For most of us, the Easter break is a well-deserved few days off. The weather, although unpredictable, often spells the promise of a hot summer and leads to a weekend of sunbathing, gardening and early barbecues. Some of us choose to escape for a short holiday, heading off for some sun or a city break.

If you’re considering going away in spring, but aren’t sure where to go, we’ve put together a list of five destinations worth visiting.

1. Historical Warwickshire

If you’re a history lover, start your holiday with a trip to the town of Warwick which combines quintessential British buildings with Arthurian legends and battles of Britain. Looming over the town is Warwick Castle, which offers a host of exhibitions about the castle and its history, including scandal, horror and magic. 

Nine miles away in Stratford-upon-Avon is the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Step back in time on a literary adventure to discover where Shakespeare lived and wrote. Take a boat trip on the River Avon and have lunch in one of the many original Tudor buildings, before taking in a performance of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

2. Bohemian Barcelona

Perfect for a long weekend and just two hours away from the main London airports, Barcelona is ideal for an Easter break. Spring temperatures are usually warm, with al fresco tapas and sangria common among the many bars and cafés lining Las Ramblas and along the seafront.

Art lover or hater, it’s hard not to be impressed by Barcelona’s quirky architecture, including Gaudi’s still unfinished Sagrada Familia. Stroll around the hilltop Parc Güell and treat yourself to hot chocolate and churros, before taking the cable car from the harbour up to the hidden castle at the top of Montjuic Mountain.

3. Icy Ischgl

If you didn't managed to ski during the winter, then consider jetting off to the slopes of Ischgl over Easter. This Tyrolean town in Austria shares its peaks with Samnaun in Switzerland and boasts spring snow until May. The Ischgl ski resort has slopes for all skiing abilities, including the ‘Eleven’, which is one of the longest ski runs in Austria. As well as skiing and snowboarding, Ischgl offers sleigh rides, a seven kilometre floodlit toboggan run and plenty of shops.

Once your day on the slopes is finished, it’s time to let your hair down. This traditional Alpine village is the home of Après-Ski and there are plenty of bars and restaurants for you to spend your evenings post-piste, as well as church concerts and discos.

4. Cultural Belfast

Now one of the most visited cities in the UK, the capital of Northern Ireland is a great place for a short or long break for all ages. Surrounded by mountains, breathe the Belfast air and go hiking or cycling, or picnic in one of the city’s many parks or gardens.

With stunning cathedrals and castles, plus musical festivals and shopping, there’s plenty to do. Experience Gaelic Football, or cheer on the Belfast Giants at an ice-hockey match. Venture further afield and visit the legendary Giants’ Causeway, just 90 minutes north of the city.

5. Unspoilt Jordan

If you’re looking for an unusual destination outside of Europe, then Jordan is decidedly different. Steeped in religious history and culture, this country is home to the hospitable desert tribe of Bedouin and the ancient Nabataean city of Petra. Housing over 500 tombs, the Rose City of Petra is now one of the seven wonders of the world and is hidden behind Al Kazneh, the impressive treasury carved out of the rock.

The capital city of Amman, a short distance from Petra, combines Roman ruins with modern hotels and shops. Float in the Dead Sea, visit Mount Nebo where (according to the Bible) Moses first saw the Holy Land or head to the Gulf of Aqaba for snorkelling and scuba-diving.

John Lewis Travel Insurance

Wherever you decide to spend Easter, if you’re planning on going abroad, then make sure you have the right travel insurance.

John Lewis Travel Insurance provides you with up to £8,000 for holiday cancellation and £2,500 for lost luggage as well as offering protection against loss of passports or personal items.

If you’re hitting the slopes this Easter, our Winter Sports cover gives you extra protection, including up to £10 million towards the cost of medical care if you’re injured from skiing, ice-skating or snowboarding.

Make the most of your holiday by being covered when you travel.

Terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and eligibility criteria apply.

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