Summer Holidays: 5 Destinations Worth Considering

Summer is one of the best times of the year to travel, although avoiding overcrowded tourist hotspots can sometimes be a challenge. To give yourself the best chance to properly unwind during your trip, choosing the right destination deserves careful thought. Prices also tend to rise during peak season, so it’s worth following a few practical tips to secure better deals and make the most of your holiday budget.

In this article, we present five destinations to consider for your summer holidays if you’re looking to escape, explore, or travel on a budget.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Mexico combines adventure, diving, hiking, and affordable travel, making it ideal for travellers wanting both nature and cultural experiences without spending a fortune.
• Iceland is perfect for road trips and dramatic outdoor adventures, offering unforgettable scenery, hiking trails, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes, although costs can be quite high compared to other destinations.
• Colombia stands out for its diverse nature, tropical beaches, adventure sports, and low travel costs, making it an excellent value destination for active travellers.
• Brazil offers a mix of exotic beaches, rainforest adventures, mountain trekking, and vibrant culture, with options suitable for both budget travellers and those seeking more comfort.
• Indonesia is one of the best-value destinations for beach holidays and nature escapes, combining volcano hikes, island hopping, tropical scenery, and very affordable daily expenses.

 

While Mexico is famous for its stunning beaches, it’s also a fantastic destination for travellers seeking adventure and discovery. Summer can be particularly hot and humid in the south of the country, but conditions are ideal for exploring the central and northern regions. There are countless hiking opportunities and breathtaking landscapes to discover.

To experience Mexico’s natural beauty, you could head to the Nevado de Toluca volcano. This fairly challenging hike rewards you with spectacular views from more than 4,500 metres above sea level.

If you’ve got several days available, consider exploring the Barrancas del Cobre (Copper Canyon), a network of six canyons located in the state of Chihuahua in the country’s north-west. If you’d rather avoid strenuous trekking, you can also discover the region aboard the famous “El Chepe” train.

Mexico is also renowned for its aquatic experiences. Diving and snorkelling are especially popular activities across the country. One standout diving location is Playa del Carmen, where you can explore the Mama Viña, an old shrimp boat wreck located south of the Barracuda Reef.

You can also visit Isla Mujeres to swim alongside whale sharks, accessible by a ferry ride of roughly 20 minutes.

Finally, the Dos Ojos cenote is one of the country’s most popular cave snorkelling sites. Stretching over 80 kilometres and located about 22 km from Tulum, it offers an unforgettable experience of Mexico’s famous cenotes. Expect to pay between 400 and 600 MXN for the activity.

Your travel budget for Mexico will depend on your travel style and desired level of comfort.

Accommodation options range from hostels to private rooms and luxury hotels. A hostel dorm bed generally costs between 250 and 400 MXN per night depending on comfort and location. A private room usually ranges from 500 to 800 MXN, while an Airbnb studio generally costs between 500 and 1,000 MXN per night.

Food prices vary widely depending on where you eat. Street food is hugely popular and offers an affordable way to experience local cuisine. Tacos generally cost between 15 and 25 MXN, while tortas — a traditional Mexican sandwich — usually range from 35 to 60 MXN. A meal at a mid-range restaurant typically costs between 150 and 300 MXN per person.

Transport options include buses, metro systems in major cities, and shared vans known as colectivos. Travelling economically generally costs between 50 and 150 MXN per day, while a more comfortable travel style may require between 200 and 400 MXN daily.

Reserve your currency online

Enjoy the best exchange rates and 0% commission when booking your travel money online.

Exchange Currency

Iceland is an essential destination for adventure lovers and explorers alike. Summer is the ideal season to visit thanks to milder weather from June to August, clearer roads, and the chance to experience the midnight sun.

Iceland is perfect for road trips, and hiring a vehicle allows you to explore the country independently. A classic itinerary involves driving around the entire island over 7 to 10 days, giving you the chance to discover black sand beaches, glaciers, volcanoes, and fjords.

It’s important to prepare properly for your road trip to avoid unnecessary stress. Make sure you hire a vehicle suited to your route — a 4WD is essential if you plan to drive on F-roads. Booking early is also highly recommended to secure better prices. Comprehensive insurance can provide extra peace of mind, as Icelandic roads can be harsh on vehicles.

Known for its dramatic scenery, Iceland offers countless hiking trails.

