Departure Lounge: Cape Town is a magnificent and complete city holiday
Explore some of this week's best getaway opportunities
If California or Australia is on your dream long haul list but the numbers aren’t adding up, could I convince you to consider Cape Town, South Africa? I’ve relocated to the Mother City for the summer and it really does make the most magnificent, and complete city for a holiday.
With mountains, coastline, wineries (and wildlife!) all in abundance within mere minutes of the city, you can enjoy al-fresco brunches in Constantia, afternoon dips in Kalk Bay and sunset hikes on Table Mountain, even in winter.
Airfares can be a zinger, but affordable accommodation, dining, and rental car rates once you land mean you’ll quickly chalk up the difference.
I know I’m getting on in life when the idea of a solo river cruise sounds pretty dreamy. But I ain’t alone.
Solo travellers are increasingly turning to river cruises, with bookings for 2027 up 19% year-on-year and 72% compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to Riviera Travel. They’ve got several packages geared to what is now 8% of their market, from double cabins as standard and no solo occupancy surcharges. Sailings for 2027 include a springtime trip to the Netherlands and a Rhine and Moselle valley cruise, with five-night all-inclusive packages from €2,000pp.
For a quick weekend break with notes of Burgundy, the English county of Suffolk has launched its own wine trail this week, aimed at showcasing its new generation of vineyards (now standing at eight and counting).
Experiences range from savouring an award-winning Bacchus at Hawkswood Vineyard to sitting down to a Michelin Bib Gourmand meal at the converted medieval barn of Wyken Vineyards.
The region is best served by Stansted Airport, so consider Cambridge or Bury St Edmunds as charming bases.
Could this European heatwave be having an impact on overseas demand?
The prices suggest so. Abbey Travel are currently offering August deals from all the major Irish airports with week-long breaks from as little as €500pp.
The temperate Canaries offer particular appeal with the mercury currently hitting the mid-twenties (that’s a degree or two below Cork averages!); stay at the four-star and highly rated Nautilus Lanzarote from €809 (a €400 saving).
As with all properties, don’t forget to crosscheck them with TripAdvisor while grabbing a Streetview snoop on Google Maps is a good tip too.
If you book your stay within the next 14 days, the boutique Beara guesthouse, which offers a lovely breakfast and a glorious sauna, has 15% off rates, with rooms on offer from €178.50.
There are still several twin and double options available at the time of print, so snap them up while you can.
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