“Now is the winter of our discontent.” So said Richard III, according to Shakespeare, and he ought to have known. But, while poor old Richard comes to a sad end, offering his whole kingdom for a horse to escape on, you’re much better off.
If you really want to get away, you won’t have to swap your kingdom, your fortune, or even your house. With good-guy KAYAK on your side, you can jet off somewhere sunny, leaving Richard, his horse, and the cold far behind you – the warm seasons are coming, and it’s time to make your Winters’ Tale into a Midsummer Night’s Dream!
Lanzarote: Europe’s first underwater museum
The prospects for Lanzarote: Sun, sun, and more sun (20 degrees in the shade!). Lanzarote has a particular charm: much of the island, one of the Canaries, is quite sparse, with fields of boulders scattered in all directions. The landscape can be quite surreal, with the harsh, volcanic nature of the archipelago especially evident.
Lanzarote is the third largest of the Canary Islands, and like many a middle child, it has bedecked itself in black. Indeed, even the palm trees seem to be tinged with ash. Ever seen a black beach? On this fascinating isle, you can indulge your inner goth and improve your tan at the same time.
But there’s much more to this ancient island than the beach. In Timanfaya National Park (with its impressive Montañas del Fuego, fire mountains) you’ll be amazed at the displays of still-active geothermal energy. Heat vents here are still able to ignite kindling, so careful where you step!
Of course, on an island, you can’t ignore what’s going on in the sea, and at Lanzarote, you’re in for something rather special: As of January 2017, Lanzarote is now home to the Museo Atlántico. No ordinary museum, it is, in fact, an underwater sculpture garden- the first in Europe- at a depth of 12 to 16 metres, which you can only see either by taking a dive (bookable through a certified diving centre) or from a glass bottom boat.
If you want to know which Canary Island is right for you, read our in-depth island comparison!
The entrance to the museum is in the bay of Las Coloradas in the south of the island. Its 300 moving pieces, each of which was designed and then carefully sunk, – were made by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor and can be interpreted as a moving statement on the environment and other social issues. His works are also intended to serve as artificial reefs and thus favour the settlement of new animal and plant species. A good starting point for all kinds of activities is the centrally-located San Bartolomé.
- 17 – 24 March flights from Birmingham starting at £44
- 19 – 31 march flights from Edinburgh starting at £45
Hajar Holiday: Adventure holidays in Oman
To the uninitiated, many Arabian destinations might seem to contain nothing but sand and shopping malls, but that certainly can’t be said about Oman. That much becomes obvious as soon as you step off the plane in Muscat and witness the towering Hajar Mountains.
These mountains reach up to 3000 metres, with dramatic peaks, spectacular panoramas and cool wadis, some of which will grant you some sweet relief for a post-hike dip.
The best base for Omani expeditions is the capital of the Sultanate, Muscat – with bazaars, a beautiful cliffside drive and an old fish market.
- 12 – 19 May flights from London starting at £261
- 2 – 10 May flights from Manchester starting at £308
- 6 – 15 April flights from Newcastle upon Tyne starting at £417
Diving in the Bahamas
If Oman sounds a little dry to your liking, you can always head in the opposite direction. The Bahamas are nice and warm (23-degree water in February), and the water is a delicious azure blue. Dive in, and you’re sure to have a host of colourful fish swirling about your feet in no time.
But it’s not only fishes that inhabit these waters. In fact, the ocean surrounding the Bahamas is thought to be home to the world’s largest shark concentration – including the five-metre-long striped monster, the Tiger Shark! If you’ve ever been interested in an underwater adventure that’s half “Pirates of the Caribbean” and half “Jaws” “Finding Nemo”, head to the Bahamas – we promise your holiday film will have a happy ending.
- 21 -28 April flights from London starting at £653
- 10 – 19 April flights from Manchester starting at £539
- 1 – 9 April flights from Southampton starting at £583
Find the best deals on flights and hotels on KAYAK! Just choose the month and let yourself be inspired. If you are on mobile, try out our app.
Monkey business in Brazil: Out there in the trees.
