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Following on from my earlier posts discussing work and lifestyle balance and planning those new adventures and memories, January/February are always very exciting as this is when we generally book our trips away. 

Travel and holidays are really important to me, travel broadens your horizons, creates special memories, whether you are holidaying with that special person, family or friends, the fun you have cements bonds the way not many other activities do. 

You don’t always need long-haul flights and airport marathons to enjoy an amazing holiday. 

Some of the most beautiful places in the world are less than four hours from the UK, perfect for long weekends, short breaks, or extended escapes. 

Whether you’re craving culture, sunshine, wine, coastline or just a change of scenery, Europe delivers it all without jet lag. 

Here are 10 fantastic destinations you can reach quickly, ideal for relaxed travel in your 50s, 60s and beyond.

1. Vienna, Austria 🇦🇹 

Elegant, cultured, walkable. 

Coffee houses, palaces, classical music, Christmas markets, pure charm. Vienna holds a special place in my heart, as this was our very first overseas trip together 24 years ago celebrating my wife’s 40^th birthday. Like everywhere places change, but for me Vienna takes Number 1 spot as one of the nicest cities, I’ve been lucky enough to visit. 

Perfect for: romantic weekends, culture lovers. 

2. Greek Islands 🇬🇷 (3–4 hrs depending on island) 

Santorini for sunsets, Crete for beaches & food, Rhodes for history, Corfu for greenery. 

Warm seas, wine, slow evenings by the harbour. 

Perfect for: sunshine, relaxation, lazy dinners. 

3. Italy 🇮🇹 (3 hrs average) 

Rome for history, Florence for art, Venice for romance, Sicily for food & coast, Lake Garda for scenery. 

Italy fits every mood — and the food alone is reason to go. 

Perfect for: culture, pasta, wine, passion. 

4. Barcelona, Spain 🇪🇸 

Beaches + city. Tapas culture. Gaudí’s architecture. 

A stroll down Las Ramblas then seafood by the marina, perfect blend. 

Perfect for: short breaks & warm weather. 

5. Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹 

Views, pastel streets, trams, fado music. 

Fresh fish, custard tarts (dangerously addictive). 

Perfect for: gentle city exploration + sunshine. 

6. Paris, France 🇫🇷 

Closer than many UK cities — 2.5hrs via Eurostar. 

Museums, riverside walks, wine, bakeries. 

Perfect for: romance, food, city strolling. 

7. Dubrovnik, Croatia 🇭🇷 

Terracotta rooftops, clear sea, old-town charm. 

Walk the city walls, sit by the water with a cold drink. 

Perfect for: scenery lovers & relaxed explorers. 

8. Amsterdam, Netherlands 🇳🇱 

Cycle-friendly, canals, art galleries, tulips in spring. 

A relaxed, youthful city — great for wandering. 

Perfect for: casual weekends & short breaks. 

9. Malta 🇲🇹 

Warm climate most of the year. 

Historic streets, boat trips, blue lagoons. 

Perfect for: winter sun getaways. 

10. Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹 

Technically Portugal but completely unique, Madeira was my mother’s favourite destination and had to be on my list. 

Mountains, incredible scenery, Levada walks, flowers. 

Perfect for: nature, hiking, relaxation. 

Tips for smooth under, 4 hour travel 

🧳 Pack light, hand luggage is freedom 

🚕 Choose accommodation within 20–30 mins of airport 

🍽 Book one special meal per trip, a memory anchor 

🛏 Stay central to minimise travel time 

🧭 Don’t overschedule, wandering is part of the adventure 

📸 Photos matter, but moments matter more 

Short trips recharge the soul without draining energy. 

Why this type of travel suits later life 

As we get older, comfort matters. 

Short flights mean: 

• Less fatigue 

• Less airport stress 

• Easier planning 

• More time enjoying, less time travelling 

Sometimes a 3-hour flight feels like a magic portal, leave grey drizzle, arrive to blue skies and cold wine. 

As always, I would like to hear from you, where are your favourite destinations, what types of holidays you are enjoying in your sixties and beyond. 

Tell me what makes you excited about holidays, is it relaxing with a good book on a beach or something more adventurous, I would love to share your special memories, I could then create another list. I do like a list!