The summer is approaching and it’s time to book plane tickets, flash the cash and co-ordinate the group chat. Now is the perfect moment to start planning your post-exam existence. Be organised (I always tell myself), don’t let the vast expanse of sunny months go to waste.
Hence, in light of the longer days and mild nights, I thought I would offer some suggestions of where to go this summer. I have picked out four places to tempt your adventurous-spirit and prompt the discussion over your next travel epoch.
Isle of Scilly, Britain
I thought I would start off more local, with one of Britain’s hidden gems just across the shores of the Cornish Coast: the Isle of Scilly. This collection of islands includes some beautiful beaches, idyllic coastlands and plentiful opportunities to gorge on fresh seafood. Yet somehow it appears so infrequently on ones’ travel radar.
For those who don’t like straying too far from home but still want sun and sand, these islands provide an opportunity for escape with minimal hassle and low travel-time. You still get to hop on a boat for 2 hour 45 mins (from Penzance) or a plane for 30 mins (from Newquay airport). Then – hey presto – you are there, separated from the mainland but surrounded by blue seas and small quaint towns.
Potential activities involve bathing on the beach, swimming in the sea, walking, cycling, sailing, boating and popping into cute little tourist shops. For some, this is exactly what is required after the yearly stress and I, for one, always like exploring the British Isles.
Budapest, Hungary
Next, slightly further but not miles and miles away: Budapest. This vibrant, colourful city is one of Europe’s rising travel destinations, receiving 17, 745 votes as one of the top 15 places to go in Europe this year. After visiting myself last year, I cannot recommend it enough. (Honestly, go – before the wannabe hipsters and drunken tourists engulf the city).
There are various cheap places to stay, including many reasonable and suitably located hostels. In terms of things to do, the list goes on: visit the historical sites (Buda Castle), stroll along the river (River Danube), walk in the parks (Városliget) and go to the public baths (Széchenyi Thermal Bath). One of my favourite things to do during the day was to wander around the Jewish Quarter, nipping into shops and coffee places. At night, the open bars and restaurants are fantastic, especially given the warm weather and starry nights.
Goa, India
Moving further away and up in price, another place that has recently caught my eye is Goa, India. If you want to explore an exotic country and crave far-flung adventure, this is a great place to begin and (importantly) is not too touristy. Very different to Delhi or Mumbai, if offers endless sun, sand and sanctuary from daily life.
Located on the west coast, it boasts some incredible beaches covered with palm trees and breached by the warm, turquoise sea. Its culture, according to Lonely Plant, is a ‘kaleidoscopic blend of Indian and Portuguese influences with spicy food and strands of spirituality’. For anyone who has the money and the ambition, this is an intriguing place. There are temples, markets and various spice farms to explore. The brightly coloured huts, encompassed by vast oceans on one side and breath-taking hills look like a great spot to rest a weary head.
Andaman Islands, Bay of Bengal
Few people have heard of this beautiful island, however, for me, it has been a potential travel destination for some time. First coming to my attention in A-level geography, since then I have always been curious to visit this mostly unspoken-of Asian island.
One of the union territories of India but with its own separate culture, it is home to a unique community of people and wildlife. It is known for its beaches in particular, offering great opportunities for marine exploration. However, its rainforests are also not to be missed, sheltering an exotic range of animals and plants. Perhaps one day I will see its famous Sus Scorfa (wild pig) or barking deer feral elephant.
Alternatively, you may want to go scuba diving, snorkelling or surfing. Personally, I love visiting places that are not over-done and too touristy and this appears to be the perfect fit.
Edited by Tia Ralhan
Image Sources
Sources
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/places-to-visit-2018/index.html
https://www.tourmyindia.com/states/andaman/
https://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/european-best-destinations-2018/