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Palmanova for couples: our first getaway after becoming parents

Sun, 25 Oct 2026 19:45:41 GMT

In this guest blog, travel writer Nina Graves shares her experience of Palmanova, Mallorca, from relaxing on beautiful beaches and discovering local restaurants to enjoying a fun night out in Magaluf. Plus, she shares her favourite holiday memories and practical tips for anyone planning their own Palmanova getaway.

There is something different about your first holiday together after becoming parents.

For us, that holiday was Palmanova in Mallorca — four nights and five days where we could step away from everyday life, enjoy some sunshine and spend time together as a couple again.

We chose Palmanova because we didn't want to travel too far, but still wanted that proper feeling of escaping somewhere different. It was close to plenty of amenities and gave us the opportunity to explore other parts of Mallorca too.

What we ended up with was a holiday filled with beautiful beaches, meals out, nightlife, exploring, a water park, mini golf and even an unexpected visitor in our hotel room.

The first feeling of being on holiday

One of the things I still remember clearly is stepping off the plane and feeling that warm breeze.

It's not quite the same kind of heat you get on a hot day in the UK — somehow, it just feels like holiday heat. That was the moment it really felt as though we'd got away.

Our journey from the airport to the hotel wasn't quite as relaxing. We arrived in the early hours of the morning and, from what I remember, our transfer took around an hour and 45 minutes. After travelling through the night, it felt like a long journey.

Thankfully, checking into our hotel, the Tobago , was relatively quick.

My first impression was how clean and classy the lobby felt. The hotel was rated three-star when we stayed, but it felt stylish and more upmarket than I'd expected.

Our room was right at the end of the corridor on the top floor. It wasn't extravagant, but it had everything we needed to be comfortable and, importantly, a balcony.

Because we'd arrived in darkness, all we could really make out were lights and water in the distance. We knew we must have a decent view, but it wasn't until the following morning that we realised quite how lucky we'd been.

Waking up to that view

Stepping onto the balcony the following morning gave us our first proper look at Palmanova.

In front of us were beautiful blue waters, the beach dotted with umbrellas and views stretching across the surrounding coastline.

Even better, the beach was practically on our doorstep.

For our first proper day, we didn't feel the need to rush off sightseeing. We headed straight towards the beach and started exploring the seafront.

As we made our way down, there was a jetty to our right with bars, restaurants and a couple of shops. To our left were even more places to eat and drink, including some that looked particularly smart and upmarket.

But that first day was really about relaxing. We settled onto the sun loungers, enjoyed the sunshine and finally had the chance to properly switch off. Later, we walked along the seafront to see more of what the area had to offer.

Discovering Palmanova beyond the hotel

We had booked all-inclusive because, for our first trip away together, it seemed like the easiest option. We wouldn't need to think about where to eat every day and could have everything we needed in one place.

The hotel offered a fantastic variety of food, but unfortunately my stomach didn't seem to agree with it and I began feeling a little unwell.

Rather than letting that spoil our holiday, we decided to venture out and try some of the restaurants nearby. It turned out to be one of the best decisions we made.

We visited a steakhouse, an Italian restaurant and a couple of other places, and the food was amazing. What I particularly remember is how different the atmosphere could be from one restaurant to another.

One was quiet and romantic, while another was much more lively and social, with music playing outside. They were completely different experiences, but we enjoyed both.

It made us realise there was much more to experience by stepping outside the hotel.

Exploring Palma, the seafront and the markets

We didn't spend the whole holiday around the hotel. We also had a day exploring Palma, as well as spending plenty of time wandering along the seafront and browsing local shops and markets.

There were lots of opportunities to pick up holiday gifts to take home, but some of my favourite memories came simply from walking around and taking in the atmosphere.

Along the seafront we came across musicians and artists, which made it feel lively without us needing to have a particular plan for the day.

One of my favourite little memories was stopping to have a caricature-style picture drawn of the two of us. The artist drew us in the water, giving us a fun and personal souvenir from our first holiday away together.

Those smaller experiences were part of what made exploring so enjoyable. We could browse the shops and markets, listen to music, walk beside the sea and simply enjoy being on holiday together.

A night out in Magaluf

With Magaluf only a short distance away, we couldn't resist experiencing the nightlife for ourselves.

