The holidays have begun and it's time to get booking for that summer holiday! Now the question is, where should you go? With so many worthwhile locations to visit and relax in, you're often left pondering as to where you should got for your big summer holiday. Not only that but you've got to consider what sort of travel insurance you need, how to get around and how to save on your trip. Well thankfully, we have a good few travel suggestions to provide as well as some tips and tricks for how to save during your trip.
Popular travel spots
Some places are popular for a reason, and they remain a tried and tested travel destination for all kinds of holiday goers. East or West , you’ll find many beautiful summer destinations like Sicily in Europe and Miami in America, so what’s the best? Well here are just a few of our picks for some of the best of these popular destinations.- The Bahamas If you’re up for some scuba diving, or you just fancy relaxing by the coast, the Bahamas is a prime choice for holiday goers wanting some sun. Divers and snorkelers will be more than happy to take in the undersea sights, with numerous wrecks to see and above all the great Andros Barrier Reef to explore. Tourists can island hop amongst the various tropical islands such as Blue Lagoon Island and Paradise island, and visit some of their unique landmarks like Thunderball Grotto (Famously used in the James Bond Films) and the Black Coral Gardens off the island of Bimini. For families just wanting to relax you can indulge yourself in one of their beautiful resorts like Atlantis on Paradise Island. No matter who you are, you’ll love the Bahamas. Be sure to pack some sunscreen!
- Thailand Thailand is a place of eccentricity, whether you’re into the bustling night life and markets in Bangkok, or the stunning Phuket coastline facing the Andaman Sea, you’ll love Thailand. Tourists will love the beautiful golden temples of Wat Arun and Wat Pho beside the ultra-modern Bangkok cityscapes. For those who are a bit more adventurous, take a trip to the stunning Khao Yai National Park with their intense night safaris and wildlife. If you fancy a holiday on the coast then it is essential you visit Ko Kloon and their amazing beaches, with crystal clear waters from the Andaman sea you’d be sorry to miss it. You can also enjoy elephant rides or tiger petting in one of Thailand's eccentric animal kingdoms. Don’t miss out, you’ll simply love the food.
- Florida Florida has always been a great summer travel spot, with a little something for everyone. For those looking for a bit of excitement then head on down to one of the many theme parks near Orlando. Venture into Walt Disney World and discover the wonder of Walt Disney’s many recognisable worlds and characters. Take on high-speed thrills in one of Universal Studios Orlando’s many rollercoasters. And for those who prefer something less manic, there’s plenty else on offer. If you’re looking to party then Miami is your go-to with its wild nightlife, which is some of the US has to offer. If you’re looking to relax then take in the sun at one of Florida’s many beaches, with Florida Keys having some of the best beachfronts in the whole state.
Some hidden gems
Many people forget that there are places in the world that go unnoticed and unspoilt. Mostly as they tend to be overshadowed by more popular destinations. However, these parts of the world are still nothing to scoff at, as they have plenty of surprises in store for those who are willing to look.- Cyprus This small Mediterranean island is mostly known for it’s beautiful coastline, especially on the southwest of the island. What you don’t know is that Cyprus is also known for its wild nightclubs, especially in Limassol with many of its beachside clubs. Tourists can enjoy visiting the old greek temples dedicated to Aphrodite, though I’d be a little wary of venturing to Aphrodite’s Rock by the coast. For those of you who are into wine, there are also a few vineyards in the area and regularly do wine tasting events.
- Alaska Normally you’d associate Alaska with snow and plenty of Glaciers, though for the more adventurous traveller you will love it. Alaska in the summer is full of stunning landscapes and forests. It truly is a wilderness and is an excellent destination for hikers to traverse the unknown. Scale the hills around the Rockies to reach the edges of some of Alaska’s stunning glaciers. Best of all, the weather is nice in the summer, not too hot but with plenty of sun.
Saving money on your booking
Now when booking your holiday, there are plenty of things you have to consider. These range from where you go to get your travel insurance, what hotel you should book and whether it’s better to arrange the holiday yourself or get a package. Well we’re here to help you through this process and to help you save as much as you can.- DIY or Package? Whether it’s better to do it yourself or get a holiday package is often dependent on how long you’ll be away for. If you’re away for one or two weeks a package holiday will often be cheaper, and you can take advantage of special offers and hotel facilities if you book early. However, if you’re looking to book a longer holiday or if you’re going to a destination that’s not too popular, it’s much cheaper to book your flights and hotel directly.
- Where do I go to get insurance? You can get insurance through a insurance company like Aviva or via Royal Mail. Be sure to check on sites such as CompareTheMarket or Go-Compare to see which company offers the best rates.
- Are one way flights cheaper than return journeys? Depends on how long you’ll be away for but for nearly all instances it’ll be cheaper to get a return flight.
- Is it better to fly direct or get a connecting flight? Flying direct is sometimes cheaper than getting a connection, though unfortunately direct flights leave at abysmal hours depending on where you’re going. The airline you’re flying is also a factor to consider as well so be sure to compare flights.
Packing for your trip and last minute tips
You’re almost ready to go on your holiday, and all you need now is to sort out the packing and some last minute essentials. First things first is to make sure to have any vaccinations you need if you’re going to places with uncommon tropical diseases or other such nasties. With some destinations it’ll be a good idea to bring along a health kit with some essential antibiotics in case you catch something. Also if you’re going somewhere sunny, be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, getting a sun burn isn’t very nice. You can find all the information you need on the country you’re visiting from Government Travel advice page here. Also it’s a good idea to scan your essential documents like your passport, so if you lose it you can have a digital copy if it gets lost or stolen.Now onto packing. Here are some quick tips on how to pack effectively for your trip.
- Roll up your clothes to help save space and avoid annoying wrinkles.
- Store your cables in a small container to make sure they don’t get lost.
- Store your shoes in plastic bags to make sure they don’t dirty your clothes in the bag.
- To prevent bottles from leaking in your bag you can put a plastic wrap over the lid and seal it with the cap.