After a long year of working hard, summer is for playing harder. From Mediterranean getaways to North American cities, here is a list of ten destinations that are trending this year. So enjoy, unwind and relax, but make sure to get travel insurance from QIC Insured before you head off on your next adventure.
1. Bora Bora
As you arrive by plane, you will be greeted by mesmerising views and a stunning landscape of turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. Bora Bora is unsurprisingly a honeymoon favourite, but the island has a lot to offer to everybody. Other than relaxing on the beach, action packed activities such as diving, snorkelling, hiking and parasailing are readily available. Stay at a luxurious hotel or choose from a variety of mid range options available.
Insider Tip: There’s no tipping on the islands expect at resorts with butlers and private yachts. The Islanders consider the Tahitian thank you (Māuruuru) to be the highest form of gratitude.
2. Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is the perfect blend of eastern tradition and rising modernity. Home to plenty of historical sites, breathtaking architecture, excellent shopping and sumptuous food, it is the perfect destination to travel to this summer. Be in two places places at the same time as you take a walk along the Bosphorus strait which straddles both the European and Asian continents. Hospitality is the cornerstone of Turkish culture so prepare to moved by the generous spirit of the locals.
Insider Tip: In this day of non negotiable price tags, discover the lost art of bargaining in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, which sells everything from Turkish ceramics to hand knotted carpets.
3. Majorca, Spain
If you conjure up images of your perfect summer holiday, it probably looks something like Majorca. It is the crown jewel of the Mediterranean thanks to its azure landscapes, lush beaches, quaint towns and rugged mountains. Relax at a resort on the coast, soak up the culture or break a sweat with plenty of outdoor activities available.
Insider Tip: The further north you travel in Majorca, the quieter it will get. The northern part is characterized by steep volcanoes and rugged mountains which provide excellent opportunities for hiking and other adrenaline inducing activities.
4. Cancun, Mexico
Its no wonder that Cancun is one of Mexico’s most popular holiday destinations, given its breathtaking beaches, vibrant nightlife scene and abundance of expensive resort hotels. There are a number of local attractions such as museums, seafood restaurants and outdoor activities.
Insider Tip: The best way to explore Cancun is through public transportation as distances between attractions are quite long and weather can get quite hot during the summer months.
5. Bali, Indonesia
Bali has beaches, a tropical climate, surfing, diving, resorts and great food, making it an ideal spot for your next summer holiday. Bali’s rich culture, monuments and lovely locals make it much more than just a “fun in the sun retreat”.
Insider Tip: A trip to Bali is not complete without a visit to a Balinese temple! The “Monkey Temple” in Ubud is a particularly popular one – but be careful, as the monkeys are known to steal loose items from tourists so it’s best to keep your sunglasses in the car.
6. Miami, Florida
Miami offers more than just a beach getaway for your next holiday. With diverse neighborhoods, multicultural cuisine, and a glamorous urbane facade, the city has a lot to offer to everyone. Take a dip into the Atlantic, blow off steam on a private yacht or revel in Miami Beach’s epic nightlife scene.
Insider Tip: Head out to the Everglades, a vast swampy area, which houses an extraordinary ecosystem, filled with hundreds of species of birds, flamingos and alligators.
7. Montreal, Canada
If you not looking for a beach getaway, and don’t mind a long flight, then Montreal is the city to visit. It is a hub of cultural activity which includes festivals, art and multicultural cuisine. Take a tour of Old Montreal or walk along the Canal de Lachine to experience, the old European charm of the city
Insider Tip: If you want to savour some local flavour, the Jean Talon market is popular with both the locals and tourists, and offers the best of French Canadian cuisine.
8. Hawaii, USA
Each of Hawaii’s six islands offers something for everyone, You may feel like you are in another world thanks to Hawaii’s black and red beaches, iridescent coral reefs, volcanic terrain and the rich, compelling Polynesian culture.
Insider Tip: Any history buff will want to visit the Pearl Harbour and the USS Arizona Memorial, so reserve your tickets before you arrive, since you will not be entertained without a reservation.
9. Amsterdam, Netherlands
The summer is the perfect time to tour the city. The dreary winter weather has lifted and the city is gearing up to host a number of festivals. Visit museums, private gardens or go on an urban adventure, on your bike, traversing the city’s canal lined roads in search of the perfect quaint cafe.
Insider Tip: If you want to try something a bit different, why not take a boat ride along the canals. You can find free ferries behind Centraal Station to different parts of the city. Or, for an experience you surely won’t forget, check out BODY WORLDS, a museum which is home to real body parts of people who donated their bodies to science.
10. Salalah, Oman
For an option that’s closer to home, take a short flight to Salalah. Known for it’s green landscape, seasonal waterfalls, and banana plantations, Salalah is a great place to visit during the summer months. Taste the local food, visit the old souks, and take advantage of the wide range of tourist attractions on offer.
Insider Tip: It’s a good idea to hire a car for your trip, as getting around without one could prove to be quite difficult. The drive to Prophet Nabi Ayoub’s tomb is a particularly nice one, and Taqah Castle is one not to miss.
Make sure that you enjoy your summer holidays to the fullest by getting travel insurance. If you, like many UAE residents, travel frequently during the year, an annual travel policy will provide the best value for you and also save you from the hassle of buying a new policy every time you step into an airport. If you require medical attention during your trip, or your luggage is lost or damaged, or you have to cancel a trip due to a family emergency, travel insurance will protect you and your belongings and even take care of cancellation fees. Not having travel insurance can quickly lead to expensive medical bills, and there is nothing worse that losing your luggage and having to spend your travel money buying new clothes. Get the best travel coverage with QIC Insured and provide protection for you and your family while abroad.
