The Iran conflict, which erupted a week ago, has triggered numerous consequences. Whilst far from the most significant, disruption to travel arrangements has emerged as one consideration.

Several Middle Eastern destinations have proved popular amongst British holidaymakers, notably Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. These cities boast nearly constant sunshine, exceptional hotels and luxurious getaways that persuade UK travellers to book trips in significant numbers.

Those locations, alongside numerous other sought-after spots across the Middle East and Mediterranean, have now essentially become off-limits, at least for the time being.

Thankfully, travel writer Annabelle Thorpe has put together a selection of six alternative destinations to consider booking instead, reports the Daily Mirror.

Athens

The specialist suggests substituting Cyprus with the renowned Greece capital. Athens remains relatively quiet during March, meaning the celebrated Acropolis and the Parthenon are likely to be practically deserted.

March is regarded as ‘shoulder season’ in Athens with reduced visitor numbers and more agreeable temperatures as the thermometer typically sits around 16-17C.

Direct flights operate from five airports – Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City – with various airlines including easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air.

Seville

Should you have had a trip to Istanbul planned, Annabelle recommends considering Seville as an alternative. The southern Spanish city is renowned for its Moorish palace, Gothic cathedrals and flamenco dancing.

Seville experiences daytime temperatures reaching approximately 22C during March, providing a pleasant respite before the oppressive summer months arrive. Those visiting can also appreciate the blossoming orange trees and witness preparations for the Easter celebrations.

Direct services to the city operate from most London airports alongside Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh.

Tunis

Should Amman, Jordan’s capital, feature on your itinerary, the specialist recommends heading to Tunis as an alternative. This historic city, serving as Tunisia’s capital today, presents a remarkable fusion of Mediterranean allure, French colonial legacy and Arab cultural heritage.

The destination also features a UNESCO-protected medina alongside Carthage’s ancient archaeological remains. Daily temperatures peak at a comfortable 20C.

Direct services operate from Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton and Stansted, with Tunisair being the principal airline.

Marrakech

Annabelle suggests swapping the UAE’s glamorous shopping centres for browsing Marrakech’s internationally renowned medina as an alternative. It’s an excellent destination for purchasing cashmere wraps, artisan jewellery, antiquities, spices and considerably more.

Beyond the frantic souks lies Jardin Majorelle, a one-hectare botanical paradise, alongside the vibrant Jemaa El Fna Square. March temperatures can climb to a fairly warm 25C, though numerous riads feature swimming pools enabling guests to refresh themselves.

Multiple airports operate direct services to the Moroccan destination, including principal London terminals plus Manchester, Birmingham and John Lennon Airport in Liverpool amongst others.

Gran Canaria

Bodrum has remained a firm favourite with British holidaymakers chasing winter or early spring sunshine. However, given its closeness to the conflict zone, Annabelle urged tourists to consider Gran Canaria as an alternative.

The island ranks as the third-largest and second-most-populated of the Canary Islands. March temperatures typically peak at around 22C, whilst the sun-kissed shores combined with tax-free retail and vibrant evening entertainment position it as a genuine competitor to Turkey’s resort destinations.

More than 15 airports provide direct services to the island’s capital Las Palmas, including London’s major terminals alongside Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and Bristol.

Nice

One of Dubai’s principal attractions lies in its fusion of urban sophistication and coastal relaxation. Numerous British visitors relish basking in the warmth before indulging in retail therapy.

The travel specialist suggests Nice, situated on the French Riviera, as a substitute for the sought-after UAE destination.

The Promenade des Anglais extends along a four-mile coastal strip, and when combined with the alfresco bars and dining establishments, creates an intoxicating atmosphere.

Direct services operate from most London terminals as well as Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast.