As the summer crowds dissipate, autumn presents a prime opportunity for savvy travellers seeking Mediterranean sun, cultural city breaks, and peaceful exploration. Travel correspondent Simon Calder has responded to reader queries, offering tailored advice for those planning getaways in the coming months.
Solo Mediterranean Escape for a Special Birthday
A reader named Elizabeth, turning 50 in late October, sought advice for a solo week-long trip flying from Manchester to a lovely Mediterranean spot. Calder identified late October as a logistically complex but rewarding time to travel, citing two main factors.
The first is the English school half-term, which for most begins on Saturday 24 October 2026. This significantly inflates prices; an easyJet flight from Manchester to Malaga on that day is currently priced at a steep £494 one way. However, by delaying departure until the Wednesday of that week, fares plummet to just £34 – a staggering 93% reduction.
The second complication is the end of the aviation summer season, with many airlines winding down holiday routes by late October. For instance, the last easyJet flight from Rhodes to Manchester in 2026 is on 3 November, priced at £260 one way.
Calder's recommendation bypasses Spain's Costa del Sol for better value in Greece. He suggests booking an easyJet return flight from Manchester to Athens for £144, with outbound travel on 28 October and return on 4 November. After potentially spending a day in the tourist-light Greek capital, travellers can take a 75-minute hydrofoil from Piraeus port to the island of Poros.
Poros offers classic Greek island charm: a relaxed waterfront lined with tavernas, a maze of steps leading past whitewashed cottages to a hilltop church, and excellent beaches. Calder recommends family-run accommodation like the Christine Studios, near Askeli beach and a 20-minute walk from the main town. The return flight timings allow for a civilised morning ferry back to Piraeus before catching the 1.35pm flight home.
The Perfect European City for a Long Walk
Another reader, Terry, asked for a European city break recommendation for autumn, flying from Luton with his postman son-in-law who enjoys long walks. Having enjoyed Berlin previously, they sought a similar destination.
While acknowledging Berlin's unique Cold War history and excellent urban trails, Calder suggests looking to other middle-European cities accessible via Wizz Air from Luton. He highlights Gdansk, the fascinating Polish port city, as his top choice.
Gdansk is rich with history, being where the first shots of the Second World War were fired. It is home to a modern museum dedicated to the conflict and the European Solidarity Centre, located at the Lenin shipyard where the Solidarity movement began. Calder describes this centre as "one of the greatest modern cultural sites in eastern Europe."
The city's layout is ideal for walkers, with hours of exploration possible along its medieval streets and quays, all while benefiting from comfortably low prices in cafes and bars.
A Three-Day Cultural Itinerary for Palma de Mallorca
For readers John and his wife planning a three-day city break to Palma de Mallorca in February, Calder provided a detailed day-by-day guide.
Day one should focus on the historic centre, starting at the towering Gothic cathedral with its slender columns and vast rose windows. The exploration should continue through the lanes of the old Moorish quarter, visiting the 10th-century Arab Baths (Banys Arabs), before meandering to the handsome Placa Major and lively La Rambla. The day concludes with a sunset dinner booked at the Marina Bay on the quayside, or for a culinary high point, the tasting menu at Marc Fosh.
Day two is dedicated to culture and modern art. Key sites include the Es Baluard Museu d'Art Contemporani, set in a 16th-century fortress, and the dramatic Miro Foundation in Cala Major. Calder also recommends the quirky Poble Espanyol, a 1960s compendium of Spanish architecture.
For the final day, Calder advises using Palma's excellent and inexpensive bus network to explore the island. Taking bus 203 allows visits to the lovely inland towns of Valldemossa and Deia. A short hop further to Soller enables a return to Palma via the scenic mountain train, providing a splendid end to the trip.
Simon Calder continues to answer travel questions, with queries directed to his email or Twitter account.
