Going on a weekend trip is great fun and allows you to get away from it all for a couple of days. This can be really refreshing and can help you to come back to everyday life feeling happier and healthier, with a better outlook. Holidays are very important for health and mental wellbeing.

There are many destinations in the UK that can make excellent weekend destinations. If you like city breaks, think of somewhere like London, Liverpool or Manchester. You might also want to think about Glasgow or Edinburgh if Scotland is close enough to you.

If you prefer a country retreat, the Cotswolds or the Peak District are lovely spots that are very typically English. You could also enjoy a seaside break somewhere like Bournemouth or Margate. With cheap flights being so readily available, it is also possible to get to other countries for a short break very easily.

A holiday is a time to relax, unwind and spend time away from home. The last thing you want to be doing is making it more stressful for yourself by worrying about money. A holiday where you are able to stick to your budget will give you the most relaxing experience possible.

If you are trying to stick to a budget, there are still a number of things you can do. Think about going on holiday in the UK or going somewhere that it will be easy to reach. The Caribbean may be beautiful but it won’t be a quick or an easy option if you are short of money!

If you are fairly flexible with timings (you don’t have children and can go away in non-school-holiday periods) then you may be able to keep track of cheap flights and wait until there is an option to suit you. Sign up for email alerts and keep a lookout on sites for budget flights.

A mini break is the perfect way to enjoy some time out of everyday life without using up all your holiday allowance. You could even go on a mini break over a long weekend or bank holiday to avoid it becoming a big constraint on your time. Here are some tips for planning it to perfection:

  • Go with a plan. Time is precious during a mini break. Make sure you know what you want to do and have some ideas about how to get there.
  • Book accommodation early. Mini break are often in cities and cities are often expensive, especially capitals. Get in early to get some good deals on hotels and apartments.
  • Travel light. If you are flying, you will only need hand luggage for a short break. You could also consider getting a ferry or a train to somewhere in the UK or a European destination that isn’t too far away.

Italy is a beautiful country with may possibilities for holidaymakers. It has sun, sea and cities in abundance. People who like a mix of culture and beaches on holiday will find plenty to attract them in Italy.

If you love dramatic scenery and coastlines, why not visit the Amalfi coast? If you are brave enough, take a trip down the Amalfi drive. It was originally built by the Romans and offers some beautiful views, however the roads can be a little precarious in places. Take a bus trip if you don’t fancy driving it yourself.

Rome, the capital of Italy, is a fascinating destination that every culture and history lover should visit. See ancient destinations like the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain, or spend the day shopping and enjoying some of the delicious cuisine. Rome has a reputation as a city of culture for a very good reason – you can easily spend three to four days there and fill them.

Beach holidays can be great if you want to get away, relax and have some sun. However, some people feel that they want to get more out of a holiday. Here are some questions to ask yourself if you can’t decide whether you want to go on a beach holiday:
• Do you feel like you need to relax? If so, a beach holiday could be perfect.

• Do you like the sun? For people who love sunbathing and getting a tan, a beach holiday is ideal. If you burn easily, be very careful in the sun. Beaches might not be ideal as they offer little shade.

Of course, it is perfectly fine to combine a beach holiday with other types of holiday as well. You could compromise by staying in a beach town that has other holiday activities available as well, like museums you can visit and nature trails you can walk along.