Oasis Holidays: Summer Destination

Summer Destination

Showing posts with label Summer Destination. Show all posts

As the summer gets hotter and hotter in India, people are escaping to the north in search for cool winds and some chill. Little do they know that the hills of the Western and Eastern Ghats provide a cloak of pleasant weather throughout the year (excluding a few monsoon months).

So, if you have been planning your summer vacations and are dead tired of considering the same old towns on the Himalayan foothills, then give these hill stations in south India a shot this time.

Nelliyampathy

Where: Palakkad, Kerala

The Nelliyampathy hill range that stretches across the Palakkad district of Kerala is a gem of the Western Ghats that you can visit from the town of Nenmara. The hills of Nelliyampathy go as high as 5,000ft, and the best places to view its expanses are the Pothundy Dam and any of the several viewpoints on the Ghat Road. You can go boating at the lake formed by the Pothundy Dam or make your way to the vast tea estates and orange plantations that Palakkad is famous for. Just 8km from Nelliyampathy is Seetharkundu, where you can trek to a 100m high waterfall of the same name.

How to reach: The nearest airport to Nelliyampathy is Coimbatore International Airport (55km away) and the nearest railway station is in Palakkad (56km away). If you are driving, then take the road from Nenmara towards Pothundy Dam.

Lakkidi

Where: Wayanad, Kerala

Home to the mighty Thamarassery Ghat Pass, Lakkidi is considered the gateway to Wayanad and one of the highest spots in the Western Ghats. Other than visiting the nearest town of Vythiri, which is just 5km from Lakkidi, you can also check out Pookot Lake, a freshwater lake spread across 15 acres. Lakkidi is also renowned for its proximity to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot endangered and rare animal species such as lion-tailed macaque and Indian shag. There is a popular legend of the chain-bound ficus tree, which is said to hold the spirit of a tribal youth named Karinthandan, who was killed by a British officer after he unveiled the hidden trails of Western Ghats to him.

How to reach: The nearest airport to Lakkidi is Calicut International Airport (70km away) and the nearest railway station is in Kozhikode (40km away). If you are driving, then take the Thamarassery to Lakkidi Ghat road, which is part of NH 212.

Lambasingi

Where: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Lambasingni is a small hidden village in Visakhapatnam, which is lovingly called the 'Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh', as in winter it can go as low as 0° Celsius here. Because of the elevation and the dense green forests around Lambasingni, the village never gets too hot and is therefore a habitat for several rare plants and flower species. Other than being the coldest place in Andhra Pradesh, Lambasingni is renowned for its coffee around the country! Definitely visit the coffee plantations if you are here. Just 27km from the town are the majestic Kothapally Waterfalls, which you will have to hike to reach.

How to reach: The nearest airport to Lambasingni is Visakhapatnam International Airport (107km away) and the nearest railway station is in Chintapalle (19km away). If you are driving, then take the NH5 from Vizag.

Vagamon

Travancore, Kerala

Located along the Kottayam-Idukki border of Kerala, Vagamon is a small plantation town in Travancore, which is still hidden from widespread mainstream attention. Other than having breathtaking ravines and rivulets spread across undulating green hills, Vagamon is also a great paragliding destination. The meadows of Vagamon provide an ideal location for paragliding and Kerala Tourism even organised an International Paragliding Festival here, which welcomed glider pilots from all around the world in 2016. If gliding is not your thing, then trek to any of the three hills in the area: Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill and Kurisumala Hill.

How to reach: The nearest airport to Vagamon is Cochin International Airport (75km away) and the nearest railway station is in Kottayam (64km away). If you are driving from Cochin, then take the SH14 to Vagamon, which will take you around 3 hours to reach.

Araku

Where: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Nestled between the mountains of Galikonda and Chitamogondi, the Araku Valley is a hidden hill station in Visakhapatnam. The area is home to tribal farmers who were the first harvesters of coffee in India, you find out more about the tribal history of Araku at the Araku Tribal Museum. Araku Valley is also surrounded by the stunning waterfalls of the Eastern Ghats. Just 30km away from the main town, you can visit the Chaaparai Waterfalls in Paderu, and if you have more time then also head to the Talimada or Anantagiri Waterfalls that are near the Anantagiri village.

