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Girona And The Costa Brava: Affordable Luxury on Spain’s Mediterranean Coast

As someone who loves travel, design, and a touch of luxury without going overboard, I’m always on the lookout for destinations that combine style, culture, and beautiful surroundings – all without breaking the bank. Recently, I discovered a place in Europe that ticks every single box: Girona and the Costa Brava in northern Spain.

Often overshadowed by nearby Barcelona, Girona is a jewel in its own right. Its historic streets, colourful riverside houses, and proximity to some of the most breathtaking Mediterranean beaches make it perfect for a short city break or a longer escape. And for anyone who enjoys the finer things in life – chic cafés, boutique shopping, and design-focused accommodation – Girona has plenty to offer.

A city full of style and history

Girona

Girona’s charm lies in its effortless blend of old and new. The Barri Vell, the Old Town, is a labyrinth of cobbled streets, hidden squares, and medieval architecture. It’s easy to spend hours exploring, discovering boutique shops, artisan cafés, and colourful corners perfect for photography or just soaking in the atmosphere.

One of my favourite ways to experience the city is by walking along the ancient city walls. The views over the rooftops, the cathedral, and the River Onyar are incredible, especially in the soft light of early evening. The colourful riverside houses reflect beautifully on the water, making it feel almost like stepping into a designer postcard.

For anyone interested in culture and history, Girona also has a lively arts scene and several museums that feel both intimate and sophisticated. It’s the kind of city where even a simple coffee break can feel like a curated experience.

Dining and cafés that feel luxurious

Girona’s culinary scene manages to feel luxurious without being pretentious. From charming cafés serving artisan pastries to contemporary tapas bars with inventive dishes, there’s something for every taste.

I loved indulging in leisurely lunches at riverside terraces, sampling local Catalan dishes, and pairing them with a glass of Catalan wine. Even a simple coffee and pastry feels elevated here, thanks to the city’s stylish ambience and attention to detail in both presentation and atmosphere.

Beaches, coastlines, and adventure on the Costa Brava

While Girona itself is undeniably beautiful, its location makes it a gateway to the spectacular Costa Brava. In under an hour, you can be swimming in crystal-clear waters, exploring hidden coves, or walking coastal paths lined with pine trees and colourful fishing villages.

The Costa Brava isn’t just about lounging on the sand – it’s an adventure playground for young travellers and couples seeking a blend of relaxation and activity. You can rent a boat and explore secluded beaches, go kayaking along the coast, try paddle yoga on calm waters, or simply snorkel in turquoise coves. For those who love a bit of action alongside luxury, the variety of water sports and outdoor activities ensures every day is exciting.

Places like Calella de Palafrugell, Begur, and Tossa de Mar offer a combination of scenic charm, adventure, and tranquillity that feels exclusive yet accessible. Unlike the more tourist-heavy Mediterranean hotspots, these beaches offer space, serenity, and the sense of discovering a hidden treasure.

Stylish stays that feel like home

apartment


For young adults who value design and comfort, accommodation can make or break a trip. Girona has some wonderful options that blend style, location, and practicality. Choosing holiday apartments in Girona allows for extra space, independence, and the ability to experience the city like a local.

During our stay, we discovered Bravissimo Girona, a company specialising in beautifully designed apartments in top locations around Girona and the Costa Brava. The apartments are sleek, modern, and perfectly equipped for travellers who want comfort and style without paying luxury-hotel prices. Staying in one of their properties really enhanced the experience, allowing us to relax in stylish surroundings after a day of exploring.

Why Girona works for young adults?

Girona is a destination that feels sophisticated without being intimidating. Its combination of historic charm, boutique cafés, trendy restaurants, and easy access to stunning beaches makes it ideal for young travellers seeking a taste of affordable luxury.

