UK's 'best place for camping holidays' has sandy beaches and huge nature reserve

The UK's best camping holiday spot has been revealed (Image: Getty Images)
Brits planning camping holidays this summer have just been given a dose of staycation inspiration, as the UK's best camping and caravanning hotspot has been revealed.
The campsite experts at Pitchup.com scoured the UK and compared thousands of sites, based on reviews by holidaymakers in 2024. Topping the list was Lincolnshire, which had more 'gold status' campsites than any other UK county in the study. (Gold status is achieved when you have 10/10 reviews from guests).
The Pitchup team explained: "Encompassing fens, marshes, wolds and coast, it's primarily known for agriculture, and great sausages. Located between Yorkshire to the north, East Anglia to the south and the Midlands to the west, it's an easy destination to reach from across large parts of the UK - and its eastern location means it enjoys more sunshine and drier weather than many counties."
Lincolnshire has topped the rankings (Image: Pitchup) READ MORE: Little-known UK attraction named 'one of UK's best theme parks' despite no rides
In fact, of the 26 sites that have 'gold status', four were in Lincolnshire. These were:
It's not surprising to see that Lincolnshire is so popular, considering it boasts both spectacular countryside, and some of that gorgeous coast which the UK is renowned for. The Lincolnshire Wolds are particularly popular with families thanks to the plethora of beautiful towns, valleys and fun days out on offer. Home to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there are countless cycling and hiking trails on offer whether you're after a challenging route or just want a scenic stroll with the family; routes such as The Lindsey Trail offer a variety of different options.
As for days out? There's plenty to do whether you're on a romantic couple's holiday, want to do some exploring, or are looking for fun things to do with the kids. Highlights in the region include the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway, Gunby Hall, Bolingbroke Castle and gorgeous areas such as the Red Hill Nature Reserve and Snipe Dales Country Park. READ MORE: Beautiful UK village is home to 'best hidden gem' with a Caribbean-worthy beach READ MORE: Europe's 'best value city' is stag and hen do hotspot with £22 Ryanair flights
In the summer, if the British weather is being kind, then sun-seekers will have plenty of choice of sandy Blue Flag beaches (although be warned, during peak holiday seasons they can get busy as everyone flocks to the picturesque shores!).
Skegness is arguably its most famous, with the nearby Butlin's resort, and its sandy beach with swim-friendly waters and plenty to see and do in the area for all ages. Meanwhile, Mablethorpe is also popular with holidaymakers for its soft sands, nearby fairground and amenities such as fish and chip shops.
Sutton-on-Sea is another firm favourite with locals and visitors thanks to its golden sands, and classic British seaside offerings such as ice cream parlours and chippies.
Meanwhile Cleethorpes beach usually impresses thanks to its long stretch of sand, paddle-friendly waters and variety of watersports on offer. There are also nearby shops and arcades, not to mention the beach itself boasts amenities such as a cafe.
Have you got a travel story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com.

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Scottish Sun

an hour ago

• Scottish Sun

Mastermind of furious anti-tourist protests in Majorca targeting Brits unmasked as boy, 16, inspired by Greta Thunberg