How to reach: The nearest airport to Araku is Visakhapatnam International Airport (109km away) and the nearest railway station is in Araku (3km away). If you are driving from Visakhapatnam then it will take you around 3 hours via the Visakhapatnam-Araku Road.

Kotagiri

Where: Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu

Tucked between Ooty and Coonoor is a quiet hill station of Tamil Nadu, Kotagiri. Speckled with tea plantations and picturesque misty mountains, Kotagiri is primarily visited by people for the various trekking routes it offers. Some of the most loved trails in Kotagiri are Catherine Falls, towards Kodanad and Longwood Shola. The Kodanad Point offers a great spot for photographing a panoramic view of the Western Ghats. Other popular attractions in the area are Elk Falls, Doddabetta Range and the Rangaswami Pillar.

How to reach: The nearest airport to Kotagiri is Coimbatore International Airport (76km away) and the nearest railway station is in Coimbatore (21km away). If you are driving from Mysuru then it will take you around 4 hours via the Mysuru-Ooty Road.

Ponmudi

Where: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Situated in the Western Ghats of Kerala, Ponmudi is a famous yet quiet hill station in the Thiruvananthapuram district. The route from Trivandrum to Ponmudi has approximately 22 hairpin bends, making it just the perfect destination for an exciting road trip. Other than being an ideal road trip destination, Ponmudi is also known for its trekking and hiking spots. Agasthyarkoodam, one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats, is also found in this region. You can also visit the Meenmutty Falls (3km from Kallar Main Road) and the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary.

How to reach: The nearest airport to Ponmudi is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (60km away) and the nearest railway station is in Thiruvananthapuram (57km away). If you are driving from Trivandrum then it will take you around 2 hours via the Thiruvananthapuram- Ponmudi Road.

Kemmannugundi

Where: Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka

The hamlet of Kemmanagundi was once the royal summer retreat of King Krishnaraja Wodeyar. This hill station in south India is blessed with natural wonders of Karnataka and is a haven for trekking enthusiasts. Kemmanagundi is home to the tallest, as well as the second tallest peaks of Karnataka. While Mullayanagiri, the tallest peak of Karnataka, is a destination in itself; Baba Budangiri is revered as an auspicious place and has a temple at its summit. The duo of Kallathi and Kalahasthi Falls falls just 10km from the town of Kemmanagundi. The water here cascades down 122 meters and the temple near it dates back to Vijayanagar empire.

How to reach: The nearest airport to Kemmanagundi is in Mangalore (150km away) and the nearest railway station is in Tarikere (35km away). If you are driving from Bangalore then it will take you around 6 hours via the Bangalore-Shimoga Road.

(Part 2 of 3 of the Genoa Series)

When I visit a city for the first time, I allow myself to be the tourist stereotype: curious, trigger-happy, always lost. The second time though takes on a different battle plan altogether. This time, I don't just look at things and take photos of them; I actually try to really “see” the city, its beautiful, even seemingly minute details and flawed features. I'd like to be its friend, reflecting on its stories and breathing in its distinct smell.

Technically, I already have passed by the city. But it was just a quick stop for gas and some lunch. I felt guilty, to be sincere, upon seeing “again” the Duomo, realizing that I've already photographed it and gotten lost right within the “old town”, and remembering nothing more, but an image of another Italian postcard-ready city.

And so, when my Genoese friend dropped me by the same spot where we left off the night before: by the house of Christopher Columbus, I resolved to make it up to the city. On a drizzling Saturday morning, with the two columns of the Porta Soprana as my giant witnesses, I promised to spend the day befriending the city, and listening more attentively to the stories it would tell me.

After a few slow strides, a stall selling secondhand books was just opening and I did not waste the chance to be the first to run my fingers along the spines and smell the pages of the many old books that tackle various subjects from “How to learn German” or chinese calligraphy to the works of Warhol and Basquiat. I could stay the whole day in a place like this. Content with my great find – a book by a lesser known French poet – I stumbled upon a makeshift market selling “native” products from Latin America, Africa, and Asia. I even found some bags from the Philippines made of recycled materials.

