Boosted by the results of last week’s general election, the pound has strengthened against the euro even further, making it the strongest it has been since 2008, giving instant savings across the board and making 2015 the year to holiday in Europe.
Responsible Travel, rounds up its Top 7 from 130 last minute European escapes that showcase the diversity of trips available. Overwhelmed by choice? Responsible Travel’s step by step guide on how to book a Last Minute holiday cuts through the deluge of information and shows you how to do it.
Justin Francis, CEO, Responsible Travel said “People often feel that they have to travel as far away as possible to have a true adventure and experience different, authentic cultures, but that’s simply not the case. All of our holidays take people off the tourist trail and despite it being close to home, you can still discover a side to Europe away from the pile ‘em high, sell ‘em cheap package deals, that you never knew existed.
With the current strong pound, European travellers in 2015 are already getting much better value for money, for example our Andalucia trip here is £50 cheaper than just six months ago. We have 100s of holidays to choose from, many of which have last minute availability and are running special offers, making this a great time for your European holiday.
Responsible Travel screens each of the 9000 holidays on our site for their commitment to responsible tourism, and this helps to ensure that local people benefit fairly and that tourist money supports local people and communities, their culture and environment, rather than going to big international brands.”
Here are Responsible Travel’s Top 7 most popular last minute European escapes:
1. Sintra Natural Park, Portugal
This eco-guesthouse set in the heart of the Sintra Natural Park, an UNESCO Cultural Landscape, World Heritage Site, has ocean views, yet is set in a beautiful, peaceful rural location. It’s a walker’s paradise with miles of trails right from the front gate and just a short drive to several pristine beaches.
2. Walk and talk – learning Spanish in the Picos de Europa
This unique holiday packs in four Spanish classes daily alongside four glorious hours spent exploring the incredible scenery of the Picos de Europa National Park, an area with a high mountain range as well as close proximity to the sea and an abundance of beautiful coastal walks.
3. Activity holiday in Montenegro
Spend a week kayaking on Lake Skadar, hiking in surrounding Prokletije Mountains, wild swimming, and discovering village vineyards and secret waterfalls. What’s not to love? Great for families.
4. Vienna to Budapest tour
Experience the best of this old-world region on a journey through enchanting Central Europe. Immerse yourself in Austria’s superb musical heritage and step back in time in the castles of the Czech Republic. Experience Polish traditions while exploring the romantic Old Town of Krakow and get active in Slovakia’s Tatra Mountains. This classical adventure concludes by taking the road less travelled to Budapest.
5. Yoga retreat in Andalucia, Spain
Find your inner peace at this unique yoga retreat that offers the best of yoga, meditation, health, nutrition, organic food, relaxation, peace, mountain views and fresh air. Your host, Namit’s, background is as a leading health professional allowing him to apply and explain the health benefits of yoga scientifically to the highest level. Suitable for beginners, workshops are tailored to enable you to go at your own pace.
6. Luxury fitness holiday, Spain
A boot camp by name but not by nature, this retreat offers guests a kick start to their new health, fitness & wellbeing regime. Its holistic approach means that guests learn how to eat well, detox their bodies, tone up their physique, re-invigorate their body and soul at the same time.
7. Sailing in the Greek Islands
Move between the boat, the beach and inviting Greek villages on this relaxing sailing adventure between Mykonos and Santorini. While away days swimming in turquoise waters, lazing on white-sand beaches, sampling mouth-watering local cuisine and exploring coastal villages seeped in history, mythology and beauty before returning to the boat to be rocked gently to sleep at night.
