It’s that time of year when we’re all starting to plan our summer vacations. Sure, we all spend half of winter dreaming about tropical islands, white powdery sand and crystal clear oceans, but now it’s April and the weather’s hotting up and the summer’s getting closer and closer, it’s time to finally bite the bullet and make that vacation booking. You can choose to drive your own car or if not try a car rental. But it can be hard to decide what exactly you want to do and where you want to go – here are some vacation ideas to help you make your mind up…
Jamaica
One of the most laid back countries in the world, the Caribbean island of Jamaica is the ideal vacation for anyone who wants to explore a new country that’s packed with sunshine, great food, and mellow vibes. Kingston is one of the most bustling and vibrant cities in the whole of the Caribbean – take in some urban culture there before experiencing the glorious luxury of Montego Bay. Jamaica’s known for being the birthplace of reggae superstar Bob Marley, and there’s still a great music scene there that you can explore along with traditional Jamaican cuisine like the national dish of ackee and saltfish, along with jerk chicken curry goat and fried plantain, with a shot of rum to wash everything down. Jamaica’s also the perfect place for anyone who loves sandy beaches, with clear waters, a rocky coastline and mountains and banana groves that are perfect for anyone who wants a side of exploration with their vacation.
Edinburgh
During the summer, Edinburgh is one of the most vibrant cities in the world as the Edinburgh Festival takes place. With swarms of comedians, actors, dancers, singers and every other entertainer you could wish to see descending on the city along with hordes of tourists who love the city’s blend of arts, culture and history, Edinburgh is truly the place to be in August. The Royal Mile is probably one of the busiest high streets in the world when the festival is on, and almost every big room in the city is transformed into a performance space. There are some world famous comedians who perform, but you’ll always be able to get into a free show for a little experimental theatre or to see an up and coming comedian. Edinburgh is also a strikingly beautiful city with its castle and the double-layered way that it’s laid out. You’ll also be able to escape the festival any time you want – go and look around Greyfriars Bobby’s grave yard or take in a ghost tour for some spooky summer fun.
Crete
Greece is one of the most picturesque countries in the world and the mediterranean island of Crete is no different. It’s the largest of the Greek islands and if you want a beach holiday with a little extra culture thrown in then it’s the best vacation location in the world for you. If you want to sprawl on sandy beaches all day then the northern side of the island is ideal for you, but if you want to find more rugged terrain complete with rocky cliffs and small coves, then the south is the best place to visit. Boat trips are a perfect way to explore the turquoise sparkling waters before retiring to your villa for an afternoon nap before spending the evening eating traditional Greek food at a local tavern. Crete enjoys a bustling tourist industry with villa companies like villasingreece.co.uk vying for your attention alongside a lot of hotels. Villas tend to offer you a little more independence as a traveller – you can really make them your own home.
London
Let’s face it, London is one of the best cities in the world. With a population that’s truly diverse and made up of people from all over the globe, it’s a bustling hub of culture, incredible food, surprisingly friendly people, and one of the best transport systems that can be found in any capital city across the world. If you’re a theatre buff, London’s West End will be able to find the perfect show for you to see, from traditional musicals to more experimental new plays, and if you love history then you could take in one of the free museums, like the Natural History Museum or the Imperial War Museum, or maybe even the Science Museum. If you’re worried about trekking around a city in boiling hot summer temperatures, you have no need for concern – London is pretty mild compared to the summer temperatures in most of the rest of the world, so you’re just as likely to encounter grey skies and a light breeze as you are boiling hot heat.
