24 Sep 2014
Cheapflights.co.uk points you in the direction of timely great escapes with a difference that don't involve disrupting your body clock.
Jet lag remains a menace for even the most seasoned of travellers, leaving us droopy-eyed while trying to take in amazing sights – yet wide awake at 4am. For those who want to enjoy some winter sun or explore drastically different cultures close-by, Cheapflights.co.uk highlights an array of desirable destinations that will not require an adjustment to the body clock!
Despite being a 12-hour flight away, Cape Townis only one hour ahead of London so body clock adjustments aren't required on arrival, particularly if you can sleep on the overnight flight. Market lovers will be in heaven in this city – the 'Neighbourgoods' Market, held in an old brick warehouse at the Old Biscuit Mill is filled with goods from local farmers, chefs, grocers, bakers and more, while the Milnerton Market is filled from wall-to-wall with antiques and local souvenirs. Shoppers wanting something a little more upmarket will love the V&A Waterfront that has boutiques filled with clothing and jewellery and some fine local restaurants. It's the perfect location to peruse the yachts lined up or to take the boat to Robben Island. This historic island was where political prisoners and freedom fighters including Nelson Mandela were imprisoned – and is a must for those with an interest in the history of South Africa.
For those wanting some sun and relaxation, Cape Town's Clifton beaches, only a 10-minute drive from the centre of the city, are ideal for sunset picnics and watching the rich and glamorous of Cape Town while basking in the warm sun. For families, Boulders Beach, approximately 40km south of the city centre, is ideal for snorkelling, swimming, family picnics and watching the famous colony of African penguins that have made it their home. Prices from £560 return.
Though it is a small island in the middle of the Atlantic, Icelandpunches well above its weight when it comes to culture, history and incredible scenery. This Nordic nation of fewer than 325,000 people is famous for its unparalleled views of the Northern Lights and volcanic mountains that produce dramatic lava flows. Other highlights include The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa and the famous Golden Circle tour that covers key sites in a loop 300km from the capital, Reykjavik. For those wanting more of a thrill, tours are now available which fly directly over the Bardabunga volcano that became active last month and has been shooting lava 60 metres into the air in magnificent daily displays. The tours are not for the faint hearted with the light planes swooping as low as 150 metres over the volcano. Prices from £161 return.
If white sand and crystal blue waters are what you are after, the Canary Islands are an escape to paradise. Located off the north-west coast of Africa, this Spanish archipelago's sub-tropical climate means you can enjoy warm sun even during the winter months. Hikers will love the dramatic landscapes of Lanzarote or the sand dunes that line the coast of Gran Canaria which can only be crossed on foot or by camel! In the capital of Santa Cruz in La Palma, lose yourself as you wander the seaside town and port, filled with palaces, manor houses and brightly-coloured homes dating from the sixteenth century. Prices from £70 return.
Described as the jewel of the Mediterranean, Tunisia offers over 700 miles of sandy beaches and boasts over 45 luxurious Thalassotherapy centres – as well as world-class hotels. In the capital, Tunis, the Medina, or Old Town, is a maze of streets filled with Ottoman-inspired buildings including mosques and mausoleums that are filled with opulent tile mosaics. Across town, the Ville Nouvelle (New Town) is a relic of the French colonial period of Tunisia's history, featuring wide streets lined with palm trees that lead down to the harbour. The area is a treat for architecture fans, a mix of colonial and modern structures, including the Hotel du Lac that is an inverted pyramid! Prices from £152 return.
The oldest city in Western Europe, predating London, Paris and Rome by hundreds of years, Lisbon is a must for lovers of history and architecture, with buildings that span the Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Modern periods. The historic centre of Lisbon, Baixa, is a distinctive contrast between old and new with global brands from Gucci and Louis Vuitton to the Hardrock Café and even Starbucks housed in gothic buildings that have stood for centuries. The best way to see the city is undoubtedly by tram, with the iconic yellow and red trams offering a leg-friendly way to make your way up and down the long, steep hills. Prices from £72 return.
The most important of Morocco's former imperial cities, Marrakesh is geographically comprised of an old fortified city surrounded by modernised neighbourhoods. Now a major North African economic centre, the city is also a booming tourist destination. Famous for its souk markets that offer everything from spices, medicines and artworks through to antiques, furniture and designer clothing, the city offers traditional riads in the Old Town to stay in that are relatively inexpensive and will make you feel like you've travelled back through time with their ornate decorations and furnishings. For those that have time to spare, a trip to the nearby Atlas Mountains offers an incredible view across the landscape or an overnight trip out to the Sahara Desert offers camping trips that will have you staring up at a sky filled with bright stars – a popular option with British travellers more accustomed to overcast or light-polluted skies at night. Prices from £85 return.
Often overlooked by European travellers and barely visible on a map, Luxembourg and its capital, Luxembourg City, can be found nestled between France, Belgium and Germany.. A definite destination for history lovers, many of its castles and historic buildings have been restored such as the Chateau de Vianden or the Pettingen Castle in Mersch. In the Luxembourg City History Museum, visitors can even ride an elevator that has been decked out to look like a complete room! In the heart of a Moselle Valley, famed for its wine productions, Luxembourg is also something of a haven for foodies, with Michelin-starred restaurants aplenty despite its relatively small and compact size. For those wanting to take in the outdoors, the Mullerthal Trail offers lakes, waterfalls and incredible rock formations. Luxembourg may be tiny but it will have you filling your Instagram feed everywhere you go! Prices from £121 return.
To find the best available deals to each of these decidedly different jet lag-free destinations and many more, visit www.cheapflights.co.uk.
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