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Romantic Cities to Visit for Valentine’s Day

January 28, 2026

Paris

Number one on the list of romantic cities to visit for Valentine’s Day is definitely Paris. One of the great things about Paris is that you can get there quite easily from the UK either by flying, driving or catching the train. There are lots of nice cafes and restaurants for romantic dining, with a trip to the Eiffel Tower also great on Valentine’s Day.

Florence

With beautiful streets and romantic scenery, Florence is also a nice place for a city break in time for Valentine’s Day. It is considered a global art destination and steeped in cultural delights. Although it is not allowed anymore, many couples have partaken in the romantic gesture of attaching a padlock to the Ponte Vecchio to symbolise their love.

Vienna

With its world class opera scene, Vienna is considered to be a fun city to visit for couples who want to enjoy a weekend away. The Austrian capital has a great food scene and it is a contemporary and compact European city that also has many interesting places to visit. Its history of classical music puts it on the map as a good destination for Valentine’s Day trips.

Venice

Venice is a beautiful ‘floating city’, which has a reputation as one of the prettiest places to visit in Italy. It is very popular with celebrities and often a host city for weddings. It is less crowed during the early months of the year, but it still offers a great ambience this time of year, with its pretty streets and canals.
UK pantomime performances for the 2025/26 season

December 22, 2025

Visiting the pantomime over the Christmas holiday is a tradition for lots of families in the UK. It is a fun occasion for all ages, with plenty of laughs guaranteed, and a really enjoyable experience.

If you are looking to see a good pantomime over the coming weeks, here are some of the ones that are showing at the moment in various locations around the UK. There is a lot of variety across the country this year and something for everyone.

Sleeping Beauty at the London Palladium: Julian Clary and impressionist Jon Culshaw lead the cast at this show. It is a classic fairytale that promises to provide good entertainment for all the family.

Peter Pan at Greenwich Theatre: Another classic tale and one that is often used for the pantomime performances. Peter Pan, Wendy and Tinker Bell soar into action to outwit Hook and his pirate crew in this high-flying magical adventure.

Robin Hood at the Birmingham Hippodrome: If you are in the Midlands area for Christmas, then you can enjoy a performance of Robin Hood at the Birmingham Hippodrome. This show has adventure and glamour all bundled up together.

Jack and the Beanstalk in the Bristol Hippodrome: Those who are in the West can make the most of the variety across the country and watch another classic tale, Jack and the Beanstalk.

Cinderella in Bournemouth Pavilion: Cinderella is of course one of the most famous tales and often used for panto performances. You can watch it in Bournemouth this year.

Sleeping Beauty at the New Theatre Cardiff: Another different panto performance is available to watch in Wales. A sparkling production of Sleeping Beauty will be performed at the New Theatre in Cardiff over the coming weeks.
Best Christmas Lights Displays in the UK

December 5, 2025

Christmas lights are one of the best things about this time of year. They cheer up the city streets and look lovely outside homes. For those who want to indulge in some extra special festive lights displays, here are some of the best ones to see across the UK.

Stockeld Park

Yorkshire’s winter wonderland is at Stokeld Park. Here there is a beautiful Christmas light trail, which helps bring the forest to life. There are installations, projections and sculptures, complete with animations and soundscapes.

More information can be found here: Christmas Adventure Event | Stockeld Park

Stourhead

Down in the other part of the UK, you can visit Christmas at Stourhead for a beautiful winter lights trail. There are also festive food and drinks stalls here too.

More information can be found here: Christmas 2025 | Stourhead | Wiltshire | National Trust

Christmas at Kew

Ideal for those in London, Christmas at Kew boasts a magical winter that is packed full of dazzling lights and Christmas colour. There are some amazing illuminations on show, including shimmering tunnels of light.

More information can be found here: Christmas at Kew | Kew

Christmas at Westonbirt

From the team behind Christmas at Kew, Christmas at Westonbirt also has lots of impressive displays. There are different light collections throughout the arboretum and they are accompanied by festive tuned to get you in the party mood.

More information can be found here: Christmas at Westonbirt | Forestry England
Best fireworks displays for NYE

November 11, 2025

Fireworks have long been associated with marking the start of the New Year. There are some amazing displays that you can watch. Some of the NYE fireworks displays should be on your bucket list when it comes to travel.