THE mastermind behind anti-tourist protests in Majorca targeting Brits has been unmasked as a 16-year-old boy inspired by Greta Thunberg. Mass anti-tourism demonstrators began to erupt across Spain last year, amid concerns holidaymakers were driving rising costs and job insecurity. 7 Jaume Pujol is slowly becoming the fresh face of the anti-tourist movement Credit: Twitter 7 Jaume staged a protest impacting tourists on a bus last week 7 He said he is inspired by Greta Thunberg Credit: EPA 7 One protester seen wielding an axe in Palma last weekend Credit: Solarpix Using Greta Thungburg as his inspiration, he confessed, Jaume Pujol is slowly becoming the fresh face of the movement - despite only just finishing the Spanish equivalent of GCSEs. Last weekend, anti-tourist protests swept across holiday hotspot towns and cities from the Balearic and Canary Islands to northern Spain, Portugal and Italy. They were organised and executed by the Southern European Network Against Tourism. In Palma on Sunday afternoon, anti-tourist demonstrators swarmed a table of dining Brits and chanted "go home" and "go to hell". One protester was even caught wielding an axe amid the deafening jeers. Jaume was in Palma on this day, being an organiser of the Majorcan group Menys Turisme, Mes Vida. Last Saturday he gave a live YouTube commentary as he and his fellow protesters stopped a sightseeing bus, hung banners over it and set off yellow smoke-bombs as terrified passengers watched on in horror. And on Sunday, Jaume stood on a platform to read out the group's three-page "manifesto". He said as thousands of supporters cheered: "The tourism model, whether luxury or mass, chokes us year after year, grabs economic and residential resources, destroys the territory, exploits the working class, contributes to climate crisis, and shatters our communities." He added how young people couldn't afford to live on their own island anymore due to foreigners buying properties. Anti-tourist protesters blast holidaymakers with water guns & block hotels Jaume's interest in protesting began at a young age when his trade unionist granddad took him on marches. And while his parents are "proud," Jaume revealed to Diario de Mallorca how they're also scared for him. He said: "I've received death threats, and they painted 'We're going to kill you' on the door of my school." As tourists continue to fear of chaos unravelling on their holidays with protests, Jaume told the Daily Mail that they have nothing to fear as he and his comrades' actions are directed towards the Balearic Islands' government. The march in Palma followed a similar string of incidents in Barcelona, where an anti-tourist mob surrounded a hotel and shot at holidaymakers with water pistols. Congregating outside the hotel, the group launched flares and held placards claiming tourism was robbing them of their futures. Staff at a nearby hotel were seen trying to break up the crowds and shouting at protesters to move away. Police stepped in before protesters could reach the famous tourist hot-spot la Sagrada Familia, avoiding potential clashes between holidaymakers and locals. Shouts of 'Tourists Go Home' and 'One More Tourist, One Less Local' could be heard as activists marched through the streets. They were also heard shouting: 'This tourism is terrorism.' City police said only 600 people had taken part, far less than the 8,000 who took part in the protest in Palma. Other marches took place in the Basque city of San Sebastian, several cities in Italy and in Lisbon as part of a co-ordinated series of street protests in southern Europe. What is overtourism? Overtourism refers to the phenomenon where a destination experiences a volume of tourists that exceeds its manageable capacity The term is often used to describe the negative consequences of mass tourism, which includes overcrowding and environmental issues As a result, popular destinations have become less enjoyable for both visitors and locals Local communities, in particular, bear the brunt, facing rising costs and a depletion of resources In response, national and local governments have started to implement measures to reduce overtourism Some solutions include: Safeguarding historical and heritage sites Promoting off-peak travel Tourism caps and regulations Promoting lesser-known destinations 7 Tourists enjoying a meal in the town centre were struck with loud chants Credit: Reuters 7 Demonstrators used water pistols during a protest against mass tourism in Barcelona Credit: Reuters