It’s also incredibly accessible from the UK. Regular flights to Girona or Barcelona, followed by a short train or drive, make it ideal for a long weekend or a week-long escape. The compact city layout means you can see a lot on foot, while the coast provides the perfect backdrop for sun-soaked afternoons and adventure-filled days.

For anyone looking for a European getaway that combines culture, design, cuisine, and natural beauty, Girona and the Costa Brava are a revelation. With stylish apartments like those from Bravissimo Girona, chic dining, and endless activities on the coast – from kayaking and paddle yoga to boat excursions – it’s possible to enjoy a luxurious, curated experience without the extravagant price tag.

Whether it’s wandering cobbled streets, sipping wine on a riverside terrace, or adventuring along the sparkling Mediterranean coast, Girona offers an unforgettable combination of elegance and excitement – perfect for young adults who love travel, style, and affordable luxury.
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The Art and Benefits of Showing Appreciation

It's all too easy to overlook the small kindnesses that others extend to us. However, showing appreciation is a vital life skill that can profoundly transform our mental well-being and the quality of our relationships. By learning to recognise and acknowledge the value in others, we foster a culture of kindness that benefits both the giver and the receiver.

Keep reading to explore why gratitude matters and for practical ways to weave it into the fabric of your daily life.

Why Appreciation Matters For Well-Being and Relationships

thank you note

Research consistently shows that those who regularly take the time to appreciate others experience improved moods and a greater sense of life satisfaction. Our brains shift away from negative biases when we focus on what we're thankful for, and it paves the way for a more optimistic outlook. Appreciation acts as a form of social glue in relationships.

Whether it's a partner, a colleague, a sibling, or a friend, people have a fundamental need to feel seen and valued. When we express genuine gratitude, it strengthens our social connections and builds a foundation of mutual respect and trust. It signals that we don't take the other person for granted, which is essential for long-term relational harmony.

Simple Ways To Show Appreciation In Everyday Life

Showing gratitude is most effective when it feels natural rather than forced. Simple verbal acknowledgement is a great place to start. A sincere "I really appreciate you doing that" or a quick text message to say thank you can brighten someone's entire day.

Writing thank-you notes (a tradition that remains a charming and impactful part of British etiquette) offers a tangible way to show you care. Beyond words, small acts of kindness, such as making a cup of coffee for a busy colleague or helping a neighbour with their shopping, demonstrate an appreciative mindset in action.

How Thoughtful Gestures Can Make Gratitude Feel More Meaningful

While words are important, tangible gestures often communicate appreciation more memorably. The key to a meaningful gift is sincerity rather than expense. It's the thought and the personal touch that resonate most deeply.

Small, classic gestures, like a gift of shortbread biscuits, serve as a perfect example of this. Choosing the best shortbread biscuit to share over a catch-up or as a surprise "thank you" creates a shared experience that lingers long after the moment has passed. These modest yet high-quality tokens of affection show that you have taken the time to consider what might bring the other person a moment of joy.

Building Appreciation Into Daily Habits

One effective method of practising appreciation is to keep a gratitude journal, where you jot down three things you are thankful for each day. It trains the mind to scan the environment for positives.

Reflecting on positive moments during your evening routine or practising mindful gratitude (focusing deeply on feeling thankful) can also help. By intentionally building these habits, appreciation stops being an occasional effort and becomes a natural way of interacting with the world.
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Why Younger Travellers Are Choosing Cars Over Planes

A growing body of travel trend data shows that Gen Z is steering away from air travel and rediscovering the freedom of the road trip. In 2026, younger travellers are increasingly embracing car‑based journeys, which is a shift driven by spontaneity, cost pressures, sustainability concerns, and the rising appeal of outdoor destinations, especially during the holiday period.

young people in car

While many predicted that post‑pandemic travel would be dominated by low‑cost flights and fast international breaks, new research suggests the opposite: Gen Z is fuelling a renaissance in road‑based travel. Their choices reflect wider shifts in travel behaviour identified in multiple 2026 trend reports, pointing toward a cultural realignment in how young people want to explore the world.

