With summer fast approaching I thought it would be a nice idea to put together a guide on where you could go this summer on holiday! This post is ordered by the type of holiday, so whether you want a Staycation, European break, Caribbean getaway, or an epic roadtrip, you're in the right place :)
For a Staycation
For a staycation in the UK you can't beat the Isles of Scilly. I may be biased as all my family are originally from there, but these islands are just beautiful. They're like a tropical paradise just a 30 minute flight from Exeter airport. Tresco is my favourite island and is ideal for all the family or just a weekend alone.
There are beaches galore, the Abbey Gardens, and you're just a 5 minute boat ride away from the incredible Crab Shack on nearby Bryher. Stay at the New Inn on Tresco, which is my great great grandfather's old pub and guesthouse, or rent one of the timeshare properties on the island (you can even rent my ancestral home, Green Cottage).
They also have loads going on over the summer, including Scilly Folk Festival at the end of May, Tresco Triathlon and the New Inn Cider Festival in June, St Martin's Cider Festival in July, all of the island Fete's in August, and the Tresco & Bryher Food Festival in September. I went to the food festival last year and it was fantastic! Take a look at my posts here, and for advice on holidaying on the Isles of Scilly click here.
Where to stay: The New Inn Guesthouse
Where to eat: The Crab Shack
For a European Island Retreat
One of my favourite places in Europe has to be Greece. I love city breaks, but I'm very much a 'pretty landscape' girl who adores stunning breaches and breathtaking scenery. The Ionian island of Kefalonia not only has all of that, but it also has bags of history. Make sure you read the book and watch the film Captain Corelli's Mandolin before you go!
We rented a villa for a week and spent our holiday exploring the gorgeous beaches, visiting the mesmerizing Melissani Cave, and seeing turtles come right near us in the harbour of Argostoli! Fiskardo and Assos are also beautiful little towns that are well worth a visit.
Where to stay: Rent a villa for the perfect relaxed getaway
For a European City Break
This was a toughie, as as much as I loved Rome last year, I think this one has to go to Budapest. I went to Budapest with no expectations whatsoever, and was completely blown away by it! It's a city that captured my heart with both it's fascinating history and beautiful architecture. Don't miss these restaurants, and don't forget to experience the Szechenyi thermal baths!
Where to stay: Le Meridien, Budapest
For a Long-Haul Experience of a Lifetime
It's no secret that I adore Australia, my second home, but everyone always heads to the East Coast. Western Australia has so much more to offer; insanely good food, a more relaxed vibe and atmosphere, beautiful landscape and scenery, and some of the best beaches in the world! Perth is also home to the stunning Rottnest Island and the happy little Quokkas. You can see what Rottnest is like by watching the video below!
Where to stay: Fraser Suites, Perth
Where to eat: The Wild Fig & The Kiosk
For a Roadtrip You'll Never Forget
It has to be the USA! I've done quite a few roadtrips, we've done numerous ones up and down the west coast of Australia, but I think my favourite ones have been our American ones. I can't recommend them enough, they're so much fun and you can do them with either the family or a group of friends or partner.
Deep South:
Start in Atlanta, explore the city and go to the world of coca cola, and then move on to Nashville. Don't miss the Grand Ole Opry here, and also make sure you go to BB Kings for good music and good grub. Tootsie's bar is also fun! Then it's time for Memphis. This is the bigun, head down Beale street every evening for dinner and music, visit Sun Studios, Stax museum, and of course Graceland! Then it's the next stop, New Orleans. Stay in the French Quarter and fall asleep to the sound of jazz every night, eat as much creole food and shrimp as you can, and make sure you go on a river cruise on an old showboat (and obviously you should sing Ole Man River while doing so...).
West Coast:
Start in San Francisco and see Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Union Square. Have clam chowder at Pier 49, before driving down the Pacific Coast Highway to Los Angeles. Stay in Beverly Hills as it's right in the middle of everything worth seeing; Santa Monica, Warner Brothers Studios, Hollywood, Rodeo Drive, and Griffith Observatory. Then it's time go continue on to Sedona and Zion National Park, you'll be wowed by the breathtaking scenery! Drive on to Grand Canyon and then finally it's time for Vegas! Go and see Hoover Dam and don't miss the Mike Hammer Comedy Magic show in old downtown, it's bloody hilarious!
Best restaurant of the trip: South Beverly Grill
Best hotel of the trip: Despite it's initial flaws and awful service, The Palazzo was incredible in the end and certainly had the 'wow' factor
For a Caribbean Getaway
Despite my first ever trip to the Caribbean being at the grand age of seven to the beautiful island of Antigua, I think my favourite is definitely Cuba. I've never been to any other country like it, the people are insanely friendly, it's insanely cheap, and it has an atmosphere that just makes you want to dance in the street with the locals with an iced cold mojito in hand!
Do not miss out on seeing Havana; make sure you take a ride in a classic car, go to the Tropicana Club, drink plenty of mojitos, see the other side of Cuba at the FAC, eat at Los Mercadares for the best Cuban food, and if you're in need of some chill-out time head to Cayo Largo Del Sur!
Where to stay: Casa Cristo Colonial & Melia Habana
What are your plans for the summer?
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