Good morning from Newcastle where it is currently stupid o’clock in the morning!

Strap in for this week's exhilarating installment of "Now what’s he up to?” where I’ve set my sights on rectifying the grievous sin of neglecting Newcastle's low-cost carriers. Imagine a majestic journey that takes us in and out of Malaga faster than a German Tourist spotting a free poolside sun lounger. In the recent past I’ve flown Easyjet and Ryanair, and this weekend I’m looking to complete the set of four major LCCs serving Newcastle by enjoying the sumptuous comfort of Jet2 and TUI! Set your expectations even lower than usual and I’ll see if I can fail to meet them

I’m no stranger to the delights of Malaga. In fact, just this past January, I found myself wandering its charming streets, all in the name of attaining that elusive FlyingBlue Gold status. For the full scoop on that escapade, you can peruse my detailed trip report right here.

There’ll be scant time for exploration this weekend but there is one item still on the wish list. Last time I was in Malaga I had my heart set on paying homage to the city’s most famous son, Pablo Picasso, by visiting the Picasso Museum. Unfortunately, my plans were thwarted by an endless line of fellow art enthusiasts taking advantage of the free entry day. They say patience is a virtue, but I have my limits, especially when there’s beer and ham calling my name.

Speaking of which, my upcoming itinerary is also packed with the finest culinary delights the city has to offer: beer and ham for lunch, beer and ham for dinner, and just for a little variety, an evening food tour featuring—you guessed it—more beer and ham! If there's a better way to soak up the culture of Malaga, I haven't found it yet.

And now it’s time for the adventure to begin as they almost always do, with a flurry of last minute packing and an uber to the airport.

Next Stop : Newcastle Airport