Daily Mirror

2 hours ago

• Daily Mirror

Brits' holidays from hell from 'wild animals' at breakfast to horror pool injury

Many Brits seek summer sun abroad from Turkey to Cape Verde, but holidays often turn into costly disasters with delays, illness, and nightmare accidents Every summer, millions of Brits jet off in search of sunshine and relaxation - but for some, dream holidays can quickly spiral into disaster. From flight delays and lost luggage to heatstroke, food poisoning, and unexpected injuries, the holiday season often brings more chaos than calm. ‌ Travel insurance providers report spikes in claims during July and August, with accidents abroad, hospital visits, and missed connections among the top complaints. ‌ Horrific joke gone wrong A "joke" on a lad's holiday in Benidorm ended up with a dad breaking his neck after he was shoved into a pool. Martin Bullen, 31, described how someone who he didn't know playfully pushed him into the water at a Benidorm pool party on June 10. The single dad-of-two said he tried to turn his fall into a dive but he didn't realise how shallow the water was and he split his head open on the bottom of the pool. Luckily one of the revellers at the party was an army medic who helped get Martin out of the pool and kept him still until an ambulance arrived. ‌ Paramedics took Martin, who works as a sales advisor, to a nearby hospital where doctors gave him 16 stitches in his head and found that he had fractured his neck in three places and broken his back. READ MORE: 'Cause of death' of Beth Martin, 28, whose heart was removed after dying on holiday He said that the trip to Benidorm had been intended as a relaxing getaway with his cousins to give Martin a break from being a busy single dad. Martin explained that he had gone to book travel insurance before the holiday, but he had gotten distracted before paying and forgot to purchase it - a mistake he dubbed 'stupid'. ‌ The tourist ended up forking out £1,500 for the hospital stay and extra flights. He urged holidaymakers travelling this summer not to make the same "daft mistake" as him. Martin, from Wigan, Greater Manchester, said: "I was having a drink but I had my wits about me and stuff. Somebody pushed me into the pool and I didn't know it was a shallow pool. "I'm thinking I'll just dive in and dive back up and my head hit the floor straight away and it split open my head. ‌ "It was quite scary. I'll be honest, there was at one point I thought I was going to die on my own [in hospital] because I didn't know what was going on or who to talk to. "It was a moment of madness [not to take out insurance]. I was looking at getting it, I put it in the WhatsApp group for my cousins to get it and as I went to do mine something came up with the kids. "Then it just slipped my mind and then I forgot all about it and didn't get it done. It was a daft mistake. I knew I needed to get it. Failure to prepare is preparing to fail, that's the best thing I could say." ‌ Raw buffet food hell What was supposed to be a dream getaway quickly spiralled into a holiday from hell for 25 Brits after they allegedly suffered gastric illnesses while staying at the Riu Karamboa, in Boa Vista in Cape Verde. The group claim there were disturbing scenes around the hotel's buffet - birds, flies, and even cats wandering freely. The food, they allege, was often "raw and undercooked," served alongside "dirty crockery and cutlery." ‌ One NHS worker who splurged £3,000 to celebrate early retirement said she ended up hospitalised with a severe infection during her holiday. Sharon Burrow, 56, of Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, recalled how the luxury break became 'one of the worst experiences of her life,' and eight months on, she still battles ongoing complications. Another guest, Penny Robson, a 55-year-old paramedic from London, was forced to take antibiotics after battling a brutal bout of gastric symptoms - bloating, diarrhoea, nausea, and stomach cramps. Penny, who paid £2,000 for a weeklong stay with a friend in September 2023, had to cancel two prepaid excursions, including a stargazing trip and a private island tour, after falling ill five days in. ‌ The Riu Karamboa resort told the Mirror: "For RIU Hotels & Resorts, the health and safety of our guests is our highest priority. That is why we adhere to strict Health & Safety protocols and comply with all applicable regulations. "Additionally, we work closely with local health authorities to ensure a safe environment for both our guests and employees. As part of our proactive approach to preventing health issues, we conduct thorough internal and external audits on a regular basis. "Our hotels in Cape Verde, which consist of six properties with a total of 4,650 rooms, maintain an average occupancy rate of over 80%. Given this high level of activity, we continuously monitor our operations to uphold the highest health and safety standards." ‌ 'Never leaving UK again' It was a