AN Autumn break can be a good choice for holidaymakers looking to chase the sun, with many destinations offering warmer weather, fewer crowds, and cheaper prices. 

One city has been found to offer the best bargain holiday deal for this time of year, and that’s Marrakech. 

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The fourth largest city in Morrocco has become increasingly popular with tourists over the years. 

And it’s now been crowned Most Budget Friendly Autumn Getaway 2024 by DiscoverCars.com.

In the car rental company’s latest report cities were scored on a number of factors: 

• Average cost of a week-long hotel stay

• Average cost of car rental for a week

• Number of affordable restaurants

• Average rainfall in millimetres

• Average temperature in September, October and November

• Average daylight hours during these months. 

Marrakech scored best for average rainfall, with just 25mm during September, October and November. 

It also came up top for the longest daylight hours, with an average of nine hours during Autumn. 

While the average flight cost to Marrakech Airport is on the pricier side (£253), the average cost of a week-long hotel stay was just £168. 

Its average temperature was one of the highest at 19C. 

Here are some of the cheapest things you can get up to in the city. 

Visit Bahia Palace for its stunning Moroccan architecture 

Nestled in the heart of Marrakech is Bahia Palace – a 19th century building decorated with stunning paintings and mosaics. 

The palace was set up by Si Moussa, grand vizir of the sultan, for his personal use, and named after one of his wives. 

Its gardens are particularly popular, with orange and banana trees, cypress trees, hibiscus plants and jasmine shading the walkways. 

Entry to the palace is free. 

Grab a cheap bite to eat at Jemaa el-Fnaa

Jemaa el-Fnaa is the main square and market place in Marrakech’s medina quarter. 

There are plenty of restaurants dotted around the square serving local delicacies like tagine, brochettes (skewered kebabs), fried fish and couscous.  

Prices are very cheap – you can have a hearty meal for just £9-13.

Explore the iconic El Badi Palace 

El Badi Palace is a ruined palace commissioned by the sultan Ahmad al-Mansur of the Saadian dynasty a few months after his accession in 1578. 

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The palace features intricate mosaics, marble columns, gold-topped ceilings, and onyx, and its rooftop terrace offers views of the skyline, Atlas Mountains, and resident storks. 

Entry for adults is 100 MAD (£7.75), and for children 30 MAD (£3.02).

WHILE it may be tempting to bring one seemingly common item back to the UK from your holidays, it could land you in serious trouble.

Conch shells are large, pinkish, spiral-shaped shells – and packing them in your luggage could get stopped in UK and international airports.

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The shells are famous for making a noise similar to the ocean when you put your ear to them – and can be found in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Florida and the US Virgin Islands.

The conch themselves are similar in taste to clams and often sold in markets and shops for tourists and locals to enjoy.

However, many people may be unaware that conch are in fact an endangered species.

As a result, you would need a permit to import a conch shell into the UK – or risk being stopped at customs.

There are further regulations abroad to stop conch – and their shells – being removed from their country of origin.

In Florida, for example, it is illegal to possess a conch shell with a living conch inside.

It is also illegal to possess one if it has an off-centre hole larger than a sixteenth of an inch in diameter through its spire – as this indicates a conch has been killed, mutilated or removed from its shell.

Failure to comply with these rules could result in jail time.

In the Caribbean, a permit is required to export any conch shell – even if it is part of a souvenir such as an item of jewellery.

In December 2021, Caribbean authorities seized five conch shells from a pair of travellers – among 500 other illegally exported items.

Conch are endangered because they have been overfished for many years, due to their status as a delicacy.

Many conch are also harvested while they are still too young to have reproduced.

The animal is now protected under an international treaty called CITES – the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

This protects endangered species against over-exploitation by regulating international trade.

A UNIQUE holiday destination in Suffolk has just been named one of the friendliest accommodation providers in the UK. 

Hippersons Boatyard in Beccles has been announced as one of this year’s winners at the Visit Britain’s ROSE Awards. 

