 

[SpindleWhorl]

It's just such a broad statement, that's all.

Europe is so extensive- you can literally do anything holiday wise within Europe.

Go and see glaciers in Norway.
Christmas markets and Charles Bridge in Prague.
See the cliffs in Croatia
Boat ride in the French Riviera.
Explore the Greek Islands
Go to the opera in Vienna.
The Collesuem and ancient Rome.
The Amalfi Coast in Italy.
Skogafoss waterfall in Iceland.
Cycling around Amsterdam.
Thermal baths in Budapest.
Gondola ride in Venice.
Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way.
The walls of Dubrovnik.
Tuscan vineyards.
The lavender fields in Provence
Explore some of the most famous cities in the world like Paris, Barcelona, Madrid, Athens, Berlin etc.

I just think that there is so much to see/do in Europe that you shouldn't dismiss it entirely.

This is how I see Europe, I wouldn't mind if I never did another long haul trip again, there's so much to see and do in Europe to easily fill a lifetime

 

[lollypopboozy]

Going on our first ever family holiday with my 6 & 5 year old girls Not until end of June. I haven’t been on a holiday since June 2016!!
I’m half excited/half scared & I’m wondering am I off my chuck going for 2 weeks with kids!

 

[Mermer89]

Was due to go to Bulgaria last night from Birmingham, 6 hour delay then told to go home with no flight before Wednesday. Had an email this morning to say there’s a flight tomorrow afternoon which is showing on TUI website but not Birmingham airport’s.
We get £350 pp delay compensation, £150 per household for the extra food needed yesterday and then 2 nights of the holiday reimbursed and £200pp vouchers- which will probably be void as they will no doubt go into administration after this!

 

[Warpaint]

Poland in March. All booked so just got to hope for the best.

 

[Tinkerbell cat]

We have just arrived home on Saturday from Thailand, was absolutely amazing.

 

[Shinythings]

Has anyone been to Cuba? We've booked to go in January and I can't wait!

Stopping in Varadero but definitely want to do a trip to Havana.

Yep! I absolutely loved it BUT you have to go knowing what to expect, which I did. We visited Havana and Cayo Coco. Varadero is the most 'westernised' resort and most similar to other resorts you might find in the Caribbean. The beaches are out of this world.

Cuba is an extremely poor country and a 5 star hotel there is not the same as a 5 star elsewhere. They often have food and fuel shortages which can sometimes affect the hotels. Havana is a city like no other, it's like being back in another time. Beautiful buildings that are completely dilapidated next to plush hotels in the centre and old cars everywhere. It's full of music and food and life. It's an incredible place. I'd advise you go with a guide to avoid any tourist scams.

The people are so friendly and want to learn about other places in the world as many have never left the country. It's a beautiful country and so worth exploring on tours if you like that sort of thing.

So I'd say as long as you know things will be a bit rough around the edges and things might not work quite the same, you'll love it. People tend to be disappointed when they go expecting it to be like Mexico or Dom Rep.

I'd go back in a heartbeat. If you have any questions, give me a shout.

 

[Former_Antelopee]

Does anyone have any thoughts on where would be good (and safe) to go as a single woman where I could just stay in the resort and read and swim and sunbathe for a week?

I went to Rhodes on my own last year and was nice. I mostly just stayed at the hotel all inclusive and sunbathed but the pool, drank cocktails then chilled in the room at night watching Netflix I got the bus and walked around the town one day which was nice. I could’ve done more at night and went to the hotel entertainment but I was happy to just relax in my room and sleep early every night

 

[noseybirdxo]

@AutumnSpring

I’m going to disagree with the person who said Jamaica is unsafe etc. I went two years ago, we stayed at the Riu Palace Tropical Bay in Negril and we absolutely loved it. Negril is wonderful, the best beaches and much better than Montego Bay. We did a catamaran to Ricks Cafe with some snorkeling and also then Margaritaville. We went on an excursion to Dunn’s Rivers, we did the Appleton Estate where they make the rum, we went to a bar in the middle of the sea, we went on a raft, we also went to Runaway Bay to do some horses in the sea which was beautiful. We never ever felt unsafe once. Yes there are beach vendors, never really saw drug deals, maybe some cannabis but I take no offense to that. Also the vendors on the beach are not allowed to come past a certain point.

Our hotel was wonderful we would 10000% go back there. On our beach we had a little market further up too. Jamaica was something else!

We went end of November into start of December and it was gorgeous weather, I don’t think we had any rain whatsoever. It was reasonable price for us too - think we paid about 1700 flights, extra legroom, hotel for all inclusive booked with TUI.

 

[SpindleWhorl]

Palma is amazing, it'll be worth it once you arrive!

Hi it was a breeze in the end, security with fast track from terminal 3 took about 20 mins, without fast track looked like it would take about an hour. Airport was very busy though with queues for the bar and costa, though I had 3 hours to kill anyway!. Currently sat on my balcony with my duty free .

 

[Warpaint]

Holidays are way to expensive now and I think it’s discusting what companies are charging ! At least nearly double up what I paid 2 years ago ….some 3-4 times the price ….I’m surprised so many families are financially able to go …. I honestly love a holiday but I can’t justify the price and seeing all the chaos at airports now just sends shivers down my spine …. I’m really hoping next year - year after prices start coming back down

I find travelling in the UK very expensive and always feel ripped off. Especially with trains and hotels here. So I don't mind paying a bit more to go abroad. Maybe people are just destined to travel nowhere from now on lol

 

[DuckDuck]

Turkey !!! All booked . I have trips away now and again , very short ones but as a family we havent heen on a proper holiday together for about 6/7 years .
Brighton Pride. August , with my teen daughter staying in The Grand
Booked up for Mr Ducks significant birthday Back to the Future the musical in London. Need to book a restaurant, Joe Allans or Rules are coming out favourite so far but would probably end up in a chinese somewhere near the theatre , china town is nearby .... I think... might have got my theatres mixed up
Yep that's it I think , Brighton Pride , theatre and Turkey