Easter Holiday's Inspiration

I always find Easter tricky. It’s never the same time each year and it always seems to creep up and then can quickly pass by as we await the summer. This year the Beast from the East meant it was still snowing in April and in other years it can sometimes be the best weather we’ll get all year.

The inconsistencies in the weather in the UK are mirrored throughout Europe making it a risky choice for a holiday. Some places are just not warming up for a beach holiday.

I often look at the Easter holidays as an opportunity to go somewhere different. Although Europe might not be in fine form there are places across the world that most certainly are. Easter also gives you time, with at least two good weeks to make the most of your trip, so the worry of taking the kids out of school, fines and telling’s off are reduced!

Usually the response I get when suggesting something long haul is that it will cost too much. Immediately thoughts turn to expensive flights during summer holidays that we are all used to. Although this can be true, for those living in Leeds, it could work in your favour. Leeds schools break up a week or two earlier than others in 2019. This gives you a huge advantage and could mean that this year could be the year for that big trip you’ve dreamed of. Even if you are in the ‘normal’ dates for next year there are still plenty of great options and deals to be had.

I would like to look at some ideas that you may not have considered. Over the coming days I will be posting the finer details on my Facebook page, so please like and follow to get an idea of what sort of costs you could be looking at. Hopefully there could be some inspiration that the amazing trip you’ve dreamed of might not be out of the question.

Iceland. Not maybe the first place you were thinking when you started reading this! But it’s amazing how many times it crops up in conversations about bucket lists. Going in April will be cold, but you don’t go to Iceland for a tan. The Northern Lights are a real possibility, although never guaranteed, and along with the Blue Lagoon, Volcanoes, hot springs and amazing scenery it has lots to excite parents and children alike. The flights are direct from Manchester and under 3 hours so it’s so easy. With a lot of the tours included it’s an amazing trip for all the family. Also, for all those Game of Thrones fans this is where it is filmed, so there are tours specifically for this!

Thailand is next up. During my five visits to this stunning place I’ve only ever had a great time. The beaches are world class, the food and culture is an explosion of the senses and for youngsters to experience such diversity in safe surroundings makes it one of the best family destinations in the world. Bangkok with its temples and history and street food can give you that city break at the start. Then head to one of the beach resorts. At Easter East is best so Phuket, Krabi and the wonderful Khao Lak should all be on the radar. Khao Lak is my favourite. Not as busy or developed as some of the other resorts, but still enough to be entertaining. The nearby Similian Islands could provide one of the highlights of your trip as it’s regarded as one of the best places to snorkel in Asia.

Florida, but without Disney! Is this possible? Easter is without question Disney’s busiest time. Regularly they close parks as they reach maximum numbers by late morning. This can lead to 2-3 hour waits for most of the top rides and disappointed kids! However, Florida has so much to offer. Check out my last blog on Sanibel Island. There is also Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Clearwater, Fort Myers and the Florida Keys. You can combine a fly drive with brilliant beaches and cities. Florida has great weather in our spring and is the perfect time to go.

Staying in the States, why not fly into Boston with all its history, then get the train down the coast to New York for all the sights and sounds before getting the short train journey down to Washington DC to see the White House, national museums and Arlington Cemetery. This trip works so well with 3 nights in each. You could drive or fly in between each city but the train is quicker, cheaper and loads more fun.

For those who may have studied the Leeds School holidays you will have noticed they come back for four days before having the Easter Weekend off. This could give you the perfect opportunity to maybe extend the two weeks. That would enable you to think maybe further afield and my next destination is certainly that.

Australia is always on everyone’s wish list. But often people are put off because the only times they can get long enough to go are the Summer holidays when it’s their Winter. Christmas is a great time to visit but also the most expensive. This Easter could be the perfect answer. Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and with the extra week maybe a trip up to the Barrier Reef or even stop overs in Hong Kong or Singapore. Because of the savings on the flights it really won’t cost as much as you may think and is there anywhere more exciting in the world?

Finally, I’m looking at a beach holiday and a place that is top of my list to visit, Mexico. I love the food and culture and have wanted to take the kids for years. Cancun is the obvious place but I’m looking a bit further south to the quieter and more relaxing Riveria Maya and Tulum resorts. All-inclusive means you are free from worry. The kids can have that ice cream, you don’t have to worry about room bills creeping up or that night cap and can just sit back and relax. Mexico gives you fantastic weather and some of the best facilities for families in the world. There are also some great day trips available and some of the best snorkelling and diving around.

A lot of people ask how I get paid, don’t worry you won’t be paying a service fee or any extra. The hotels and airlines pay me, so you can benefit from my knowledge and experience whilst getting the best deals and more importantly the best advice. I will be posting what I like to call ‘real adverts’ on my Facebook pages highlighting the places mentioned. I’m not interested in quoting fares that don’t exist, or at non-school holiday times. I don’t want to reel you in with an amazing fare to somewhere in rainy season. I want to give you ideas at prices you are likely to pay for the times you are likely to go. Just plain old honest. Like and follow my page and get in contact if these, or any other places are of interest.