Summer is right around the corner, and the world is filled with exciting destinations for you to visit and explore. Whether you want to bring your family to an adventurous holiday, explore a foreign land with friends, or perhaps plan a romantic summer getaway with a special someone, you should keep your mind open for the top summer travel destinations you can go to. There are quite a lot of options out there. It’s really a matter of figuring out how much you’re willing to spend for your trip, how far you’re willing to travel, and what kind of travel experience you want to have. Here are the 5 summer destinations both here and abroad that we highly recommend:
1. Plan a Road Trip to the Smoky Mountains
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Smoky Mountains gets almost 9 million visitors per year. You can take your group on an exciting road trip, where you will encounter breathtaking scenery across rolling hills and valleys, steep passes, and of course, the famous morning haze that gives the mountains their name. Nature-lovers will also get to appreciate the diverse flora and fauna.
2. Be One with Nature in Makena Cove, Maui, Hawaii
Imagine having an entire cove all to yourself, with its picture perfect sunsets, unbelievably blue and crystalline waters, naturally rugged rocks, and swaying palm trees. Makena Cove is hidden from public view, making it the perfect private summer destination for your holiday. With powdery sand, crashing waves, and unlimited sunshine, Hawaii will definitely be paradise for you. You can fly to Honolulu to start your travel.
3. Explore the Ruins in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Other top summer travel destinations include a different kind of adventure– one that allows you to explore history, culture, art, and heritage all in one trip. The Angkor Complex in Siem Reap, Cambodia is filled with ancient temple ruins, each one majestic, leaving visitors to wonder what civilization could have built it thousands of years ago. It’s not just about the Angkor Wat either, because the Angkor Wat is only one of the many temple ruins you can explore in the area.
4. Swim with the Planktons in Maya Bay, Thailand
You can also go to one of the Phi Phi Islands in Krabi, Thailand and swim with the planktons in secluded Maya Bay. Rent a yacht and spend the night gazing at the stars. When it’s dark enough, you can go for an evening dip and swim with glow-in-the-dark planktons.
5. Hike in Cape Town, South Africa
Forget the African safari, go to Cape Town, where the glistening beaches and hiking trails will welcome you in all their glory. South Africa in itself is a gorgeous country to explore, and you would have lots of things to do and learn here. There’s also a lot of history surrounding this British colony, so you can easily get lost in the culture and heritage of the place. Of course, if you have more time in your hands, you can also opt to go on a safari, since you’re already in Africa, after all.