Chances are all of our most unforgettable memories growing up were made during summer break, whether it was with friends or family. Warmer climates, refreshing tropical drinks and bright sunny days set the mood for summer- a time to remove yourself from the daily grind and really enjoy yourself. There aren’t many better ways to make the season truly unforgettable than taking a summer vacation.
But with so many ways to spend your summer and so many places to go, what kind of summer holiday to go for? Check out the list below for great summer vacation ideas.
Basking in nature during summer holidays
East Java, Indonesia
With numerous volcanoes, gushing waterfalls, verdant mountains, pristine beaches and incredible hiking trails, Indonesia’s many islands offer nature at its finest for some of the most memorable and best summer trips. Check out the blue lava spewing from Mt. Ijen’s volcanic crater, dive into the Jungle-book-like waterfalls at Tumpak Sewu Waterfall at East Java, marvel at the active volcano Mount Bromo, and visit the refreshing Madakaripura Waterfall.
San Jose, Costa Rica
One of the most biodiverse destinations on the planet, Costa Rica’s capital city San Jose will excite even the most seasoned nature-lover. Rainforests sprawling with wildlife, reinvigorating hot springs, tropical lush green jungles with ziplining adventures, exquisite coral reefs, and refreshing wetlands are waiting for you to explore. San José is also home to a number of lush green parks and squares where you can find gazebos, recreational areas, fountains, lakes and different species of birds and plants.
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Picnics, water sports and leisurely strolls: The beachy summer vacation
Hoi An, Vietnam
Give yourself the ultimate beach holiday on Hoi An’s beach tucked far away from busy streets and crowded areas. The clear water and golden sand reflect how well-preserved the small town is. Local cafes and chill-out bars dot the beaches where you can sip on fresh coconuts until the sun beautifully sets in the evening, during which time you’ll behold a lively local scene of beach-side seafood grilling, water sports, and group activity.
Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
For a truly remote-island experience and digital detox during summer vacation, the Perhentian Islands checks all the boxes. To reach the idyllic islands, you will need to take a speedboat. With limited restaurants and restricted internet, barefoot living is common in this sandy setting. Electricity is available at night, so during the day, you’ll tune into nature’s elements: the calm blue water splashing against the powdery white sand wrapping around the islands. Things to try are snorkeling, kayaking in remote caves, exploring a sunken ship, and hiking through the tropical jungle.
Rekindling romance during summer vacations
Nice, France
Paris may be the renowned capital of romance, but Nice is her passionate yet laidback sister. The pebbly shores line the city with breathtaking seaside views. Share special moments with your loved one walking along the stunning Promenade des Anglais, get lost in the nostalgic alleyways in Vieux Nice, excite your taste buds at cours Saleya, and spectate the brilliant city from above atop Château de Nice.
Bagan, Myanmar
Recently opened to outside tourism, Bagan’s relatively untouched landscape is currently one of the best summer vacation spots for a romantic trip. Watching the sun set cascading over the Sea of Temples is truly an unforgettable sight to behold. For a mesmerizing experience, book a hot air balloon ride over the spectacular city as the sun rises. For couples who enjoy exploring new places together, check out the majestic Bagan Temples. From small to enormous, the many temples are spread over the entire city, making them very easy to explore together without running into any big crowds.
For the binge-eater: The foodie’s perfect summer holiday
Singapore
Singapore’s exciting cuisine draws from its rich, diverse heritage. With influences from native Malay, Chinese, Indian, Western, and several Southeastern countries, Singapore’s food scene explodes with unforgettable flavor. Singapore is particularly known for its scrumptious seafood with perhaps the most quintessential dishes being chili crab and black pepper crab. Hainanese chicken rice, roti prata, and laksa also secure themselves as Singaporean foods among many worldwide must-try food lists. For those who love trying refreshing drinks- the bubble tea and local kopi are a must.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
With subtle French influences infused with traditional Asian flavors, Vietnamese cuisine offers travelers addictive flavor at almost every corner. Soup noodles like pho, bun bo hue (the advanced version of pho), bun rieu (seafood soup), and hu tieu bo kho (beef stew) are the herbal, flavorful favorites. Yet their dry noodle dishes, like hu tieu nam vang (seafood and pork), bun thit nuong (grilled pork vermicelli), and pho ga xao (fried chicken pho) will keep you coming back for seconds. Vietnam, in general, has a monsoon-influenced tropical climate. So, you can expect some rain during summers which is generally manageable if you are carrying an umbrella and waterproof personal bags but try and avoid visiting during June and September as these two months get the heaviest rainfall.
How can you make your summertime vacation unforgettable?
Taking a summertime vacation is truly an unforgettable experience that can provide an escape from your daily grind. Not many times of the year will present opportunities like summer does to create new and exciting memories. With such a diverse list of summer vacation spots, your next amazing holiday is waiting!
