6 More Unusual Global Destinations To Visit In Summer

When summer comes in the UK, Britons usually head for European shores or the British seaside. But, there are plenty of global destinations which offer much during the summer months – and may not be quite so busy. I have enlisted the help of four family travel bloggers who have given me one of their favourite summer destinations – as well as my own – and some may surprise you!

Broome, Australia
Keri at Baby Globetrotters

When most people think summer destinations, they have their eyes firmly set on the northern hemisphere and chasing the sun but our tactic to beat the crowds? Head down under! Now I know Australia is in the depths of winter at this time, but believe me, it’s a big country! In the tropical north this is dry season and the perfect time to visit when the weather is hot and sunny but not too humid.

Summer destination, Broome, Australia

A family favourite of mine – both as a child and with my own family is Broome, Western Australia. Whether it is visiting the utterly irresistible 80-mile beach and camel riding Cable Beach at sunset, experiencing the most amazing tidal changes throughout the day, catching a glimpse of the Staircase to the Moon phenomena or searching for the dinosaur footprints at Gantheaume Point, there’s a huge range of activities to keep all ages happy.

Sunset on Cable Beach, Broome, Australia
Sunset on Cable Beach, Broome, Australia

Broome is also the gateway for exploring the Kimberley region – you must get out and see some of this stunning wilderness, like the Horizontal Falls, Cape Leveque, Tunnel Creek.  These are more adventurous journeys that may require 4wds or seaplanes / helicopters to access so watch for any age restrictions.

The town of Broome itself still has plenty to explore; founded as a pearling town, there’s a strong Chinese influence that remains, one of the world’s oldest outdoor cinemas still operates and in recent times the addition of Matsos Brewery (be warned the Chili Beer is seriously hot!). Just outside of town kids will enjoy the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park and Animal Refuge.

Western Australia is one of the most isolated places to visit in the world – take advantage of this – enjoy the vast outdoors and blue skies. July/August is the perfect time to visit though note Western Australia winter school holidays normally fall early July where accommodation can book up fast.

Thailand
Nisbah at Five Adventurers

Thailand may not not seem like an obvious choice when you are looking for summer destinations, especially with young children, but we would wholeheartedly recommend it. We visited Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Krabi with little adventurers aged 6, 4 and 2 years old and it was one of the best holidays we’ve had. The summer months in Thailand sees rainy season in parts of the country but these showers only last for a few hours (if that) and the temperature is hot and ideal for all.

Five Adventurers in Thailand

Thailand is truly the land of smiles, the people are the most welcoming and warm you will find and they adore children.  From temples to quirky attractions like the Poo Poo Paper Factory or Hello Kitty Cafe, stunning beaches, amazing animal and massages for everyone, you are guaranteed to have a magical time and find activities to suit every member of the family from young to old. Thailand offers amazing value for money with meals from under £1 and massages for less then £1.50, your money will do so much more then it would on a holiday closer to home!
Five Adventurers in Thailand

Greece
Clare from Suitcases and Sandcastles

Greece is the place I dream of escaping to every summer. It has everything I’m looking for in a family holiday: it’s beautiful, it’s laid-back, it’s easy to get to from the UK and great value for money. So much of Greece still feels unspoilt. I love the laid-back vibe you get on the quieter Greek islands. There’s a timelessness to Greece that you find so rarely in other parts of the Mediterranean where it is so much busier in summer.

Summer destination - Greece

It’s not hard to find that picture-perfect little harbour with colourful wooden boats and a couple of simple tavernas. It’s the perfect place for a family. Children are adored and the atmosphere is so chilled that the whole family can relax. When we are in Greece we take pleasure in the little things: building sandcastles, swimming, reading, taking boats out to deserted islands and sharing big plates of mezze at the end of the day.

It’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Europe. You can find crystal clear waters, stunning sunsets, mountains and some of the world’s most extraordinary historical sites. The wonderful stories of Ancient Greece bring history alive and there are temples and statues on almost every island.

There are so many islands to choose from that we try to visit a new one on each trip. Our favourites have included Crete, Kefalonia and Syros but we’re hoping to add Folegandros to the list when we visit this summer.

Summer destination - Greece, visser

Gran Canaria
Cathy at MummyTravels

I’m a big fan of the Canary Islands and while they are known as a great winter sun destination, they’re perfect for a sunshiney beach break in the summer too – with enough breeze to stop temperatures rising too much, especially in May and June. And while the beaches are wonderful, there’s so much more to discover on the islands too. Lanzarote is another favourite with its volcanoes and vineyards, but I loved Gran Canaria when we visited last year.

Gran Canaria beach

Try riding a camel over the protected dunes in Maspalomas, sitting on the top deck of one of the little ferries which cruise along the south coast to the incredibly picturesque Puerto de Mogan, or driving into the mountains where the twisty roads have some fabulous views and you can stop off for lunch in a cave restaurant. Head right to the north and there’s even a rum distillery in Arucas (try the honey rum and I defy you not to buy at least one bottle).

