Summer is almost upon us, and you know what that means: holidays. From the middle of June through until the early part of September, Britons criss-cross the globe in search of that perfect getaway. It is what we do. The best part about it is the abundance of destinations available on almost every continent. There are great places to go no matter what your fancy.
Our next three blog posts will cover the best summer destinations for 2015. Part one will feature destinations to the east, part two will cover the south, and part three will focus on domestic options. So grab your suitcase and lotion, and let us go explore the world!
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Croatia is one of Eastern Europe's best-kept secrets. It is a very affordable country with lots to see and do during the summertime. Visiting Dubrovnik is just one option. Dubrovnik is an ancient walled city that is as well known for its historical significance as for the Adriatic beaches on the outskirts of town. And in case you didn't know, Dubrovnik is the setting of Kings Landing of Game of Thrones fame.
Victoria Falls – Zambia, Africa
The Victoria Falls area of Zambia and Zimbabwe should be at the top of everyone's list of great travel destinations. It is an incredibly beautiful part of Africa that must be experienced first-hand to truly appreciate. Many people are surprised that there is more to the area than just the falls; there are miles and miles of walking trails opening up opportunities to see some of the most awe-inspiring natural surroundings in all of Africa. You will spend less money by staying in Zambia, by the way.
Shanghai, China
Shanghai is a world-class city unto itself. You could spend the entire holiday exploring every inch of this largely mysterious metropolis. On the other hand, you could use Shanghai as your home base for exploring other parts of South East Asia. For example, getting to Hong Kong from Shanghai is as simple as can be. If you want to make Shanghai a stopover as part of a broader Asian visit, you can stay for up to 72 hours without a visa.
Fraser Island – Queensland, Australia
Our summer months are the winter months in Australia, but Queensland is a delight to visit at any time of year. Off the south-east coast of Queensland is Fraser Island, a very popular tourist attraction and a UNESCO world heritage site. You can camp on the island or stay at a resort on the mainland, using ferries to get back and forth. Fraser Island offers a plethora of beaches, rain forests, swamps, and sand dunes. You might even see a dingo or two if conditions are just right.
We have barely scratched the surface of great summer destinations east of the UK. Wherever you decide to go, make sure you put all of your plans in place ahead of time. A bit of travel insurance is also a good idea, just in case.