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The awards recognise the accommodation providers across England who provide visitors with the warmest of welcomes.

But Hippersons is very different from your usual holiday park or self-catered apartment. 

Guests can stay in in one of six quirky houseboats which are nestled on the River Waveney in The Broads National Park.

The boatyard is self catering, offering fun for families or a romantic getaway for couples. 

Each accommodation has a private rowing boat for exploring the river, and there are a wide range of other water-based experiences on offer. 

Canoes, kayaks, stand up paddle boards, and a pedal boat are all available for hire. 

There are also self drive boats you can take out for the day to explore the wider Broads. 

Among the houseboats to choose from are ‘Secret Water’ – a luxury floating glamping pod with a large deck at the front to watch the sunrise and sunset from, a double room and a bunk room, small kitchenette, and a wet room with underfloor heating. 

Local cafe Relish can make food hampers if you’re in need of supplies, or if you need some time out from cooking, there are plenty of pubs and restaurants nearby. 

Nearby attractions include the Beccles Lido, where you can book a slot and swim in the outdoor pool.

There’s also Beccles Museum with displays on local industries and crafts.

A 30 minute drive away is Secret Sauna, a wood-fired sauna cabin in a secluded location, perched on the banks of the River Waveney.

And if it’s speed you’re after, you can book a turn at Beccles Go Kart race circuit.

One Hippersons Boatyard guest, who visited in August this year, described their stay on Tripadvisor.

They wrote: “The accommodation was well finished with a beautiful view out of the boatyard towards the river. My kids (and I) loved watching the fish swim past as we ate out on the water. We were welcomed by very hospitable staff and found a welcome hamper on arrival. The boathouse came with a dingy and life jackets, which we could use at our leisure.

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“The boatyard is really well placed a short walk from the historic centre of Beccles (but no road or town noise!). My kids loved visiting the headed lido and we enjoyed a meal out at the Royal Oak. Both Norfolk and Suffolk attractions were accessible from Beccles. Just a brilliant stay, I really can’t recommend enough. We’ll be back!”

Prices start from £315 for a three night stay. To book, visit the Hippersons Boatyard website.

AN UNUSUAL water attraction in the UK has been likened to a theme park ride by visitors – and it’s the only one of its kind in the world.

The Falkirk Wheel is a rotating boat lift that carries barges and boats between the Forth and Clyde Canal and the Union Canal.

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Located in Falkirk, Scotland, it is the only one of its kind in the world, making it a tourist attraction in its own right.

After first opening in 2002, it has become one of Scotland’s busiest tourist attractions, with 500,000 visitors every year.

Travel website Secret Scotland described it as an “exceptional” example of engineering, writing: “The Falkirk Wheel boat lift is an exceptional feat of modern engineering that connects the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals.”

Meanwhile, Scottish Canals described the Union Canal as “a route to remember” on their website.

They added: “From the iconic Falkirk Wheel to the historic heart of Scotland‘s capital city, discover boat trips, inspiring trails and amazing heritage.”

The rotating wheel takes around five minutes to lift boats from one canal onto the other.

Barges can be hired and taken down both canals, with Edinburgh at the end of one and Glasgow at the end of the other.

Although visitors won’t need to hire a barge to give the Falkirk Wheel a go, with tours onboard two boats from the Scottish Canals Trust are also in operation.

The Original Tour lasts 50 minutes and includes two turns on the Falkirk Wheel.

Visitors will depart from the Falkirk Wheel Basin where they’ll enter the lower gondola of the wheel before sailing through the sky to join the Union Canal 35 metres above the basin.

Boat tours will then continue along the aqueduct, heading through Roughcastle Tunnel before reaching the mouth of the Union Canal where boats will turn back to the start.

Tours last 50 minutes, with tickets costing £17.40 for a full-paying adult and £9.60 for children.

The Falkirk Wheel has been praised by visitors on TripAdvisor, with a 4.5/5 star rating from over 4,000 reviews.

One person wrote: “The area has been turned into a children’s theme park ride”.

