Six Short Haul Trips to Take This Year

White kaftan of dreams | Miss Tunica 

I may have only been back from Dubai for 4 weeks, but I’m itching to book some lovely long weekends to break up my summer. When Holiday Gems asked me to put together a short-haul travel bucket list for the year ahead, I jumped at the chance. My 2018 holiday schedule is shaping up nicely with a trip to Boston in June, but my plan to take a trip for every month of the year hasn’t exactly gone to plan so far. Saying that I have squeezed in an epic mum and daughter trip to Dubai and managed to escape the snow for a few days so in my books that’s winning. So, here are a few short-haul destinations that are at the top of my bucket list for summer 2018.

Cape Verde 

Holiday Highlight: Endless beaches and turtle watching.

When booking holidays I’m more than a little guilty of picking the same destinations to explore, but this year I want to add in a few jaunts to places that put me out of my comfort zone, places where I have to research what currency to take and even learn a few foreign phrases. If you didn’t know, (I had to Google it) Cape Verde is in Africa and it’s around 4 hours on a plane. It’s a destination that I see time and time again popping up on my Instagram and the temptation of picture-perfect beaches and lobster rolls is now too much.

Rhodes 

Holiday Highlight – ALL the greek salads and mountains of feta

I’ve set myself a challenge to see more of Greece this year as I have soooooo many Greek Islands that I’ve yet to tick off my bucket list. I’m thinking Rhodes first followed by Mykonos and of course Santorini. I like the idea of exploring ancient ruins while getting my fix of white-washed buildings and quaint cobbled streets. Cliff jumping in Lindos is on the top of my list!

The Algarve 

Holiday highlight – The The Palácio de Estoi

I went to the Algarve last year for a wedding, but three days simply isn’t enough. Spend a few days among the scalloped bays and sandy islands and you’ll never want to leave. I was blown away by the colour of the sea, the cuisine and the weather. Did you know there are beautiful vineyards in the Algarve? There’s an adorable one set in hilly Monchique that I’m dying to explore. Another tick on my bucket list is The Palácio de Estoi, an insta-worthy pink palace in the town of Estoi, around 10 km from Faro.

Mallorca 

Holiday Highlight – Leaving the house at 8 hitting the beach at 11.

Sometimes you just want to hop on a plane with only your hand luggage and head to somewhere easy. The place that you know like the back of your hand. For me that’s Mallorca. I know where to stay, where to find the best avo on toast and where to get the best ice-cream. I know all of the best bars as well as the hidden gems where you’ll find the locals and of course where to get the best massage. Mallorca is under 2 hours away and perfect for a long bank holiday weekend.

Ibiza

Holiday Highlight – Relax in luxury

I’ve only ever experienced the party side of Ibiza and I’d love to visit the more luxurious peaceful areas. Somewhere with sunrise yoga, afternoon hikes and spa treatments galore. I’m really craving a week of boutique hotels, infinity pools and boho chic decor.

Cyprus 

Holiday Highlight – Historic sites

Again, Cyprus is one of those places I visited when I was 18 and was far more interested in the cocktail menus than the centuries of history and the charm of the old town. I’d love to go back and visit the Akamas peninsula, the Cedar Valley and of course the amphitheatre.

With 2 bank holidays coming up, there really is no excuse to stay at home. For me, 2017 was the year of long-haul trips, I checked off Miami, The Bahamas and Las Vegas off my list. This year, I’m all about the short haul holidays. Who wants to come on a summer jaunt with me?

*This post was in collaboration with Holiday Gems.