luxury holiday of celebration that turned into a nightmare. Alison Shah had celebrated her big birthday in style with a month-long trip to countries including Bangkok and Thailand when she tried to get home with her partner Richard Kay, 52, and chaos ensued. The couple finally made it home after a three-day trek but their ordeal has made them vow 'never again'. "I have never experienced anything like this," said Alison. "We paid a lot of money for the holiday and it has ended in a nightmare." ‌ The couple had flown from Thailand to Dubai last April to find the airport in turmoil due to severe storms, with their plane circling above the airport for an hour and a half before it was able to land. They had a few hours to wait until flying to Manchester. "Finally at 8am, we started to board the plane, the plane was there," said Alison. "We then sat there for two and a half hours in the holding area waiting to get on the plane. Nobody was answering any questions and people were getting frantic." The couple's frustration peaked when they were informed of their flight had been cancelled. "We were then told our flight was cancelled and we had to leave the airport," added the emergency control operator. "We went back the following day and joined another queue for seven and a half hours. ‌ "We were waiting to board the plane and it kept saying delayed, delayed, delayed. The screen changed from Manchester to Sydney and they sent us away again." After spending money on a hotel stay, the couple faced further uncertainty at the airport the next day when they were offered a flight to Manchester on April 28 - 12 days after they were meant to head back home. "We couldn't do that. We had to go to work and we had already been out of the country for a month," Alison said. "I asked if they could get us to another airport, if I could get near the UK I could work it out. They got us a flight to Istanbul." ‌ But their ordeal wasn't over - landing in Istanbul on April 19, Alison and Richard were greeted with the news that their luggage had gone missing, meaning they had to buy clothes there. The couple then made their way from Istanbul to Dalaman, Turkey, on Saturday in hopes of catching a flight to Manchester. "We're pleased to be home, but really really upset not to be able to give the grandchildren the gifts and open the cases and do what you normally do when you get home," Alison said. Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, penned an open letter at the time of the disruption, which said: "The UAE experienced its highest rainfall in 75 years. Storm winds and torrential rain disrupted activities across the cities. ‌ "While our hub in Dubai continued to operate, albeit with reduced flight movements for safety reasons, the flooded roads hampered our customers, pilots, cabin crew, and airport employees from getting to the airport, and also affected the delivery of essential supplies like meals and other flight amenities.. "We know our response has been far from perfect. We acknowledge and understand the frustration of our customers due to the congestion, lack of information, and confusion in terminals. We acknowledge that the long queues and waiting times have been unacceptable." Terrifying break-in ‌ Becca Farley, 27, from Eastleigh, Hampshire, was enjoying a getaway in Benidorm with her family when she encountered intruders in their accommodation. The family had shelled out £2,500 for their week-long retreat. On their final evening, amidst hotel notices about an impending power outage, Becca headed to their room to charge mobile phones ahead of their journey back. She recounted the unsettling moment: "As I got in the lift these two teenagers got in the lift with me and just pressed my floor level. I honestly didn't think anything of it because there's five rooms per floor, so I just assumed they were going to one of them." However, the situation took a turn when the youths exited the lift before her and made a beeline for her room, which was propped open with a shoe. Initially confused, Becca thought she had got off on the wrong floor, but she quickly realised that wasn't the case. ‌ "It happened all quite quickly and they just strolled straight into my room," she said. Becca decided to follow them inside and confront them. "But I just didn't really think and went straight into the room and shouted 'What are you doing in my room? Get the f*ck out, get the f*ck out, get the f*ck out'." Thankfully, the teenagers did. Yet, the ordeal hadn't ended—the youth hammered on the door shortly after while Becca remained barricaded inside. "I was absolutely petrified," she confessed. "I know it sounds silly and people have said you should have done this, you should have locked them in the room, you should have decked them but at that moment I think it was just that invasion of privacy. This is supposed to be your safe place when you are away, you're away from home, we don't travel all that often so we were really shaken."

