Sizzling Summer Holidays
Preston-based travel expert, Joanne Wilson, shares her inspiration for summer holidays, as we all look ahead for some much-needed sunshine
As the new year starts, many people’s thoughts turn to getting a well-earned summer holiday booked in a brand-new diary! Here are a few of my favourite short-haul and long-haul destinations for a special time of year when many families are seeking to make the very best of memories.
Majorca
Majorca is the go-to Mediterranean destination for anyone seeking sun, sea, sand, shops and sangria. With glowing beaches, lively nightlife and iconic buildings including Palma’s Gothic Cathedral, this sun-kissed Balearic Island has plenty to offer all interests. With an average temperature of 30 degrees in the summer holidays and boasting over 300 days of sunshine a year, the largest of the Balearics mixes a Med beach vibe with fantastic nightlife.
Cyprus
Cyprus still offers a diverse range of tourist activities to rival any other popular holiday hotspot. From beautiful beaches and impressive ancient ruins to bustling cities and outstanding natural beauty, all complete with a distinct traditional flavour. The island has a strikingly rugged interior, perfect for adventurous pursuits. The island’s rich history dates back some nine thousand years and as you travel across the island you’ll see constant reminders of it, including the Tomb of Kings in Paphos, the Temple of Aphrodite in Kouklia and the Kamares Aqueduct in Larnaca.
Singapore
If you’re looking for a destination that will leave you in awe of its beauty and culture, Singapore is the perfect place to visit. From stunning rooftop infinity pools to vibrant street markets, don’t miss its surprising number of gorgeous green spaces. These include Gardens by the Bay, a unique nature park and greening project with state-of-the-art glasshouses and sci-fi-like Supertrees – vertical gardens beautifully illuminated by night.
A leisurely amble around Chinatown is a must, with its cultural treasures, architectural gems and hip haunts. Still home to the descendants of Singapore’s early Chinese settlers, its major sights are the Sri Mariamman Temple and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. And don’t miss Little India, another absorbing enclave with brightly painted shophouses, colourful street art, temples and mosques.
Mauritius
When you think of Mauritius, images of palm-fringed white-sand beaches may spring to mind. The beaches here are almost entirely encircled by coral reefs and offer sanctuary for those who want to spend days lounging on the beach, but the nation’s crystal-clear waters are perfect for diving, snorkelling, swimming, kayaking too. Mauritius is also a nature lover’s delight, with water activities and on-land delights that will please every person after an island adventure. There are opportunities to dive amongst shipwrecks and canyons in the west and northern islands, whilst wildlife enthusiasts will revel in the chance to see sharks, turtles, eagle rays and moral eels in their natural habitat.
Home to beautiful colonial mansions, lush botanical gardens and hospitable locals of African, Indian and Chinese heritage, the island is the perfect combination of culture and exciting attractions.
From ‘fly and flop’ havens to far flung adventures, summer 2025 promises a world of adventures and I can help you to take the very next step. For more holiday inspiration, ideas, hints and tips, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and I look forward to planning the perfect trip for you.
Joanne Wilson
joanne.wilson@travelcounsellors.com
