Twin UK alternatives to your overseas holiday destinations and tips for world photography day
As the UK is slowly recovering from the pandemic and countries are added or removed daily from different travel lists, there’s still a lot of hesitation and uncertainty about if or how to travel. However, this doesn’t mean that people aren’t missing their usual getaways, with a recent study from Asda Money of 2,000 people in the UK finding that 41 per cent of Brits are still planning to go on holiday in the UK this year, and 16 per cent already have somewhere booked.
Whether you’re pining for cocktails in Spain, the countryside in the South of France, or you wanted to travel further afield to ‘the Big Apple’, there’s plenty of places that Brits are missing visiting this year. Luckily, Asda Money have scanned the UK and found the next best options to the real thing with alternative destinations based right here, so you can still plan your staycation and maybe even find some new favourite holiday locations.
Portmeirion, Wales and Portofino, Italy
Portmeirion in Wales is built in the style of classic Italian towns, with an uncanny resemblance to the bright hues of Portofino, an iconic spot in northern Italy.
York Minister, England and Barcelona Cathedral, Spain
Barcelona Cathedral is a collection of spiky towers and arches, which mirrors the equally impressive York Minster, with its foundations stretching back to 627!
Liverpool, England and New York, USA
Did you know many ‘New York’ scenes are actually filmed in Liverpool? With similar architecture from skyscrapers and high-end shopping, Liverpool offers a slice of the big city life right here in England.
Windsor Castle, England and Ashford Castle, Ireland
Both of these castles are surrounded by idyllic countryside, preceding examples of Victorian and Georgian architecture built on much older foundations. Whichever you visit, both castles offer a full, fun, and engaging day out.
Minack Amphitheatre, England and Odeon of Heroes, Greece
The Odeon of Heroes in Atticus, Greece, will have hosted musical concerts back in the first few centuries AD. Not quite so old, the Minack Theatre in Cornwall was built in the first half of the 20th century, but its unforgettable backdrop is more than a match for the Odeon of Heroes.
Isle of Skye, Scotland and Kirkjufell, Iceland
North Atlantic cousins Scotland and Iceland are home to some of the world’s most incredible scenery, from unusual mountain formations to sweeping plains, and rugged coastlines to dramatic highlands.
Salcombe Harbour, England and Kalkan Harbour, Turkey
Kalkan Harbour sits in a grand Mediterranean bay, full of small fishing boats and waterfront restaurants. Surprisingly similar, Salcombe Harbour is surrounded by the natural beauty of blue water and lively countryside, all sitting across a dramatic coastline and creating the perfect seaside holiday destination right here!
Lake District, England and the Swiss Alps, Switzerland
The Swiss Alps may be jaw-droppingly beautiful, but if you want the beauty a bit closer to home then the Lake District could be the destination for you; as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is much to explore for couples, families and retirees.
The Cotswolds, England and Burgundy, France
Pre-COVID, thousands of visitors from across the world were visiting the Burgundy region of France for its charming villages, but the Cotswolds is a strong competitor when it comes to charm! If you’re looking for quaint pubs and country walks this is the place for you.
World Photo Day
While you’re away you might also want to be taking some pictures, either as a way to save your memories, maybe to share on social media, or perhaps to practice your photography skills. Turning these moments into custom photo cards can be a delightful way to remember your trip too. Whatever you’re wanting to do with your snaps, here are some expert recommendations to celebrate World Photo Day from Jess @explorefordays on instagram
“My main photo tip might seem obvious, but it’s one I’ll stand by time and time again; take photos all the time. It’s so easy whilst travelling to become spoilt by great scenery that you can end up taking it for granted. It’s only once you’re back home that you wish you’d taken just a few more photos. If you end up with a dozen photos of the same mountain or lake, so be it.
My second tip is that not every photo needs to be monumental. Sure, you’re going to want to take photos of the great sights and scenery around you, but it’s the small moments we often forget too. Don’t forget to photograph those memories too; sweaty faces after reaching the peak, curbside dinner whilst wild camping, freezing ocean dips and flat tyre misadventures. My favourite thing when looking back on my photos are the small moments I’ve captured. Often moments I’ve forgotten about completely until I flick through my photo album and the memories come flooding back. Trust me, it’s the best souvenir!”
Alistair Ball, Head of Insurance for Asda Money comments, “Holidays will look a little different this year for many of us, but that doesn’t mean there’s not still lots to be enjoyed right here in the UK, and overseas when we’re able to. Hopefully these alternative locations will provide some excellent holiday destinations for people to visit this year, or for inspiration for the future.”
If you want more inspiration to help with this year’s holiday planning, you can see more UK alternative destinations here. Also, discover Asda Money’s travel insurance with UK cover and cover for COVID-19, so you can be protected wherever you choose to go.