Here are some of the most famous ones that you should try and visit at some point:

Sydney

Sydney has a very famous display to highlight the start of the New Year. The fireworks show here is iconic, and it takes place over the harbour, which provides an impressive backdrop. There are actually two displays that happen on the evening. The Calling Country fireworks are scheduled at 9pm before the main display and these are ideal for children and families.

Edinburgh

Scotland always celebrate New Year’s Eve in spectacular fashion. The Hogmanay festival in Edinburgh has been taking place since 1993. Part of the evening celebrations include fireworks that light up the sky over Edinburgh Castle.

London

With Big Ben and the London Eye included in the background of the fireworks display in London, this internationally renowned event draws a huge crowd. It is also shown live on TV for those who want to watch it from the comfort of their own home.

Dubai

Dubai is known for hosting very glitzy celebrations. The fireworks on NYE are no different. The Burj Khalifa skyscraper is often a centerpiece in the show.
Nordic Breaks for the Winter Season | Patricia Bech Travel Hub

October 6, 2025

Discover the World’s Arctic Winter Holiday Collection has some great new hotels that are opening up for the winter season for Nordic breaks.

New Aurora Retreat at Black Sand Hotel, Iceland

Opening in November, this new boutique hotel sits on the edge of south Iceland’s remote and rugged coastline, with the buzz of Reykjavik only an hour away. The elegant rooms have large windows to make the most of the views overlooking vast stretches of black sand beaches and lava fields running down to the northern Atlantic. Cosy and warmed by geothermal energy the Black Sand Hotel is a perfect new spot for watching the dancing northern lights (with aurora wake up calls) as well as enjoying active days exploring the Reykjanes UNESCO Geopark and the Golden Circle. A three night stay this winter is priced from £532pp which includes B&B accommodation and car rental. https://www.discover-the-world.com/holidays/aurora-retreat-at-black-sand-hotel/

New Arctic Spa Escape at Gáldu, Ivalo, Finland

Opening in December is Finland’s newest spa hotel, Gáldu Hotel & Spa. The boutique lodge marries amazing winter experiences in Finnish Lapland with wellness and the chance to press the reset button in a stunning location. The name ‘Gáldu’ comes from the Sámi word for ‘ice plunge’. The location on the edge of Urho Kekkonen National Park puts guests conveniently just 40 minutes from the airport at Ivalo to take advantage of the direct flight from London Gatwick. Choose from a 3-night package which includes reindeer sleigh, farm visit and full day spa access or 4 nights which adds on husky sledding and even more time to enjoy sauna three ways – traditional Finnish dry sauna, wood-burning sauna with panoramic views and steam room. And, for some water wellness there’s the warm pool, cold plunge and outdoor Jacuzzi. A three night stay is priced from £1766pp which includes full board, use of the wellness amenities, arctic activities, winter clothing and transfers.

https://www.discover-the-world.com/holidays/arctic-spa-escape-at-galdu

New Tromsø and Sommarøy Winter Adventure, Norway

This new winter trip combines a Tromsø city break, husky sledding and Sommarøy, a remote island in Northern Norway. The journey begins in Tromsø with its vibrant café culture, artisan scene and striking modern architecture of the Arctic Cathedral. There’s the option to take a cable car up Storsteinen for spectacular views and enjoy Arctic cuisine including fresh seafood and wild game. Go husky sledding and for a true Nordic experience, brave a dip in the sea and warm up in a floating sauna. Continue to the island of Sommarøy for snow-covered beaches, crystal clear blue waters and the chance for spectacular northern lights. The Sommarøy Arctic Hotel features an outdoor terrace, sauna and cosy lounge. There’s sea kayaking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and a fjord and wildlife minibus safari available as optional activities.

A four-night stay is priced from £1025pp which includes 2 nights in Tromsø with breakfast and 2 nights at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel with half board, husky safari from Tromsø and transfers. https://www.discover-the-world.com/holidays/tromso-and-sommaroy-winter-adventure/

The best Halloween Parades in the US | Patricia Bech Travel Hub – Welcome to the Patricia Bech Travel Hub
The best Halloween Parades in the US | Patricia Bech Travel Hub

September 23, 2025

One of the best things about the autumn months and the fall season is Halloween. It is a fun celebration for all ages. The best Halloween Parades in the US offer great entertainment for everyone.