But something caught my attention as I came out of the market, a slogan that goes “camminando per il mondo” (literally, walking across the world). And it dawned on me that I was actually, in some sense, traveling across the world through the books I scanned and the native products I just checked out right at the heart of Genoa's old town, by the Palazzo Ducale to be exact.

Palazzo Ducale was built during a period when Genoa gradually gained economic power over the whole Mediterranean, right after its victories against Pisa in 1284, and against Venice in 1298. The slogan welcomed visitors to the 2010 exhibit of the “Premio Chatwin”, the ninth edition of the prize dedicated to traveler and writer Bruce Chatwin. This edition involved journals, photography and videos of travels done in various parts of Africa. But what really captured my interest was the big panels of illustrations sprawled across the entrance hall of the Palazzo.

“Unchildren, infanzia negata (childhood denied),” by graphic illustrator and author Stefania Spanò with Francesca de Lena who provided the text for the exhibit, features 17 illustrations depicting the many tragedies affecting children all over the world. The pain and horror of the various forms of violence committed against children, from child prostitution in Cambodia to forced labor in Pakistan and children with AIDS in Ethiopia, oozed through the “seemingly friendly cartoon” images.

The images were disturbing, but I could not stare away from them. I believe that most of who I am now is an accumulation of those crucial episodes I experienced as a child. I thought: hey, mine was not that easy either, but seeing “Unchildren” made me realize that I am still among the luckier ones.

When my friend texted me asking if I was able to find a place where I could have lunch, I replied: No, but I did find the world. When he came to pick me up, he asked if there was some place else that I would like to visit. I said I was fine. And so we drove up the elevated part of Genoa and in what seemed forever, I joked: “'Are we lost?” Yes, we were. We took the wrong road and so we had to go back.

When we indeed reached perhaps the highest part of the mountain overlooking the city and the sea, my friend told me that here in this part of the city take place drug trafficking and many other negotiations of the shady kind. As we stood there in silence, the temptation of Christ came to mind. I wanted to joke about it, but I saw my friend pissed about the fact that we could not see the city clearly because of the fog.

On our way down, I asked him if he grew up in Genoa. Yes. And if he wanted to stay forever in Genoa. He said forever was not exactly the right term. As we got nearer to the city proper, the fog started to clear up and the city became visible again. But it no longer mattered. The beauty of the Genoa that I got to know better that day blossomed through the fog because I was already a friend and I've been to its heart. // Unshod Rover for Oasis Holidays

For guided tours as well as other tour and travel packages in Italy and Europe, you may contact our subsidiary Volando Tours.

For Tour and Travels India as well as International packages from India, please contact us at Oasis Holidays.

Unshod Rover is a worldwide-eyed wanderer currently based in Bangalore, India. You may follow his musings and journeys on this blog. "All Rover the World" chronicles his continuing travels wandering about the world and stumbling upon strangers.

For the sculptor, there's the chisel and the block of wood or marble. For the poet, the pen and the paper. For the traveler, the wanderer, he has his footwear and the world.

Art always creates, expresses, presents and most of the time, generates a certain trace, produces a tangible “work of art”. Wandering, however, leaves only footprints. Not totally though as traveling permits the wanderer to discover cities, meet people, interact with strangers, and learn cultures. In the process, he takes notes of these experiences, the history, the stories attached to each city square or statue, a dish or a tradition, a legend or a saying.

These are notes that both the wanderer and the footwear pick up all throughout the journey, may it be through sandy or pebbled coasts, cobbled roads or dusty ruins, a puddle of water or a sheep's path. The foot directs, the footwear describes. The dialogue, the relationship between the two defines the experience. Designs.

(“Redfoot” is such dialogue, the relationship between the author and the footwear (a pair of red alpargatas bought from a street vendor in Florence). “Wandering Redfoot” documents the journey of the foot and the red alpargatas in various degrees of rest and reflection and re-creation.)

We were caught red-footed for the first time on a drizzly late April morning walking through the length of the Place Massena in Nice under the weight of the seven statues composing Jaume Plensa's Conversation a Nice. The statues represent the seven continents in dialogue, particularly at nighttime when they are lit in various, ever-changing colors. That day though, back in their original white, the statues were in deep contemplative mode as muted by the morning mist and the dark gray overcast.

