Alternative Destinations
Five alternatives to classic holiday destinations
So, you had an amazing time relaxing on the beaches of Goa or hitting the streets of NYC. You fancy going somewhere with the same vibe, but you don’t want an identical trip. Holiday Lettings suggests some perfect spots, from the Azores to Philadelphia, to compete with your favourite holiday destinations.
Loved Provence - now try Languedoc-Roussillon
Like its celebrated neighbour Provence, Languedoc-Roussillon rolls out seductive landscapes galore, from sun-drenched vineyards to heady lavender fields. Its villages and vast plains are for the most part untroubled by tourists; here you can still taste classic southern French life in all its intoxicating glory.
While you’re there, you can soak up the atmosphere of Nîmes’ vast Roman ruins or Carcassonne’s fairy-tale turrets and meandering battlements. How about sampling local food and wine at a Maison du Rire course in nearby Coustouge? If you’re feeling brave, venture north and drive over the breathtaking Viaduc de Millau bridge as it crosses the beautiful Tarn valley.
While you’re there, you can soak up the atmosphere of Nîmes’ vast Roman ruins or Carcassonne’s fairy-tale turrets and meandering battlements. How about sampling local food and wine at a Maison du Rire course in nearby Coustouge? If you’re feeling brave, venture north and drive over the breathtaking Viaduc de Millau bridge as it crosses the beautiful Tarn valley.
Loved New York – now try Philadelphia
New York may be the archetypal American city, but there are other fantastic ones to explore - such as Philadelphia, less than 90 miles away. You can appreciate the red-brick colonial houses, visit the place where the Stars and Stripes were first sewn and shop at the farmer’s markets for soft pretzels and traditional quilts.
You’ll feel a strong sense of the city’s heritage at Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Drift round the Rodin Museum’s impressive collection of statues or explore fantastical mosaic creations at the Magic Gardens. Or do as the locals do and catch a ballgame at the Citizens Bank Park - the views of the city skyline are amazing, as are the crab sticks and cheese steaks you can snack on while you watch the game.
You’ll feel a strong sense of the city’s heritage at Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Drift round the Rodin Museum’s impressive collection of statues or explore fantastical mosaic creations at the Magic Gardens. Or do as the locals do and catch a ballgame at the Citizens Bank Park - the views of the city skyline are amazing, as are the crab sticks and cheese steaks you can snack on while you watch the game.
Loved the Canaries - now try the Azores
If you’ve fallen for the Canary Islands, you might be interested to know that the Azores are equally stunning. Majestic volcanic landscapes? Yep. Verdant valleys? Sure. Azure waters? In abundance. Whether you fancy hiking through lush subtropical vegetation, getting out on the water to watch whales or peeking beneath the waves on a scuba-diving trip, there’s something for everyone here.
This is the perfect place for a spot of island hopping. If you land on Graciosa, weave down a spiral staircase into the Furna do Enxofre (sulphur cave) and smell the boiling hot sulphurous spring. When you reach Faial, will you resist the local speciality, torresmos de vinha-d’alhos (spare ribs with wine, garlic and pepper sauce)? Next stop, Terceira, where you can roam the cobbled streets of Angra do Heroísmo and admire the town’s vibrantly painted chapels and charming 17th-century architecture.
This is the perfect place for a spot of island hopping. If you land on Graciosa, weave down a spiral staircase into the Furna do Enxofre (sulphur cave) and smell the boiling hot sulphurous spring. When you reach Faial, will you resist the local speciality, torresmos de vinha-d’alhos (spare ribs with wine, garlic and pepper sauce)? Next stop, Terceira, where you can roam the cobbled streets of Angra do Heroísmo and admire the town’s vibrantly painted chapels and charming 17th-century architecture.
Loved Goa – now try Maharashtra
It’s easy to be so entranced by Goa’s gorgeous beaches that you never stray too far from the shade of your favourite coconut palm. Just to the north, though, is the hidden gem of Maharashtra, and it’s well worth exploring. It offers beautiful beaches, colourful temples, fascinating caves and a whole lot more.
You can investigate the prehistoric paintings in the Ajanta Caves in Jalgaon, or bear south to offer tributes at the colourful Sri Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir temple. For a breath of fresh air, head north to Mahabaleshwar Hill Station (do try some of the town’s legendary strawberries) or climb through the Western Ghats mountain range.
You can investigate the prehistoric paintings in the Ajanta Caves in Jalgaon, or bear south to offer tributes at the colourful Sri Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir temple. For a breath of fresh air, head north to Mahabaleshwar Hill Station (do try some of the town’s legendary strawberries) or climb through the Western Ghats mountain range.
Loved Tuscany - now try Le Marche
Once you’ve taken in Tuscany’s famous hills and historic cities, travel east to Le Marche for tranquil beauty to rival any Renaissance masterpiece. This is an incredibly varied region, so you can spend time in the Sibillini Mountains’ dramatic terrain, in the picturesque hilltop towns and on the Adriatic’s pretty white-pebble beaches.
You can step back to the 15th century at Urbino, Raphael's hometown, and into a living work of art complete with medieval houses, picturesque churches and imposing palaces. Further south, you can duck into the eerie caves of the Grotte di Frasassi and note the stunning stalagmites. Alternatively, to the north you’ll find the super-romantic Gradara Castle, the setting for a tale of doomed love in Dante’s Divine Comedy.
You can step back to the 15th century at Urbino, Raphael's hometown, and into a living work of art complete with medieval houses, picturesque churches and imposing palaces. Further south, you can duck into the eerie caves of the Grotte di Frasassi and note the stunning stalagmites. Alternatively, to the north you’ll find the super-romantic Gradara Castle, the setting for a tale of doomed love in Dante’s Divine Comedy.