Ah, here we are. Twixmas, that strange no-man’s land in the calendar where no one knows quite what day it is, and the fridge is stuffed with half-eaten mince pies, leftover cheese, and an unsettling number of opened tubs of double cream. Yes, it’s the peculiar period between Christmas and New Year, where time seems to stand still, and the nation collectively lounges around in pyjamas, contemplating life, spring-cleaning (but not doing it), and perhaps another slice of Christmas cake.
But something curious happens to the mind during this twilight zone. Somewhere between the tenth Quality Street and the third rerun of Love Actually, a faint glimmer of hope starts to flicker. You know the one: warm spring days, sizzling barbecues, and summer holidays stretching out like a golden beach before us. Yes, the dreams of sunny days start to creep in, even as the tree lights twinkle beside us.
It’s easy to get carried away thinking about spring and summer, isn’t it? In the UK, spring often feels like an elusive friend – one moment she’s all daffodils and blue skies, and the next, she’s dumped a surprise hailstorm on your plans for a garden tidy-up. Still, when she’s on form, she’s a delight.
Europe beckons in springtime, too, with a promise of blooming landscapes and fewer tourists to trip over. Tuscany, for example, is an absolute vision in April and May, its rolling green hills peppered with vibrant wildflowers and sun-dappled vineyards. It’s the perfect time to sip a glass of Chianti on a terrace, wearing a cardigan because it’s still a tad brisk, but feeling very much alive.
Alternatively, Paris in spring is as romantic as they say. Blossoms hang from trees along the Seine, and the outdoor cafés fill with people revelling in the joy of not needing gloves to hold their coffee cups. Plus, you get to feel cultured as you picnic near the Eiffel Tower, even if you’re just eating a ham sandwich from a supermarket.
And then there’s Prague, a fairy tale city that feels even more magical in spring. The cobbled streets are quieter than in the summer months, and the city’s gardens and parks come alive with blossoms and fresh greenery. Climb up to Petřín Hill for sweeping views of the red rooftops and Gothic spires, or wander across Charles Bridge as the Vltava River glimmers below. It’s the kind of place that makes you believe in poetry, or at least in the power of an overly sweet and slightly sickly Czech Trdlo.
By the time you’ve polished off the last of the leftover turkey sandwiches, your thoughts might have skipped straight past spring and into the heady embrace of summer. Summer! That glorious season when the days stretch long, the weather (sometimes) delivers, and the idea of throwing yourself into a cold sea becomes less of a dare and more of a genuine pleasure.
There’s something truly special about summer holidays. For some, it’s the classic seaside break, whether that’s Brighton’s pebbles or the soft sands of Cornwall. For others, it’s about heading abroad for a full-throttle vitamin D injection. Greece is an obvious charmer, with its crystal-clear waters, whitewashed villages, and ability to make you forget that email exists. Santorini is stunning, of course, but there’s a quieter magic to islands like Naxos or Kefalonia if you fancy fewer crowds and more authentic taverna vibes.
Spain, too, knows how to do summer properly. From the golden beaches of Costa Brava to the sultry streets of Seville, where flamenco dancers stamp and sangria flows freely, it’s a sun-soaked fiesta for the senses. And let’s not forget the Balearic Islands – Ibiza may have its parties, but Menorca is the perfect spot for a more chilled-out escape.
For the adventurous among us, summer can also mean packing a rucksack and heading to the Alps. Yes, the Alps. While they are known for snow and skiers in winter, come summer, they turn into a hiker’s paradise with trails that lead to shimmering lakes and panoramic mountain views. It’s like stepping into a postcard, but with more sweat and fewer cows than you’d expect.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Right now, we’re still firmly ensconced in the between-times: eating chocolates with questionable fillings, swearing we’ll start the diet on 2nd January (because 1st January is obviously still part of the holiday), and maybe, just maybe, Googling “cheap flights to Italy” or “best beaches in Mallorca.”
So go on, let your mind wander to those warm spring days and lazy summer afternoons. It’s the perfect antidote to the grey skies outside. Just remember: when the reality of January hits, and the gym looks about as inviting as a cold shower, you’ll need these daydreams of sunny escapades to see you through.
If this has stirred you into action, take a look at our Travel Shop where we have all our affiliate partners just waiting to serve you.
For now, pass the shortbread and let’s toast to brighter days ahead – perhaps with a cheeky splash of leftover Bailey’s. Cheers!
Where to next?
• Your ideal holiday destination according to your star sign
• Taking your dog abroad on holiday
• Best things to see in Rhodes