The Laugavegur Trail is one of the country’s most famous treks. Covering around 55 km, it takes you through colourful mountains, geothermal hot springs, and volcanic deserts. Suitable for intermediate and experienced hikers, the trek generally takes between 4 and 6 days. Mountain huts are available along the route, but bookings should be made well in advance.

For experienced hikers, the Fimmvörðuháls trail covers around 25 km and features 26 waterfalls, recent lava fields, and a crossing between two glaciers. Allow 1 to 2 days for the hike.

Beginners may prefer Vatnajökull National Park, where easier hikes are available. For example, the walk to Skaftafellsjökull glacier is a relatively flat 2.5 km return journey.

Whatever your hiking level, make sure you bring waterproof hiking boots, layered clothing, and a backpack with a rain cover due to Iceland’s highly unpredictable weather. A headlamp can also be handy, even in summer.

Iceland can be expensive, but there are ways to keep costs down.

Accommodation in an Airbnb room generally ranges from 10,000 to 16,000 ISK per night. Camping is a popular and affordable option during summer, with campsites usually costing between 2,000 and 2,500 ISK. Hiring a campervan or rooftop tent vehicle can also be a comfortable alternative.

Restaurant meals generally cost between 3,000 and 6,000 ISK. To save money, many travellers shop at supermarkets such as Bonus, Krónan, or Nettó, budgeting around 1,500 to 2,500 ISK daily for groceries.

Although most visitors hire cars, buses also operate throughout the country and provide a cheaper transport option. Hiring a car or campervan usually costs between 10,000 and 30,000 ISK per day, while bus tickets generally range from 8,000 to 10,000 ISK. Hitchhiking is also fairly common, and the Samferða carpooling app can help reduce costs.

Overall, travellers should budget approximately 10,000 to 14,000 ISK per day for a budget trip, 18,000 to 25,000 ISK for mid-range comfort, and 25,000 to 35,000 ISK for a more comfortable experience including guided activities.

Reserve your currency online

Enjoy the best exchange rates and 0% commission when booking your travel money online.

Exchange Currency

Colombia is famous for its tropical beaches, Amazon rainforest, and colourful villages. During summer, the weather is generally pleasant, with temperatures averaging between 27°C and 32°C depending on the region. It’s also considered shoulder season, meaning fewer crowds and more affordable prices.

Colombia’s diverse landscapes make it an excellent hiking destination.

The Ciudad Perdida Trek leads to an ancient city founded around 800 AD and requires 4 to 6 days of trekking through tropical jungle.

Tayrona National Park is another must-see destination on the Caribbean coast, where jungle trails lead to stunning beaches ideal for swimming and camping.

For a completely different experience, visit the Tatacoa Desert, known for its striking red landscapes, incredible sunsets, and exceptional stargazing opportunities.

Adventure seekers will find plenty to enjoy in Colombia. Popular surfing and diving spots include Palomino on the Caribbean coast and Taganga, a small fishing village in the Magdalena region.

For adrenaline-filled activities, head to San Gil, Colombia’s adventure sports capital, where you can try canyoning, paragliding, rafting, and caving.

Colombia offers plenty of delicious traditional dishes.

Arepas — corn cakes filled with various ingredients — are widely available at local markets for affordable prices.

For a hearty meal, try a bandeja paisa, a generous dish featuring rice, beans, meat, avocado, and egg, often compared to a French cassoulet because of its size and richness.

For dessert or a snack, empanadas are a popular choice across the country.

Colombia is considered one of the cheapest destinations in Latin America.

Budget accommodation generally costs between 40,000 and 80,000 COP, while more comfortable Airbnb-style rooms range from 90,000 to 180,000 COP.

Street food is inexpensive and widely available, with daily food costs averaging between 20,000 and 35,000 COP per person. Travellers eating at restaurants occasionally should expect to spend between 40,000 and 70,000 COP daily.

For a two-week trip excluding flights, expect to budget roughly 2.6 to 3 million COP per person for accommodation, food, transport, and activities.

Reserve your currency online

Enjoy the best exchange rates and 0% commission when booking your travel money online.

Exchange Currency

If you’re after adventure and exotic scenery, Brazil is a brilliant choice. Although it’s technically winter there during the Australian summer holiday period, destinations such as Rio, Salvador, and Recife still enjoy warm temperatures averaging between 25°C and 30°C.

Brazil’s diverse natural landscapes are one of the country’s greatest attractions.