On one foot, we thought that with technology, this conversation among the continents is very much possible as facilitated especially by the internet and telecommunications, and the growth and spread of social networks. On the other, traveling and migration has also been a great part in weaving dialogues among peoples and cultures, creating a web of concrete relationships and deeper connections one step, one stranger, one city at a time.

As it continued raining, we took hurried strides and took refuge by the building behind the Fontaine du Soleil, where a statue of Apollo, god of all the arts and patron of poetry, is surrounded by allegorical sculptures of the planets Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars and Saturn. Apollo, principally symbolized by the sun according to mythology, must have heard our unspoken plight as the skies started to clear up as we made our way through the souvenir shops, the open market riddled with stalls of flowers and plants and the fish market, a few steps away from the sea.

And for some law that perhaps only Thales could understand and fully explain, as soon as we reached the pebbled beach, the foot took off to meet the water, and left me to rest a few feet away from the waltzing waves. The sea must have been cold and the sun yet to wake up as the foot came back and sat beside me and started to narrate a summary of our very first night in Nice:

That night, after a rainy morning of traveling from Milan to Ventimiglia to Nice, and looking for the hotel, and an afternoon of scouring for lunch that led to an evening of scouring for dinner, the foot rested its tired sole by the window of the hotel, looking over the blinking lights of the restaurants, the sporadic reunions of compatriots, the rains that have washed the city clean, all vacuumed into bins of garbage collected by the city truck. The foot watched this scene, as if already a ritual, a tradition, some sort of gathering. Everything was almost silenced though by the glass that divided the room and the street. It had been a long three to four months of organizing the foot's eclectic thoughts into a master's thesis. The foot had somehow missed the chaos of the city, the spontaneity. And it was for the first time, that the foot took me out of the plastic bag still smelling of the Florence central market, and lined me by the ledge for airing out. And as he looked at the cars lined up along the avenue like arrows all leading toward the sea, he thought of the coming summer.

We left the beach just as Apollo started to spread its arms over the city, there was a train to catch unfortunately. Passing by the cities along the northern Cote D'Azur stretch, by then all awash in sunlight, the foot had to take me off as it started to get uncomfortable. Finger slid in between the toes, as if to brush off sand, as if to send the continents, the universe some sort of communication, pulling all the remaining days of spring and re-arranging Apollo's schedule, an invitation for a midsummer walk and some good old conversation. The foot just couldn't wait to paint the northern coasts of the other side of the Mediterranean red. // Unshod Rover for Oasis Holidays

For guided tours as well as other tour and travel packages in Nice and other cities in France and Europe, you may contact our subsidiary Volando Tours.

For Tour and Travels India as well as International packages from India, please contact us at Oasis Holidays.

Are you fed up of scorching high temperatures and rising heights of mercury? It’s a high time for you to take a chill pill and say goodbye to the scorching sun for some time. Go away from the dusty air to fresh air of hills and beaches in India. Every state in India is having many beautiful destinations which are perfect for summer holidays to beat the sun. India is known to please everyone in one way or the other.

Go with friends or with family or enjoy your own company for some time. The diverse topology in India has many things for everyone’s enjoyment which make you feel nostalgic about some childhood memories.

Presenting some of the top destinations in India for summer holidays

1) Places around Delhi to Beat the sun

* If you are living in Delhi, you must be fed up of everyday rising temperature here. The temperature here has touched 45-degree celsius.

* Worry not! there are many places around Delhi where you can enjoy the weekend holidays and have fun.

* The most fun place in Delhi is the Indian Mountaineering Foundation which is famous for fun and adventurous activities.

* Walk into Ice Bar chamber of ice. You will feel like you’re walking into an igloo. Everything here from the walls and furniture to the sculptures, bar, and glasses are made of ice. The temperature inside is maintained at minus 10 Degree C.

* Kingdom of Dreams, where art, culture, heritage, craft, cuisine, and performing arts are showcased in a dreamy setting. Many travelers now recognize it as “a must-visit place”.