If you have never done Halloween in the US, it is definitely something that should be on your bucket list. This is a celebration that Americans mark with amazing parades, trick or treating, fun parties and lots of other activities. The parades are particularly impressive! There are some really incredible Halloween parades that you can visit in the country and here are a few of the best ones.

New York

Halloween in New York is amazing and it has some of the best activities to enjoy. The Village Halloween Parade is very famous. It first began in 1973 and the parade has grown and grown. It now attracts over 2 million spectators and nearly 1 million participants. The performances are incredible.

Chicago

During the last decade the Arts in the Dark parade has become an amazing evening of celebration in Chicago. This is one of the best Halloween parades in the US. It is much more than just about Halloween and the event brings together world-renowned institutions, cultural organisations, youth programs and aspiring artists. The audience is not as big as the one in New York, but the dazzling parade floats still attract more than 100,000 admirers as they make their way through the streets.

Louisville

The Hallouween Parade & Fest in Louisville in Kentucky is a free community event, with lots of entertainment. It has been going for the last 20 years and there is a parade, music and plenty of candy given out to mark the fun occasion. There are quite a few magazines that rank this event as one of the best Halloween Parades in the US and it is certainly the best in this area to attend.

From Halloween to Christmas, here are some ideas for Christmas Markets to visit in Europe: Christmas Markets to visit in Europe – Welcome to the Patricia Bech Travel Hub

Not long until pumpkin time 🎃 #fall #halloween #autumn https://t.co/tzmhsdqYXV
— Patricia Bech (@BechPatricia) September 22, 2025
5 of the best countries for skiing | Patricia Bech Travel Hub

September 18, 2025

When autumn arrives, people often think ahead to booking their ski trips. Popular ski resorts get booked up very quickly each year and so it is important to think about any trip well in advance. Here are some of the best places to go skiing. You can also enjoy walking and other winter activities in these countries and resorts.

France

You have lots of options if you are looking at booking a ski trip in France. The Three Valleys is very famous and attracts thousands of keen skiers every year. Resorts that are worth exploring include Courchevel, Morzine, Val d’Isere, Les Arcs and Tignes. There is a big variety in terms of price options, with luxury chalets and lower cost options available in most of the destinations.

Austria

Austria often appeals to those who want to ski early in the year as it has a lot of high up destinations that receive snowfall at the beginning of the season. Solden pretty much guarantees snow early on and it also has two glacier areas that can be skied. Kuhtia has north-facing slopes, which helps to ensure there are skiable conditions from very early on in the season.

Switzerland

Known for being on the pricier side of the skiing options, Switzerland has some incredible resorts. Verbier is glamourous and popular with members of the Royal family. There is also St. Moritz for those who enjoy the jet set chic side of the skiing – this resort even hosts snow polo! Gstaad is very upmarket as well.

US

If you travel to America for skiing, you can hit the slopes on both the East and West Coast. In the East Coast, Killington and Stowe are the obvious choices and they are very family-friendly. If you go West, Mammoth Mountain and Heavenly are popular. They have lovely scenery.

Canada

Whistler is the resort that everyone talks about when you plan a ski trip to Canada. It is known for its expansive reach and vast terrain. Banff and Lake Louise and also popular choices for those making the trip to this part of the world to hit the slopes. Like with the West Coast of America, if you are travelling from Europe, you need to account for jetlag as it will impact your trip at the start.

Three cities to visit in France | Patricia Bech Travel Hub – Welcome to the Patricia Bech Travel Hub
Three cities to visit in France | Patricia Bech Travel Hub

September 15, 2025

The Patricia Bech Travel Hub highlights three cities that are worth visiting if you are planning a trip to France…

There are lots of places in France that are very beautiful. The country has lovely beaches, impressive mountains and pretty countryside. France is also a great country to visit for a city break. Its vibrant towns offer plenty of good places to eat as well as historical sites to visit. If you are thinking of taking a trip to France for a city break, here are some ideas for places to visit:

Paris

Paris is the capital city and it is a magical place to visit. There is so much to see in this city. Some of the highlights in the famous Eiffel Tower, which is the main landmark in the city. Paris is also a good place to visit for museums and those interested in art. A trip to the Louvre Museum is a must. Other places to see include the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Montmartre. When visiting a city, seeing it from the water can give a different perspective. A Seine River Cruise does just this in Paris. The shopping in great as well and Paris is known as a fashion capital.

