The six best holiday destinations in June

Before the summer rush begins, I think June is the ideal month to take a trip abroad. Whether you’re off for a short weekend or a few weeks away, the possibilities are seemingly endless. Here are my tips for the best holiday destinations in June.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The Malaysian capital offers the perfect balance of green city parks and modern architecture. The city’s skyline would not be complete without the famous Petronas Twin Towers. Don’t miss a visit there and enjoy their breath-taking views over the city. A visit to the Batu Caves is another essential part of the tour as they are located just outside the city. Climb the 272 steps leading to the beautiful limestone Hindu temples in the cave. Kuala Lumpur is a great starting point for a tour through this beautiful country. Next stop, the Penang peninsula. Here you can relax on the tropical beaches or explore the jungle.

Madrid, Spain

Forget Barcelona and Valencia. Madrid is the ultimate destination for a city break in Spain. Madrid breathes Spanish culture and museum-lovers won’t get enough of this place. The “Golden Triangle of Art” refers to the city’s three great museums – the Prado, the Reina Sofia, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza – which house collections by the great masters. For the nature lovers among us, I highly recommend the nearby Retiro Park, where you can go for a lovely walk, picnic, or rent a boat for a row around the lake. Of course, a visit to Spain would not be complete without tapas. In Madrid there is a tapas bar on practically every corner of every street. And for those of you who haven’t enjoyed enough culture, it’s an easy trip to visit the UNESCO heritage cities of Toledo, 80 kilometres away, and Segovia, 90 kilometres from Madrid.

Mauritius

For those of us looking for a luxurious beach holiday, we would do well to add Mauritius to our list. The island owes its name to the Netherlands’ Golden Age when the Dutch East India Company ruled the waves and we named the island for Prince Maurits, son of William the Silent. The island is located in the Indian Ocean, which makes it perfect for beach lovers. But there are plenty of activities available as well. Mauritius is a volcanic island and you can climb the dormant volcano Trou aux Cerfs. Don’t forget to visit the beautiful Sept Cascades (Seven Waterfalls, also known as Tamarind Falls) Natural Park. It goes without saying that you can end each day on Mauritius with a beautiful sunset. A good location to enjoy it is the quiet seaside Flic-en-Flac, a favourite among kite kitesurfers.

Kraków, Poland

Kraków is becoming an increasingly common addition to city trip lists. This place is full of culture and history, but it also bubbles over with fun things to do. The impressive Rynek Główny market square is right at the heart of the city. From there, it’s an easy walk to Wawel Hill where you can visit the Wawel Royal Castle and the cathedral, all of which offer beautiful views of the city. And you really have to see the old Kazimierz Jewish Quarter. Besides the fact that it tells of the history of the Second World War, the district is home to countless lovely coffee shops, bars, and restaurants, which make it the perfect place to complete your day.

Krakau

Toronto, Canada

Toronto is located in eastern Canada, which makes it easy to combine with visits to Montreal and Ottawa. Its skyline is characterised by skyscrapers, giving you the feeling that you’re in a true metropolis. One popular area is the Distillery District. This former industrial area has been transformed into a neighbourhood of shops and restaurants. For those who want to see the skyline from above, dinner atop the CN Tower is a must. Another way to see Toronto is from the water. You can take a ferry from the port to Toronto Island and enjoy the view. For many visitors, Toronto is also the starting point for a visit to Niagara Falls. It’s an easy day trip from Toronto to the waterfalls.

Toronto

Porto, Portugal

If you’re looking for a combination of beach and culture, then Porto is the place to go. Porto offers endless hours of wandering through tiny streets overflowing with historic and colourful buildings. The ancient centre is even on the UNESCO World Heritage List. And, as the city’s name suggests, this is the place to find the best port wine. Take a walk along the Douro River. There you’ll find a multitude of cellars where you can taste port to your heart’s content. One of the main attractions in Porto is the Dom Luís I Bridge which offers you magnificent views of the city.

Porto

Looking forward to summer? And do you have any suggestions for fabulous holiday destinations in June? Share them with us below!

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