If you are dreaming of white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and incredible food, you are not alone. According to easyJet, more than two-thirds (65%) of Brits plan on holidaying this summer. Lana Bester explores five of the trendiest holiday destinations of the year to inspire your wanderlust.
- Tenerife, SpainĀ
Best time to visit: June ā September
Flight time from EMA: 4 hours 30 mins
The biggest of Spainās Canary Islands and a British holidaymakerās favourite. With the perfect mix of sunshine and golden beaches, gorgeous local dishes, and great stargazing opportunities, it could not be more inviting.
Must-dos:
- Enjoy the nightlife down Veronicaās Strip ā The most famous place to head for incredible nightlife.
- See amazing sea life with the countless snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities.
- The Masca Walk ā one of the most popular sky-to-sea hikes in the world.
- Spot some of the 21 marine mammal species that live off the coast (including bottlenose dolphins and orcas).
2. Santorini, Greece
Best time to visit: June ā September
Flight time from EMA: 4 hours 5 minutes
Famous for its incredible sunsets, travellers from all over the world visit Santorini to see the sugar-cube houses in the magical town of Oia. Imagine relaxing in your own private infinity pool with mouth-watering Mediterranean food and swimming through the secret tunnel to reveal the picture-perfect sunset Santorini boasts. Perfection.
Must-dos:
- Explore Kamari Black Beach ā The most reputable of the volcanic beaches, characterized by its black sand. Explore the restaurants, tavernas and bars on the promenade.
- Take a postcard photograph of the view ā Known as the best sunset in the world, the views from Oia are as perfect as those seen on a postcard. So, take advantage and grab that camera!
- Enjoy a sunset cruise ā One way to see the island is by taking an organized tour and sailing across Caldera.
3. Venice, Italy
Best time to visit: April – July
Flight time from EMA: 2 hours 15 min
Venice is an absolute dream, a completely unique city in Italy, with countless reasons to visit. Whether you are a foodie, enjoy architecture, love to explore and find hidden gems, or are intrigued by history, it is must-see.
Must-dos:
- Ride a gondola ā An infamous attraction and very romantic. You can find gondolas everywhere; just make sure you agree on a price before you hop in!
- Explore the museums ā Caā dāOro, Gallerie dellāAccademia, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection to name a few.
- Tick off top attractions by heading on a walking tour ā See St. Markās Square, Rialto Bridge, and more!
4. Split, Croatia
Best time to visit: May ā October
Flight time from EMA: 3 hours 35 mins
A laid-back city with cobblestone alleys to explore, Split is no longer a jumping base for Dalmatiaās islands but one of the most popular places to visit in Croatia. With its rich coffee culture, roman history, bustling seafront promenade, and energetic nightlife, that comes as no surprise.
Must-dos:
- Island hopping ā It is easy to reach Hvar, Vis, and Brac from Split via a short ferry ride, and so very tempting and easy to island-hop!
- Wander Diocletianās Palace ā Splitās high street is situated inside a Roman palace filled with shops, cafĆ©s, and bars.
- Explore the old town ā a maze of cobbled streets and vibrant shops.
- Play picigin ā a beach ball game played in shallow water where players must stop the ball from touching the water.
5. Bali, Indonesia
Best time to visit: May ā August
Flight time from EMA: 25 hours 40 mins
The perfect combination of luscious landscapes and culture, Bali has something for every kind of traveller. As Indonesiaās top tourist destination, Bali draws in millions of visitors every year. Be sure to pack a sarong as you will be visiting a lot of temples where it is tradition to cover your knees and shoulders.
Must-Dos:
- Hike an active volcano ā Mount Batur erupts every few years and is an incredible hike, especially at sunrise. Always check natural disaster travel advisories prior to visiting.
- Experience coffee culture ā There are numerous opportunities to try lots of different coffee types in Bali. Thanks to its location along the equator, Bali produces a lot. Avoid trying āthe worldās most expensive coffeeā, as this is brewed from Luwak stool, wherein many of the animals are caged and forced through this process.
- Visit rice terraces ā Rice fields are the most prominent tourist attraction, not just for the paddies themselves but also for the large swings and other Instagrammable spots. The most popular is Tegalalang or Jatiluwih.
It is hard to say which holiday spot should be at the top of your list. Venice, Santorini, Split, and Tenerife are closer to home than Bali and may be better options for those wanting to spend less. However, Bali is one of my all-time favourite locations and a once-in-a-lifetime holiday for anyone. Even if you can only get away for the weekend, it will be an awesome break from university life.
Lead Image: Lana Bester