Spontaneity at the heart of Gen Z travel

One of the biggest drivers of Gen Z’s return to the road is the rising importance of spontaneous, go‑anywhere travel. Gen Z's excitement to travel again is palpable, with many eager to make up for lost time after pandemic restrictions. Trend data shows that short‑notice trips are surging, with nearly 40% of coach journeys booked within just two days of departure reflecting a broader move toward last‑minute, flexible travel planning.

Road trips offer the freedom to adapt plans instantly: no expensive flight changes, no rigid itineraries, and no airport stress. This flexibility aligns well with Gen Z’s preference for trips driven by mood, opportunity, or a trending destination they discover online.

Why Gen Z is opting for cars over planes


1. Rising interest in nature and outdoor escapes

Trend data highlights a major shift toward nature‑first travel, with outdoor destinations — including national parks — experiencing a 35% surge in interest. Gen Z is increasingly seeking out new destinations and locations for their nature escapes, often motivated by the desire to visit unique and less-explored places.

Social media, especially TikTok, plays a significant role in influencing Gen Z to visit these new locations, with 89% of Gen Z travellers having discovered new destinations through TikTok. Peers and online trends further inspire this generation to explore and visit a variety of locations, enriching their travel experiences. For Gen Z, road trips make these remote, scenic environments far more accessible than air travel - particularly when they know they’re covered if anything doesn’t go to plan.

2. A move toward “Hidden Gems” and non‑viral destinations

Gen Z is increasingly avoiding overcrowded hotspots in favour of quieter, lesser‑known places. Travel reports for 2026 emphasise a growing focus on hidden gems and revitalised historic cities across Europe.

Cars allow travellers to reach these non‑mainstream destinations more easily than flights, buses, or trains and with the right level of road‑ready protection through Swinton, they can explore confidently, even off the beaten path.

3. Cost‑conscious travel decisions

With many younger travellers seeking value‑for‑money trips, road journeys can be more affordable than flying, especially when shared among friends. Rising airfares and unpredictable pricing for international travel have further nudged Gen Z toward car‑based adventures.

4. Desire for meaningful, conscious travel

Reports show that 2026 travellers, particularly younger ones, favour meaningful, restorative, conscious exploration over rushed, highly commercialised tourism. Slow travel by road supports deeper local engagement, a connection to landscapes, and more sustainable, low‑impact tourism. Having the right safeguards in place adds to that ease, allowing Gen Z to travel with peace of mind while embracing more mindful journeys.

Road trips are becoming the preferred travel mode


Trend reports confirm that road trips are outperforming flights among global car travellers, with 76% preferring road journeys over flying because of the spontaneity and freedom they offer.
This shift is especially pronounced among Gen Z, who value flexibility and experiential travel more than previous generations.

Even in Europe, traditionally dominated by trains and cheap flights, road‑based travel, including campervan journeys, is experiencing a long‑term upward trend. Many regions are now actively expanding services for self‑drive tourists to meet rising demand.

Gen Z travel values are changing the landscape


Across the travel reports analysed, several themes emerge that help explain why younger travellers are choosing the open road:

They want local immersion

Gen Z seeks authentic, community‑rooted experiences and values the opportunity to meet new people and engage with local communities, and this is something that road trips deliver more effectively than all‑inclusive resorts or airport‑to‑hotel travel.

They crave calm and quiet

Travel trend analysis highlights a desire for peaceful, restorative environments, away from crowds and noise. Cars allow travellers to access these tranquil spaces.

They love digital discovery + offline experiences

Gen Z finds travel inspiration on TikTok and Google but want real‑life moments that feel grounded, personal, and meaningful.

The UK sees a road trip revival too.


In the UK, younger travellers are increasingly choosing domestic drives over international flights. This trend mirrors the wider European shift toward slower, quieter, rural destinations.