The Chapada Diamantina region offers incredible waterfalls, canyons, caves, and natural swimming pools. To fully experience the area, allow at least three days for hiking. The Pati Valley trek is especially popular.

Mountain lovers can tackle Pico da Bandeira, Brazil’s third-highest peak at 2,891 metres. Temperatures can drop quickly during winter, so proper gear is essential.

The Amazon rainforest is another unforgettable stop, offering opportunities to spot sloths, squirrel monkeys, pink dolphins, parrots, and other iconic wildlife.

Brazil is home to countless spectacular beaches.

Jericoacoara is perfect for relaxing, kitesurfing, and experiencing a more authentic side of Brazil. Access requires a 4WD because the roads are unsealed.

Near Salvador, Praia do Forte is famous for its coral reefs and sea turtles, with opportunities for snorkelling, cycling, and even whale watching.

If you’re visiting Recife, make time for Porto de Galinhas, located about an hour south by car, where you can enjoy snorkelling, diving, or buggy rides along the coast.

Finally, Arraial do Cabo, roughly 2.5 hours from Rio, is renowned for its turquoise waters reminiscent of the Caribbean.

Brazil remains one of the more affordable destinations in Latin America.

Hostel dorms generally cost between 60 and 100 BRL per night, while private Airbnb rooms range from 150 to 250 BRL.

Street food is cheap and widely available, with meals generally costing between 10 and 25 BRL. Buffet-style restaurants usually cost between 30 and 50 BRL, while à la carte restaurants average between 60 and 120 BRL per person.

Domestic flights between major cities typically range from 250 to 600 BRL if booked early. Car hire costs around 120 to 200 BRL daily, while long-distance buses remain a cheaper, albeit slower, alternative.

For a two-week trip excluding international flights, travellers can expect to spend between 2,800 and 4,200 BRL on a budget trip, or 5,600 to 8,400 BRL for greater comfort.

Reserve your currency online

Enjoy the best exchange rates and 0% commission when booking your travel money online.

Exchange Currency

July and August are ideal months to visit Indonesia, as it’s the dry season across major islands such as Bali, Java, and the Gili Islands.

Indonesia is a dream destination for beach lovers.

Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida, accessible from Bali in around 45 minutes, is famous for its dramatic cliff shaped like a T-Rex. From the viewpoint, you may even spot manta rays below.

Pink Beach, located in Komodo National Park, is known for its naturally pink sand created by crushed red coral. It’s an excellent spot for snorkelling among colourful tropical fish.

Gili Trawangan, accessible from Bali, offers a more lively atmosphere. With no motor vehicles allowed, the island is ideal for cycling, snorkelling, and diving alongside turtles and coral reefs.

Indonesia is also fantastic for hiking and nature experiences.

Mount Bromo in Java is suitable for beginners and offers incredible views of the Bromo, Batok, and Semeru volcanoes. Many visitors complete the hike overnight to watch the sunrise.

More experienced hikers may prefer Mount Rinjani on Lombok Island, where the trek offers breathtaking views over the Segara Anak crater lake. A guide is essential, and the hike requires strong physical fitness over 2 to 3 days.

For a gentler experience, walking through the rice terraces of Sidemen in East Bali provides a peaceful way to discover rural Indonesia away from tourist crowds.

Indonesia is extremely affordable for European and Australian travellers, with flights often representing the biggest expense.

Hostel dorms usually cost between 100,000 and 200,000 IDR per night, while guesthouses range from 150,000 to 300,000 IDR. A basic hotel room generally costs between 250,000 and 500,000 IDR depending on the location.

Local restaurants known as “warungs” offer traditional Indonesian meals for between 15,000 and 40,000 IDR. More modern restaurants generally cost between 40,000 and 70,000 IDR, while tourist-oriented venues can range from 70,000 to 120,000 IDR.

Scooter hire is one of the cheapest and most flexible transport options, usually costing between 60,000 and 90,000 IDR daily plus fuel. Taxi apps such as Grab are also widely used in cities.

Because Indonesia consists of more than 170,000 islands, ferries are a common form of transport. For example, the Java–Bali ferry crossing takes around one hour and costs about 10,000 IDR.

Overall, a two-week backpacking trip in Indonesia generally costs between 7 and 10 million IDR, while a more comfortable trip may require between 12 and 18 million IDR.

Reserve your currency online

Enjoy the best exchange rates and 0% commission when booking your travel money online.

Exchange Currency