One evening we headed out and visited some of the bars and nightclubs.

As parents who had come away on our first trip together, it was nice to be able to dance, have a few drinks and simply let off some steam.

We also got to experience another part of Mallorca and its beach, which was just as beautiful as the area where we were staying.

The atmosphere, however, was completely different. With the music, drinks and lively surroundings, it was a fun contrast to the relaxed beach days we'd been enjoying in Palmanova.

Testing my nerves at the waterpark

We also booked a water park excursion, which was brilliant — although I quickly discovered that I'm definitely not the thrill-seeker in our relationship.

The really high slides weren't exactly my idea of fun! My other half, on the other hand, is a complete water baby and loved them.

We did find one slide we could enjoy together, racing each other down on mats. Adding a little competition made that one much more my style.

The weather during our stay was extremely hot, so having plenty of time to sunbathe, relax and simply enjoy the warmth was a big part of the holiday too.

Our unexpected hotel guest

Not every memorable holiday moment has to be a big excursion.

One evening, after returning to our room following a meal out, we discovered we had a visitor waiting for us.

Above our hotel room door was a little gecko.

Neither of us was quite prepared to share our room with him, so we called a member of staff who came and safely removed our unexpected guest.

He was actually really cute, and it ended up becoming one of those random holiday moments that still makes me smile.

Mini golf before flying home

Our flight home wasn't until the evening, which meant we still had time to squeeze something else into our final day.

We decided to play mini golf — and this wasn't a tiny course we'd be finished with in half an hour. It was massive!

It took us quite some time to get around, but it was great fun and definitely felt worth the money. It was also an ideal way to fill those awkward final hours when your holiday is coming to an end but you're not quite ready to head back to the airport.

Looking at Palmanova today, the course I remember appears to be Golf Fantasia , which is still operating near the seafront.

After four nights and five days, we'd managed to fit a surprising amount into a relatively short getaway.

Would I go back to Palmanova?

Definitely.

Palmanova is a beautiful destination and, from our experience, has something to offer lots of different travellers. I could see it working for families and couples as well as groups of friends looking for a girls' or boys' trip.

For us, it gave us exactly what we'd wanted from our first getaway together after becoming parents.

We could relax on the beach, enjoy meals together, experience the nightlife, explore somewhere new and simply have some time to ourselves as a couple.

If I booked the holiday again, however, there is one thing I would change. Instead of choosing all-inclusive, I'd opt for bed and breakfast.

Although our hotel offered plenty of choice, the food just didn't agree with me. Once we started venturing out, we discovered some fantastic restaurants anyway.

In hindsight, I'm glad we did. Eating away from the hotel gave us the opportunity to experience different restaurants and atmospheres, from quieter romantic meals to livelier evenings with music outside. If I returned, I'd happily have breakfast at the hotel and leave the rest of the day open to discovering somewhere new.

Palmanova gave us the chance to stop being Mum and Dad for a few days and simply enjoy being us again — and that's probably what I'll remember most about that first trip away together.

Know before you go: Palmanova today

The beaches : Palmanova has three main beaches - Palmanova, Es Carregador and Son Maties - linked by a promenade. Together they offer more than a kilometre of coastline.

Eating and exploring : Restaurants, shops and other visitor facilities can be found around the beach and promenade, making it easy to combine a beach day with exploring the resort.

For families : Palmanova has a long history as a family tourism destination, with accommodation and leisure options for both adults and children.

Golf Fantasia : The mini-golf attraction in Palmanova currently offers three different 18-hole courses set amongst tropical gardens, bridges, caves and waterfalls.

Our hotel today : The Tobago we stayed at is now FERGUS Style Tobago , a five-star hotel refurbished in 2019. Current hotel information places it just 10 metres from the beach. My comments about the hotel and food relate only to our own stay before that refurbishment, not the hotel as it is today.

Nina Graves is an Essex-based travel writer with a passion for discovering new places and sharing honest travel experiences. From family adventures and seaside escapes to exploring destinations further afield, she loves finding those little details that make a trip memorable. Nina holds a BTEC National Diploma in Travel & Tourism.