Rising interest in local nature escapes, off‑peak travel, and spontaneous getaways is driving more Gen Z travellers to explore the British countryside by car.

Gen Z is redefining the modern road trip


Data from across 2026 travel reports makes one thing clear:


Gen Z isn’t just returning to the road; they’re reshaping the cultural meaning of road trips. Instead of seeing driving as a practical necessity, younger travellers view it as:


  • A pathway to freedom
  • A way to access meaningful, nature‑rich destinations
  • A budget‑friendly solution
  • A method of slowing down and travelling with intention

With rising search interest in hidden gems, outdoor escapes, and flexible travel, the car has re‑emerged as Gen Z’s vehicle of choice, quite literally.

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How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Winter Getaway: Tips, Destinations & Money-Saving Hacks

A winter escape doesn't have to come at a premium. With travel costs continuing to shift and smarter tools available for planning and booking, there has never been a better time to take a considered approach to your next cold-weather break. Whether you're after a festive city, a snow-dusted mountain village, or simply a change of scenery, the savings are there if you know where to look.

Smart Timing & Travel Trends (So You Don't Overpay)

beach

Timing is one of the most reliable levers for cutting travel costs. Flying or travelling mid-week, avoiding school holiday windows, and targeting the shoulder periods on either side of peak Christmas and New Year breaks can make a meaningful difference to both price and experience. Fewer crowds, calmer resorts, and more attentive service tend to come as a bonus. According to ABTA's Holiday Habits 2025–26 report, value for money remains a primary driver of booking decisions for UK travellers, with many actively adjusting when and how they travel to make budgets stretch further. Booking midweek departures or travelling in early January rather than December can shave a significant amount off both flights and accommodation.

Booking Tactics & Packages (Where Bundles Still Save)

Package deals have staged a quiet comeback among value-conscious travellers. Bundling flights, accommodation, and transfers in a single booking often works out cheaper than piecing each element together separately, and it carries the added protection of ATOL coverage. For those eyeing the Alps on a budget, keeping an eye out for cheap ski holidays with flexible travel dates can unlock deals that disappear quickly once snow forecasts improve. The key is to stay flexible on resort and travel dates instead of committing too far in advance to a specific combination.

On the Ground Savings: Stays, Dining & Free Winter Fun


Prague

Accommodation choices can define a trip's budget almost as much as the flights. Apart-hotels and self-catering options allow you to keep food costs down by preparing some meals yourself, while cabins and guesthouses often undercut chain hotels for comparable comfort. On the ground, some of the most memorable winter experiences cost very little: exploring a Christmas market, hiking a snow-covered trail, or wandering an old town on a frosty morning. Free walking tours, local markets, and municipal museums frequently offer more character than paid attractions, particularly in Central European cities such as Vienna, Prague, and Bratislava, all of which are well-served by budget airlines from UK regional airports.

Choosing the Right Airport & Navigating New Security Rules

Your choice of departure airport can affect both cost and convenience. Regional airports frequently offer cheaper parking, easier access, and shorter security queues than major hubs. It is also worth factoring in the ongoing rollout of CT scanners, which is changing the security experience at an increasing number of UK airports. According to Which?, airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh, Birmingham, and Bristol have now adopted the new scanners, which allow passengers to leave liquids and electronics inside their cabin bags during screening. Travelling hand-luggage only, now considerably easier at these airports, is one of the most effective ways to cut costs, avoiding checked baggage fees that can quickly erode a budget fare. Rules still vary by airport, so checking your departure terminal's current policy before you pack is always worth the two minutes it takes.

A well-planned winter getaway is less about finding the cheapest option and more about making the right calls early. Get the timing, booking method, and packing strategy right, and a genuinely rewarding cold-weather break is well within reach of most budgets.
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Moving House With Jewellery: The Small Things That Deserve the Most Care

When people think about moving house, they imagine the big items first.

The sofa that barely fits through the door.
The bed that somehow weighs twice as much on moving day.
Boxes stacked in corners like a cardboard city.