* Rishikesh is just 240 km away from Delhi. This place is blessed with natural beauty since it is situated in the lap of Himalayas. One can enjoy various adventurous activities in Rishikesh like trekking, white water rafting, cliff-hanging etc. Rishikesh also is considered as a ‘holy city’ and is vegetarian.

* Nainital is 300km away from Delhi and is among the pride of India in terms of beauty. Nainital offers the beauty of lakes to the travelers like Naukuchiyatal which is the lake with 9 corners, Bhimtal which is the small island in the middle of the lake, Khurpatal which is the hoof-shaped lake and many more. The view of Himalayas from is mesmerizing. Shopping at the Tibetan Market where you can find artifacts is another beautiful and joyful thing you can do here. The ropeway takes you to small peaks in Nainital and also gives you a bird’s eye view of the hill station. Have the blessings of famous Naina Devi temple.

* Nahan is 261 km away from Delhi. It is the good place to beat the heat of Delhi. You can enjoy trekking and rock climbing buffs. There are forts to enjoy the scenic beauty. Enjoy the beauty of Renuka Wildlife park and sanctuary near the town of DAdahu in Simaur district which covers 403 hectares of land. You can also admire the lake of here. Jaitak Fort, situated on the Jaitak Hills, is believed to have been built using the material recovered from the destroyed Nahan Fort.

* Agra UP is 235 km away from Delhi. This place is the epitome of immense love, the Taj Mahal. One can enjoy the great architecture of Mughal empire. Agra is also famously known as the Land of palaces. The climate in Agra is very inviting, suitable and peaceful. The city is well designed and constructed, where even the houses show huge explanations and detailing in their design. Even the interiors of the buildings show the unusual imagination and thinking capability that the architects probably had.

2) Places around Mumbai to break the stress of work

* Mumbai is the financial center of the country where dream often turns into stress. It is the busiest city in India, the land of here. The people over here are always at work. This state never sleeps.

* If you are also the part of this city, it’s a high time for you to give some rest to your mind and work and let your let life to be free for sometimes.

* There are many places in and around Mumbai which are best to provide relief from your work. Some of these are compiled here.

* Lonavala is at a distance of 88km from Mumbai. The landscape, lakes, gardens and natural beauty here is mesmerizing. Kune Waterfall is a heaven for eyes, nestled between the scenic valleys of Lonavala and Khandala. It is the 14th highest waterfall in the country. One can enjoy swimming and bathing here along with Rappelling which is a popular adventure sport conducted here. Karla Caves, a popular attraction for tourists and locals is located about 8 km away from the beautiful hill station of Lonavala.

* Della Adventure is one of the largest and most adventurous theme parks in India. The park provides over 100 adventure sports activities for people of all ages, which makes it a perfect leisure destination.

* Mahabaleshwar is at a distance of about 274 km from Mumbai and can be reached via roadways. It is the popular hill station of India. Tapola a tiny hamlet in the west is also famously known as mini Kashmir Tapola. Shivsagar Lake is among must visit places for all its visitors here.

* Matheran is the best place to have some adrenaline rush and they are aimed at giving people a chance to discover the values of independence, self-reliance, co-operation and teamwork.

* Bhandardara is 163 km away from Mumbai. This place is excellent weekend place is the entire region is rich in lush greenery and undisturbed picturesque landscape.

* Amboli is 486 km away from Mumbai. This place offers immense natural beauty with tranquil hill station on the Western Ghats, enclosed by dense forests and rolling terrains. This beautiful place has magnificent hill station offering breathtaking views of the valleys. The splendid waterfall pours out during monsoon and provides the peace of mind and body to nature lovers.

* Kamshet is 101km away from Mumbai. One can enjoy paragliding sessions, swimming in the reservoir here. This place has man breathtaking lakes.

3) Places around Bangalore to make most out of this summer

* As the schools are shutting down and vacations are arriving for kids. Its the time for you too to give some rest to your work and have some enjoyment and make best out of the 14 long weekend holidays in 2017.

* Bangalore is the center of India’s high-tech industry, the city is also known for its parks and nightlife. This city has many beautiful places in and around to make your holidays the best from rest.