And as well as the sun, sand and sea, there are some great waterparks like Aqualand which has pools and slides for younger kids plus more adventurous options for adults, along with its sister attraction Palmitos Park zoo and aquarium.

Gran Canaria Aqualand

Italian Riviera
Katy from Untold Morsels
When I think of summer I think of lazy beach days in the sun, sea lapping at my feet, and ice creams. So there is no place I would rather be in Europe than the Italian seaside. I love the Ligurian coastline south of Genoa also known as the Italian Riviera. Here you will find picturesque villages looking out to sea, sandy beaches and some of the best food you will ever eat.

Italian Riviera - Monterosso
Families with small children will love the town of Sestri Levante. It has a pretty inlet as well as sandy beach clubs and a pedestrianised old town perfect for afternoon gelato stops. The last village of the Cinque Terre is Monterosso with a beautiful sandy seafront and many opportunities to hike and enjoy the stunning coastline. A less obvious destination is the fishing village of Camogli near Portofino. Here the coastline is a bit more rugged and the beach is stony but to me the scenery is spectacular.
Italian Riviera - Camogli

Of course the most obvious attraction of this area are the beaches however if you need a respite from the summer sun you will also find history, culture and museums such as the beautiful 17th century Villa Durazzo in Santa Margherita. Finish off a day at the beach or sightseeing with a lovely walk or ‘passagiata’ with the locals along the seafront.

Morzine, The French Alps
Wander Mum

Typically considered as a winter destination, visiting Morzine in the French Alps in the warmer months is quickly becoming one of my favourite destinations in which to get away from it all. The quiet serenity which hits you when you arrive is a welcome change, particularly for me, living in London. Waking up on a morning you may hear some cow bells ringing, cockerel’s crowing or a dog barking in the distance but that is about it.

The Alps, France

Although there is no beach or sea nearly, there are lakes to go boating on and miles and miles of lush, green mountains so plenty of hiking and mountain bike trails to explore. Other activities – suitable for all the family – include horse riding, swimming, road biking and white water rafting. My daughter particularly loves the ‘swimming pool playground‘ in the centre of Morzine. In 2016, the small town is also part of the Tour de France route.

Just over an hour’s drive away are historic towns such as Yvoire and Annecy while top quality restaurants line the edge of Lake Geneva and, if you want to tie in a wine tour, the Burgundy and Cotes du Rhone regions aren’t far away either. Although the weather can still be a bit hit and miss – rain can happen (it is the mountains after all) – there are some very, very hot days so sunbathing remains an option too.

Annecy, France
The lakeside town of Annecy, France

You may also enjoy reading
6 Destinations To Visit In Spring
Trunks Only: Morzine Outdoor Swimming Pool
Why Visit The Alps In Summer?
Can You Go Hiking With A Three Year Old?

How about pinning for later?

Where in the world is good to visit in summer? Six top family travel bloggers give their favourite places to visit during the UK summer

My Travel Monkey


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Wander Mum

I've always loved to travel so when my two daughters came along, I didn't stop. Travelling as a family can have its ups and downs but I love showing my children the world and helping others navigate travelling with children in tow.

21 Comments
  1. I love the range of ideas here – Broome would be very high up my list if only I was a little closer (and I know my daughter would love the dinosaur footprints!) Greece is somewhere I’d love to go back to as well, it’s a few years since I was last on any of the islands.
    Cathy (MummyTravels) recently posted…City Tripping #29My Profile

    1. They are indeed great destinations…unusual in that I wouldn’t think of visiting somewhere like Australia when it is winter over there and summer here but good to know there is still lots of sunshine to enjoy there during the UK summer months.

  2. Thanks so much for including me. I think all of these destinations make great choices in the summer months. I love Thailand and can’t wait to take my family there. The Alps in summertime sound fantastic for great views and good walks, and I know we’d all love to take a camel ride in the Canary Islands or Western Australia!
    Clare Thomson (Suitcases and Sandcastles) recently posted…City Tripping #29My Profile

  3. Wow some truly beautiful destinations! All places I would absolutely love to visit and some I didn’t even think would be possible to visit with young children, mainly Thailand! I would love to go to Greece and I think it will be on the cards for us next year.

  4. Love the diversity of this list! I would add somewhere in Scandinavia – so beautiful with the long Nordic days up here in summer and not so far from UK. Cheers from Copenhagen! Erin

  5. Such a great idea for a post Elizabeth! Among them I’ve only been to Greece, and it’s definitely an amazing option, and there are so many islands over there waiting to be discovered!
    I would love to visit them all some day!!

    Happy to have you on #MondayEscapes!
    Ps: I love the new look of your blog 😀
    Packing my Suitcase recently posted…Mykonos for first-timersMy Profile

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