What better way to squeeze in a break than by cleverly using your bank holidays? If you're wanting to plan ahead, now’s the time to book somewhere brilliant and have something to look forward to in 2024. Plus, when it’s the ultimate excuse to gorge on Easter chocolate, the holiday calories count even less – are we right?

Thinking short holiday or swift city break? We’ve got you well and truly covered. You’ll get the full package with us, which means everything’s nice and easy, and all you’ll have to do is enjoy your time off. To help you choose where to set your sights on, we’ve picked out some favourites. Cue Majorca, Rome, Prague, Budapest and the Costa del Sol…

Majorca

More than 200 beaches, year-round sunshine and jaw-dropping nature to top it all off? Yep, Majorca is an all-time holiday winner. Get away from your worries as you spread out on the sunny sands and hear nothing but the soothing sounds of the sea. Alternatively, head to Palma for a culture-filled city break!

And who knew this Brit-loved island has big things planned for Easter weekend too? Majorca has traditions unique to the island, such as a dancing parade accompanied by drummers and fireworks – now that’s a sight you don’t want to miss!

Rome

No place does Easter quite like Rome – think less chocolate and more local festivities, but don’t start yawning just yet! Home to the Vatican City, the Italian capital floods with religious and cultural celebrations during the Holy Week, inviting a wave of tourists to experience the one-of-a-kind celebration of Easter. Early risers shouldn’t miss the Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, the most anticipated event of the year in the Catholic calendar, even if it’s just to see the grandness of this magnificent church!

If we haven’t tempted you yet, think how quiet all the top sights will be while everyone’s busy in the Vatican – you might even get an interrupted photo near the Trevi Fountain! And one can’t say they’ve been to Rome without a visit to the ancient Colosseum and heart-warming Trastevere area.

Prague

Like the idea of somewhere cheerfully cheap but with bags to uncover? Czech out Prague and you won’t be disappointed. This epic city is set across two halves, with the Charles Bridge connecting them. At Easter, there are designated markets in both the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, where you’ll be able to buy hand-painted wooden eggs and sample the local chimney cakes.

Afterwards, get stuck into quirkier sites including the tilted Dancing House and John Lennon Wall. You can’t beat reflecting on the day over a Czech pilsner too.

The Costa del Sol

If you’re after that mild Mediterranean climate and spring sunrays, pack the SPF and you’ll be sunbathing in the Costa del Sol in no time! Less than three hours on the plane and you can swap hard-to-trust British weather for almost-guaranteed sunshine and a temperature bar that’s making its way to the 20s.

Unpack your swimsuits and glitzy outfits in Marbella, where the party doesn’t need the summer season, or, if peace and quiet is on your bucket list, head straight to tranquil Frigiliana. There are plenty of resorts to cover all bases, which reminds us – the Costa del Sol is a great base to explore mainland Spain too!

Budapest

The Hungarian capital of Budapest boasts brilliance, and then some. While it’s well worth ticking off the main attractions, namely Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion and the Parliament Building, the ruin pubs make for edgy nights out after busy days exploring.

From the end of March to the end of April, there’s a real treat in store at Vörösmarty Square – the Easter markets. Unique handicrafts, jewellery, ceramics, toys and more are all on sale there, so make sure you stop by. Wooden eggs and brightly coloured flowers adorn the stalls. It doesn’t get much cuter.