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Europe

City breaks, Europe, Germany

The best Christmas markets in Berlin

Germany is widely recognised for its historic Christmas markets and festive fairs with Berlin, Cologne and Munich among the largest. Although we’re a little biased (my father-in-law was stationed in Germany and I also lived there), their markets are like no other. They have that traditionally festive feel, an abundance of charm and truly captivate the magic of Christmas. You can expect to see hand-made gifts aplenty coupled with smells like deliciously warming Glühwein and mouth watering bratwurst.

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Adventure, Europe, Family, Off the beaten track

What makes adventure holidays so memorable

The POD Father, as he’s known on POD Travels and our parent blog, and I have travelled much of our lives. From Africa, Asia, Australasia and the Pacific to the Caribbean, North and South America. Not forgetting of course sun, ski and city breaks across Europe. We relish the kind of holidays that enable you to immerse yourself in a country’s culture and lose yourself a bit. Adventure holidays are certainly the most favoured and they often lead to the most spectacular experiences. That’s what we relish and to us it’s what makes a holiday truly memorable.

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Activity holidays, Europe, Finland

The Aurora season arrives at Kakslauttanen

It’s funny isn’t it the more you travel, the stronger the desire to see more of the world becomes. Finland is right up there as somewhere we’re keen to explore and we have a list as long as your arm of the places we’d love to discover there. At this time of year, you can’t help but dream about capturing the Northern Lights. Finland is one of the best places in the world to hunt the remarkable Auroras and there’s no shortage of places to stay.

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City breaks, Europe, Family

The top Christmas markets in Europe

It’s that time of year when we can’t help but think about Glühwein, bratwurst in crusty rolls and the smell of cinnamon. I don’t know about you but we love Christmas markets. In London there’s the Southbank Christmas market with Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland also a favourite. Outside the capital, Christmas markets can be found in the likes of Bath, Belfast, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Lincoln, Manchester, York and Winchester among other places. While each are wonderful in their own right, we have a penchant for Europe. There are some incredible Christmas markets to visit if you fancy a weekend away.

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Africa, Beach, City breaks, Europe, Indian Ocean

Where to go in October

We’ve welcomed the return of autumn with open arms but there is a distinct chill in the mornings and the evenings are certainly becoming darker. What better time to think about a winter break! Here are our top ten suggestions for where to go in October. As with any holiday, research your trip before you book to ensure you get the most out of it. Some attractions may close earlier so plan your itinerary before you travel.

With its lagoons, beaches and coral reefs, the volcanic island of Mauritius offers lots to do from the Safari and Bird Park, the Giant Tortoise Park and Vallée des Couleurs to the Kids Adventure Park, Ile Aux Aigrettes Island and Château de Labourdonnais. Like many of the tropical islands, it has good weather all year round too with temperatures in October an average of 25°C.

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Asia, Europe, North America

The best places for Autumn colour

Here in the UK, there are numerous places we can admire those autumnal hues. From Winkworth Arboretum (a personal favourite) to the Lake District, Forest of Dean, the Cotswolds and of course Westonbirt Arboretum. But if we were to go anywhere in the world, where would we go?

With over 70% of Japan covered with deciduous forest, autumn colour is immense. Initially colour is reserved for the mountains which are accessible by train, bus or ropeway. The second half of the autumn season sees colour descend into Japan’s cities in the parks and gardens. Popular spots include Kiyomizudera, Tofukuji Temple and Eikando in Kyoto to name just a few.

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Adventure, Europe, Family, Spain

The magnificent Picos de Europa

The scenery in the Liébana region of Northern Spain is spectacular. The route along the CA-185 from Potes to Fuente Dé engulfed by huge mountains with the pretty Rio Deva river running adjacent. With not even a cloud in the sky, our excitement was at fever pitch as we drove along the beautiful winding roads.

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