Budget travel: late-summer breaks
Now that the schools have gone back to term, the airports have recovered from the busy holiday time and the holiday resorts have, for the most part, emptied out, there is no better time than now to take off on holidays. Apart from the smaller crowds, the prices on flights, hotels and package trips have fallen drastically. Just because the sun disappears so quickly in the UK once September hits, doesn't mean you have to say goodbye to summer. September and October are prime times to get away. Here are some ideas.
Northern Africa
Close to Europe, yet so exotic. Northern Africa enjoys summery weather for a lot of the year and September offers slightly cooler temperatures for those not used to the scorching summer heat. Tunisia in particular is still struggling to get tourism on its feet, even after being assured safe to visit following the Arab spring. It has 700 miles of coast, but it'll be heard to explore it all in one trip. Prices are down after the summer season, the perfect time to go.
Italy
The weeks following summer in Italy are perfect weather-wise. Puglia especially is golden at this time of the year as the waters of the Adratic and the Ionian seas are still warm. Why not rent a villa or a holiday apartment for the week and try your hand at cooking up fresh Italian ingredients in your kitchen away from home. Bari and Brindisi are excellent choices.
Greece
Greece hasn't had the best year so far. Tourism this summer was way down after scenes of civil unrest and financial disorder were on the television for weeks. But Greece is still Greece, sunny and gorgeous and as many hotels and resorts on the islands prepare to close for the winter, there are still a few more weeks left to grab a great deal. Whatever price you book at online, remember you can always ask for a better one when you arrive.
Balearic Islands
Spain's gorgeous Balearic Islands are always popular in the summer, even among celebrities and politicians. Mallorca is the number one choice for David Cameron and Jamie and Jooles Oliver. As schools go back, the beaches are empty making it the perfect place to escape for some swimming as well as hiking.
Where do you like to get away after the summer ends?