As a small child, you probably liked climbing – climbing frames, trees, people’s legs, etc. Something in our primate DNA just makes us instinctively drawn to crawling up heights. Eventually, we learn to control our impulses – but we never completely outgrow them. And now’s your chance to let your inner lemur go free: In Manaus, you can climb a jungle giant reaching not ten- not even 20, but 65 metres tall!
First, you’ll be strapped in and secured by professional coaches. Then it’s up to you, as you haul yourself up higher and higher, like Pooh-bear collecting the bees’ honey. As you ascend, the shadows of the forest floor will change to brighter hues until you reach the canopy, and finally: the view – a priceless scene taking in miles over your jungle kingdom, and confirming what you already knew: humans were born to climb. (Tropicaltreeclimbing.com).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1efND4-Czk
- 6 – 21 June flights from London starting at £592
- 26 April – 11 May flights from Southampton starting at £730
- 21 June – 5 July flights from Birmingham starting at £687
- Excellent rate Holiday Inn Manaus from £61 per night
Cliffhanger: Free-climbing in Thailand
‘Professional coaches?’, you say? ‘Secured?’ If you’re the kind to scoff at such mortal cares as climbing aids, the next trip idea may be of particular interest to you. Where to? In Krabi on the south-west coast of Thailand. For it’s here you’ll find some of the world’s best free-climbing conditions!
You’ll spend a lot of your time hanging off of sheer limestone cliffs, either vertically or occasionally upside-down. Beneath you, the blue sea rushes, while the gentle ocean breezes will cool you off as you stretch for the next grip. In the evenings, relax with a hard-earned drink on one of the gorgeous beaches…
- 23 April – 4 May flights from London starting at £466
- 16 – 30 May flights from Birmingham starting at £547
- 14 – 24 May flights from London starting at £477
Crazy in Colombia: Survival in the Jungle
When you’re looking to leave behind the wet and cold of Britain, there are a great many options, and nearly everywhere is an upgrade. But South America is full of good options of all sorts. However, if you want a real departure to the dreariness of life in England, try a foray into the jungles of Colombia, where you can sign up for a hard-hitting survival training in the rainforest.
Do not worry; you don’t have to eat any creepy-crawlies… but at least after the Colombian crash course, you’ll know which ones to go for in an emergency. (Kolkrotter.com)
- 9 – 23 May flights from London starting at £483
- 22 May – 12 June flights from London starting at £688
Out in the Outback: opals instead of snowballs
It’s certainly a long way away, but the good news is, there’s treasure to be found! Thousands of lucky dirt-scratchers have uncovered opals in the Australian desert. And the picturesque town of Coober Pedy, South Australia, known as the Opal Capital of the world, is waiting for you to stake your claim.
If stone scrabbling’s not your thing, there are other ways to relax – the subterranean mole-metropolis of Coober Pedy is a marvel of human ingenuity, while keen golfers can hit the fairways at the local golf course – just look out, as there’s no green in sight whatsoever – it is basically a giant sand trap.
- 27 April – 12 May flights from London starting at £588
- 10 – 25 April flights from Manchester starting at £661
Find the best deals on flights and hotels on KAYAK! Just choose the month and let yourself be inspired. If you are on mobile, try out our app.
The Nouveau Western: Winter holiday plus Spanish sun
OK – To experience the desert, you don’t have to travel to Australia, or even to the Arabian Peninsula. And for a taste of the Wild West, you don’t even have to go to America: you’ll find both 20 kilometres north of Almería on the Spanish Costa Blanca!
After your very own film shoot at Fort Bravo, a former film studio of countless glorious spaghetti westerns, you’ll be ready to ride off on your very own horse into your very own sunset – and explore the desert of Tabernas. As sweet as the silver screen.
If you’re not camping in the dunes, Almería is the place to stay – at the Hotel Sercotel Gran Fama with four stars and a £38 per night.
- 9 – 16 March flights from London starting at £65
- 1 – 8 May flights from London starting at £82
- 7 – 14 May flights from Manchester starting at £116
Note: The mentioned prices for accommodation and flights refer to searches on 24.01.2017, they are only an example and may have changed in the meantime. The flight prices include all taxes and fees without any baggage surcharges Airlines. The mentioned hotel rates are only an example for an overnight stay with a double occupancy and may have changed in the meantime. Places are available in limited numbers and may not be booked on all flights and on all dates.
