The school summer holidays are in full swing but if you are yet to book a getaway there is still time to bag a bargain break.
Consumer group Which? has drawn up a list of six sizzling destinations for sunseekers looking for a last-minute getaway.
If you’re after a UK holiday – or staycation – Which? recommended Wales’ Pembrokeshire, an alternative to Cornwall but “without the crowds”.
Sites such as the historic harbour town of Tenby, as well as the smallest city in the UK, St Davids, are top picks in Which’s survey of the UK’s best seaside towns.
You also have nearby Barafundle Bay, considered one of the country’s most beautiful beaches with its vivid blue waters and dune-backed secluded sands, reports the Mirror.
Which? described July as the “best time to take a gamble on the changeable Welsh weather”. However, if you’re looking to go slightly further afield, the European destinations of Provence in France and Majorca, Spain, were among the site’s short-haul locations.
While many may flock to the French Riviera, Which? suggested looking to this southern French region, known for golden fields of sunflowers, expansive lavender fields and wild rocky gorges. The region boasts around 300 days of sunlight a year, with July being no exception.
It’s a hub for wine lovers, with one of the region’s most famous gastronomic exports being Provence rosé.
Or why not jet off to Majorca, the Balearic Island gem that’s not just about the nightlife and beaches? With temperatures soaring to 29C in July, it’s a nature lover’s paradise.
Take a hike along the breathtaking cliffs of Serra de Tramuntana or lose yourself in the medieval streets of Palma. And if you’re there in mid-July, don’t miss the festival of the Virgen del Carmen, honouring the patron saint of mariners.
For those with a penchant for long-haul adventures, Which? recommends Nova Scotia in Canada, Seattle in the USA, and the diverse landscapes of Kenya for your July getaway. Nova Scotia, on Canada’s picturesque east coast, is a haven for marine life enthusiasts and offers some of the best whale-watching vistas.
Bask in the summer sun on Nova Scotia’s pristine white sand beaches. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly alternative to Canada’s more frequented destinations.
Which? advises: “Make sure to visit Peggy’s Cove and its iconic octagonal lighthouse, perched on a granite outcrop. Brightly-coloured clapboard houses and stacked lobster pots only add to the salty charm. It may be high-season, but Nova Scotia isn’t as busy – or as pricey – as other parts of Canada at this time of year.”
Another top pick from North America is Seattle, the largest city in Washington State on the US’s east coast. This coastal city has given birth to some of the world’s biggest brands, including Microsoft and Starbucks.
When in Seattle, don’t miss out on visiting the iconic Space Needle skyscraper, the Museum of Pop Culture and the historic Pioneer Square. Which? suggests: “A Seattle dog will fuel your sightseeing: the city’s unique spin on the hot dog, with plenty of fried onions and cream cheese added to your sausage.”
Finally, Which? recommends Kenya in East Africa as one of the best long-haul destinations for July. Despite being winter in Africa during July, it’s the perfect time for game-viewing for those interested in a safari.
According to the site: “Late July, early August brings with it one of the most exciting wildlife events on earth – the Great Migration. More than 1.5 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebra make their legendary 1,800 mile-round trek, arriving in the Masai Mara National Reserve from the Serengeti in neighbouring Tanzania. The exact date varies; Mother Nature has the final say.”
