As the UK is slowly recovering from the pandemic and countries are added or removed daily from different travel lists, there’s still a lot of hesitation and uncertainty about if or how to travel. However, this doesn’t mean that people aren’t missing their usual getaways, with a recent study from Asda Money of 2,000 people in the UK finding that 49 per cent of Welsh residents are still planning to go on holiday in the UK this year, and 13 per cent already have somewhere booked.
Whether you’re pining for cocktails in Italy, the countryside in the South of France, or you wanted to travel further afield to ‘the Big Apple’, there’s plenty of places that Brits are missing visiting this year. Luckily, Asda Money have scanned the UK and found the next best options to the real thing with some alternative destinations based right here in Wales, so you can still plan your staycation and maybe even find some new favourite holiday locations.
Portmeirion, Wales and Portofino, Italy
Portmeirion in Wales is built in the style of classic Italian towns, with an uncanny resemblance to the bright hues of Portofino, an iconic spot in northern Italy.
Norwich, England and Rothenburg, Germany
Rothenburg is a German town in northern Bavaria, known for its quaint medieval architecture. It shares many similarities to the Norfolk city of Norwich, especially to the street known as Elm Hill.
Pembrokeshire Coast, Wales and Monterey, USA
Millions drive along the stunning Big Sur coast every year, passing through cities such as Monterey. However, we have an equally beautiful coast in the UK located in Wales – the Pembrokeshire Coast; this coast is rich with history, culture, and wildlife for all to enjoy.
Bath, England and Budapest, Hungary
Millions of visitors travel to the capital of Hungary every year, with the thermal baths being on the top of many people’s bucket lists. You can also have the same luxurious experience in the ancient roman city of Bath with their very own thermal baths to take a dip in
Cambridge, England and Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is a popular destination for a city break, with trips down its canals being on the top of many people’s bucket lists. But if you’d prefer to stay closer to home, punting on the River Cam in Cambridge is an equally enjoyable alternative.
Durdle Door, England and Praia do Camilo, Portugal
Praia do Camilo is one of the most popular beaches in Lagos, Portugal, with thousands of visitors every year to its iconic landmark, the Ponta da Piedade – a sharply contoured rock formation. However, the UK also has its own iconic landmark rock formation – Durdle Door, a natural limestone arch sat on the Jurassic Coast.
Liverpool, England and New York, USA
Did you know many ‘New York’ scenes are actually filmed in Liverpool? With similar architecture from skyscrapers and high-end shopping, Liverpool offers a slice of the big city life right here in England.
Lake District, England and the Swiss Alps, Switzerland
The Swiss Alps may be jaw-droppingly beautiful, but if you want the beauty a bit closer to home then the Lake District could be the destination for you; as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is much to explore for couples, families and retirees.
The Cotswolds, England and Burgundy, France
Pre-COVID, thousands of visitors from across the world were visiting the Burgundy region of France for its charming villages, but the Cotswolds is a strong competitor when it comes to charm! If you’re looking for quaint pubs and country walks this is the place for you.
Travel Photography Tips
While you’re away you might also want to be taking some pictures, either as a way to save your memories, maybe to share on social media, or perhaps to practice your photography skills. Whatever you’re wanting to do with your snaps, here are some tips on how to take the best photos of your trip :
@explorefordays
“My main photo tip might seem obvious, but it’s one I’ll stand by time and time again; take photos all the time. It’s so easy whilst travelling to become spoilt by great scenery that you can end up taking it for granted. It’s only once you’re back home that you wish you’d taken just a few more photos. If you end up with a dozen photos of the same mountain or lake, so be it.
My second tip is that not every photo needs to be monumental. Sure, you’re going to want to take photos of the great sights and scenery around you, but it’s the small moments we often forget too. Don’t forget to photograph those memories too; sweaty faces after reaching the peak, curbside dinner whilst wild camping, freezing ocean dips and flat tyre misadventures. My favourite thing when looking back on my photos are the small moments I’ve captured. Often moments I’ve forgotten about completely until I flick through my photo album and the memories come flooding back. Trust me, it’s the best souvenir!”
Alistair Ball, Head of Insurance for Asda Money comments, “Holidays will look a little different this year for many of us, but that doesn’t mean there’s not still lots to be enjoyed right here in the UK, and overseas when we’re able to. Hopefully these alternative locations will provide some excellent holiday destinations for people to visit this year, or for inspiration for the future.”
