Yes! Summer is coming around again…
Exams are nearly over and term is ending, it’s time to start discussions on the group chat about what adventures you want to go on during your ridiculously long summer holiday. Some of the main ideas that get thrown around are inter-railing Europe, backpacking South East Asia or heading to a festival or two. Check out our handy list to see what takes your fancy this year!
Europe
Pros
- You get to see some of the world’s most famous landmarks.
- Trains are super easy, fast and much cheaper than they are here – but you need to make sure you get a pass beforehand.
- Hostels are well developed and a great, cheap form of accommodation.
- You won’t have to worry about Visas.
Cons
- Eating out can be expensive so brush up on your hostel cooking skills.
- Most excursions are also pretty expensive for tourists, so make sure you do your research and try things off the beaten track.
- The weather isn’t guaranteed to be amazing.
South East Asia
Pros
- You’ll experience a real adventure far away from civilisation.
- You can eat out for every meal – it’s so cheap!
- People travelling in the area tend to be carefree and adventurous, although this may be to do with the necessity to improvise!
- Guesthouses are cheap and friendly – but make sure you have a mosquito net!
- Whether it’s wet or dry season the sun will be shining and you’ll get an amazing tan.
Cons
- You will have to pre-arrange Visas for some areas so some planning is required!
- Getting around can be a bit difficult, using buses or hitchhiking is usually your best bet.
- Always check foreign office travel advice before travelling abroad – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel- advice
Festivals
Pros
- You get to see an amazing line up of your favourite bands and musicians.
- The thrill of being in the centre of a crowd dancing as hard as you can to your favourite song.
- FINALLY an occasion to wear that crochet top/bucket hat.
- A lot cheaper than going abroad.
- Why not combine a festival with a Europe trip? – try Meadows in the Mountains in Bulgaria, Sziget in Budapest or Mysteryland in Amsterdam.
Cons
- There is no such thing as personal space!
- The food is annoyingly expensive.
- You somehow need to make a pac-a-mac look cool.
- How do you put up a tent again…?
- Mud.
You could, of course, inter-rail to a European festival and then hop on a plane to South East Asia; now that would be a good summer!