January blues…the media us talking about it, most people are feeling the effects of it. After the decorations are packed away and the celebrations are a distant memory, we all seem to come back down to earth with a bump. The nights draw in fast and the days are gloomy – life seems to have lost a little of its sparkle. However, a true Scriptoeris girl never lets life get her down for long and she sees January as an opportunity: not only for goal setting but also travel planning! What better way to banish the gloom than to plan a getaway to clearer skies? If you’ve been savvy with your savings, there are great deals to be had as travel agents fight for customers who are tightening their belts after Christmas. Even if you’ve splashed out, plan ahead…everyone needs something to look forward to!
So here it is: the unseen Europe edit – breaks that are practically on your doorstep! Who needs far flung when you have hidden gems just around the bend? Our top tips for exploring not so distant shores.
Eastern Europe
A city breakers haven, the countries of Eastern Europe have got budget luxury down to an art. Sound like a juxtaposition? Well, where else could you take a 2 hour evening river boat cruise with live jazz for £10? With so many distinct destinations, it really is hard to group them. From fairy-tale chocolate box towns like Prague, to the laid-back islands of Croatia, from the hot spring spas of Budapest to the snow dusted town squares of Poland – there really is a destination to suit all tastes. History-laden and oozing charm, Eastern Europe is slowly creeping up the rankings on everybody’s radars. Get there before tradition and old-worldly charm is replaced by the trappings of a tourist hot-spot.
Must visit: Hvar, Croatia. Nestled in the Adriatic, Hvar, popular many a-listers, has been labelled the new French Riviera. Think après-beach cocktails, sunsets from the town fort and bathing in the jewel coloured waters.
The Greek Islands
Think white washed towns perched precariously on hillsides, gnarled olive trees providing shade in the town square and tables from tavernas spilling out on to the cobbled streets – the Greece away from the Magaluf-style club strips of Zante. With over a hundred islands to explore, a boat hop can take you from metropolis to untamed wilderness within minutes. The volcanic almost lunar landscapes of Milos, the byzantine chapels of Tilos, seeing Greek myths come to life in Ithaca – there possibilities are infinite.
Must visit: Kastelorizo. As Greece’s smallest permanently inhabited island, she is often overlooked. Boasting a cornucopia of sights, secluded coves and the famed Blue Grotto sea cave, a stay in its brightly coloured houses promises the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure. Located only 2km from the shores of Kas, Turkey, it could be the perfect opportunity to tick Anatolia from your list as well.
Malta
An island with the Royal seal of approval? If it’s good enough for good old Lizzie (she and her darling Phillip spent many happy times there as a young couple), then it’s sure as hell good enough for us Scriptoeris girls. The hobbyists dream destination: film fanatics and water babies alike will find excitement on her shores. Watersports galore and more film locations than you can shake a stick at, you’ll never be short of things to do. Its varied landscape, UNESCO heritage sites and modern port towns allow you to holiday in a script of your own writing.
Must visit: Spinola Bay. A slice of old Malta at it’s very best. Expect fishermen gathering their nets as they toss fresh seafood to the chefs of the restaurants of the port, romantic walks and of course the sparkle of the yachts on the harbour.
Interrailing
Indecision is a woman’s prerogative is it not? Who needs the stress of picking between Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt? Or between France, Spain and Italy? Not Scriptoeris girls. We know that Inter-rail isn’t just for gappers or backpackers who haven’t washed in weeks – it’s for budget conscious explorers like us too. With both international and country passes available at prices that won’t break the bank, freedom is the buzzword here. Whether you’ve got a month or a week, Inter-rail makes Europe you’re oyster.
Must visit: anywhere the wind takes you.
So what are you waiting for ladies? Take Scriptoeris on tour.