Patricia Bech Travel Hub: French cities to visit

Grasse

Located towards the south of the country, Grasse is known for perfume and a place that the Patricia Bech Travel Hub wants to highlight. It is very famous as the best place in the world for perfume and you can visit a perfume factory during your stay to learn more about the process. Grasse is very pretty and has a lovely traditional old town, with winding streets that are populated with cute little shops. The weather is warm here for many months of the year (except the prime winter period where it may be a little rainy) and there are lots of restaurants that offer alfresco dining.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is the home of wine. This is a great city to visit in France for those with an interest in wine. The city is right in the heart of a famous wine-growing region. There are wine estates that can be visited on the different banks, with the Left Bank home to the likes of Pauillac and Margaux. There is also the striking Gothic Cathedrale Saint Andre to see during a tip to this city.

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Christmas Markets to visit in Europe

September 11, 2025

Although is only Autumn, Christmas isn’t too far away. One of the best parts of the festive season is visiting a Christmas Market. In fact, many of the Christmas markets begin in November, which is actually just around the corner.

If you are thinking of visiting a Christmas Market this year, here are some ideas of places to go.

Florence

Florence has a beautiful German Christmas Market and it still goes by the traditional German name, “Weihnachtsmarkt”. There are quite a few Christmas Markets in Italy and this one in Florence has been taking place for more than 500 years. This year it is beginning on November 28th. Florence is easy to visit and served by its own airport, but also the airport in Pisa is not far away. There are a lot of other things you can do in the city to make it more than just a Christmas Market trip. The market itself is located beneath Santa Croce, which is a beautiful setting.

London

London is a special city during the Christmas period. Winter Wonderland has become a huge part of the Christmas experience in the capital city for many. Here you can find lots and lots of fun rides for Children, as well as a Santa Experience and ice skating. The Christmas Market part of Winter Wonderful includes the traditional wooden huts and you can buy mulled wine as you browse them. It starts early and you can book tickets from November 14th onwards.

Frankfurt

For the an authentic German Christmas Market experience it is of course worth travelling to one of the German cities. The Christmas Markets are everywhere and Frankfurt has one of the oldest ones. It is positioned around various parts of the city and there is a magical feel with all the lights and quaint wooden huts.

York

Back in the UK, York has a very pretty Christmas Market. It is an award-winning Christmas Market and this is included within the city’s festive celebrations, which begin on November 13^th. The streets look wonderful with all the Christmas decorations and there is a traditionally festive atmosphere throughout the city.
Surfing destinations in the UK

September 5, 2025

During the autumn months, surfing in the UK is very good! The water is a bit warmer after the summer months and also the conditions for surfing can be very good. Here are some ideas for beaches to visit in the UK if you want to try body boarding or surf lessons.

Cornwall: Fistral Beach in Newquay

It is worth travelling to the very bottom of the UK and visiting Cornwall for some surfing. It is known to be an excellent place for enjoying the waves! Fistral Beach in particular is noted for having swell all year round. In the autumn, the sea will be warm too and it is likely to be less crowded. It is a good destination to try if you are a beginner or more accomplished.

FISTRAL BEACH NEWQUAY

Devon: Woolacombe

Again, down south, Woolacombe is also a brilliant place for surfing. It isn’t quite a far to go as Cornwall, but still offers lovely sandy beaches and good conditions for those wanting to get into the water. Like Fistral, it is ok for beginners and also longboarders. It is also very family friendly and popular throughout the year.

North East England: Saltburn Beach

If you are closer to the Northern parts of the country, then Saltburn Beach is an option that is worth considering. It has long waves here and has become a popular – but also more discreet – spot to go in this part of the country. Autum is great but spring will also have good conditions here as well.

Saltburn Beach

Scotland: Thurso East

If you are an accomplished surfer, then a trip to Thurso East in Scotland should be on the cards. This is a place to go for those who are experienced in the water. Thurso East is is suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers. This isn’t a place to try and learn and it is too difficult for beginners.

Ideas for a trip away with the girls