* Horsley Hills is 144km away from Bangalore. The town is blessed with the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary where you can spot the sambhar deer early morning. This was discovered by British and one can enjoy adventure sports activities like Zorbing in Horsley hills.

* Mysore is located 150 km southwest of Bangalore. Mysore is a beautiful place to visit which have splendid beauty to offer. You can hike up the Chamundi hills and visit the Chamundeshwari Temple. You can take a trip to the Mysore Palace and the museum it houses. The Railway museum is one of the tourist attractions here.

* Kotagiri is 350 km away from Bangalore. This place is considered as one of the three best hill station in India. You can visit the Catherine Falls and Elk Falls is a must when in Kotagiri.

* Nandi hills are 60km away from Banglore. Nandi hill is an ancient hill fort and hill town located at an elevation of 1,478 meters above sea level in the state of Karnataka. This place was a major stronghold of the Mysore kingdom under Tipu Sultan which was later annexed by the British who used the hamlet as a summer retreat. The hills here have several indigenous trees and flowery shrubs. Tipu’s drop, Tipu’s summer palace, ancient temples, Gandhi house, Amruth Sarovar and the secret escape route are the popular attractions that can be visited in Nandi Hills.

* Coonoor is 285 km away from Bangalore. Coonoor is second largest hill station and you can find beauty at its best here. This place is famous for its tea, tourism and UNESCO world heritage, the Nilgiri Mountain Railways.

4) Places around Kolkata to enjoy sweeter summer vacation

* Kolkata is known as “the Paris of East”. The food is one of the best variety of cuisines. It is the king of food specially Roshogollas. Every festival is celebrated in a grand manner.

* You can enjoy many places in and around this place. Some of them are compiled here.

* Kalighat Kali Temple is one famous temple in Kolkata. During Durga pooja, this temple is highly rushed with devotees. Indian museum is one of the most significant, and the first museum to be founded in India. The museum has collections and galleries spanning many different subjects.

* Bishnupur is 151 km away from Kolkata.This town was set up by Malla Kings in the 17th century. Bishnupur is famous for terracotta temples and Baluchari sari. The temple town is dotted with some of the widely discussed religious buildings such as Pancha Ratna Temple (Shyam Rai temple), JorBangaloww temple, Radheshyam temple, Dolmadol Kaman, etc. The Madanmohan temple of Bishnupur is designed in ektarana style that has a square flat roof with carved cornices.

* Chandipur is 255 km away from Kolkata. This place has less crowded seaside. The beach is the main attraction of this tourist spot and turns extremely beautiful during the time of the ebb tide. This natural phenomenon takes place twice a day and leaves a wide stretch of silvery sand beach.

* Digha is 185km away from Kolkata. The beaches of Digha offers a beautiful canvas lined with swaying chains of Casuarina trees for lovers of nature and beauty.

* Bakkhali is a small beach town located on the outskirts of Kolkata. Its peacefulness will not allow you to leave this place. It is a perfect place for you and your partner to just listen to the rhythm of the gushing waves and relax.

* Raichak is located 50 km south of Kolkata, Raichak is a riverside town. It has an amazing view and is completely different from other parts of West Bengal. A romantic trip to this place is all that will you need to rejuvenate your mind.

" Get ready to beat the sun with Oasis Holidays!!! "

1. Visit beach destinations

It’s summer and it’s hot outside, so why not use the time to visit some of Europe’s best beaches? Europe’s beaches are pretty varied and diverse so make sure you do some research on beach cities before planning your trip. Some beach destinations are more famous for their water than for their sand, so it’s really a matter of preference. For example, Croatia has rocky beaches but the bright blue water is perfect for sailing. And while Greece has a number of beautiful islands, the prices during summertime often put them out of reach for many budget travelers.

2. Pack light (and white)

There’s nothing worse than wandering around a new place with heavy luggage, lost and unsure where to go. Plan your summer travels with as few clothing as possible (save some room for shopping, though). Also, a tip for backpackers: white t-shirts are a good idea in the summer as they can make you appear cleaner than you actually are! And in the summer, doing laundry is easy as a lot of your clothes will likely air-dry. Don’t think that all of Europe in the summer, however, will be sunshine and roses! Berlin is one of Europe’s best summer destinations, but expect the occasional bout of rain or a summer thunderstorm.

