Hands up who doesn’t want to go on one of our half-term mystery holidays UK breaks.
And hands up those that do?
We thought so. The passport ready, guidebook clutchers have it! And by a mile.
But for those odd few still on the fence, we’ve got some great news for you. It may be half-term, the period when holiday prices rocket upwards overnight, but we’ve got some great deals to recommend.
So if you’re looking for cheap half-term mystery holidays from the UK, and we’ve already discovered you are, you’ve come to the right place!
Time to make a meze of things
Wouldn’t it be great to find out you’re heading off to sunny Cyprus for your mystery holidays half-term break?
Still a member of the British Commonwealth, you can be sure of some of the normalities of home, such as three-pin plugs (leave those EU adapters at home folks!), driving on the left, and the near universal spread of English on the island.
Practicalities aside, the island’s coastline is a sublime mix of attractive cliffs and plenty of spots to lay down a towel.
Towns and cities such as Paphos, Limassol and Larnaka are well prepped when it comes to all you’ll be looking for too.
For culture, there are fascinating museums deep within Old Towns that have stood the test of time. Short taxi rides away you’ll find restaurants, nightclubs and entertainment that will show you first hand that Cypriots are some of the most hospitable people on the planet.
You’ll be dining out on stories of the size of the meze you ordered for months and years to come!
Time to make a meze of things
Now is not the time to be shy. The tropical sun of Thailand’s premier beach destination is all about seizing the day.
That could mean getting up late and staying up till dawn. Or it might mean ticking off the long list of attractions Phuket offers…
Swim through gin-clear waters before making new mates among the bars and clubs.
Hire a slow boat to drift between the islands.
Or do your very best Bear Grylls impression by heading into the jungle in search of monkeys.
Whether you’re searching for inner zen in Buddhist monasteries or to let your hair down, Phuket is always a good idea!
Be charmed by Sharm
If you have your heart set on leaving Europe entirely, Egypt’s Red Sea coast makes for a great half-term mystery holidays UK departure without breaking the bank.
The devaluation of the Egyptian Pound (so it’s almost like being back home) a few years ago makes the Red Sea an incredible destination when it comes to value for money.
And of course, you can be pretty safe when it comes to ensuring the weather will live up to expectations whatever the time of year too. This is Egypt after all.
Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada are together the two principal destinations on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, sitting on either side of the Red Sea from one another.
If you’re lucky enough to get Sharm (as its known) for your mystery holidays half-term break, you don’t even need to concern yourself with obtaining a visa.
Instead you’ll get a permit on entering. And then a whole world of sun, sea and sand lays at your disposal.
The Red Sea is known as a hotspot for snorkelling and scuba diving, with plenty of schools ready to coach you.
But even if you’re not one with Nemo and friends, the vibe of both towns will ensure this will be a mystery holiday to remember.
Fly south for the sun
Situated closer to Morocco than mainland Spain, and just a few hours flying time from the UK, the Canary Islands have been a favourite with those seeking out a half-term break that’s as reliable on the ground as on the pocket since before mystery holidays were even a thing.
Despite their Atlantic location, the islands have a good reputation for weather, just be sure to check the forecast before leaving home as proof.
They’re pretty much who the phrase ‘year-round sunshine’ was written for.
If you’re struggling with name recognition you won’t be when we mention the main islands: volcanic Lanzarote, travellers’ favourite Gran Canaria, classic beach escape Fuerteventura and world-famous Tenerife.
Between them you can be as active or as passive as you wish. As you might imagine when average temperatures are 20°C, beaches and hotel pools aren’t hard to come by.
But the islands also offer up some epic hiking opportunities, Spain’s highest mountain peak, softly smoking volcanoes and nightlife that needs little introduction.
In short, a half-term mystery holidays UK escape you won’t want to miss.
Turkish delight
Say ‘riviera’ and it might well be the Mediterranean shores of France that come to mind.
But cast your eye to the opposite end of the Mediterranean and it’s the Turkish Riviera we have in mind for those seeking out cheap half-term mystery holidays from the UK.
Much of the allure of this region of Turkey is its incredibly blue seas (the region is sometimes also called the Turquoise Coast).
And it’s hard not to imagine yourself bobbing gently on the waves in a private hire yacht for a fraction of the price you would in Nice or Antibes.
Whether you find yourself staying in a hotel in Antalya, Marmaris, Bodrum or Fethiye, the Turkish Riviera marries its attractive blue waters with pale sands that it would be easy to mistake for the Caribbean.
There are lively towns which remain rich in local flavour, attractive landscapes of forested mountains and even ancient ruins to explore on days when your not looking to soak up the sun.
Live out your Mamma Mia! fantasies
Made famous by the jet-set of the 1960s, when only the rich and famous were able to travel, the Greek Islands have lost none of their glamour in the intervening years.
Arriving to a small port of white and blue painted buildings after a short sailing has to be one of the best ways alive of confirming the validity of your half-term mystery holidays UK escape.
And with so many islands to opt between, Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, Zante, Santorini and Mykonos are all on the cards here, it’s hard to see how you could possibly go wrong.
You’ve got the glimmering seas reflecting in ancient harbours, a mix of tiny coves and large hotel-backed beaches, imagery to keep you in Instagram likes for weeks to come, and plenty of culture too.
Whatever the time of year, the islands never skimp on local festivities, adding a big splash of colour to an already amazing setting. Need more convincing? We thought not!