Wales Online

2 hours ago

• Wales Online

Where to go in Europe if you want to avoid the crowds and overtourism protests this summer

Where to go in Europe if you want to avoid the crowds and overtourism protests this summer Swap busy holiday hotspots for these less crowded alternatives The more I travel in Europe, the more I rate slightly lesser-known cities, resort towns, and tiny villages, where you can escape the crowds and high prices (Image: Portia Jones ) Summer 2025 is shaping up to be a dynamic and eventful season for travellers heading to Europe. If you're jetting off on your long-awaited summer holiday, there's so much to consider, from tourism protests, fines, and major international events to evolving travel regulations and environmental challenges. This year, thousands of people living in holiday hotspots beloved by Britons have taken to the streets to protest against overtourism. The Mirror reports that major protests broke out across southern Europe again over the weekend as frustrated locals took to the streets. ‌ These holiday hotspots, including Barcelona, Ibiza, Venice, Naples, and Tenerife, are grappling with the negative impacts of mass tourism, leading to significant protests in various cities. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here ‌ In Barcelona, demonstrators squired water pistols at tourists and chanted, "Your holidays, my misery," while holding up banners emblazoned with slogans such as "mass tourism kills the city." Protesters across these tourism hotspots have criticised the surge in housing prices, which have risen dramatically over the last decade, making it difficult for locals to afford rent. The movement against overtourism has also spread to other popular regions, including the Balearic Islands and Andalusia. Article continues below Anti-tourism protests have taken place across Spain over the weekend (Image: Getty Images ) The protests were part of a coordinated action laid on by groups across several countries, who are united in their dislike of the current tourism model and who are now demanding change. Wondering where to head for your summer hols this year? If you're keen to steer clear of packed-out hotspots and locals fed up with overtourism, you're not alone. With protests, restrictions, and even the occasional water pistol making headlines, it may be time to rethink your plans. ‌ As a travel journalist, author and host of the Travel Goals Podcast, I've been lucky enough to travel all over Europe for work and holidays. The more I travel in Europe, the more I rate slightly lesser-known cities, resort towns, and tiny villages, where you can escape the crowds and high prices. Here are some of my top picks where you can skip the stress, dodge the crowds and still enjoy an unforgettable summer getaway. Letojanni, Sicily While many of Italy's tourism hotspots, like Rome, Venice, and Naples, are grappling with huge crowds, there are still some places where you can escape the madness. (Image: Portia Jones ) ‌ While many of Italy's tourism hotspots, like Rome, Venice, and Naples, are grappling with huge crowds, there are still some places where you can escape the madness. For Roman ruins, rugged beaches, and foodie finds, head to sun-soaked Sicily, Italy's largest island. Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, Sicily boasts a distinct history, culture, and dialect that differ from those of mainland Italy. Thanks to HBO's smash series The White Lotus filming season two here, Sicily has caught the attention of set-jetting tourists, but you can still find some under-the-radar spots like Letojanni. ‌ Located on Sicily's picturesque coast, Letojanni is a charming seaside town that offers a quieter escape from tourist-heavy areas like Taormina. Here, you'll find long beaches with crystal-clear waters and sunbed hire. Stroll along the promenade, lined with palm trees, hotels, restaurants, and cafés, and enjoy the glorious views of the Ionian Sea. To taste authentic Sicilian cuisine, dine at a local trattoria, where you can feast on fresh seafood, pasta alla Norma, and cannoli. Letojanni is also an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions. Take a short drive to Taormina to visit the ancient Greek Theatre or go on an epic hiking trip to Mount Etna, Europe's highest and most active volcano. ‌ Braga, Portugal Swap Portugal's busy capital, Lisbon for laid-back Braga (Image: Portia Jones ) Swap Portugal's busy capital, Lisbon for laid-back Braga and avoid the escalating protests. As visitor numbers soar, Lisbon's infrastructure and public transport struggle to cope with the weight, and districts like Alfama and Baixa become nearly impossible to navigate during peak times. The