People often ask how I'm able to go on holiday so frequently. Now, yes, rigorous saving and monthly budget planning plays a HUGE part (as well as putting off ‘doing the bathroom’ for the last three years lol), but when I travel is a big factor too. Shoulder season - the very start or very end of recommended visiting times - are when I prefer to travel. And as this varies from country to country, it means I can travel for cheaper at different times of the year.
Upon my return from Cape Verde, I knew I needed something to look forward to before sinking in my teeth to the next few months of work, and my family spoke highly of Cyprus after their visit last year. After my wonderful trip to Greece in 2022, I was keen to visit their territory on this island. And what better way to get a good break without breaking the bank? A visit in shoulder season! Here are three reasons why I loved this trip.
The weather
Travelling in shoulder season is notoriously risky for good weather, but you know what? It's always paid off for me! We were very lucky with Cyprus: a perfect holiday temperature of 28-30 degrees for the first three days, then a cooler, still pleasant, 24 degrees on the last day. The following week was billed to be a much milder 20-24 degrees throughout, so I definitely chose the right week.
The length of your break (and the cost)
Obviously, the longer the break, the more cash that'll leave your bank account, but during shoulder season you'll get more for your money - the cost of a two-night break during the height of summer can be the equivalent to a four- or even five-night stay much earlier or later in the season.
To minimise my costs even further, I opted for just three full days in Cyprus - though the late flight back on the fourth day was a nice bonus. While I've done city breaks for as little as 24 hours, this was my first time doing a short beach break outside of the UK. It was just what the doctor ordered.
Despite fully embracing the total bliss of this mini-beach break, I do slightly regret not going on at least one excursion or venturing properly into the town; I missed out on truly getting a feel for the culture and lifestyle of Cyprus. On our coastal coach ride back to the airport, we passed attractions I'd have loved to visit - like the Magic Dancing Water Show and the Sculpture Park - and while I did get a decent look at the latter, it'd have been cool to stroll through (and take selfies with the sculptures!)
The busy-ness
I said this in my last post, but for the past year or so I've been holidaying differently. It wasn't a conscious choice - perhaps a switch just clicked in me as I turned 30, living my best life, lazing on a raft in Jamaica - but where I prioritised seeing as much as I could wherever I visited for the past 12 years, I now value to taking it much slower. Seeing some of the area, and relaxing plenty. The adventurer in me is sure as hell still there, but I do it in a different way now - organised excursions mostly - and on longer trips.
As this was a mini-break, I spent most of my time at the pool or beach, sunbathing, reading, and swimming. Having only learnt to swim last year, this was my first time swimming in the open sea (the Cape Verde sea was too rough), which was an absolutely amazing experience. While the sun was hot, both the sea and pool at my hotel were cold, but once submerged, I adapted quickly and it was pretty refreshing. Cold water plunges are meant to be good for you, right?
On our first night, we ventured to the notorious Ayia Napa. Now, we were definitely 10-15 years older than the majority of people there, but you know what? I had a good time. The music was decent and the drinks cheap, plus as we learned from our cabbie, the season had literally just started at the beginning of the week, so the bars weren't crazy packed. I didn't love the constant badgering by the reps trying to get you into their clubs though - leave me be!
I will definitely be returning to Cyprus for a longer trip in future to see more of the island, and experience the culture outside of the hotel. We just missed experiencing Orthodox Easter by a few hours, but it was very cool to see the decorations going up both at the hotel, in shop/restaurant windows, and even on the roundabouts in the street.