Win a 4-night stay for 2 people at the InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping in Thailand

Six of the best summer holiday ideas for 2018

By LLM Reporters   |  

With countless options available and so many beautiful and exciting destinations to choose from, deciding where to spend your next holiday can be a tough call – especially when you’re looking to travel with family or friends. With a variety of personalities to please, finding something that suits everyone can prove something of a challenge, and from cruises to safaris, not to mention the endless amounts of luxury resorts around the world, the prospect of picking just one can leave you scratching your head.

Thankfully, with the wealth of resources and amazing travel companies now available at your disposal, it has never been easier to plan your dream getaway, and to get some inspiration flowing, we’ve rounded up six of our favourite holiday types to get you started. Look no further – your perfect vacation starts here.

cruise-ship-
The ultimate in relaxation, a Caribbean cruise is just the ticket for those who want to truly unwind

Book a Caribbean cruise

The ultimate in relaxation, a Caribbean cruise is just the ticket for those who want to truly unwind, offering everything you could possibly need in one place, as well as taking you to some fabulous destinations along the way. Your home for the week will offer up all the luxury you could want – from world class restaurants and sophisticated cocktail bars to opulent spas and casinos, allowing you to thoroughly enjoy the journey just as much as the destinations.

Stopping at some of the world’s most picturesque ports by day, a 14-day cruise around the Caribbean islands is a longer and more leisurely way to travel – but with stops ranging from the Bahamas to Mexico and Jamaica to the Cayman islands, you’ll still be left wanting more.

Go all-inclusive in Gran Canaria

Chock-full of beautiful resorts and amazing tourist activities for all the family, Gran Canaria is a no brainer for those looking to take their summer break that little bit closer to home. Just a few hours away by plane, Gran Canaria is easily accessible from most UK airports, and Dunas Suites in Maspalomas is the perfect spot for a sunny family vacation. Not only that, but the entertainment on offer is second to none, and with picturesque, palm-fringed pools and even a golf course, there’s little more you could need.

Nearby Puerto de Mogán is known for its picturesque fishing spots, too, so why not check out VFM before you go to stock up on some of the latest fishing gadgets out there and really make the best of your relaxation time?

ibiza
Ibiza has so much more to offer than just nightclubs and pool parties

Have an action-packed adventure in Ibiza

Ibiza might be best known as Spain’s party island, but it has so much more to offer than just nightclubs and pool parties. Travel to trendy Playa d’en Bossa to soak up the laid-back beach vibe, or head to San Miguel for a calmer, more family friendly atmosphere – but wherever you go, you can rest assured that you’ll be met with some truly breath-taking scenery and picture-perfect beaches. Spend your days at water parks body-boarding down the rapids, go on a quad-biking tour around the dunes, or simply relax at any one of the island’s breath-taking beaches before heading back to your hotel for a night of karaoke and dancing – it’s sure to be the most memorable vacation of your life! If you’re not one to just sit around the pool on holiday, then Ibiza could be the destination for you.

Become a mermaid in Greece

The stunning Greek islands of Corfu, Skiathos, Mykonos and Santorini are all perfect destinations for those who love to spend time by the sea. As small islands, they’re surrounded by sparkling coastline and clear blue waters – no wonder their tourist industries are focused around the ocean. Go boating, fishing, paddle boarding, parasailing, windsurfing, banana-boat riding – you name it, these islands have got it. Whatever activity suits you best, you will find it in gorgeous Greece.

Santorini is the perfect destination for those who love to spend time by the sea

Witness the Northern Lights

If you’re not so much of a sun worshipper, then head to one of the world’s colder countries instead. Iceland is an incredible place to experience the spectacular Northern Lights, and you can even hole up in an igloo for the duration of your stay for panoramic views of the night sky. Visit the natural hot springs at the Blue Lagoon, have a go at steering a snowmobile and watch whales in their natural habitat – it’s an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for life.

Immerse yourselves in nature in the South African bush

Bring your clan to the bushes of South Africa and reside in an ecolodge bordering Botswana during your safari vacation. If your sense of adventure far overrides your fear of lions, this is the vacation you’ve been looking for! Become one with nature at the Madikwe game reserve and join in game drives and wildlife walks with your tour guides. It’s a very relaxed and friendly family-run camp that caters to all your needs, offering comfort whilst letting nature run riot around you – be brave and bunk down in the bush!