But the items people worry about most are rarely the largest ones.

They’re the smallest.

A necklace from your wedding day.
A bracelet your mum gave you years ago.
A pair of earrings you bought on holiday and never quite stopped loving.

Jewellery may be tiny, but when it comes to moving house, it often carries the biggest emotional weight.

The Jewellery Box Problem

jewellery box

Most jewellery lives in one of two places.

Either neatly arranged in a jewellery box… or tangled together in a drawer that started organised but slowly lost control.

Moving house has a funny way of exposing both situations. A friend of mine discovered this the hard way during her last move. “I thought packing jewellery would take five minutes,” she laughed later. “Then I opened the drawer and realised half my necklaces were tangled together like Christmas lights.”

That’s the thing about jewellery. It travels badly when packed in a hurry. Chains knot. Clasps hook onto other pieces. Earrings mysteriously separate from their partners.

Which is why jewellery is one of the few things many people prefer to pack themselves rather than leave to the removal team.

Why Jewellery Usually Stays With You

Professional movers handle furniture and large boxes extremely well. But small personal valuables — jewellery, watches, documents — are usually better kept with the homeowner.

Howe Tran, director of relocation service platform Find a Mover removalists, explains it simply:

“When people move house, the items they worry about most are usually the smallest. Sentimental jewellery almost always travels with the owner rather than inside the moving truck.”

It’s not about distrust. It’s about peace of mind and also the reason why you should insure your jewellery. Most people prefer knowing their most meaningful items are sitting in their handbag or carry-on bag rather than somewhere in the back of a van.

The Unexpected Chaos of Moving Day

moving home

Moving day rarely unfolds exactly as planned.

Someone misplaces the kettle. Someone else can’t find the phone charger. Boxes get moved around more than once. Jewellery often ends up sitting temporarily in the most random places.

Handbags. Coat pockets. Even the glove compartment of the car. The car, strangely enough, becomes the centre of operations during many moves. Phones get charged there. Snacks get stored there. And often jewellery cases end up there too — simply because it’s the safest place to keep them close.

For longer relocations, coordinating vehicles can add another layer of logistics. Department for Transport figures suggest the UK now has more than 42 million licensed vehicles, highlighting just how many households relocating also need to plan what happens to their cars during a move.

The Jewellery Travel Trick Professional Stylists Use

Jewellers and stylists have a clever trick for transporting necklaces.

Use a drinking straw.

Thread the chain through the straw, fasten the clasp, and suddenly the necklace can’t twist around itself. It sounds almost too simple. But it works.

Pill organisers are another surprisingly effective jewellery case. Each tiny compartment holds earrings or rings without them touching each other.

These are the small tricks that make unpacking far less frustrating later.

Jewellery and the Psychology of Moving

There’s a strange emotional moment that happens during every move.

You pick up an object and suddenly remember where it came from.

A ring you bought during your first holiday together.
A necklace from a birthday years ago.
A watch given to you at graduation.

Moving house isn’t just about transporting objects. It’s about carrying memories.

As Mr Johnston, transport director at VehicleMove Australia, puts it:

“During relocations, we see people transport cars, furniture and equipment across the country. But the items people personally carry with them are almost always jewellery and family heirlooms.”

Those small items represent something bigger, continuity.

When Jewellery Meets Logistics

Long-distance relocations sometimes involve more planning than people expect. Cars, furniture, boxes, and sometimes even garden equipment all need coordinating.

Logistics platforms such as Movingle, where people can book house and vehicle movers across New Zealand, have made it easier for households to organise these different parts of a move. But jewellery rarely becomes part of those logistics.

According to a spokesperson at Movingle :

“People trust movers with large furniture, but the things they carry themselves are always personal — jewellery, watches, and sentimental items.”

It’s a pattern seen in thousands of moves.

The First Moment a New House Feels Like Home

The strange thing about moving house is how long it can take for a place to feel familiar.

