With the recent cold snap, we couldn’t blame you if booking your next holiday was top of mind. To get some inspiration for where to go this Easter, we asked the team at Caxton where they prefer to go for their spring holidays.
“My husband and I love travelling, but it does get a little more tricky with two young children. But we’d never let that stop us! Last year we went to Crete and stayed at an all inclusive resort which was great for the whole family. Knowing that there was plenty of activities for the kids and everything was close at hand made it so much easier to do what we came to do, which was relax!”
With average temperatures of 20 degrees in April, Greece is a popular option for a spring holiday. Its many islands offer something for everyone, whether you like swimming, exploring nature, seeing historical monuments, or enjoying the party scene.
Crete is one of the most popular islands and known for its historical significance. The people of Crete love sharing traditional Greek culture, and it is one of the best islands for experiencing Greek cuisine. Thomas Cook offers all inclusive packages for Heronissos on Crete for just under £1,200 for a family of four. The resort with its four pools is just minutes away from the closes town, which offers bustling nightlife and a plethora of restaurants.
“I love going to Nice in the spring because even though it only takes a few hours to get there, you can tell that spring comes to the south of France much earlier than the UK. Nice is a lovely city to experience by just walking around.”
In fact, English people have been enjoying spring in Nice since the 19th century. So much so that the most famous beach walk in Nice is named Promenade de Anglais after the English expats who used to welcome spring here.
As you enjoy the sights Nice has to offer, don’t miss out on the Cours Saleya Market with its many stalls, where they sell Socca, a traditional Nicoise chickpea cake. And because the promenade is kantad by hotels in Belle Epoque-style buildings, you never have to move far from the action. The Hotel Le Royal is only metres away from the beach and offers rooms from £93 per night.
“My family and I have always gone to the Isle of Wight for Easter. We prefer to stay a little closer to home around that time and the Isle of Wight is beautiful in the spring. The best thing about the Isle of Wight is the beautiful nature trails.”
Sometimes referred to as “England in miniature,” the Isle of Wight offers a remarkable range of diverse natural beauty. With over 500 kilometres worth of footpaths and over half the island a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you can’t go wrong here. Animal lovers will appreciate the chance to see native species like the red squirrel and various species of wall lizards.
With its 57 miles of coastline, there’s no lack of hotels near the water, so treat yourself to the best views. Voted the best hotel experience on Isle of Wight, Luccombe Hall, with rooms starting from £260 per night, is located on a clifftop on the south side of the island. From here, you’ll have easy access to both the beach and some of the best nature trails the island has to offer.
“Going skiing in the spring is the best. It can be a little tricky to find good snow so you have to go somewhere with a really tall mountain – Chamonix is my favourite. There’s nothing quite like going down the slopes in a t-shirt.”
If you’re not quite done for the year, the slopes in Chamonix are still open. With the season closing on the 1st of May, an Easter jaunt will let you take advantage of the very last weeks of snow. And if you’re not in the mood for skiing, explore the Mer de Glace, an ice cave reachable by cable car.
For a family friendly yet elegant experience with personalised service – including stunning views of Mont Blanc – stay at the Hermitage Paccard Chalet Hotel, a family run hotel on its third generation. With a choice between rooms or separate chalets starting from £120 per night, as well as a stunning wellness area, this hotel has been an icon in the area since 1920.
“I went diving with dolphins in the Maldives for my birthday one year and it was the best thing I’d ever done. And by the time Easter rolls around you’re really keen for some nicer weather and nothing delivers that quite like the Maldives!”
Notorious for some of the best diving and snorkelling in the world, if you really want to see some warmer temperatures, the Maldives should be your first choice. While you may end up spending most of your time in the water, it’s worth also taking a look at Male Fish Market, where local fishermen expertly butcher massive tuna fishes in just minutes.
Also world famous for its cosy private beach bungalows, the hotels in the Maldives are out of this world. Veligandu Island Resort is a small island with a well-appointed resort, offers everything from scuba diving and snorkelling to excursions and night time entertainment. With rooms starting from £520, it’s an option for when you’d like to treat yourself – but a resort that’s been called “heaven on earth” more than once is almost certainly worth it.
Wherever you go during the half-term, make sure that you’re getting the best rates and fee-free spending abroad by using your Caxton Currency Card. Apply for yours today, or top up your existing card.