Get away from the General Election by going on holiday

A general election is coming and, love it or hate it, it's all that'll be in the news until the results are declared in the early hours of Friday 5th July. If you're glued to your TV, newspaper or X feed for the next few weeks, good for you – we hope you enjoy watching the coverage. But if you'd rather get away from it all until it's time to put a cross in a box*, here are our suggestions for places to go where you're likely to hear less about politics, both home and abroad.

*If you're heading somewhere nice on 4th July when it's polling day, don't forget to apply for a postal vote by 5pm on 19th June so you can still have your say.

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Where to go in the UK

Liverpool

Merseyside is home to some of the safest Labour seats in the country – so safe that it's pretty much pointless for either side to campaign there. That means you're not likely to see any real debate about how the local contest is going when you get there, making Liverpool a great place for a politics-free UK city break.

There's plenty going on in Liverpool from June to the start of July. Taylor Swift is bringing The Eras Tour to Anfield on the 13th, 14th and 15th June, but don't worry if you weren't lucky enough to snag the hottest ticket around – there's another band in town that's a must-see for any music fanatic. The Beatles Story Museum on the historic Royal Albert Dock is the best place to learn about Liverpool's most famous musical export, while the iconic Cavern Club where they played in their early touring days is still going strong with regular live gigs.

For anyone adding Taylor Swift and The Beatles to their avoid list alongside politics, there's plenty more to see at the Royal Albert Dock. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the most-visited free tourist destination in the North West and boasts museums, galleries, restaurants, bars and shops. Don't miss the Tate art gallery and the Maritime Museum that houses objects from the Titanic.

Christchurch, Dorset

At the other end of the political spectrum, Christchurch in Dorset has historically been the Conservative Party's safest seat. Electioneering here has always been minimal, so if you want a rural holiday on the English south coast with less political chatter this side of July, this may be your spot.

This harbourside town is rich in history and gorgeous natural scenery. The harbour is perfect for sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding, or if that sounds like too much effort a relaxing coastal walk is just as rewarding. It's also a stone's throw from Highcliffe Castle, a magnificent Grade I listed building set on beautiful cliff tops with access to the beach below. There's a free Food and Arts Festival happening in Highcliffe on 8th and 9th June, with over 120 traders lining the village centre.

Edinburgh

While most of Scotland is going to be hard fought for this election, Edinburgh South remains one of Labour's safest seats. That means Edinburgh isn't likely to be much of a political battleground – so if you want to get away from the election in Scotland, get yourself to the capital.

June's a great time to visit Edinburgh. The weather's perfect for a hike up Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano that offers some of the best panoramic views of the city. Calton Hill is just as rewarding – it rises high above Princes Street, which has loads of great shops and perfect views of Edinburgh Castle. The castle dominates the city's skyline and is a must-visit to see the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

Head there 22nd June for Edinburgh Pride, which is the longest running free celebration of the LGBTQI+ community in Scotland and is headlined this year by Atomic Kitten.

South Wales

From Rhondda and Ogmore to Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, rural south Wales has plenty of super-safe seats that are likely to see relatively little active campaigning. It also has an abundance of beautiful natural landscapes to explore, so it might just be the perfect place to ignore the news cycle and get out in nature.

If you like castles you're in luck. Caerphilly Castle is the second-largest in Britain, and among its sprawling 30-acre plot you'll find a leaning tower even wonkier than Pisa's, family-friendly attractions like Gilbert's Maze and a dragon's lair, a grand great hall and striking water defences. Drive 15 minutes and you'll find another castle, Castell Coch, which looks like it's been taken straight out of a Victorian fairy-tale and is nestled in the woodlands just north-west of Cardiff.

Brecon Beacons National Park is worth exploring too, where you'll find mountains, waterfalls like Henrhyd Fall and gorgeous rolling countryside. It's perfect for hiking and biking as well as stargazing, as it's one of the UK's few designated dark sky reserves.

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Where to go abroad

Turkey

One surefire way to avoid awkward political chats with your friends and family in the UK is to jump on a plane and head somewhere exotic, and Turkey's a great bet. They had their elections in March, plus they're outside the EU and don't have upcoming elections to worry about, so political coverage there is pretty quiet at the moment.

Summer's arrived in Turkey, so it's time to head to the resorts in Antalya, Bodrum and Fethiye for the ultimate all-inclusive holiday. Happily bake by the pool and tuck into a refreshing pint or four, or head to the beach. If you're staying in Fethiye make a beeline to Ölüdeniz – it's by far Turkey's most famous beach. The shape of the lagoon means the waters are nice and calm, making it the ideal place for a dip after sunbathing in 30°C heat.

It's worth pointing out that Turkey doesn't score particularly highly on our Good Trip Index, the Holiday Extras guide to travelling ethically, sustainably and well. If you want to travel somewhere with a higher score, we've got more suggestions below.

Moldova

This year, Moldova is one of the highest risers in our Good Trip Index – the Holiday Extras guide to travelling ethically, sustainably and well. So we'd say it's the perfect time to visit. It has elections this year, both a referendum on joining the EU and parliamentary elections in late October, but that's a fair while away so there won't be much political noise in June.

Moldova's one of the least-visited destinations in Europe, and we reckon it's a hidden gem worth exploring. Start with the capital Chisinau, where you'll find great museums, plenty of green space and your choice of £1.50 pints or world-beating Moldovan wines. Then, head out into the countryside and take advantage of the excellent June weather. Top of your list should be Old Orhei, an archeological site featuring cave monasteries, churches and ancient ruins of the former city, and afterwards head to nearby villages Butuceni and Trebujeni for a taste of the great hospitality rural Moldova is known for.

Cape Verde

Cape Verde is one of our favourite long-haul holiday destinations. It's another big riser on our Good Trip Index for 2024, a firm favourite with Brits, and the politics there is quiet at the moment since the last election was in 2021 and the next is in 2026. And by heading there in June you'll miss the rainy season that starts in July, making now the best time for a dream getaway.

Cape Verde's a great place to visit for an alternative beach holiday. Beach-wise you're spoilt for choice – Sal's Santa Maria is the most popular, which is best for swimming and water sports, while Praia de Santa (also on Sal) is better for relaxing and spotting wild turtles bobbing in and out of the water. Elsewhere the beaches on Boa Vista offer excellent windsurfing conditions, while Maio is a birdwatcher's paradise.

There's more to Cape Verde than just the beaches though. History buffs should head to Cidade Velha – founded in 1462, it's the oldest settlement in Cape Verde and its historic centre was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009. Or for an authentic insight into Cape Verdean culture head to Mindelo. It's packed with colonial architecture, cafes and restaurants as well as local musicians who'll provide the perfect soundtrack to a warm summer's evening.

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