Destinations For Multi-Focus Holidays
While ski trips, beach jaunts and city breaks are always welcome, our holidays have evolved to become more than a one-note getaway.
This year, travel companies are prepared for a demand of multi-focus holidays: trips to one destination for two or more major draws, whether that’s food, culture, activities, sun, or nature. My multi-focus holidays are usually with a big group where there’s a broad range of interests, because they keep everyone happy. It also means visitors can experience more of a place – and arguably, get more bang for our buck.
Some places lend themselves perfectly to this trend, with so much going on that it’s remiss to focus only on one aspect. If you’re tempted by one destination with many sides, here are our top places to check out.
St Gallen, Switzerland – for culture and cycling
We do love a small city to explore. In Europe, they’re usually perfect for getting around on foot, crammed with history, and handy for the airport, making it ideal for a long weekend. That’s the case with St Gallen, which boasts one of the most beautiful libraries on the planet.
The Abbey Library of St Gallen stands proud at 1300 years old. But its real beauty is the interiors, where thousands of valuable books adorn the walls surrounded by some of the most beautiful baroque architecture in the world. It gets busy, and you’ll want to spend time admiring its every detail, so get there early.
Once the city is explored, the good news is that the great outdoors is nearby. The stunning Lake Constance, which touches the borders of Switzerland, Austria and Germany, is ideal for a cycling trip. It usually takes around five days to cycle its perimeter, with flat, segregated cycle lanes making it ideal for families and beginners.
As the popular lake is a 13-minute train ride away from St Gallen, it’s also possible to take a daytrip to admire this island-dotted lake, cycle a small stretch, enjoy a dinner with a view, then head back for the night.
Schwangau, Germany – for architecture and skiing
Ask any German about Schwangau, a two-hour coach ride from Munich, and they’ll know it as the home of Neuschwanstein Castle, a fairytale castle so magical that it inspired Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Originally made for the Mad King Ludwig of Bavaria in 1892, this spired castle draws a huge amount of tourists throughout the year, keen to see this famed castle up close.
Yet for those who like architectural magnificence alongside outdoor sport, nothing quite beats the pizzazz of skiing around it. The 2km illuminated Neuschwanstein track – which uses artificial snow so that snow is guaranteed – cuts right underneath this imposing castle, as part of the region’s 32km of cross-country trails. Also nearby is King Ludwig’s childhood home of Hohenschwangau Castle, which serves as a reminder that there’s plenty more to see and ski in the area.
Taipei, Taiwan – for city, spirituality and food
Often overlooked as a destination in South East Asia, the island country of Taiwan is an underappreciated gem. In its capital of Taipei, there’s so much to explore. You can go full urban mode, taking a tour that includes the changing of the guards at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and the zooming up to the top of the impressive landmark building Taipei 101, which dominates the skyline. Or for something more soothing, concentrate on its Buddhist and Taoist side with visits to the stunning Bangka Lungshan Temple and the serene Nung Chan Monastery.
In the same environs, foodies will be in for a treat. Delights range from medicinal broth restaurants to the original Din Tai Fung. Be sure to check out the Ningxia Night Market for more unusual street food: on my visit, I adored the oyster omelettes. The stinky tofu? Not so much.
Provence – for wine, outdoors and art
Few places in France are as rich with varied experiences as Provence. Imagine Plateau de Valensole’s undulating fields of lavender against a sun-drenched sky, between which are some of the finest rose winemakers in the world, and you’ll understand why it attracted famous artists like Van Gogh, Cezanne and Picasso.
These days, it’s easy to enjoy all of Provence’s offerings in a weekend trip. In fact, one of its biggest winemakers, the ever-popular Château La Coste, is as much as a contemporary art gallery as a winery.
Hire a car to experience the full range of Provence’s landscapes, from Plateau de Valensole, to the Camargue, Europe’s largest river delta where pink flamingos and wild horses can be spotted within the biodiverse, protected area.
For a spot of art history, in Aix-en-Provence, visitors can step inside Cezanne’s preserved studio, complete with his final works, his own art equipment, and watercolours. Meanwhile in Arles, the Van Gogh walking trail stops at the locations of his most famous works including The Yellow House, Starry Night Over the Rhône and the wonderfully evocative Café Terrace at Night.
Wherever you plan on exploring this year make sure to protect your trip with Switched On Travel Insurance. Find out more about our feature packed cover by visiting the travel insurance page of our website.