Our top 5 underrated European destinations

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 16:21:41 GMT

Europe is full of incredible places to explore, from sun-soaked coastlines and historic cities to breathtaking mountain landscapes. While destinations such as Paris, Rome and Barcelona remain popular choices, there are plenty of alternatives worth considering for your next getaway.

Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, a cultural city break or a relaxing beach escape, these five European destinations offer something a little different for your next holiday.

Istria, Croatia: Mediterranean charm

Croatia is well known for its beautiful coastline, historic architecture and, of course, its connection to Game of Thrones , with the city of Dubrovnik serving as the filming location for King’s Landing. However, in the country’s north-west, the Istrian peninsula offers a different take on a Mediterranean holiday. With charming coastal towns, rolling countryside and a rich food culture, Istria is well worth exploring.

The coastal town of Rovinj is particularly appealing, with colourful buildings, narrow streets and a picturesque harbour. Further inland, visitors can discover hilltop villages, vineyards and olive groves, making the region an excellent choice for those who enjoy exploring beyond the beach.

Food is another reason to visit Istria in 2027, with the region known for its olive oil, seafood, wine and truffles. Visitors will find plenty of opportunities to sample local specialities.

Lake Bohinj, Slovenia: An Alpine escape

If you’re dreaming of mountain scenery, crystal-clear water and peaceful surroundings, Lake Bohinj deserves a place on your travel bucket list. Nestled in Slovenia’s Julian Alps, this beautiful glacial lake offers a quieter alternative to some of Europe’s better-known Alpine destinations.

During the warmer months, visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking and scenic walks along the lakeshore. The surrounding mountains also provide plenty of opportunities for hiking, while the nearby Savica Waterfall makes a rewarding addition to a day spent exploring the area.

For travellers who prefer a slower pace, Lake Bohinj is an ideal place to unwind and enjoy the outdoors. It’s particularly well suited to couples, families and anyone looking to combine fresh mountain air with a relaxing escape.

Gjirokastër, Albania: A journey through history

For a European getaway with plenty of character, consider Gjirokastër in southern Albania. Known as the ‘Stone City’, this historic hillside destination is recognised for its traditional stone houses, distinctive rooftops and impressive mountain setting.

The city's old bazaar is a great place to browse local crafts and discover traditional Albanian food. Meanwhile, Gjirokastër Castle offers a glimpse into the region's history, with panoramic views across the surrounding valley.

Beyond its architecture and historic attractions, Gjirokastër offers an opportunity to experience a different side of Europe. It's a great choice for curious travellers who enjoy exploring cultural heritage, sampling regional cuisine and wandering through streets with stories to tell.

The Azores, Portugal: An Atlantic island adventure

Located in the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores are an archipelago of nine Portuguese islands known for their dramatic volcanic landscapes and remarkable natural scenery.

On São Miguel, the largest island, visitors can discover the striking crater lakes of Sete Cidades, explore lush green landscapes and relax in natural thermal waters. The islands are also a popular destination for whale and dolphin watching, with opportunities to spot a variety of marine wildlife throughout the year.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Azores offer plenty of ways to get closer to nature, from hiking scenic trails to exploring the coastline. Each island has its own character, making the archipelago particularly appealing to travellers who enjoy discovering somewhere new.

If your ideal holiday involves breathtaking views, outdoor activities and a break from busy city life, the Azores could be the perfect addition to your 2028 plans.

Plovdiv, Bulgaria: A city with character

If you're looking for a European city break beyond the usual favourites, Plovdiv in Bulgaria is well worth considering. One of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities, it brings together ancient history, colourful architecture and a lively contemporary culture.

The city's Roman theatre is one of its standout attractions, offering a glimpse into its ancient past. Meanwhile, the Old Town is filled with traditional Bulgarian Revival houses, cobbled streets, museums and galleries.

For a more modern experience, head to Kapana, a creative neighbourhood known for its cafés, independent businesses and artistic atmosphere. It's an excellent place to spend an afternoon exploring local shops before settling down for a meal.

Compact enough to explore on foot, Plovdiv is a great option for travellers who want a city break filled with culture, history and good food without choosing one of Europe's most obvious destinations.

Start planning your next European adventure

From the peaceful shores of Lake Bohinj to the historic streets of Plovdiv, Europe offers countless opportunities to discover somewhere new. The best destination for you will depend on the kind of holiday you're looking for, whether that's an active escape in the mountains, a cultural adventure or a relaxing break by the coast.