pressures extend beyond the capital as well: Porto, which has a population of just 232,000, saw overnight stays increase by 22 per cent to 5.9 million in 2023. ‌ Instead of battling the crowds, hop on a train to Braga, Portugal's new capital of culture. Founded in Roman times as Bracara Augusta over 2,000 years ago, Portugal's oldest city has a little-known cultural heritage. Historic Braga is fast becoming an arts epicentre, with their efforts rewarded by being crowned the Portuguese Capital of Culture for 2025. ‌ Braga 25 will showcase local and national artists and creators throughout the city's main cultural venues, including Theatro Circo and gnration. Expect cutting-edge exhibitions, multidisciplinary shows, and music in a varied programme rich in collaboration and innovation. This historic city is also a spiritual hub with a plethora of churches, including Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga's star attraction, a masterpiece of devotion, drama, and sheer architectural brilliance. Perched high above the city, this UNESCO-listed sanctuary has been wowing pilgrims and visitors for centuries with its grand staircases, epic views, and the world's oldest water-powered funicular. ‌ This historic city is also a spiritual hub with a plethora of churches, including Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga's star attraction (Image: Portia Jones ) Getting there is all part of the adventure. You can hike up (or hop on the historic vertical tram), a 19th-century engineering marvel chugging up the 300-metre slope since 1882. Food-wise, the city offers upscale dining, traditional restaurants, and rustic cafés. For relaxed Michelin-starred dining, Cozinha da Se is a must. With its rustic charm and wine-lined walls, it's all about celebrating Minho's best ingredients. Tuck into flavourful Monkfish rice, grilled squid, or the real showstopper -slow-roasted kid, cooked to perfection. ‌ For low-budget eats, head to Frigideiras do Cantinho, where you can sip on a strong espresso and indulge in a silky 'pudim' (Portuguese caramel flan) without breaking the bank. But the real treat? The ancient Roman foundations are right beneath your feet! Thanks to a glass floor, you can have your coffee while gazing down at the ruins of Bracara Augusta. Budapest, Hungary The buzzing city straddles both history and modernity, with its roots extending deep into early European civilisation. (Image: Portia Jones ) Looking for a wallet-friendly city break in Europe? Hungary's affordable Art Nouveau capital, Budapest, boasts one of the best nightlife scenes in Europe and incredible thermal spas to soak in. The buzzing city straddles both history and modernity, with its roots extending deep into early European civilisation. ‌ Originally two separate cities, Buda and Pest, they were unified in 1873 to form Budapest, a vibrant and culturally rich metropolis situated on the banks of the Danube River. The 1,770-mile-long River Danube divides the city into Buda, characterised by rolling hills, a historic castle, and Pest, the more urban, flat side. It also serves as the city's lifeblood, fostering trade and communication for centuries. No trip to Budapest is complete without a visit to one of its renowned thermal baths to unwind in the warm waters. After a long night of partying, the distinctive, yellow-coloured Széchenyi Baths provide the perfect way to relax and soak away the hangover blues. It's one of the largest bath complexes in Europe, featuring an array of indoor baths, thermal pools, and wellness services, including saunas, aquafitness, aerobics, a gym, and spa treatments, all set in a beautiful neo-Baroque setting. ‌ Make sure to visit Budapest's famous ruin bars. Located primarily in the historic Jewish Quarter, these bars are set in once-abandoned buildings and courtyards. They offer an eclectic and vibrant atmosphere, where you can sip on a pint for less than £2 if you visit lesser-known haunts. (The more popular ones will generally be more expensive). Looking for a low-cost activity? The beach life is just a bike ride away from the centre of Budapest at Római Part, a 10km-long riverside escape right on the Danube. ‌ Boating, beer, and burgers await you at this mellow river beach retreat, with bohemian bars, live music venues, and tasty street food offerings. Kotor, Montenegro Kotor bay and Old Town from Lovcen Mountain. Montenegro. (Image: Getty Images ) As more travellers look to avoid overcrowded destinations and soaring prices, interest is shifting towards lesser-known, better-value spots in Eastern Europe. ‌ One of this year's biggest travel trends is the rise of 'destination dupes', places that offer a similar vibe to popular