After years of travel restrictions, we’re all ready for the best summer holiday yet!
You may feel out of practice if you haven’t travelled for a while, but don’t let that stop you.
We’re going to find out why you need to start planning now and take you through the steps to preparing for your much-anticipated holiday. On the way, we’ll look at some of the best summer holiday destinations to give you inspiration.
Why you need to start planning now
The summer isn’t far away, so start planning your break now to make sure it’s the best holiday yet. Here’s why:
- The further you book in advance, the more availability there will be at your destination and the more choices you’ll have.
- Got children? Many tour operators offer free kids’ places on package holidays…but only a limited number, so get in quick!
- Booking your holiday in advance will make it more affordable — you’re more likely to find a low deposit deal with plenty of time to pay off the balance and you might even get an early bird discount.
- If you need to cancel your holiday or change your dates, it’s much easier to do further in advance.
Ideas for best summer holiday destinations
By now, you should be fired up about booking your summer holiday! Your next task is to decide on your destination. But with so many possibilities, you may be feeling a little lost. So check out our recommendations for the best summer holiday destinations for 2022.
Best summer holidays in Europe
Perfect if you don’t want to venture too far, Europe offers a wealth of destinations for the holidaymaker.
Choose Croatia for one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. Blessed with miles of beautiful coastline and over a thousand islands, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches and water activities. When you’re back on dry land, enjoy exploring the historic sites or hiking through hills, mountains and plains.
For a unique destination, head to Iceland. Marvel at the unique landscape, which includes volcanoes, glaciers, and hot springs, or explore the capital, Reykjavik, with its quirky architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Being the world’s most northerly capital, you can also take advantage of the long hours of daylight when you travel in summer.
Best summer holidays further afield
Feeling adventurous? Take a look at our pick of exotic locations for the holiday of a lifetime.
If you love wildlife, why not head for Costa Rica? Packed full of national parks, reserves and stunning landscape, it’s a nature lover’s paradise. You can also enjoy the idyllic tropical beaches or a spa or yoga retreat for total peace and tranquillity.
Or head east to Indonesia and experience a land of contrasts. Shop in the lively capital Jakarta for local crafts, textiles and decorative items for your home. Or decamp to the beautiful island of Bali where you can indulge in a luxury spa experience for total relaxation.
Best summer holiday destinations for families
If you’ve got kids, you’ll be looking for a location that’s got something for everyone. We highlight some of the best summer holiday destinations for families.
With guaranteed sunshine, Cyprus is always a popular choice for families who love being outdoors. Many families love the convenience of Cyprus’ all-inclusive resorts, where you can eat, play and relax in a single location. Or for a dose of culture, explore the many castles, monuments and museums that tell the island’s history
If you’re tempted to take the family a little further, then Mexico is a great choice. If you’re adventurous types, try ziplining, abseiling or windsurfing. For culture, explore intriguing Mayan monuments and ruins.
Summer holiday checklist
Here’s what you need to get that perfect summer holiday sorted. Work your way through our checklist, and before you know it, you’ll be on the way to your dream destination.
- Ensure your passport is up-to-date. Know that some destinations will require at least six months on your passport. You can check individual countries’ entry requirements here.
- For countries in the European Union, you won’t need a visa for a short holiday. But for other destinations, you’ll need to check individual visa requirements using the link above.
- Make sure you’re fully covered by your COVID-19 vaccines. If you need to book a jab or booster, do this on the NHS website. And find out whether you need to take any additional vaccines to cover you for your destination. Learn more on the Fit For Travel website.
- If you have pets, book their care well in advance, whether you choose a kennel or cattery or have someone come to your home to look after them.
- Make security checks on your home. Do any necessary repairs to fences, doors or other entry points to your property. If you don’t already have them, it’s worth considering a burglar alarm and security cameras. And ask a friend, family member or neighbour to pop in once or twice a day while you’re on holiday to check all is well.
- It’s wise to book your travel insurance well in advance of your departure date. That’s because many policies will compensate you if you have to cancel due to issues like bereavement or illness before you travel, so it pays to be covered. You’ll also need time to research the right travel insurance policy for your individual circumstances.
Get the most out of your summer holiday
Summer is not so far away, so why not ensure you get the most out of it by booking up that holiday sooner rather than later?
Not only will advance booking give you time to organise all the practical details, but you will also have more time to spend dreaming about it!
When you’re buying travel insurance, compare the market to get the best value policy. You can do that in just a few clicks with our travel insurance comparison service. It’s designed to pull up the most suitable policies for your unique needs, giving you a number of options to choose from.
And if you’d like to chat with one of our friendly advisers to help you source the right policy, reach out to us. We’re here to make finding travel insurance easy so you can focus on enjoying your summer holiday to the max!