While a third person wrote: “It’s more like a theme park attraction than a boat lift”.

There are plenty of other attractions at the Falkirk Wheel, including a splash zone with a huge stone map and mini canal lock gates.

A fleet of little paddle boats lets younger visitors experience the water in the boating pond.

Older children can take to the water on bumper boats, each of which come equipped with a squirt gun.

Other activities include paddle boarding and water zorbing and canoeing on the water trail.

Nearby, there’s also Helix Park where a huge set of two Kelpie statues can be found.

Kelpies are mythical shape-shifting horse spirits that were said to drag humans to their deaths in the water.

The statues were designed by Andy Scott, and they’re the largest equine statues in the world.

Spanning more than 350 hectares, there are plenty of other features inside the huge park, including an adventure zone and splash play area for kids, with fountains spraying from the ground and huge climbing structures.

Meanwhile walking and cycling routes “meander through lush greenery and enchanting woodlands” according to the park’s website.

The paths in and around the park connect 16 communities via 26 kilometres worth of trail, all of which can be explored.

Entry to Helix Park is free, making it ideal for families.

Five new water attractions opening in the UK

1. Therme Manchester will have 25 swimming pools, 25 water slides and an indoor beach.
2. Modern Surf Manchester will be a surfing lagoon offering lessons to both beginners and experts.
3. Chessington World of Adventures Waterpark is set to have wave, infinity and spa pools as well as waterslides and cabanas.
4. The Cove Resort, Southport is likely to have a water lagoon and a thermal spa with steam rooms and saunas.
5. The Seahive, Deal plans to be the “surfing wellness resort” in the UK.

Meanwhile, Dundee has been named Scotland’s most underrated city thanks to its ties to the Beano and the Dandy.

And we’ve recently revealed our favourite spots for a September break.

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BRIT holidaymakers probably won’t have heard of Sivota, a tiny harbour village in Greece.

Sivota is often overshadowed by its more well-known neighbour Corfu; however, it has all the trappings of a seaside holiday.

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Located in Epirus Region in Greece, Sivota sits near other well-established beach towns like Praga.

While the tiny village isn’t on the main tourist trail in Greece, it is a popular stop on sailing holidays in Ionian.

This is largely thanks to its pretty beaches, lush coastline and crystal-clear waters.

Travel blog Travels & Wandering described Sivota as a “hidden gem” in northwestern Greece.

The fishing village is surrounded by several small islets, including Mavro Oros and Agios Nikolaos.

There are plenty of beaches within walking distance of Sivota, including Bella Vraka Beach.

Beach-goers will need to walk through shallow waters to reach the tiny beach, which is actually on the tiny island of Mourtemeno.

Other beaches in the area include Mega Ammos Beach, which is known for its snorkeling, Zavia Beach and Gallikos Molos Beach.

Gallikos Molos Beach is the closest beach to Sivota, it also has the most facilities of any of the neighbouring beaches with a beach bar.

Renting sunloungers and parasols at the beach cost just €5 (£4.20) per person, making it more affordable compared to the likes of Mykonos and Santorini, as reported by the Independent.

Three little-known Greek islands to visit

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THERE are plenty of Greek islands to visit, including several little-known spots that are free from the crowds.

1. Located in the Dodecanese Sea, Symi is a fairytale-like island home to traditional Greek villages and harbour-front bars and cafes. Reaching the tiny island became a lot more accessible after Jet2 announced the launch of a new route from the UK.
2. Despite being twice the size of Mykonos, Tinos is often overlooked by most holidaymakers. But holiday demand for the island is predicted to grow thanks local food and sandy beaches.
3. Meanwhile, the island of Paros has a wave of chic new hotels opening. The island has its own airport – making it much easier to visit than some other smaller islands in Greece that can only be accessed by ferry.

Visitors can also book onto boat trips where they’ll be able to explore some of the smaller islands, hidden coves and the Blue Lagoon.

Because of its coastal location, Sivota is known for its amazing seafood, with several restaurants only serving fish.

