My favourite Summer holiday Destinations
Canada
With a wealth of world-class attractions and sensational sights to discover, Canada has so much to offer whatever the season. However, perhaps the perfect time to visit is the summer months when this vast country is hot and lush. Nature lovers will be in their element in the beautiful provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, where you can enjoy everything from hiking and biking to kayaking and canoeing on the shimmering emerald lakes. If you prefer the bustle of urban life, soak up the sunshine on the glorious sandy beaches of Vancouver’s Stanley Park or enjoy the incredible atmosphere in Toronto, where there’s a food, music or cultural festival nearly every weekend. July is also the month of the world-famous Calgary Stampede, known as the ‘Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’, and the first of the month is Canada Day, so there’ll be plenty of celebrations across the country.
USA
The USA’s Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf Coasts are all home to some wonderful summer sun resorts, whether it be the exclusive Hamptons in Long Island, the world-famous holiday hotspot of Miami in Florida or Los Angeles’ plethora of legendary beaches. Away from the stunning coastline, explore New York’s host of world-famous landmarks, enjoy some thrills and spills at Orlando’s amazing theme parks or immerse yourself in Las Vegas, where mind-boggling casinos, a pulsing nightlife scene and the dry desert heat all combine to create a truly unique holiday experience. July is a particularly special time to visit the USA, as every year on July 4th, the country celebrates its independence from the British Empire with parties, parades and fireworks.
Thailand
Undoubtedly one of the world’s best beach destinations, captivating Thailand is home to an unbelievable amount of gorgeous tropical shorelines where the cashmere-soft white sands and sparkling azure waters are the stuff that holiday dreams are made of. From the peaceful seclusion at gorgeous Khao Lak and exotic Krabi to the party islands of Phuket and Koh Samui, all the way through to the elegant sophistication of Hua Hin, it’s so easy to find a beach which fits your unique vision of perfection. No visit to Thailand would be complete without visiting the buzzing capital of Bangkok. Take some time to immerse yourself in this invigorating city and explore all that it has to offer, including superb shopping, a vibrant nightlife scene, delicious street food and a rich Buddhist heritage. A land filled with stunning natural beauty, incredible culture and history, as well as some of the warmest people you could ever wish to meet, Thailand will both amaze and inspire; whatever type of holiday you may be looking for.
Indonesia
Indonesia, especially the exotic island paradise of Bali, is the perfect choice for a summer escape. Home to glorious palm-fringed beaches, dramatic volcanoes, lush forest, ancient temples and the friendliest people, you’ll soon see why Bali is often referred to as the ‘Island of the Gods’. Perhaps the most popular resorts on the island are upmarket Seminyak and lively Kuta, but there are numerous other beach resorts dotted around the island with more peaceful settings, such as laidback Sanur on the south-east coast, beautiful Jimbaran in the west and tranquil Tembok on the north of the island. Venture away from the glorious coastline and into Bali’s lush interior and you’ll also discover that there’s much more to this stunning island than sea and sand. With traditional villages, verdant rainforests and breath-taking cultural sites to explore, Bali really does offer something for everyone.
Greece
A remarkable country that’s filled with unparalleled culture and history, spectacular golden beaches and sun-soaked islands, gorgeous Greece is a land suitably fit for the gods. Dine on delicious dishes at cosy tavernas, discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites or swim in the glittering turquoise waters and feel the sun upon your skin, there’s plenty to entice all types of traveller here. If you’re searching for a blissful slice of paradise, you’ll be well served by the breath-taking Halkidiki peninsula on the mainland or the exquisite island of Rhodes. For nightlife, head to Kos or Corfu, and if culture’s your thing, don’t miss the largest Greek island of them all, Crete, where there’s thousands of years of history to explore. With fantastic weather, plenty of hours of glorious sunshine and a wide range of idyllic islands to choose from, whatever you’re looking for from your summer holiday, you’ll certainly find it in gorgeous Greece.
Italy
Whether it’s sun-kissed shores, shimmering lakes and ancient cities, Italy is the perfect destination for a magical summer holiday. The famous Amalfi Coast is perhaps one of the country’s most spectacular areas, with its exquisite shoreline that’s dotted with small beaches and pastel-coloured fishing villages. It’s also the perfect place from which to explore the stunning seaside town of Sorrento, the fascinating ruins of Pompeii and lively Naples, known as the birthplace of pizza. Away from the breath-taking coastline, head inland to see Italy’s great northern lakes shimmer like sparkling glass in the summer sunshine. The holiday retreat of Lake Garda is perhaps the most popular choice, with its temperate climate, magnificent setting and endless activities, whilst sophisticated Lake Como is perfectly positioned against a backdrop of spectacular mountains and is world-renowned for its palatial villas, stunning scenery and sublime cuisine. It may be hot in the city but surely no trip to Italy would be complete without visiting the Eternal City of Rome or the utterly romantic and unique travel destination of Venice? Both cities are bursting with unmissable treasures and surprises, and if the heat does start to take its toll, there are plenty of pretty piazzas where you can relax in the shade with a chilled glass of Prosecco or your favourite gelato.