At Yule Travel, our independent travel specialists can help you find a holiday tailored to your interests, budget and travel style. When you book with us, your holiday can also make a difference beyond the journey itself, as our purpose-led business model supports local enterprise at destinations, at no extra cost to you.

Ready to start planning your next getaway? Get in touch with Yule Travel and let us help you find your next adventure.

Why we tore up the 'rulebook': The story behind Scotland’s first non-profit travel agency

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 20:55:25 GMT

The cliché insists that travel opens the mind. But this year, in 2026, sitting on the banks of the Mekong River in Laos, travel completely broke my business model.

I didn't start out trying to revolutionize the industry. When I launched my first travel business in late 2018, I had just returned from Australia and Asia, armed with nothing but drive and a background in seasonal highland jobs. I had zero financial backing and zero business development support. My very first sale was a Hoseasons caravan stay. It wasn't the glamorous, high-ticket itinerary travel agents love to post about, but it was a win.

For years, I built the business the hard way. I worked a full-time job alongside it to pay the bills. I navigated the total industry shutdown of COVID-19, spending 2020 working for free to process cancellations and refunds while my own income vanished. By the time the industry recovered, I was seeing 50% year-on-year growth, specializing in tailor-made itineraries and accessible travel; a massive blind spot in mainstream tourism.

Yet, the more I grew, the more the traditional agency model frustrated me. As the number of independent agents swelled, the support from host agencies shrank. I was losing money to commission cuts while receiving less and less backing. The industry was broken for the independent experts selling the trips, but I was about to find out it was equally broken for the people at the destination.

The Mekong realization

This year, 2026, while finishing my university degree in International Tourism Management, the cost of living in the UK and a university placement letting me work remotely allowed me to make a radical decision. It was cheaper, and more exciting, to live out of hotels in Asia than to stay at home, so I took my work on the road.

I expected to find inspiration. Instead, I found a wake-up call.

Taking a river cruise from Houayxay to Luang Prabang in Laos, I saw the true cost of dependency. We visited tribal villages where the schools sat bleak and empty. I sat in restaurants full of tourists, entirely run and served by local children. Visitors thought it was charming; I saw a community forced into survival mode with no real blueprint for the future.

Further down the river, the physical impact of unmanaged tourism was everywhere. Even in beautiful Luang Prabang, the markets were flooded with imported goods rather than local craftsmanship. I spent time learning traditional basket weaving and walking through underrepresented villages where residents still relied on shaman doctors and lacked basic digital skills or libraries.

It was here in Laos, meeting with the owners of Brother Tours, the local agency who organized my entire trip of the country, that the final piece clicked into place. Seeing them operate as sustainably as possible within that environment solidified the reality: tourism simply wasn't working. The communities we visit are too dependent, and are receiving only a fraction of the value they generate. We aren't helping enough.

That realization followed me. In Vietnam, I found bustling cities that still battled poverty, though there were glimpses of hope for a better model away from the over-touristed hubs of Hoi An and Hanoi. In Thailand, the performative side of "sustainable" travel became impossible to ignore. Even at highly rated eco-sanctuaries for elephants, I watched children brought out to dance for wealthy tourists with zero cultural context, leaving me constantly questioning where the money was actually going. How do these animals live once the tourists go to sleep.

Building a new blueprint

I returned to Scotland knowing I couldn't just sell holidays anymore. The system needed a complete rebuild.

That is why I launched Yule Travel Group as a registered Community Interest Company. We are Scotland’s first non-profit travel agency, and the UK’s first non-profit host agency. We have fundamentally changed how travel money moves, built on three core pillars:

Direct local investment

100% of our retained profits are legally locked to fund local enterprise at the destination. Not handouts - sustainable, targeted investment . We partner with organizations to fund immediate microloans, while aggressively investing in the digital skills, educational infrastructure, and environmental regeneration that communities require to self-sustain long after the visitors go home.

