By Harvey McEwan While many special 'Royal Wedding deals' offered by travel agents will have been snapped up by organised travellers, it's not too late to organise your own special getaway.
The excitement generated by the Royal Wedding in 2011 has been twofold in the UK. While many people seem to be excited about Prince William and Kate Middleton's impending nuptials, the extra bank holiday that has been granted on their wedding day means that people across the country will also get to enjoy another day off. What's more, the placement of the holiday directly after Easter weekend means that it creates two consecutive four-day weekends, timing that has convinced many to take an extended Easter break.
So if you're thinking about taking a longer holiday over Easter thanks to the Royal Wedding, you're not alone. And while many special 'Royal Wedding deals' offered by travel agents will have been snapped up by organised travellers, it's not too late to organise your own special getaway, whatever your budget.
If you're keen to spend your Easter-Royal Wedding break abroad but can't afford to go too far, Barcelona and its surrounding attractions could offer the ideal solution. A long-held favourite with British holidaymakers, Barcelona is not Spain's capital but is perhaps its most culturally vibrant city. If you're interested in art and architecture, you'll find the unique buildings of Antoni Gaudi - which include the iconic Sagrada Familia and the serene Parc Guell - fascinating. What's more, the city is also home to galleries dedicated to Spanish maestros Pablo Picasso and Joan Miro, while its many world-class restaurants and bars will keep travellers merry throughout the night.
Alternatively, if your prefer to spend your holiday time outdoors, Barcelona does not disappoint. Amazingly, it has a vast beach right next to its city centre. The area, known as Barceloneta, has in the past been associated with the very poorest elements of Catalan society but has been regenerated since the 1992 Olympic Games. Today, it's a favourite with locals and tourists alike and is home to some of the area's best seafood restaurants. Of course, the extended length of this year's Easter weekends means that you'll also have plenty of time to explore the sights around Barcelona too. Indeed, it's the perfect opportunity to rent a car and drive to the beach at nearby Sitges, visit the celebrated Salvador Dali museum in Figueres or travel north to the Pyrenees, which overflows with spectacular hiking trails and mountain scenery.
If you can afford to go a little further, New York City could provide you with that breathtaking holiday you've been dreaming of. New York is beautiful at the end of April, with the severe winter weather having eased off and the balmy days of summer yet to come. What's more, the tourist rush isn't yet in full swing so its main attractions - like Times Square, the Empire State Building, the Staten Island Ferry and Central Park - won't be as packed as they will be in July and August. And while there's plenty to keep visitors to New York occupied for a week or more, make sure you make the most of your extended break and explore the city's surrounding areas too. Popular trips include those to Long Island, the beaches at Jersey Shore and even neighbouring cities Boston and Washington D.C.
For those that can't afford to stray far from home during the Easter break, rest assured that there are plenty of holiday options within the UK. If you live in England, for instance, a trip to Scotland won't require a visa but culturally, you'll be in a different country altogether. Luxury weekends in Edinburgh promise plenty of indulgent fun for people who love city breaks, while country lovers won't be able to get enough of the stunning scenery offered by the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Moreover, golf lovers shouldn't miss a trip to one of the country's many excellent courses, for which hotels in Edinburgh, Fife and Aberdeen provide convenient accommodation all along the east coast.
Harvey McEwan writes to offer information and advice on a variety of areas, from technology to holiday destinations. Read through Harvey's other articles here to find out more.
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