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Welcome to our very first blog post of April 2024! Can you believe we're already a third of the way through the year? With summer zooming towards us like a kid on a waterslide, it's high time to start plotting those vacation days.
Everyone seems to be buzzing with summer plans and throwing around ideas. And if you're sitting there scratching your head, wondering where on Earth (literally) to spend those precious days of freedom, fear not.
We’re here to sprinkle a little inspiration into your day. In this post, we’re putting out our top picks for a summer getaway in 2024 – one for each continent (and no, we didn’t forget Antarctica, we omitted it for obvious reasons).
Buckle up, grab your map, and let's embark on a tour of must-visit spots for your summer 2024 adventure!
Most of these destinations have been inspired by a beautiful book that we own, which is Lonely Planet - Where to Go When. This book gives an in-depth look of which countries and regions are the best to visit for each month of the year. We can highly recommend getting this for yourself if you want endless inspiration for your next holiday.
🇦🇱 Europe - Albania
Why not head to Albania in Europe? It has amazing mountains and beautiful beaches that are just waiting for you to explore. It might not be the first place you think of, but it's definitely worth considering for an adventure.
Summer in Albania is all about the sun and the sea. You can relax on quiet beaches along the Albanian Riviera or visit small towns by the coast. If you love being outdoors, consider planning your adventure into the many mountain ranges they have there. And there's more than just beautiful scenery. Albania has a lot of history and culture to discover. Walk around old towns like Gjirokastër and Berat to see ancient buildings and learn about the past.
Also, the food in Albania is great. It's a mix of Mediterranean tastes with lots of delicious dishes to try. Think about spending your summer in Albania for 2024. It's got great views, interesting history, and tasty food. It could be the perfect place for your next big trip. Pack your bags and get ready for an adventure in Albania!
🇲🇾Asia - Malaysia
Even though Oman comes highly recommended after Mike’s trip, the summer heat in the Middle East can be intense. So, for Summer 2024, we're shining the spotlight on Malaysia instead! We had an amazing trip there in August 2019, so we're speaking from experience. Malaysia's got everything - the big city buzz of Kuala Lumpur, charming towns packed with culture, and incredible islands like Langkawi and the Perhentian Islands where you can chill on stunning beaches.
If you're up for something a bit more adventurous, head over to Borneo during its driest season in August. It's the perfect time for exploring. Borneo is wild, with gorgeous beaches for snorkeling and diving, dense rainforests full of life, and lots of opportunities to see wildlife up close. It's a part of Malaysia that feels like a whole other world.
Malaysia offers a summer packed with variety, from city sights and cultural spots to natural wonders. Whether you're in the mood for urban exploration, beach relaxation, or jungle adventure, Malaysia in 2024 promises an adventure that you'll remember forever. It's a place with so much to see and do, you'll never want to leave!
🇪🇨South America - Ecuador
Thinking about your summer trip? Put Ecuador on your list! It’s the country closest to the moon, and it’s got everything from stunning Pacific beaches to the snow-capped Andes, the vast Amazon, and the famous Galapagos Islands. There’s something for everyone in this part of South America.
Start off in the Andes where you can visit indigenous villages, hike through cloud forests to see rare birds and orchids, or climb high peaks like the Cotopaxi volcano. Then, dive into the Amazon rainforest to trek through one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Meet exotic wildlife and learn about the traditions of indigenous communities. The Galapagos Islands are another must-see, with their unique animals and underwater world.
Ecuador’s got a packed summer waiting for you. Whether you’re in the mood for mountain adventures, jungle expeditions, or ocean dives, this country will give you memories to last a lifetime. The best time to visit? August, when the highlands and rainforests are at their driest and best.
🇹🇿Africa - Tanzania
Looking for an adventure in Africa next summer? Tanzania should be at the top of your list. The dry season in July and August makes it the perfect time for beach days and wildlife adventures.
Zanzibar is the place to be if you dream of chilling on beautiful beaches with a book in hand. It’s all about relaxing on white sands beside clear blue waters. But if you’re after something more thrilling, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro could be your highlight. Aim for June to October for the best weather, but be ready for a bit of a crowd and possibly higher prices.
And for wildlife lovers, don’t miss Gombe Stream National Park, especially if you’re into primates. It’s a small place but big on experiences, offering some of the best chances to see a variety of primates up close. The best time for chimp trekking is during the dry season, from August to October, when spotting these incredible animals becomes easier. So, whether it’s lounging on the beach or meeting the wildlife, Tanzania has something special for your summer.
🇧🇸North America - Bahamas
Say you love diving, snorkeling, and everything beaches. Then, this North American destination must make it to the top of your list for Summer 2024. If you are currently living on this continent, these beautiful islands are only a few hours flying away, with regular flights into Nassau.
Are you looking for majestic manta rays encounters underwater? Then make the hop to Bimini, where the encounters are peaking in July. During this period, there is also a high chance of spotting dolphins. Even for the non-divers, there is a high chance of seeing this curious species, as they will often follow and swim alongside your boat.
Additionally, the Bahamas are celebrating their Independence Day on the 10th of July, so plan your visit well and prepare to celebrate this momentous day with the locals. Expect parades, fireworks, and exhibitions while you’re there.
🇳🇿Oceania - New Zealand
Not a fan of summer heat?
New Zealand's winter might be the perfect getaway for you during the summer holidays. It's a special favorite of Hannah, who visited in 2005 and 2016, and it's easy to see why.
With New Zealand sitting in the southern hemisphere, our summer months are their cozy winter, setting the stage for snow-filled adventures.
Queenstown is a must-visit with the Remarkables mountain range just an hour away, offering skiing, tobogganing, dog-sledding, and snowshoeing. If you're looking for something even more adventurous, try heli hiking for a unique experience. You'll get flown to a secluded spot in the backcountry for some peaceful hiking away from the crowds.
And if you're in New Zealand, consider renting a campervan to explore the country. It's an incredible way to see some of the most beautiful landscapes you'll ever come across. Whether it's snow sports or road-tripping, New Zealand promises an unforgettable winter escape during your summer break.
Holiday Inspiration Wrap-Up
We tried something new with this week’s post by recommending some countries we haven’t visited yet (but we did enough research before recommending!). Is this something that you would like to see more of? Let us know in the comments!
Have you visited any of these countries, or have we inspired you to put them on your To-Be-Travelled list? We would love to hear from you in the comments!
See you again next week, where we’ll tell you all about how we create the ultimate travel itinerary!
Our Instagram followers have voted on this subject, do you also want to influence the next editions of Mapping Memories? Make sure to follow us on Instagram as well!
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Thank you for reading Mapping Memories. If you're as passionate about travel as we are, feel free to share this with fellow adventurers, and let's explore the world together
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