As amazing as Newcastle and the North East is, sometimes you just need to get away. We may be blessed in this region with golden beaches, world-class culture and amazing food, but when the temperatures drop and more exotic climes beckon, you can find everything you need for your holiday in the city!
Travel agents
Let’s start at the beginning. If you’re undecided on where to go for a much-needed break, let the experts do the legwork for you! The huge Trailfinders store on Ridley Place is a great place to begin your adventure. They’re experts in tailor-made travel, offer advice on cruising and safari trips, and their trips can cater to any holiday style you can imagine - from romantic getaways to beachy-based fun and gap year or student travel.
Also on Ridley Place, Hays Travel can offer impartial advice on a vast range of holiday options, searching for the right suppliers to get you a great deal and the trip you deserve. Team members are passionate about the travel industry, and have personal specialisms in cruising, skiing and much more. Plus, their foreign currency exchange offers competitive rates.
A real local success story, Dawson & Sanderson on Northumberland street have a whole host of well-travelled expert consultants who can make your trip the best it can be. Their exclusive access to hotel and flight combos mean you’ll always get a great deal, and they can dig out the best city breaks, bespoke trips and cruises just for you.
TUI’s holiday store on Northumberland Street is the place to head for great package trips and tailor-made holidays. Whether it’s just a flight, or the whole shebang from hotels to car hire, TUI’s expert advice and world knowledge will keep you right, plus they have their very own cruising company, Marella Cruises.
Holiday shopping
Having recently relocated to a brand new store in Eldon Square, lingerie experts Bravissimo are one of the few places where you can find bikinis and beachwear year round, so if you’re heading off to sunnier climes in the middle of the British winter, you’ll find everything you need for a warm climate here!
Fenwick’s vast range of fashion brands will make sure you’re looking your best on your jollies. Splash out on a new outfit for those lazy summer nights, look smart in brand new sunnies, grab everyday essentials like t-shirts and shirts, or get something special for evening meals or nights out.
You’ll need some great luggage for your fab trip, and John Lewis have a great range of stylish bags and suitcases to fit all needs (and pesky airline rules!), from rugged wheelie suitcases to trendy backpacks and classic handbags.
Image: John Lewis and Partners Anyday small backpack £39
Get well and truly kitted out at Cotswold on Northumberland Street, who stock any kind of outdoor gear you can imagine – from rucksacks and gadgets, to specialist equipment for hiking, rock climbing and skiing. Their passionate staff can give you loads of advice on outdoor activities so you’re fully prepared for your exciting trip!
If you’re heading somewhere exotic that may mean you need travel vaccinations. Aside from visiting your GP, Boots in Eldon Square’s health clinic is a great option. While you’re there, top up your first aid kit with all the essentials you need, from plasters and bandages to that all important sunscreen.
A great choice for travel-sized health and beauty items, Superdrug on Northumberland Street makes for an affordable and well-stocked one-stop-shop. Get holiday ready with their brow and lash bar and pick up essential health tips from their pharmacy.
No matter where you’re going, it always pays to be prepared, and Waterstones on Blackett Street has every travel guide imaginable in its lovely and well-stocked four-storey building. Get some ideas with their great range of travel writing, and there’s all manner of maps, walking guides and inspirational stories too. Plus, if they don’t have it in stock you can order online and collect in store!
Travel Essentials
Located in WHSmith on Northumberland Street, the Post Office can help you with all manner of holiday admin - from applying for a passport or international driving permit, getting all-important travel insurance, and financial assistance on foreign currency and money cards. They can even issue National Express tickets too.
While Marks & Spencer may not immediately come to mind when it comes to travel money, their M&S Bank bureau de change offers a competitive place to grab your holiday spends. If you come home with foreign currency to spare, their buy back scheme will enable you to sell it back to them and they have travel insurance packages on offer too.
So, whether you’re off on a sun-soaked cruise, a holiday full of beachy relaxation or an adventurous trip of a lifetime, Newcastle has you covered! Bon voyage!
