Holiday booked.

[Nanto2girls]

My friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer, has been given the go ahead to go abroad on holiday.We did promise that we would go with them,when the time came.
So, we are booked for 5th January.Hubby and i would like to go to the Canaries at this time of year, but friend and hubby will only go to Benidorm, have done for the past 4/5 years.
We didn't want to make a fuss,as it will be their first holiday abroad for a year.

[ZIZI]

I have never been to Benidorm. We are due to go on holiday in March. We have gone to Tenerife for the last couple of years but to be honest I haven't really taken to it. We did go to Cyprus in April this year which was good weather but the taxi driver told us that in March Cyprus is much like Britain. We went to Lanzarote a few years ago, in our house it is known as Lanzagrottie which gives you a clue as to what we thought of it!!

Any suggestions for March one week holiday gratefully looked at. Nan2 have a lovely time and I hope your friends also enjoy themselves.

[Daisy]

Nanto - wherever you go, I'm sure you will enjoy each other's company, and that's the main thing.

[Gemini]

How lovely Nan2. I'm sure it will do your friend the world of good to go away with you

[Elisi]

Lovely Nan. The weather can be good there then.

Zizi, we loved Malta in March and went back late April. Sicily in the south is also warm and not rainy.

[Glammanana]

Nan2 how lovely I am so jealous you are off to Benidorm,it is just 15mins away from the Village where we lived for nearly 9yrs a small place called Albir but close enough to Benidorm to enjoy the nightlife if we needed it.Benidorm is what you make it even though it has a large amount of English type pubs and restaurants etc it also has the Older Spanish Town where there are lots of fabulous Tapa's Bars and Spanish Restaurants for you to enjoy all very reasonable if you fancy eating out,try the "menu del dia" menu of the day and you can be fed 4 course meal for
about 9 euros including wine take your time enjoying the food and people watching then finish the night with a stroll along the promenade with your hubby as the Spanish men do,a no 10 bus takes you from Benidorm to Albir/Alfaz and to the markets or jump the train along the coast to Alicante and their fabulous harbour or to Calpe and the great fish restaurants along the beach,I wish we where going its a while since I have been back to visit and miss it terribly.

[ZIZI]

Elisi I will look at Malta for March, any suggestions as to where is best? Preferably not all inclusive but self catering. Husband wants to go to Peru in November. Now I know it is his turn but he is talking about trekking and stuff. I don't want to go on holiday to trek although I am sure there would be lots of great sights to see. I want to go on holiday for a pool/beach, relaxing, getting up when I want holiday and DEFINITELY NOT sleeping in a bruddy tent on the side on a river or mountain, Oh no, I am not made for that at all......

[Avo]

We are off to Gran Canaria on the 11th a resort called Puerto Rico. It was recommended by friends so we will give it a go.

[Elisi]

http://www.portoturisticomarinadiragusa.it/en

Look at this first Zizi. I can recommend someone who will get you a fab apartment with a discount as he knows us.

Stanstead to Comiso if that is helpful. I know a couple of apartments, lovely and clean and near the sea and the promenade.

http://holiday-malta.com/malta-apartments/

http://www.maltaholidays.uk.com/apartments/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Vacation...n_Rentals.html

Malta is marginally warmer than Sicily in March a 2-3 degrees. Everyone speaks English. Food is good but Sicily food is better.

Marina di Ragusa has fab beach. Malta you have to go up North to get a beach. We love the place so much we are going back next year with family.

Both places are chilly at night but not cold so you need light coats or cardigans for the evening.

I love them both so go explore X

[Elisi]

March is an extremely changeable month and the end of the Maltese winter. Days can be brilliantly sunny but evenings will be cool. It's unlikely to be shorts & t-shirt weather and only the most hardy would swim in the sea. .



Late-April or May would be better but sea swimming does not really kick-off until late May.



You will always find places open. The island has a large local population, in excess of 370,000, so restaurants and bars also cater for locals. Very few places close fully now and the end of March is Easter anyway.



All of the key resort areas; Sliema, St. Julians, Bugibba, Qawra & Mellieha will provide sufficient bars and eateries.



Sliema & St. Julians are like Brighton, a large seaside town. Bugibba & Qawra are a bit like that too. I think & Mellieha is a town of around 10,000, very scenic and in the far less populated north. With a car though, the whole island is easily accessible. Buses are fine too. We took them everywhere.

Zizi, in March you will have balmy weather in both countries, but not HOT HOT HOT. The only Islands which will give you 75 - 80 degrees or more are the Canaries.

But if you want relaxation and scenery and lovely food then both places will be excellent.

[Daisy]

Elisi - what lovely informative posts. I think you could have a new career as a travel writer. You've certainly sold Malta and Sicily to me! If only! ..... I think it's caravan holidays for us this year. Which is fine, and means we can explore places in the uK we've never been to.

[Gemini]

I have always fancied Malta.

I agree Daisy, Elisi would make a wonderful travel writer or travel agent!

[Nanto2girls]

Glamma, many thanks for all the info. much appreciated.

[ZIZI]

Husband says we should go to Cyprus because we can get a plane from Heathrow which is literally a ten minute walk and five minute bus ride instead of me stressing over driving to Gatwick, Parking etc. Although we went on National Express last time and it worked well. I will see what comes up, It isn't super hot there at that time of year but he says it doesn't matter, well maybe not to him!! Well anyway I looked at March dates and we can get an apartment for 7 nights for £215 each including flights. Thanks for the link Elisi, it looks good. We are going to have a proper chat at the weekend so will let you know. To be honest Stanstead is too far from us. When I was working in schools around there it would exhaust me driving there and it is all M25 and A12 and the flights are often night flights or late evening arrivals and I don't like driving at nights these days (I know I am a wimp).

[Elisi]

Ah, Gee, thanks for the compliments

I've never been to Cyprus but it is on my list! Gatwick and Heathrow fly to Sicily and Malta. If so just get in touch Zizi and I'll try to point you in the right direction. X