Grab a slice of holiday heaven
WE ALL need a break, right? Spending time away from the daily grind is good for the soul.
And as the main summer holiday period fast approaches, it’s now or never if we want to make the most of the warmer weather in Europe, or grab a last-minute break to Dubai, Australia or the Caribbean.
Research shows that jetting off to exotic and sunny destinations can improve sleep, reduce your blood pressure and even cut cholesterol levels. It can also help you become more productive and creative – and the benefits can last for months.
Interestingly, you don’t have to lie flat out on a beach to relax. In one study, couples who went on busy holidays reported the most long-lasting benefits.
Those who take regular holidays have been shown to return feeling more satisfied with their lives and have lower levels of stress and burn-out. Doesn’t a calmer, energised, happier you sound like a good idea? You might even lose weight at the same time.
According to sports dieticians, it’s possible to lose two pounds a week with a small amount of daily exercise on holiday, such as jogging along the sand, doing circuits of the pool or even using a pedalo.
And tasting new dishes abroad could tempt you to try them when you return home and signal the start of a healthier lifestyle.
Holidays also provide the perfect opportunity to catch up on sleep, which boosts the immune system, putting us in a better position to fight off colds and other infections.
And taking a holiday can lead to better harmony at home. One study showed that women who go on holiday at least twice a year are less likely to become tense, depressed or tired and are more satisfied with their relationship.
Similarly, families who go on holiday together boost their bond as they share experiences, communicate and relax.
So if you want to feel more connected, refreshed and content, you definitely need a holiday – and soon! But where should you head for this summer?
MEDITERRANEAN SUN
MAJORCA is seriously fashionable this summer, thanks to the BBC’s recent spy drama The Night Manager, starring a sharp-suited Tom Hiddleston. Southern Spain is a surefire bet for bargain beach holidays. And for a balmy taste of Mediterranean paradise, look no further than Crete.
Home to incredible white-sand beaches and tempting turquoise waters, the largest of the Greek islands offers an irresistible mix of ancient civilisation, foodie treats and fabulous coastline.
Crete is great for beach-lounging families during August. But it’s also perfect for couples looking for late summer sun, once the children have gone back to school.
COLOURFUL CARIBBEAN
TURQUOISE sea, soft white sands, vivid green forests – the Caribbean islands offer a delicious slice of paradise. And in the summer, prices fall on direct flights and hotels, creating budget-friendly deals.
It’s the perfect excuse to leave the busy world behind and indulge in candlelit dining beside the beach, spend hours idling in a hammock, try watersports or take air-conditioned tours to taste the rich flavours of these sunshine isles. Summer temperatures are cooled by sea breezes, and occasional sharp downpours are generally followed by bright
sunshine and blue skies.
FROLIC IN AUSTRALIA
AUSTRALIA’S Great Barrier Reef stretches further than the Great Wall of China, and can even be seen from space. Snorkel and dive here to your heart’s content, as you frolic with flickering fish, manta rays, dugongs and green turtles. Temperatures can be very pleasant during the Aussie winter, hitting highs of more than 26C in Cairns, close to the reef, and almost 18C in Sydney.
BARGAINS IN DUBAI
WITH the biggest and best of just about everything, glittering Dubai indulges visitors like nowhere else on Earth.
Right now many of the pristine hotels, restaurants and attractions are offering substantial discounts. And the Dubai Summer Surprises shopping festival (until August 20) means big savings in more than 6,000 shops, with music and family entertainment all over town.
Everything is air-conditioned, so you’ll stay cool and comfortable as you discover the countless Dubai treasures that lie indoors, whether in the breathtaking shopping malls or the historic gold, spice and textile souks.