Traveling has been put on hold for almost a year now due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourism is one of the hardest-hit industries due to wide-scale lockdowns and restrictions on mobility. Good news, though, with the development and proven efficacy of vaccines, countries are starting to reopen their borders, and we can expect business and leisure travel to resume soon.
Packing your bags all ready for your next summer destination? Be sure to bring loads of sunblock and anti-aging products to protect your skin from harmful UV rays! If you’re still undecided where to go, we list down some of the best summer destinations worth considering for every budget.
Philippines
The country of the Philippines is almost synonymous with the word beach. When one makes a list of the best summer destinations that won’t break the bank, the Philippines will always be somewhere in it.
While Boracay has been the most popular Philippine beach for many years now, you can explore thousands of other islands. The island of Palawan, especially the towns Coron and El Nido, has gained traction over the last few years due to their Instagram-worthy ocean views.
There’s so much Palawan has to offer aside from its blue waters. Coron is also popular for wreck diving, where you can get a glimpse of Japanese shipwrecks from the Second World War. On the other hand, El Nido continues to amaze travelers worldwide with its white-sand beaches. El Nido is consistently among the list of top beaches in the world, alongside Boracay. Siargao is also a must-see for any surfers out there. You can go island hopping anywhere in the Philippines, and you still won’t get to see all of its amazing beaches!
Not a fan of beaches? Not a problem. Just travel a little farther up north, and you’ll come across the Sand Dunes in Ilocos Norte, which is an amazing sight to see. You can rent 4×4 pickup trucks or even go sandboarding with your friends and family here. The Ilocos region is also a stone’s throw away from many beaches, so if you change your mind, there are nearby beaches you can see with a majestic view of the South China Sea.
Greece
This European nation never ceases to amaze travelers with its blue and clear beaches, sprouting islands, and of course, its marvelous historical sites. Although Italy and Greece are geographically close to each other and the former became the epicenter of the pandemic in Europe, Greece has relatively low confirmed COVID-19 cases compared to its neighboring countries. This makes Greece not only a marvelous place to visit but safe too.
You can go sightseeing on the island of Santorini to see the world-famous white villages and sip Santorinian wine while enjoying a picturesque sunset.
If you prefer wandering in mainland Greece, you would be a fool to skip a tour of the ancient city of Athens. Spare a day or two for a stopover in Athens to see one of the world’s most attractive ruins, the Acropolis.
With Greece’s sparkling blue waters and magnificent history, it ticks all the right boxes for both history-loving and adrenaline-seeking travelers without traveling across the other side of the globe! Traveling in Greece is not cheap, but it is not expensive either. It all boils down to your itinerary but be ready to spend anywhere between $1500 to $2,000 for a two-week stay.
South Africa
Want to travel to the tip of Africa? South Africa is famous for the wildlife and safari experience it offers. It also remarkable landscapes and beaches.
For animal lovers out there seeking a “National Geographic-experience,” a tour around many South African national parks is worth every dime. If cultural diversity and history are what you are after, you may also be interested in exploring the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg to understand better the racial segregation experienced by many South Africans during the 20th century.
Cape Town is nothing short of amazing too. It’s a multicultural city that is very close to both mountains and beaches, so you can take your pick between hiking and swimming easily.
Traveling with your significant other? After a long day of hiking or swimming, what’s a better way to cap your day off with a nice sip of wine overlooking the beach? South Africa is home to world-famous vineyards. If you plan to travel here, make sure to drop by and take a sip or two of their popular wines.
Most of the activities in South Africa are cheap, except the safari. Accommodations are reasonable too. However, the airfare may set you back anywhere between $500 to $1,000. If budget is not an issue, South Africa should be on your travel bucket list!
Out of budget?
Luckily, the U.S. has many beaches as well, and you do not need to travel outside the country for an unforgettable summer getaway. As all of us are still recovering from lockdowns, any chance to go out and travel locally is a breath of fresh air too. On the plus side, you can save a lot more on airfare, which you can splurge on fancy accommodations and five-star dining.
International travel or domestic? It’s totally up to you.