3. Use apps to find friends

If you’re a solo traveler, there’s still plenty of ways to meet other travelers or make friends with locals. Of course there’s the analog route by showing up at a bar or club (just don’t get there too late) and trying to meet others. You’ve got to have that outgoing spirit or a willingness for adventure. Otherwise, there are a number of different apps that make finding friends easier and easier. Open yourself to meet strangers and make new experiences and your summer holidays will be that much more fun! I’ve used apps and social media to plan meeting new people in new cities before I even arrive. That way you can ask for travel tips as well as plan to do some activities or explore some new neighborhood during your holiday.

4. Know the festival schedules

One of the best parts of visiting Europe during the summer is the massive amount of festivals. From the historically muddy and messy ones in the UK to the beach festivals of Barcelona and the secret raves in the forests of Germany, there’s a bit of something for every type of festival-goer. Plan your festival holidays in advance, however, to make sure you get affordable accommodation or a good deal on the tickets.

5. Visit northern city destinations

Everyone knows the north of Europe can get very cold in the winter (looking at you, Lapland). But while the northern countryside is that strange sort of snow-covered beauty in the winter, the northern cities in much of Scandinavia lacks that winter magic. It’s best to visit Scandinavian cities in the summer when they really shine and when the weather is manageable. Even Helsinki has city beaches in the summer making it a pretty decent city-break in the warmer months!

6. Stay in holiday apartments

Hotels and hostels jack up their prices during the tourist high season, and so do a lot of Airbnb hosts, but holiday apartments are still a good way to get a good bargain on accommodation. I’ve found that some cities are better with Airbnb deals than others. In Barcelona, for example, I’ve found some great last-minute accommodation on Airbnb—even when I wanted to stay in hotels but they were fully booked.

7. Visit museums at the right time of day

Maybe museums are the last thing on your mind when you’re visiting a city on a swelteringly hot day—but think of the aircon! Cities without beaches or lakes or swimming pools can get way-too-hot in the afternoon heat and so that’s going to be your best time to visit museums. Florence can get very hot in the afternoons, precisely when you don’t want to be stuck inside the Duomo’s interior—rather, head for the Galleria dell’Accademia or the Uffizi Gallery. And in Athens, avoid visiting the Parthenon during the heat of the day and go during the early morning or later in the day when things have cooled down.

8. Look out for street food

During the summertime it seems like everyone moves outside for just about every occasion. And that includes every meal! Keep an eye out for street food festivals and outdoor markets—it’s where you’ll find a greater preponderance of locals and good deals on the food. Plus it’s a great place to discover new, local, regional cuisines. Many cities have full-time food stalls operating in market halls, such as the Markthalle IX in Berlin, Copenhagen’s Street Food on Paper Island and Madrid’s Mercado San Miguel.

9. Plan around the August holidays

In much of Europe (especially southern Europe), the cities shut down each August. Many shops, hotels and restaurants will most likely shut down, especially the more local, family-owned businesses, but major tourist attractions will still be open. If you plan your holiday carefully, however, you can still visit a lot when the cities are a bit quieter. For example, in Rome, while most of the city is shut down, the nearby beaches become more popular. And while a lot of tourist attractions may stop running, you’ll still usually be able to find a cooking class or other activities still operating. Traveling in August means you might get some good deals on the flights and accommodation, but be prepared for a slightly lazier holiday.

10. Stay hydrated

Water is probably the most essential part of summer travel in Europe. My recommendation is to avoid adding to the massive plastic waste of the world and bring your own portable water bottle for refilling. There’s really nowhere in Europe where the water isn’t safe, in fact, some European cities have the best natural water you’ll find around the world. In Switzerland and Scandinavia, you’ll find the water tasting fresh and cool year-round. And many cities also have free water pumps throughout the city, such as Rome which pumps water from the Peschiera reservoir to the 200+ public water fountains (called nasoni). It’s not just fresh—it’s free!

Hidden Hill Stations In South India That Are Summer Goals