We've pulled together a list of destinations that will offer the ideal setting for your summer escape this year
Whether you're planning your annual summer break or if you, like many, are preparing to embark on your first trip since the pandemic, there are a host of glorious destinations around the world waiting to excite and entertain. We've rounded up some of the best options for you this season.
Tanzania
This African country has wildlife, beaches, nature and friendly people all wrapped into one warm and welcoming destination. While visitors from all around the world travel to the nation for its incredible safaris, Tanzania has lots more to offer.
In Dar Es Salaam, a vibrant city meets history with a range of places to explore, from heritage districts, museums, nature reserves and more. A few minutes across the mainland is Zanzibar, which boasts some of the Indian Ocean's finest beaches and an array of activities for lovers of water sports.
And, of course, the highlight of any trip to Tanzania is its safaris. In the summer months, when the wildebeest cross the Serengeti into Kenya, the grasslands come to life with these fascinating creatures who keep their ecosystem going with their annual trek across the eastern stretch of the continent.
To book your hotel in Dar Es Salaam, visit rotana.com
Oman
Boasting a dizzying array of landscapes, from endless dunes to craggy mountains and lush greenery, Oman offers a treasure trove of experiences. While there's something to discover at every turn, the summer months are best spent in Salalah. The tropical climate in Oman's Dhofar region is a welcome respite from the higher mercury levels found in the country's neighbouring regions.
From mid-June to mid-August, monsoon clouds engulf the entirety of Salalah with the accompanying rain showers. It sees the plains of Dhofar transformed into a verdant oasis. In the mornings, huge herds of camels graze in the mists. And as the sun plays hide and seek in the afternoons, it's the perfect time to tuck into authentic Omani delights while taking in the ambient surrounds.
To book your hotel in Oman, visit rotana.com
Turkey
The summer months in Turkey are the ideal time to enjoy a relaxing holiday along the country's beautiful Mediterranean coast. The town of Bodrum sees throngs of visitors cooling off by the beach at this time of the year while the ancient city of Ephesus also welcomes visitors in larger numbers from mid-June to mid-September. Cappadocia also comes to life in summer, with the hot air balloon festival taking place in July.
To book your hotel in Istanbul, visit rotana.com
Morocco
While most visitors tend to forego Morocco in lieu of destinations that offer greater respite from the summer heat, travelling through the country during these months offers the chance to explore its fascinating character minus the crowds. It almost seems like, as daylight hours last longer, Morocco and its people come to life. The sights and sounds of the country buzz with renewed fervour and its natural landscapes become rawer.
Staying in Marrakech gives visitors the chance to immerse in the local flavour while Tangier, Chefchaouen and Fes offer a different perspective on the country. Moving across the north reveals Morocco's authenticity: feel the evening breeze in Tangier on the Mediterranean coast, see the blue-washed village of Chefchaouen, an Insta-worthy find, and then lose yourself in the medinas of Fes, which, with its maze of alleys, feels like wandering in an era gone by.
To book your hotel in Marrakech, visit rotana.com
Bosnia & Herzegovina
For sunseekers, summer in Bosnia & Herzegovina is the best time to visit (unless you prefer hitting the ski slopes). It's among the busiest months for tourism in the country as its stunning landscapes offer the chance to enjoy a number of outdoor activities. Enthusiasts will find a range of things to do, including river rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, swimming in freshwater lakes and taking in the vibe on summer evenings in the town squares.
To book your hotel in Sarajevo, visit rotana.com