New and Trending Destinations for Summer Holidays

For regular travelers, it’s far too easy to fall into the trap of going to the same places or the big-hitters – the Tenerifes, Florences and Parises of the world. Thankfully, the travel industry is constantly evolving, and this summer, a tranche of fast-rising destinations are coming to the fore. Some offer milder temperatures to escape the cloying summer heat, others come with a bargain price that feels rude to pass up. Either way, it’s worth having these destinations on your radar for your summer holiday.

Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

A destination has officially made it when British Airways begins flying there – and that’s how we know that Montenegro is on the up. The national carrier has just launched flights to Tivat, within the beautiful Bay of Kotor. The area has been renowned for a refined getaway since the third century, when an Illyrian queen had a summer residence here. It’s evolved to become a magnet for the great and good of Montenegro. All along the marina, you’ll spot superyachts on the glittering sea, and the restaurant and bar scene is fittingly opulent. Yet it’s still at a fraction of the price of Nice or Dubrovnik – and without the hectic peak season crowds…so far.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Whether it’s the design, culinary or cultural offerings that attract, Denmark’s capital has always been a tourist favourite. Yet there’s now a new reason to visit: it’s becoming known as a premier ‘coolcation’ destination – where we can visit to escape the heat and enjoy the sun under balmier conditions. The city usually reaches around 21C in August, which means we can pack our shades, but leave our portable fan at home.

It’s also great news that the city, on the banks of the Øresund that separates it from Sweden, has a notable swimming culture. You’ll frequently find designated swimming points where locals jump into the waters for a refreshing dip or their daily exercise. As the water is finally warm, it’s also a tempting option for travellers over summer.

Bucharest, Romania

Known as the ‘Paris of the East’ thanks to its mix of Belle Epoque and Art Nouveau architecture alongside its austere Soviet-era buildings, Bucharest is an underappreciated destination that’s come into its own in recent years. It’s no ‘coolcation’: in August, it reaches a sweltering 30C – most definitely T-shirt and shorts weather.

It’s packed with things to do, whether your idea of a rewarding holiday is a walking tour to dig deeper into its history, or whether you’d prefer ambling in Herăstrău Park to catch a glimpse of every day Romanian life.

It’s also a place for wellness: the huge spa centre of Therme Bucharest is a mere 15 minutes from the airport, making it ideal as a stop-off on the last day of travels. Thick with palm trees, the complex hosts an adults-only area with saunas, pools, lounges and a roof deck for sunset views, and an area where kids are allowed too, with indoor and outdoor mineral pools. Then there’s Galaxy, full of twisty-turny waterslides for a fun and energetic play for everyone.

Sumbawa Island, Indonesia

With daily flights from the transit hub of Bali starting this year, it’s easier than ever to get to the island of Sumbawa. That’s welcome news, given it’s been a must-visit hotspot for years. The airport is situated on the north of the island, near to Moyo Island, where celebrities like Mick Jagger, Maria Sharapova and Princess Diana visited to hide from the public spotlight.

Celebs aren’t the only reason the island is famous. Off its coast, visitors will find a rare area to see whale sharks year-round. Swimming with these gentle giants is on many people’s bucket list, making it a key part of Sumbawa’s appeal. Add in culture, authentic villages, and a part of Indonesia that’s largely unchanged by tourism, and it has all the hallmarks of an emerging destination for an adventure.

Fethiye, Turkey

The lira-to-pound exchange rate means that Turkey is excellent value right now. With many people opting to steer clear of the Middle East for now, interest in Turkey has soared this summer. In fact travel agents Wild Frontiers have reported a 185 per cent increase in late bookings to Turkey, suggesting it’s trending more than ever.

It’s a country brimming with beautiful coastline, culture and celebrations, and nowhere is this better seen than Fethiye, on the Aegean Sea. It’s a destination that caters for every kind of holiday, so pick your perfect blend of blue flag beaches, scenic hiking trails, ancient ruins and hidden coves.