As cheap airlines and battling travel operators shrink the world through market forces, we need to question some of our old clichés and start to create some new ones.

So, let’s not settle for Paris in the spring time, let’s look for some new destinations…

Madrid (Spain) in March. On those clear crisp late winter days as the sun begins to warm the earth, a fine place to while away an afternoon is the Parque del Retiro. Promenade around the lake like a madrileño, then perhaps a cold beer and a little art (the Museo del Prado is not far away and the Reina Sofía a short trip on the excellent metro) before a siesta and a (very) late dinner (dinner-time is typically 10pm onwards). Couple that with the Plaza Mayor, one of europe’s finest squares, the Bernabéu (home of Real Madrid FC), one of Europe’s finest sporting arena’s & Tapa’s and you’ll be asking why you never came before!

If the thing about Paris is the gallic ‘charm’ and flair, but you crave some sun, then how about some French Caribbean sun? Whilst, many of the French influenced islands require long flights with a stop-over in Paris,Saint Lucia , is just over 8 hours from London by direct flight. The weather is great in the early months of the year on this beautiful (surprisingly green) Caribbean emerald of an island..,

Tempted?? Let’s go…

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