5 trips to extend your summer with
Galle Fort, Sri Lanka. Photo: Sylvaine Poitau/Apa Publications
1. An active beach break
Where? Sri Lanka
What? Elephant safaris, historic ruins, temples, cultural cities, and beautiful beaches
Which tour? Sri Lanka – Culture and Coast
Combine the country’s top cultural sites with a cool break at the beach: explore Kandy, the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, track down elephants on a jeep safari and more, before relaxing on the southwest coast’s most stunning stretches of sand. This 8-day break will give you a hit of Sri Lankan culture and a chance to unwind in the island’s golden sunshine.
2. A Central American holiday
Where? Mexico
What? Mayan ruins, Central Highlands, unbeatable coast, and Mexico city
Which tour? Mexico’s Highlands and Coast
This 10-day tour to Mexico packs a real punch: explore the capital city before taking to the more remote destination of Chiapas, discovering traditional villages and idyllic waterfalls as you go. Recharge in easy-going Mérida, immersing yourself colonial architecture and charm. Saving the best until last, we’ll take you to the striking Caribbean Coast where you can recharge in a tropical, exotic location.
3. A luxurious city trip
Where? Paris, France
What? Cooking classes, perfume-making workshops, top-notch champagne lunches, shopping galore and more
Which tour? Luxury Paris
If you can’t take the time out for a full two-week break, then treat yourself to a little luxury on a city break instead. This five-day package will show you the French capital at its finest. Embark on a solo adventure for some ‘me time’ or travel as a couple for the ultimate romantic trip. Either way, you can shop-until-you-drop, sample Parisian fine-dining and explore the most beautiful parts of this divine city.
A guanaco crosses the river in Torres del Paine National Park
4. A great adventure in the great outdoors
Where? Patagonia
What? Activities to suit all: from hikes and horses to gauchos and tango
Which trip? Wild Patagonia
You might not find stellar sunshine on this trip, but with spring on its way in the southern hemisphere September and October sees long bright days in Chile and Argentina. This is the holiday to take if you want to make the most of the great outdoors: Patagonia is often touted as one of the most beautiful places in the world, and for good reason. Hike through the breathtaking scenery of Patagonia’s peaks, marvel at the Perito Moreno Glacier and horse-ride through Torres del Paine National Park.
5. A Southeast Asian escape
Where? Thailand
What? Hill tribes, elephant experiences, temples and palaces, and beaches in Phuket
Which trip? Thailand’s Islands and Highlands
This 12-day package covers two of Thailand’s greatest attractions: its wealth of paradise-like islands and its jungle-clad highlands. Combine a city break, discovering the highlights of bustling Bangkok, with an active adventure, hiking to meet Chiang Mai hill tribes and exploring elephant camps, and a restful beach break down south in Phuket.
Plan your next holiday with the help of Insight Guides:
It's not too late to take a trip: 9 last-minute summer holidays
Insight Guides' local experts can help you create the trip of a lifetime. Where do you want to go?
How many have you travelled to? Top 17 destinations to visit in Asia
Get your autumn trips sorted: Where to travel in September, October and November
Looking for more inspiration? Don't miss these top 10 locations for your summer trip
