Hooray, it’s October and my favourite season, autumn, is officially here! Skies are still beautifully blue but I’ve dug out slippers and sofa-blankets, and I’ve thought about collecting blackberries and conkers with my daughter (but am yet to actually action this).
If you love autumn’s misty mornings and bonfire smells as much as me, you’ll probably stay put in the UK for the foreseeable – but that certainly shouldn’t mean no holidays. Our 152-strong UK portfolio is brimming with stylish boutique hotels, gorgeous rentals and great-value pubs and B&Bs that’re all perfect for a easy weekender or few days away. I love to walk the South-West coastal path without all the crowds at this time of year, or visiting the Lake District for stunning autumnal vistas.
But if swapping flip-flops for trainers saddens you, chase the sun to northern Africa. Our other Destination Focus this month is Morocco, a massive i-e staff favourite. Just a 4-hour flight from the UK, it’s a world away in terms of exoticism, with its colourful souks, authentic culture and amazing food. And there’s so much to see. Marrakech is perennially popular, a jostling mecca for shopping; the delightful fishing port of Essaouira with its cool cafes and chilled vibe; Fes, the spiritual core of the country, home to some of Africa’s finest mosques; the bewitching Sahara Desert, the towering High Atlas mountains, and hidden kasbahs and Berber villages. Best of all, it remains an incredibly affordable country to visit – cheap flights and amazing-value hotels.
Where are you travelling to this autumn? We’d love to hear from you on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Liz
