You can now catch a direct flight from Manchester to a sunny, beachy paradise that been labelled ‘the new Turkey’.
Morocco is experiencing a tourism boom, with the number of flights to the African country from the UK rocketing in recent years.
There are four cities you can fly to directly from Manchester (including Marrakesh, Agadir and Tangier), but the newest route to open heads straight to Casablanca.
This is a coastal resort that promises great value for money, with three-course meals for less than £20 and the average cost of a pint just £2.50.
Manchester Airport has said that the surge in popularity of holidays to Morocco mirrors the recent boom in Turkey.
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And to celebrate the fact you can now visit the beautiful city of Casablanca direct from Manchester Airport, with prices from just £127 per person with Royal Air Maroc, our local airport has whipped up a bit of a guide to this hidden holiday gem.
Your first stop should be the Old Medina in Casablanca, which was the setting for the Hollywood classic film of the same name.
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Here you’ll find markets, cafes and street hawkers, plus views of the city from the city walls and ramparts.
The Hassan II Mosque is considered one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture in Africa, jutting into the ocean.
At the time it was built in 1993, the minaret at the mosque was the tallest in the world at 689ft.
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It looks extra-stunning at night when the building is silhouetted against the sunrise.
As for food, you can expect flavoursome Moroccan food like tagines and couscous, plus loads of seafood.
Casablanca is also home to one of the country’s best beaches in Ain Diab, with golden sands stretching for nearly two miles.
It has a more manageable temperature than some parts of the Med too, reaching average highs of 27C in July and August.
Once you’ve had enough of lying on the beach, you can head up to La Corniche, a seafront promenade lined with restaurants, beach bar and nightclubs.
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There’s even a waterpark in Casablanca – there are more than a dozen water rides and its own beach at the Tamaris Aquaparc, where entry costs just £18 for adults and £11.80 for kids.
Day trips to the Moroccan capital of Rabat, or to Fes, are also possible from here, as are hiking trips to the Atlas Mountains.
Direct flights between Manchester Airport and Casablanca are now available with Royal Air Maroc.
You can live out your cowboy dreams on this northern wagon staycation
Thomas Melia
There’s a staycation in Yorkshire that’s perfect if you were one of those kids obsessed with cowboy hats, horses, and yelling ‘YEEHAW’ in your parents’ faces.
We all know that Haworth is home to some fantastic food, breathtaking views, and fascinating history – and is now housing a 19th century style wagon.
Called Pondenrosa, the American-style covered wagon sleeps two with a king-sized bed and a campfire, making it a great opportunity for couples to trial out glamping together.
This old-timey staycation isn’t stripped back all the way to the days of the Wild West as guests will be provided with a luxury that cowboys never had – an electric blanket.
You can even try your hand at campfire cooking with the retreat offering some complimentary beans to warm your soul.
If you’re no good at cooking or just want someone else to do it for you, Haworth’s main street is only a five minute drive away hosting some proper pub grub to delight your taste buds with.
There’s even a pub called the Wuthering Heights within walking distance a nod to the area’s connection to the Brontes.
You can live out your cowboy dreams on this northern wagon staycation / Credit: Canopy and Stars
After treating yourself to the best home-comfort meals in town, why not stroll along the cobbled street and pop into some local vendors supplying everything from sweets, chocolates and intricate handmade gifts.
It’s not surprising that this cosy West Yorkshire village is inheriting another piece of history, after all it was once the residence of literary greats the Brontës who took great pride in the natural landscape.
It’s not only literary works that Haworth is esteemed for, this small village is bustling with lots of arts and culture with BBC’s ‘Peaky Blinders’ and Channel 5’s ‘All Creature’s Great & Small’ filmed in the Yorkshire dales.
For any keen-eyed music fans, Pink Floyd filmed parts of their 1982 movie musical ‘The Wall’ in Haworth and the surrounding areas such as Keighley – only a 14 minute drive away.
Pondenrosa is a staycation in Yorkshire where you can stay overnight in a wagon / Credit: Canopy and Stars
You’re also only a short trip away from beautiful Hebden Bridge.
However you and the cowboys will have one thing in common – no phone signal, giving you a chance to fully unwind. Sometimes we all need a little digital detox.
So whether you want a chilled holiday or one packed full of mini adventures, why not do it in style… cowboy style.
Stays at Pondenrosa start from just £95 a night, and you can find out more and book your trip here.
Featured Image – Canopy and Stars
Travel & Tourism
You can take your dog to loads of staycation spots for FREE with this limited-time offer
Emily Sergeant
A dog is a human’s best friend, and what better way to have your companion on holiday with you than for free.
Want to go on holiday but always too soft to say no to those puppy-dog eyes? Well look no further, because Hoseasons has found you the perfect solution.
Keswick Lodge Retreat, which is situated in the heart of the Lake District, is home to lots of green spaces and walking routes, making it ideal for animal lovers and the perfect getaway for families with dogs, especially as it’s now one of the locations where Hoseasons is offering furry friends the chance to come along for free.
This Hoseasons park has dozens of lodges taking part in this doggy deal, and plenty of these plots even have a hot tub.
This means you can treat yourself to a spa day with an on-site bath, sauna and a relaxation room – and, of course, there’s a dog wash room too.
You can take your dog to loads of staycation spots for free with this limited-time offer / Credit: Supplied
If you book your next staycation between 3 September and 30 September for a holiday ranging from 6 September 2024 to 31 March 2025, you can bring your dog along for no extra cost (at selected locations).
Looking to go elsewhere though? Luckily, there are over 300 participating Hoseasons sites offering free dog places, meaning your furry friend won’t miss out on any of the fun.
Dogs are always welcome at Hoseasons sites. Whether it’s a lodge, park, or cottage getaway you’re looking for, there are more than 12,000 holiday spots that are dog-friendly, so you can take on the world together.
If you’re after some time without the family pet, the holiday company also has everything you need, as there are plenty of spots to choose from across the country with over 30,000 retreats and destinations in England, Scotland, and Wales.
So go on all you dog parents, why not treat your children and your four-legged children to a holiday that won’t break the bank?