Short stays refer to breaks of between 1-4 nights away, just long enough for a change of scenery from the home environment. It always amazes me how refreshing and restorative short breaks can be. Time out from the normal routine and an opportunity to reset.
Short stays lend themselves very well to city breaks and with some careful planning, you can pack quite a lot into your time on a city break, but with so much to see in a relatively short time, then you need to resist the temptation to do too much. Alternatively, a rural escapes closer to home can be the perfect opportunity to relax and recuperate, if this is what you need.
Athens, Greece
Greece’s capital city is perfect for city break. Although a large, sprawling city, there are plenty of sights relating to Ancient Greece, and also Roman Hadrian’s stay, in a relatively small area of the city.
Add in a trip to the Acropolis, or Lycabettus Hill for views, before sampling delicious Greek Street Food in the historic Monastiraki district of the city.
Belfast, Northern Ireland
There’s plenty of history in the city of Belfast – whether it’s the building of the famous Titanic liner at the Wolff and Harland shipyards, or the political history of this once divided city, there is plenty to discover before enjoying a pint in one of the lively pubs in the city.
If you want to explore further, then hire a car and head up the pretty coastline to the Giant’s Causeway.
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
The attractive Victorian Spa Town of Harrogate makes a great destination for a UK city break. With Turkish Spa Baths, the famous Betty’s Tea Rooms, and a healthy festival programme throughout the year, you will not struggle to put a nice itinerary together for your visit.
On the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, you can head out for some great hikes or cycling if you fancy it.
Houston, Texas
If you have time for a stop in Houston, perhaps in-between flights, then there is plenty to see in this large city. One of the main attractions is the Houston Space Centre and opportunity to visit the famous Mission Control Room.
Other attractions include the Houston Waterfall, the Rothko Chapel, the Museum Zone and a shopping extravaganza in The Galleria.
Las Vegas, Nevada
For a super-sized adventure, visit Las Vegas, where you will struggle to leave your resort hotel if you’re not careful – shop, swim, dine and take in a show, all without leaving your hotel.
However, if you do escape, take a helicopter flight to the Grand Canyon, visit the Hoover Dam or the nearby Valley of Fire to see some of the landscapes surrounding this incredible city.
Dubai, UAE
Be amazed in the incredible city of Dubai, where everything is supersized and very smart. Shop in the Dubai Mall, ascend the world’s tallest building, the Burf Khalifa, visit Dubai Marina, and the Atlantis Hotel on the Jumeirah Palm.
However, before you leave, make sure to check out the old side of Dubai with a boat ride on Dubai Creek and visit to the colourful Spice and Gold Souks.
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