Here comes the sun: summer holiday essentials

Simon Calder's Travel Week

SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE: £1 FOR 3 MONTHS April 30, 2023 View in browser SIMON CALDER'S TRAVEL WEEK Looking for some sunshine? Look no further. Domestic bliss: Peruse our selection of UK beach breaks, including Barafundle Beach in Pembrokeshire As we head into May, summer no longer feels like a distant dream; longer days and sunnier times are just around the corner. Now's the time to get booking a summer break: here's our selection of the latest holiday deals to save you money on your next trip. For destination inspiration, browse our pick of the hottest places to catch some rays in June, or take a look at these idyllic beaches in the UK for a domestic seaside stay. Wherever your holiday takes you, use our handy packing list to ensure you have all the essentials. Taking off Three new European air routes begin tomorrow from the UK: Jet2 will fly from Manchester to Tivat in Montenegro, while Ryanair launches links from Belfast International to Valencia and Bournemouth to Carcassonne.   EXPLORE KOTOR Pacific track Just in time for summer, the full rail service between Los Angeles and San Diego in southern California has been restored after severe mud slides. The standard fare for the three-hour trip is $35. BEST LA HOTELS Question of the week   Question of the week With a British passport is it possible to spend a whole summer from May to October in the European Union? Yes, but it takes a bit of organising. As "third-country nationals" after Brexit, UK passport holders are limited to 90 days in any 180 in the Schengen Area. This is the zone that comprises most of the EU, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, and is free of internal frontiers. The "90/180-day" rule means that you could be on holiday in the Schengen Area for, say, the months of May, June and all but the last two days of July. Then you would have to leave the zone until late October, when you could return and begin another 90-day stint. A few European Union nations remain outside Schengen, though: Ireland (to which British citizens enjoy free and unrestricted movement), Cyprus, Bulgaria and Romania. Fortunately for those of us who enjoy extended holidays in the Mediterranean or bordering the Black Sea, each of those last three has an individual 90/180-day allowance. Flying from Greece to Cyprus in late July would allow you to spend several months on the island (with a possible side-trip to the Balkans) before returning to the Schengen Area. With careful planning, a British traveller can spend all year in the EU.   Best hotels in Cyprus for boutique charm Two-night luxury Scotland stay from £220 Offer includes dinner allocation of £45 on your first night and full breakfast each morning Get nearly £200 off a Lake Garda holiday  Plus, find savings on Austria, Ibiza and Yorkshire breaks in our round-up of the best deals  Save on a Stratford-upon-Avon stay Enjoy two nights from just £105 at the pet-friendly Charlecote Pheasant Hotel £99 £20 for 1 year ✓ Full access to Premium news analysis ✓ Advert-free reading across web and app ✓ The Independent Daily Edition newspaper ✓ Puzzles, virtual event tickets and more SUBSCRIBE NOW May travel Escape the coronation If Royal family fever isn't your thing, take advantage of the extra long weekend with our list of the best last-minute trips. 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SEE OUR GUIDE The best Fuerteventura hotels – from beach-facing stays to boutique breaks Where to holiday outside of Europe in 2023: the 20 most affordable spots  The prettiest UK seaside towns to visit on your summer holidays Cut down on single-use plastics: The 15 best reusable water bottles to carry on your travels SHOP NOW Eight suitcases and check-in bags for 2023 holidays – from lockable options to lightweight designs SHOP NOW We noticed that you might not be registered By registering, you will enjoy limited access to Independent Premium articles, commenting, and virtual events with our leading journalists REGISTER FOR FREE OTHER NEWSLETTERS YOU MIGHT LIKE Climate News Every Friday, 12pm (UK time) Written by Louise Boyle Join now IndyEats Every Saturday, 7am (UK time) Written by Hannah Twiggs Join now Climate News Every Friday, 12pm (UK time) Written by Louise Boyle Join now IndyEats Every Saturday, 7am (UK time) Written by Hannah Twiggs Join now If you can spare a minute we'd love your feedback on our newsletters. 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