A new host agency model

We are fixing the broken host system from the ground up. For underrepresented entrepreneurs, our Incubator provides a free "business-in-a-box" and ongoing training. For established independent agents, we offer industry-leading commissions, zero ongoing fees, and the freedom to focus entirely on their niche. We back them with a collaborative internal referral system so the right specialist gets the booking and nobody loses financially. Most importantly, every agent in our network gets to arm their business with our ultimate commercial advantage: the ability to guarantee their clients that their holiday is directly funding local enterprise.

Specialist excellence

From pioneering accessible travel options to launching our own future "Made from the Mekong" pilot project, we ensure that when a customer needs a specialist, they get true expertise.

Same dream trips. Same or better prices. Much bigger impact: every booking turns holiday spend into local enterprise abroad and supports independent travel specialists at home.

This isn't everything. It's just the beginning.

Ready to plan your next journey with true travel specialists?

From bespoke tailor-made itineraries and handpicked cruises to immersive tours and accessible travel, we craft trips around you. And if you've already found a mainstream package, we'll secure it at the same price; while locking 100% of our retained agency profits in local community development.

�� Explore Package Holidays, Tailor-Made Trips, Cruises & Tours at yuletravel.co.uk

✉️ Planning a custom journey or got a quote? Talk to our specialists at hello@yuletravel.co.uk

Ready to build a travel business built on fairness, not fee cuts?

Whether you like our Incubator "business-in-a-box", commission rates up to 90%, or just our zero-fee host support for established independent specialists, build your future with us.

�� Join the movement or explore the Incubator at yuletravelgroup.org.uk

How the Yule Travel Group supports entrepreneurs through microloans

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 16:25:41 GMT

How the model works

Our partnership with Lendwithcare allows us to contribute towards loans that enable entrepreneurs in communities with limited access to traditional financial services to invest in their businesses and generate income for their families.

Our recent contributions have supported four entrepreneurs around the world, and we’re only getting started.

At Yule Travel, we believe that travel can create opportunities that extend far beyond the journey itself.

As a registered Community Interest Company, 100% of our retained profits, after running costs, are legally locked to support global development projects. One way we deploy those funds is through microloans, providing entrepreneurs with access to capital to invest in their businesses and work towards a more sustainable future.

What are microloans and who uses them?

Microloans provide relatively small amounts of capital to entrepreneurs who may otherwise have limited access to traditional financial services.

They can help people invest in equipment, stock, livestock, crops or other resources needed to develop a small business and generate income.

Through Lendwithcare’s model, individuals and organisations can contribute smaller amounts towards an entrepreneur’s loan. These contributions are combined to provide the funding required, allowing several supporters to contribute towards the same business.

This is known as fractional micro-lending. Rather than one contributor providing the entire loan, multiple contributors each provide a fraction of the total.

Access to this capital can give entrepreneurs greater opportunities to invest in their businesses and work towards a more sustainable household income, including Sen…

Our partners: Sen's story

Sen lives with her husband and three children in Ngoc Lac, a mountainous district in Thanh Hoa province, Vietnam.

In the region, agriculture, forestry and fisheries remain the primary sources of income, particularly in disadvantaged communities. Acacia tree cultivation plays an important role because the trees adapt well to hilly terrain and require little maintenance.

Sen has built her family’s livelihood around forestry. She balances short-term income from industrial forest plots with the long-term potential of her family’s acacia plantation.

With extensive experience working with the local climate and soil conditions, Sen has also received guidance from local forestry officials. Using this knowledge, she has selected suitable seed sources and adopted improved farming techniques to increase productivity.

Following the success of her previous loan cycle, Sen applied for a second microloan from THMFI, a local Lendwithcare partner in Vietnam.

Yule Travel contributed to fully funding Sen’s £1,573.24 loan, which allowed her to purchase 30,000 acacia seedlings and expand her family’s plantation. By continuing to use improved farming techniques, she hopes to produce healthier trees, increase future yields and strengthen her family’s income.

Creating opportunities beyond travel

Sen’s story demonstrates how access to finance can help entrepreneurs build on their existing knowledge, experience and ambitions.

By contributing to microloans through Lendwithcare, Yule Travel aims to support access to finance for entrepreneurs while extending our purpose beyond the trips we help our customers take.

For Sen, 30,000 acacia seedlings represent the next step in developing her family’s forestry business. For Yule Travel, contributing to entrepreneurs like Sen is one way can put our mission into action.