Sunshine, sand, shopping, sangria; the list goes on. Whether you’re chasing the sun, looking for adventure or challenging yourself to shop til you drop, Europe in summer, is hands down the place to be. In fact, Euro-trips have become so popular, that the big OE is pretty much a rite of passage for us Aussies.
As ideal a cure for the winter blues Europe is, it’s definitely not kind on the old wallet; which is why we have come up with some non-bank-breaking alternative summer destinations, guaranteed to be a bit easier on your budget.
For an island escape… swap Santorini for Hamilton Island
Nothing says ‘summer holiday’ like sipping cocktails by the pool on the Santorini; one of Greece’s most beautiful islands. Luckily there’s a closer destination that will recharge your batteries just as well. Australia’s Hamilton Island with its glowing white sand is just as beautiful… and romantic. Save some money on the long-haul airfare and stock up on your Vitamin D under the hot Aussie sun on Hamilton’s Whitehaven Beach. Only a two and a half hour flight from Sydney, you’ll spend less time in the air and more time swimming in the crystal clear water.
Flights to Hamilton Island from A$149** Stay at The Anchorage 17 from A$410*
For an adventure holiday… switch Reykjavik for Queenstown
Reykjavik is the gateway to Iceland; a nature lover’s paradise and the hottest new destination for intrepid adventurers. With jaw-dropping glaciers and otherworldly fjords, Reykjavik’s surrounds are perfect for thrill-seekers wanting to trek the glaciers, kayak the fjords or hang-glide their way around Europe. Iceland may have some of the most pristine natural wonders of the world, but it’s pretty far away – 16,606 kilometres to be exact. Now, let’s take that description and just replace the name Reykjavik with Queenstown and Iceland with New Zealand. Problem solved; at a fraction of the cost, with a trip across the pond, you can satisfy everything your inner adventurer wants to do.
Flights to Queenstown from A$303** Stay at Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa from A$273*
To shop up a storm… trade London for Hong Kong
From Oxford and Carnaby Street to Covent Garden and Portobello Market, London is a shopaholic’s paradise. Every taste is catered for, from high-end fashion to vintage bargains, but after spending over 20 hours in transit and spending a whole lotta dosh or your plane ticket, shopping is the last thing you’ll feel like doing upon arrival. Not only is Hong Kong half the travel time away, at a smidgen of the cost it’s also one of the world’s top Fashion Capitals, along with Paris and New York. For top end runway pieces and couture, head to the aptly named Fashion Walk at Causeway Bay. If bargain hunting and getting yourself lost in a big mall is more your thing, there’s no looking past Hysan Place.
Flights to Hong Kong from A$300** Stay at The Savvoya Hotel from A$327*
*The hotel prices above are for double occupancy and (including taxes and fees) were collated on 6 June 2016 for travel in August 2016. Prices may be subject to change and offers may no longer be available.
**The flight prices given above are for one return economy seat (including taxes and fees, excluding baggage fees) and were collated on 6 June 2016 for travel in August 2016. Prices may be subject to change and offers may no longer be available.
Also Read>>Avoid the crowds: Alternative destinations this summer
