Where to travel this spring, from the best Easter holiday deals to UK stays

Simon Calder’s Travel Week [SUBSCRIBE]( [SUBSCRIBE: £1 FOR 3 MONTHS]( March 12, 2023 [View in browser](   SIMON CALDER’S TRAVEL WEEK [The Independent]( [The Independent]( Topic of the week | Spring has finally sprung – despite all that unexpected snowfall. Welcome to the new Sunday travel newsletter – the perfect partner to the existing Friday newsletter. This additional email is designed to provide the inspiration and information you need to plan your next adventure at home or abroad. Do let us know what you think of the format and content [by clicking here](. First up, Mother's Day is fast approaching (it's on Sunday 19 March, in case you'd forgotten). Need inspiration? How about treating your mum to [one of these UK days out](, or indulging in a sleepover at one of these [top hotels for Mother's Day](. Beyond honouring the women in our lives, now's also the time to snap up a [last-minute Easter holiday deal](. We've rounded up some of the [best-value April trips](, booking now. Mother's Day magic: Take in the tranquil surroundings of The Grove of Narberth hotel in Pembrokeshire awakening ... After a week travelling west along the southern Turkish coast, I have settled at my favourite [Bodrum]( eatery: the Mariners' Association café on the harbourfront. Mid-March is the ideal time to visit the eastern Mediterranean as it awakes, for a warm welcome and unimpeded access to the sights. [THE TOP TURKISH BEACH BREAKS]( [I'm an image]( Route planner Plan a Continental adventure by train with the new spring edition of the European Rail Timetable, which includes [all the latest additions to the schedules](. [EUROPE BY RAIL: THE BEST JOURNEYS](   Question of the week     Top experiences on a Swiss short break to Geneva         As part of a late-season ski trip, I have organised a 48-hour stopover in Geneva. Your recommendations?         The biggest city in French-speaking Switzerland has a gorgeous lakeside setting and some compelling attractions. Take in the view from the Promenade de la Treille, an elevated terrace that looks out towards the Jura mountains and is the location for the world's longest wooden bench – all 126m of it. Close by is the statue of Charles Pictet de Rochemont, the architect of Swiss neutrality. For the finest view, ascend to the twin towers of the cathedral. John Calvin preached reform in the 16th century in the cathedral, and his uncompromising-looking chair is prominently on display. For set-piece attractions: the International Red Cross Museum at avenue de la Paix 17 tells the compelling story of how the organisation was founded by a Swiss businessman, Henri Dunant, who was appalled by the suffering of soldiers in 19th-century battles. The exhibition makes depressingly clear how many current conflicts continue. More optimistically, take tram 18 to its terminus at the CERN campus, where the Large Hadron Collider is buried beneath the ground. As a by-product to research on particle physics, a scientist named Tim Berners-Lee conceived the world wide web here. For lunch, try the Brasserie des Halles de l’Ile, occupying a former market place; and for dinner, the steak frites at the Café de Paris at Rue du Mont-Blanc 26. The only dish at this historic bistro is sirloin cooked as you wish and served with herb butter, three helpings of chips and a green salad. [Secret sips: exploring Switzerland’s hidden wine trail]( [Save on your summer holiday with TUI]( Get £150 off holidays over £1500 Enjoying this newsletter? Unlock unlimited, ad-free reading on the website and in The Independent app when you subscribe – plus, benefit from our [welcome offer when you join today](. Spain travel Seville stays From boutique and budget to Moorish and modern, here are the best hotel choices in Spain's Andalusian capital. [Book now]( Wellbeing breaks Cornwall's best spa hotels Relax and unwind in coastal bliss with our pick of the county's top places to bed down in style. [Book now]( In Seville, days are (nearly) always sunny, tapas is cheap and delicious, and the beer is ice cold. Fiona Flores Watson Spain destination expert Beach holidays Family-friendly Mallorca Where to stay on the popular Balearic Island for kids’ activities, swimming pools and family fun. [Book now]( UK stays Cotswolds boltholes Indulge in some 'you time' with a weekend stay at one of these top-rated spa hotels in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. [Book now]( Stay at Romania's Ice Hotel on this five-day tour The best UK destinations for Easter family holidays The best beach holidays to book in 2023 - from Mauritius to Croatia   Virgin Experience Days make the perfect gifts for Mother’s Day - from hotel stays to gourmet meals [GET DEAL]( Can't wait to get away? These bottles of wine from around the world will inspire your travels [GET DEAL](   OTHER NEWSLETTERS YOU MIGHT LIKE [Climate News]( Climate News Every Friday, 12pm (UK time) Written by Louise Boyle [Join now]( [IndyEats]( IndyEats Every Saturday, 7am (UK time) Written by Hannah Twiggs [Join now]( [Climate News] Climate News Every Friday, 12pm (UK time) Written by Louise Boyle [Join now]( [IndyEats] IndyEats Every Saturday, 7am (UK time) Written by Hannah Twiggs [Join now]( If you can spare a minute we’d love your [feedback]( on our newsletters. Join the conversation or follow us [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Travel newsletter. Add us to your safe list of senders. If you do not want to receive The Independent's Travel newsletter, please [unsubscribe](list_name=IND_Travel_Newsletter_CDP). 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