Step off the beaten track this summer with TravelLocal…
With summer fast approaching (and the UK heatwave unlikely to hold out for much longer), most of us are still daydreaming about sunny skies and new experiences. Whether you are looking for some last minute inspiration or simply want to fuel your lunch break fantasies, here are TravelLocal’s top five destinations for summer 2017…
Indonesia
With its irregular and unpredictable climate, the summer months offer the highest chance of dry weather in Indonesia. Although Bali and Java will be overrun with tourists, there are plenty of hidden gems just waiting to be explored. If you want sprawling shorelines and azure waters all to yourself, it’s hard to imagine a better setting than the Moluccas Archipelago. Home to towering volcanoes, tiny fishing villages and pristine coral reefs, it’s the perfect escape from the pressures of modern life. Ohoiwat is a particular highlight- this tiny village boasts an untouched coastline and a large waterfall just a short hike inland.
Madagascar
With the latter part of the year marking Madagascar’s peak season, July and August can be an ideal compromise for those who want sunny skies with fewer crowds. While there are countless opportunities on offer, few are more picturesque than Isalo National Park. As well as being a wildlife hotspot, its desert canyon terrain is akin to a moonscape; stretching as far as the eye can see. July and August also mark the ideal time to see baby lemurs, swinging amongst the lush canopy alongside their mothers. With natural pools for swimming in and no shortage of stunning waterfalls, it’s the perfect place to marvel at the wonders of nature.
Colombia
Colombia often experiences long spells of dry weather during the summer months, despite the fact that they nominally fall within its rainy season. This makes it an ideal time to travel to the country to beat the crowds and attend some of its colourful festivals. One highlight is the Medellin Flower Festival which usually falls in early August. Celebrating music, culture and wildflowers, it’s a unique and wonderful event which is sure to prove unforgettable. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, it’s hard to beat Colombia’s coffee regions. Stay with local farmers, help out with the harvest and see the journey of your morning cuppa from bean to brew.
North India
While the southern portion of India spends the summer months in monsoon, the northern states and their Himalayan peaks enjoy a milder climate. Rajasthan stands head and shoulders above the rest, a clear choice for first time visitors. Its vibrant cities, most notably Jaipur, Udaipur and Jaisalmer, have become popular stopping points for those seeking a slice of Indian culture. Looking beyond these obvious highlights, just a short flight to the north-east, you will find the state of Uttarakhand. Known for its valleys of wildflowers, pilgrimage sites and stunning views of the Himalayas, it promises rural India without the crowds. For a memorable experience, walk from the village of Bhimtal to the Sattal lakes and take a dip in the ice cold water.
Georgia
Far from the average tourist itinerary, and just a five hour flight from London, Georgia’s rugged beauty is sure to wow you. Tbilisi is fast establishing itself as a cosmopolitan capital, with a fantastic food scene to match, and as rural areas open up to new flight routes, this charming country is unlikely to stay peaceful for long. Beat the crowds and head to Kakheti, Georgia’s beloved wine region. Here you can sample delicious homemade wines, all entirely organic and made in traditional qveri (clay vessels buried underground). For the full experience, find a winery that also offers a tasting menu so you pair your tipple with highlights of Georgia’s underrated cuisine.
About the author: TravelLocal is an online platform connecting travellers with local experts around the world. All trips are entirely bespoke, crafted with local knowledge and expertise, and payments are bonded through ABTA to ensure complete financial security.
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