Spiridoula taverna has been named as Sivota’s number one seafood restaurant on TripAdvisor.

Other top-rated restaurants include 12 gods, which has views overlooking the harbour, and Odyssey Taverna.

There are a number of affordable hotels in Sivota, including LANGO LUXURY LIVING Sivota, which has £60 stays.

Direct flights operate from the UK to Preveza, the closest airport to Sivota.

EasyJet operates direct flights between London Gatwick and Preveza, with one-way fares from £33 in October.

Preveza Airport is a 90-minute drive from Sivota.

Alternatively, holidaymakers can fly from the UK to Corfu International Airport where they’ll be able to board a ferry from Corfu to Sivota.

If you don’t want to go this far, then a beautiful UK seaside town has been compared to a Greek island.

And another seaside town in the UK is also home to dolphins, whales and puffins, as well as amazing castles.

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LLANDDWYN Beach in Wales has won praise online, with some describing it as where the forest meets the sea.

Located in Anglesey, Traeth Llanddwyn (Llanddwyn Beach) is backed by Newborough National Nature Reserve and Forest, meaning the tall forest trees line the banks of the beach.

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TikTok user aimee__laurenwilliams recently posted a video about the beach, writing: “One of the only UK places where the forest meets the sea”.

Newborough National Nature Reserve and Forest covers a large swathe of land in Anglesey, including Malltraeth Sands, the Cob Pool, Cefni Saltmarsh, Abermenai Point, Llanddwyn Island, Llanddwyn Bay and Penrhos Bay.

The pine trees that line Traeth Llanddwyn were planted between 1947 and 1965 to help stabilise the shifting sand dunes.

Just ten years after the trees were planted, Newborough National Nature Reserve and Forest was declared the first coastal nature reserve in 1955.

Because the area covers a large expanse of land, there’s plenty to keep visitors entertained.

Traeth Llanddwyn is a Blue Flag that’s home to more than 3.5 miles of golden sand and crystal-clear waters.

While there aren’t lifeguards, there are free toilets, as well as BBQ areas, picnic benches and food trucks in the summer.

From the beach, holidaymakers will be able to reach Ynys Llanddwyn (Llanddwyn island) at low tide.

The island, which has sweeping views over Snowdonia, is named after Saint Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers, making it a popular spot for romantic getaways.

Visitors to Ynys Llanddwyn will find the ruins of St Dwynwen’s Church, a lighthouse (Tŵr Mawr), and Pilot’s Cottages, which have been converted into a small museum and visitor centre.

Meanwhile, Newborough National Nature Reserve and Forest is also home to some of the country’s rarest mammals like the red squirrel.

There are several walking routes and trails in the nature reserve, including the Saint, Sand and Sea Trail.

The four-and-a-half-mile walk takes visitors on a three-hour journey through the Welsh nature reserve.

For families with younger children, there’s also the Nature/Animal Puzzle Trail.

The one-hour route starts in the beach car park and continues through the forest path.

Kids will be given a leaflet and tasked with animal spotting on the walk.

OTHER WELSH BEACHES

There are plenty of other “hidden” beaches dotted throughout Wales, including Skrinkle Haven Beach.

Beach-goers can only reach Skrinkle Haven Beach through a narrow tunnel when the tide is low.

Earlier this year, travel writer Catherine Lofthouse visited the beach, she wrote: “You’ll need to be fairly sprightly to travel through the tunnel safely, but we managed it with our four-year-old, so it’s possible for little legs.

“There are warning signs about getting cut off and the uneven levels you’ll encounter, so use common sense and research tide times to keep safe.

“Beyond the tunnel, Haven is certainly a good name for it with its sheltered sides and inviting golden sands welcoming us in.

“It really feels like a place that time forgot, but we don’t have the luxury of setting time aside and all too soon, we need to climb back up the tunnel before we’re stranded by the tide.”

Meanwhile, this UK seaside town is almost like visiting a Greek island.

And you can watch dolphins from a music festival at this UK destination.

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