An incredible European destination has been described as a New Zealand dupe. Helen Rolph, travel insurance expert at Quotezone, shared six locations closer to home that offer beautiful experiences without the hefty price tag or long-haul travel.
This comes after air fares rose by 30.2% last summer, making long-haul travel inaccessible to many travellers. Outdoor lovers dreaming of a trip to New Zealand for its spectacular landscapes can experience something similar in Norway, with fjords, mountains and waterfalls that are equally breathtaking. Both New Zealand and Norway are known for their breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re hiking in the summer midnight sun or chasing the Northern Lights in winter, Norway is a spectacular alternative for nature lovers, offering the same sense of adventure, without the long-haul journey.
Norway is a Scandinavian country encompassing mountains, glaciers and deep coastal fjords. Oslo, the capital, is a city of green spaces and museums. Preserved 9th-century Viking ships are displayed at Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum.
Bergen, with colourful wooden houses, is the starting point for cruises to the dramatic Sognefjord. Norway is also known for fishing, hiking and skiing, notably at Lillehammer’s Olympic resort.
The suggested alternative destinations include swapping out Dubai for Marbella, where holidaymakers can soak up the sunshine and VIP treatment while avoiding disruption.
For relaxing holidays with beautiful beaches, Albania is the ideal European alternative to the Maldives, where travellers go to unwind and soak up the warm climate.
For those drawn to the vibrant culture of Brazil, Portugal offers a lively atmosphere, with Lisbon and Braga in particular boasting colourful streets with rich culture and history.
Helen Rolph said: “With uncertainty of international travel at the moment, enjoying beautiful destinations closer to home can feel like a safer option – particularly for those keen to protect their finances amid the risk of unpredictable cancellations.
“Europe has many stunning landscapes with sunny summers, rich culture, history and friendly locals – everything people usually travel far for. Luckily for us in the UK, many of these spots are just a few hours away.
“It’s important for travellers to work out what their unique trip needs and book travel insurance as soon as they book their holiday – to cover any issues in the run up to departure and help ensure, whether near or far, finances are protected.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