holiday hotspots but without the hefty price tag or the crowds. One of the best dupes I've come across is swapping busy Dubrovnik in Croatia for the coastal town of Kotor in Montenegro. It boasts the same jaw-dropping scenery, a charming old town, and stunning views of the Adriatic but feels far more relaxed and significantly less touristy. ‌ This UNESCO-listed town is a maze of cobbled streets, Venetian-era palaces, and café-lined squares. Its historic fortress walls and waterfront setting evoke a cinematic feel, much like Dubrovnik, but without the cruise ship crowds. Beyond the old town, the bay's fjord-like landscape is perfect for boat trips and kayaking. You may also like to explore nearby Perast, a postcard-perfect village filled with churches and palaces. Tampere, Finland You might see the Northern Lights in Tampere (Image: Getty ) ‌ For a wellness break without the heaving crowds, head to Tampere, the sauna capital of the world. Located between two large lakes, Tampere is a scenic Finnish city that combines natural beauty with a rich industrial heritage. It's a fantastic destination if you want to experience Finland's unique culture beyond the busy capital, Helsinki. Tampere is one of the best places to experience Finnish sauna culture, regarded as one of the country's most essential cornerstones of identity. In 2020, UNESCO even inscribed Finland's sauna culture as an element on its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The city has plenty of public saunas to visit, but one of the most beloved is Rajaportin. Built in 1906, this is Finland's oldest working public sauna and has remained largely unchanged throughout the decades. ‌ It's not the fanciest sauna, but its cramped, historic interior will transport you back in time and offer a glimpse into early 20th-century Finnish saunas and rituals. It's one of the more reasonably priced saunas in Tampere, with a charming courtyard café and massage services available on request. One of Tampere's other highlights is the Vapriikki Museum Centre, a diverse complex housing multiple museums, including the Natural History Museum and the Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame. Moliets-et-Maa, France While Moliets-et-Maa is very popular in the summer months, outside of peak season, this surf town empties, leaving you with dreamy beaches without the crowds. (Image: Portia Jones ) ‌ While Moliets-et-Maa is very popular in the summer months, outside of peak season, this surf town empties, leaving you with dreamy beaches without the crowds. This French seaside resort is considered one of the best surfing spots in Europe and is best visited in late September or October when you'll get a bigger swell. For newbies, There are plenty of surf schools and surf camps in Moliets and the wider Landes area with effortlessly cool, qualified instructors ready to guide you into surfing glory. ‌ With 8 km of cycling trails through the town and towards the beaches. Moliets is also best explored on two wheels. Hire a bike and wizz through scented pine forests and alongside strips of seaside shops and cafés. Book one of the swish villas at La Clairière aux Chevreuil villas for a luxurious stay. Several of these luxurious villas feature a private swimming pool set within a large garden, complete with a terrace. Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina Sarajevo's old town at dusk, where the iconic Latin Bridge and traditional houses along the Miljacka River create a picturesque view of the city's historical charm. (Image: Getty ) ‌ Bosnia-Herzegovina's fascinating and hugely underrated capital, Sarajevo, boasts a distinct East-meets-West vibe, with a rich and complex history, stunning Austro-Hungarian architecture, and intriguing museums. In the 1990s, Sarajevo endured the longest siege of a capital city in modern history during the Bosnian War. The siege resulted in significant loss of life and infrastructure damage. Post-war reconstruction has slowly been transforming Sarajevo into a modern city with a growing tourism sector. Begin your visit with a trip to Baščaršija, Sarajevo's old bazaar and cultural heart. Here, narrow cobblestone streets are lined with small shops selling traditional crafts, jewellery, and delicious local delicacies. Don't miss trying the famous cevapi, grilled minced meat sausages served with some bread. ‌ No visit to Sarajevo would be complete without a visit to the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum. This poignant site offers insights into the city's recent past during the Bosnian War, providing a deeper understanding of its people's resilience and the complex history that shaped them. Eindhoven, Netherlands Swap crowded Amsterdam