At first, everything feels slightly temporary.

Boxes everywhere. Furniture not quite in the right place. But then a few small details return. Your favourite mug sits in the kitchen cupboard again. The bed is made. And the jewellery box appears on the dressing table.

That moment often signals the beginning of normal life again.

Jewellery Travels With Your Story

Furniture fills a house, but jewellery carries something different.

History. Milestones. Memories of people and places.

When you move house, those pieces travel quietly with you — tucked into a small case or pouch — ready to become part of the next chapter.

And when everything else is unpacked, they’re often the first things that make a new place feel like home.

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Europe’s Most Beautiful Coastal Destinations for Your 2026 Summer Escape

Dreaming of swapping grey skies for warm sea air and long evenings by the water? Across Europe, coastlines have a lot more to give than a simple beach break. From its historic harbours to wild Atlantic cliffs, each destination offers something different to turn a summer getaway into something truly memorable.

Croatia and the Adriatic Coast

Croatia


Many head to Croatia’s Adriatic shoreline for the gorgeous, clear turquoise water, but quickly discover that the coastline has far more to offer. Medieval towns, small harbours and island landscapes mean the region feels remarkably varied within a relatively short distance.

Dubrovnik and Split still draw attention for their historic streets and sea-facing city walls, yet experienced travellers now spread out along the coast. The Makarska Riviera offers quieter beaches backed by mountains, while the island of Brač provides relaxed harbour towns and stunning swimming spots such as Zlatni Rat.

Island hopping remains one of the easiest ways to see the region properly. Ferries link dozens of islands, so you can spend a few nights in Split before moving on to smaller destinations like Hvar or Korčula without complicated travel plans. The new Pelješac Bridge has also made road trips smoother, allowing you to drive south from Split to the Pelješac peninsula. This kind of convenience, flexibility, and beauty explains why there has been an increase in demand for Croatia holidays.

Spain’s Sun-Soaked Mediterranean Coast

Spain might be firmly on the radar for you, as it is for many British holidaymakers, with dependable sunshine and excellent transport links. Direct flights reach destinations such as Alicante, Malaga and Ibiza in a few hours, making short summer breaks just as practical as longer stays.

Many travellers still head to Barcelona for its city beaches, yet nearby Valencia now attracts visitors who want the same blend of urban life and seaside relaxation without the intense crowds. Valencia’s long sandy beach sits just a short tram ride from the historic centre, so you can spend the morning exploring markets and architecture before cooling off by the sea.

The Cliffs, Coves and Culture of Portugal’s Algarve


Algarve

The Algarve remains one of the most dependable choices for a summer break. The region offers dramatic golden cliffs, sheltered coves and lively resort towns that make holidaying straightforward, especially for visitors who want reliable sunshine without complicated planning.

Although you might want to look beyond the busiest resorts. On the Algarve’s western edge, the Vicentine Coast delivers a wilder landscape where rugged cliffs drop into long Atlantic beaches. Towns such as Sagres attract surfers and walkers who spend the morning on the Fishermen’s Trail before relaxing on quiet stretches of sand in the afternoon.

Greece’s Iconic Islands and Set-Jetting Hotspots

Greece continues to draw travellers with its sunlit islands and deep sense of history. Whitewashed villages and calm Aegean waters contrast fascinating ancient ruins to create the classic Mediterranean image you might picture when planning a summer trip.

Some visitors still head straight to well-known islands such as Mykonos or Santorini, yet interest increasingly shifts toward smaller alternatives. Milos and Sifnos offer the same bright architecture and clear waters but with a calmer pace that suits travellers who prefer quiet harbours to crowded beach clubs. Skiathos, famous as a filming location for Mamma Mia, remains popular with visitors too.

If you want the same cinematic setting without peak-season crowds, consider travelling in late September when the sea stays warm but accommodation prices and visitor numbers drop noticeably.
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