Looking for adult only holiday ideas

Fosterdog

Basically myself and OH are in need of a break and thinking of going away in October but are completely stuck as to where to go and looking for some suggestions.

Neither of us has been away much before, we've been to Ireland and Menorca together and separately I went to Gran Canaria quite a few years ago and he went to Ibiza. We ideally want to see more of the world and go somewhere different this time. We have a few big trips planned over the next ten to fifteen years (America trip, Japan, New Zealand, Peru, Canada) but they are going to be the big expensive holidays so one every three to four years, we are looking for ideas on just cheaper small holidays for some of the years in between.

Neither of us wants to go to the big touristy family orientated resorts, while we are not against there being kids on holiday we really don't want anything like the popular resorts.

We ideally want somewhere that will still be quite warm in October but mid 20s is fine, a beach holiday would be good as I love scuba diving and snorkelling but we would settle for somewhere with a nice big pool instead. We want somewhere that has nature based things to do, nature reserve, national park, mountain walks, lakes etc. and we also like the more cultural side of things where we can head off to an old town or city and immerse ourselves in the atmosphere. The plan is to spend the first part of the day out and about exploring, back for a bit of time at the beach or pool in the afternoon if we have time, then back out for the evening.

We are not really looking at the all inclusive places where you are relatively stuck to the hotel and surrounding areas, we want to get out and about and try lots of local food so it has to be a hotel near at least a couple of restaurants. Night life wise we both hate the club scene but don't mind live music, other than that we would just want a few quiet and relaxing drinks, we don't want cheesy hotel entertainment.

The area of Menorca we went to did tick most of the boxes but we really want to go to different places.

I'm considering maybe Greece or Croatia but no idea what areas to go for as my searches are bringing up very mixed results. I'd love to go to Italy but it is out of our price range really.

So does anyone have any recommendations on what might suit a couple of not very well travelled people desperate to see more of the world? We are on a budget, the cheaper the better as we are expecting to spend a fair bit on food while there £400 each as a maximum really but if it can be under £300 even better. Prefer to travel from Cardiff or Bristol but could travel to Birmingham or one of the London airports if we had to but that would obviously eat into our budget meaning less on the holiday.

richardw

Fly Ryanair from Bristol to Chania or easyJet to Crete.

Velvet_Glove

What about Madeira? Lots of nature and culture.

Fosterdog

Thanks, will look into those, now also considering Montenegro it seems to be ticking most of the boxes

PompeyPete

Fosterdog wrote: »

Thanks, will look into those, now also considering Montenegro it seems to be ticking most of the boxes

On my to do list too.

Croatia is next door and gorgeous.....had 2 weeks there in April, 4 nights in Split, a week on the Island of Brac, and final 4 nights just south of Split in Makarska. Loved every minute, and it seems to meet your criteria.

In September we're going to Bosnia & Herzegovina [Mostar and Sarejevo], topping and tailing with a couple of nights in Split. We're diy-ing, but it's all very simple using booking.com for accommodation, and the transport infrastructure looks simple enough.....I think that Bosnia has the lot, glorious scenery, and a recent bloody history to learn about. Good vfm too.

daveyjp

I visited Montenegro 30 years ago, still known as Yugoslavia back then.

Stayed in Budva and it doesn't appear to have changed much. Handy for Dubrovnik.

Also another vote for Madeira as long as you can drop the need for a beach as they are few and far between. You could do it for your budget.

blues

We've used both Jet2 and Thomson for adult only holidays in various places including Croatia (Kolocep-was beautiful) and Madeira. Jet2have some very good deals.

meg00

Have you considered Jersey or Guernsey?
Adult only if you steer clear of half term.
Good luck.

Marie90

Oh, yes, Montenegro is great choice, I've been there about 2 years ago, that was amazing!

Fosterdog

Thanks again for the ideas, we are siding more with Croatia, it looks so beautiful, but still shopping around for the right deal so that could change.

skint_chick

Montenegro is cheaper than Croatia and just as beautiful - although if you're going inland in Croatia it's cheaper - lots of national parks like Plitvice, and getting around by bus is cheap and easy.

We went to Rhodes last year and it was cheap, there was lots of snorkelling and scuba around Lindos, and lots to see and do. We stayed at an all inclusive adults only 4 star that was the same price as self catering and was 10 mins walk from Rhodes town and less from bars, restaurants etc. If you're thinking of Croatia - Dubrovnik and Split are probably out of your price range, as they tend to be more expensive. Porec is lovely and has Roman history and nightlife, but is family friendly. Although if you don't go in half term then in October it should only be younger children - most European term breaks are also in October - so you might want to consider the last week in September instead.