Black Friday is upon us again and as we all make a dash to get good deals on electronics, clothes and Christmas presents, it’s worth thinking about the experiences that money could go towards instead. So before you rush to purchase more stuff for yourself or as presents for others, think about buying memories that will last a life time.
Swap the widescreens for sun cream in the Canaries
Tech is one of the biggest areas where people want to bag bargains on Black Friday, but what if you were to forgo the warm glow of a bigger TV screen for some natural sunshine? The Canary Islands benefit from warm temperatures year-round and some fantastic beaches on which to stretch out and relax. Whether you prefer the natural beauty of Playa Papagayo in Lanzarote or perfect swimming conditions at Playa Barca in Fuerteventura, there’s a beach in the Canaries waiting for you.
Swap a new phone for history in Rome
You can learn a lot from surfing the web on your phone, but nothing compares to being in a place and soaking up its many stories. Rome certainly has the credentials when it comes to history, having been founded in 27BC and having seen everything from the assassination of Julius Caesar to the filming of Ben Hur. The Eternal City drips with historic architecture and works of art that seemingly transport you back in time. So eschew a new, shinier phone and opt to wander through the Roman Forum, bask in the evening light of the Piazza Navona and stare up at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel until you have filled yourself with the wonder of this historical setting.
Swap a laptop for top of the mountain views in Barcelona
There are many iconic scenes of Barcelona that you are likely to have seen on Facebook and Instagram from your laptop, but no matter the spec, no collection of pixels compares to the views you witness yourself. Head up Mount Tibidabo, which at a height of 512 metres is the tallest peak in the Serra de Collserola and opens up expansive views of the whole of Barcelona below. Marvel at how small the magnificent Sagrada Familia looks from such a distance and allow your eyes to drift up to the sea on the horizon. Forget Facebook envy; this is the way to live.
Swap a pair of trainers for a trip on a tram in Lisbon
A new pair of trainers could take you to many places, but will they transport you through the finest neighbourhoods of Lisbon? There’s no need to hop aboard a tourist bus in Portugal’s capital, as tram number 28, which is just a regular part of the city’s transport infrastructure, offers the best sightseeing opportunities any vehicle could give you. Still serviced by the original Remodelado trams of the 1930s, the scenic route goes through the Baixa, Graça, Alfama and Estrela districts, as well as climbing the hill to the Sao Jorge Castle.
Great Black Friday deals at Monarch
So whether your aim is to grab a winter sun bargain, sort out your city breaks for 2017 or purchase flights as Christmas presents for loved ones, Black Friday is the time to do it. Monarch has some incredible deals for all kinds of holidaymakers, with 35 % off seats to the Canaries and 25 % discounts on flights to city break destinations . If none of these are quite up your street, then take advantage of Black Friday with £30 off all holidays with Monarch or £10 per person on hotel bookings.
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