for a lesser-known city in the Netherlands and have an off-beat city break you won't forget. (Image: Portia Jones ) Swap crowded Amsterdam for a lesser-known city in the Netherlands and have an off-beat city break you won't forget. Urban-chic Eindhoven is a Dutch city known for its innovative spirit and design prowess. It is probably best known for previously serving as the headquarters of Phillips, one of the world's largest electronics companies. ‌ While popular Amsterdam often steals the spotlight, Eindhoven offers a refreshing alternative with its contemporary art scene, cutting-edge design, and design-focused arts and culture scene. The city is home to the renowned Dutch Design Week, which attracts designers and enthusiasts from around the world. Even if you can't visit during the festival, Eindhoven's design legacy is evident year-round. Explore the Strijp-S district, a former industrial area transformed into a creative mini-city on the site of a former Philips estate. The renovated site comprises warehouses and historic buildings that have been revitalised into a unique blend of living, working, and creative spaces. ‌ It's an exciting hub for curious visitors and local hipsters to relax, create, and enjoy in a dynamic industrial area with cafés, bars and boutiques. Stay in the stylish Kazerne Hotel for a boutique stay in the city. Housed in a former military barracks and industrial warehouse, this elegant property features a shared lounge, terrace and restaurant. ‌ Waterford, Ireland Now firmly on the map for travellers who want to discover Ireland's rich past, Waterford is bursting with history, culture, and a charm that's hard to beat. (Image: Getty ) Founded by fierce, sea-faring Norwegian Vikings between 856 and 914 A.D., Waterford is Ireland's oldest city. It's kept its proud Norse roots intact through narrow, winding streets, ancient relics, and even in its name - Vedrarfjord, which is believed to mean 'haven from the windswept sea' or 'fjord of the rams'. Located on south-east Ireland's rugged, windswept Copper Coast, this historically overlooked city is finally getting the attention it deserves with the combined counties of Wexford and Waterford landing a spot in Condé Nast's coveted 'Best Place To Go in the UK & Ireland' list in 2024. ‌ Now firmly on the map for travellers who want to discover Ireland's rich past, Waterford is bursting with history, culture, and a charm that's hard to beat. The Viking Triangle is the city's vibrant heart, where history, culture, and art collide in a wonderfully eclectic mix. Stroll through medieval streets and marvel at cobbled streets and the imposing Reginald's Tower, which has stood for over 800 years. The area is also home to a fantastic array of award-winning museums, craft workshops, and charming cafés, each offering a taste of Waterford's storied past. But don't be fooled into thinking it's all about ancient history here - Waterford is full of life and energy. ‌ The city transforms into a vibrant hub of culinary delights and buzzing late-night spots as dusk falls. For a history fix, Step out into Waterford's Viking Triangle for a cultural collective of museums – Waterford Treasures, documenting the 1,000-year timeline of this former strategic port. Ireland's only purpose-built museum quarter comprises seven innovative museum experiences, each documenting a different aspect of Waterford's vast history and traditions. Whisky fans will love the newly revamped Waterford Distillery, whiskey isn't just made, it's practically worshipped. Here, top-tier single malt is lovingly crafted using barley grown on Irish soil and poured into sleek, minimalist bottles that scream sophistication. ‌ Hop on one of their informative guided tours, and you're in for an absolute treat. They walk you through every step of the whiskey journey, from the soil beneath your feet to the bottle in your hand, all with impressive detail. Bucharest, Romania Bucharest was named one of Europe's cheapest city breaks (Image: Getty Images ) For a city break on a budget, head to the lively capital of Romania, where you'll discover flamboyant buildings like the 1100-room Palace of Parliament, trendy cafés and the TikTok-viral spa that everyone's talking about. The buzz around this thermal spa has already seen a rise in visitors to Bucharest. Article continues below Touted as the world's first fully sustainable spa, Therme Bucharest draws on Europe's long history of mineral bathing and offers thermal pools, saunas, and hydrotherapy facilities. But once you've got your wellness fix, head to Cişmigiu Garden for boating and blooms, the Museum of Contemporary Art for eclectic artworks, or browse Romanian food stalls in the Old Town.