One of the world's sought after search engine for holiday homes (HomeToGo) has just released its top 10 trending destinations this summer which features Madagascar, Ghana, and Zimbabwe as top summer destinations in 2019.
Need some summer holiday inspiration? HomeToGo has just released its top 10 trending destinations for British tourists this summer. The list features three African destinations that most people may not have thought of visiting. According to HomeToGo, the destinations were chosen based on the year-on-year increases in searches on hometogo.co.uk in January 2019 compared to January 2018, which is peak time for booking summer holidays.
Nature holidays and eco-tourism destinations are big trends for summer 2019. British travellers are increasingly environmentally conscious and are seeking out more meaningful and memorable travel experiences rather than traditional beach holidays."
It is not difficult to see why Bora Bora is the number 1 trending destination for summer 2019. The name Bora Bora comes from the Tahitian for ‘created by the gods’ – a fitting title for this little piece of paradise. Situated in French Polynesia, this beautiful volcanic island is a picturesque location offering total peace and relaxation, with its crystal-clear lagoon, lush landscapes and luxurious holiday properties.
For the ultimate Bora Bora experience, why not stay in one of the island’s overwater bungalows which are surrounded by the turquoise ocean with glass floors giving you a window directly onto the marine life below.
They are widely considered a luxury destination, but the Maldives also offer some more affordable holidays, and they’re attracting more and more British tourists. The main way to get around is by boat, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take in the gorgeous ocean views.
The Maldives is one of the world’s best diving and snorkelling destinations, with turtles, manta rays and even whale sharks, the largest fish in the ocean! They are a melting pot of cultures with Indian, Arabic and Sri Lankan influences – people might go primarily for the beautiful beaches, but the colourful capital city of Malé is definitely a must see.
Does the animated film Madagascar ring any bells? Well, this island paradise is not only one of the world’s most biologically diverse areas but it is also home to thousands of animal species found nowhere else in the world, such as the famous Madagascan lemurs. Its tourism sector is still in its infancy stages albeit rapidly growing in popularity, with more and more eco-tourism opportunities available. Revel in the beauty of its unique landscapes, explore the lush rainforest of the Analamazoatra nature reserve and go diving and whale-watching in the Indian Ocean.
Many Brits are heading off the beaten track for beach holidays this year, and Ghana’s stunning, unspoiled tropical beaches make it a top choice.
Next to the coast, the bustling capital city of Accra has a thriving art, dance and theatre scene. Street food is a huge part of Ghanaian cuisine, so exploring Accra’s food stalls and markets is an experience that one must indulge.
Head inland, and you’ll find even more beautiful natural scenery, including the Kakum National Park, home to hundreds of species of butterflies and birds.
It’s not all about long-haul this year! Plenty of British tourists are looking for a summer holiday closer to home. Ireland’s famous ‘rebel county’ is the perfect place to discover its fascinating culture and beautiful landscapes.
As well as its lush green hills and dramatic coast, West Cork offers plenty to keep visitors entertained.
The charming town of Kinsale is known as the gourmet capital of Ireland, while the nearby city of Cork is a centre for traditional, classical and jazz music. You can even go dolphin and whale watching off the Atlantic coast – no wonder it’s getting so popular!
Surprised? Well, if you can look past the headlines about the country’s political strife, you’ll discover that Zimbabwe has so much to offer! The growing numbers of British tourists heading there this summer will find a warm, welcoming culture, spectacular landscapes and wildlife, and great eco-tourism opportunities. Go hiking in the beautiful Eastern Highlands, take a sustainable safari in one of the huge national parks, or explore the ruins of the medieval Kingdom of Zimbabwe, one of the biggest civilisations in pre-colonial Africa.
There's more than meets the eye. It's infamous (or notorious?) as a spring break destination for American students, but Miami’s stunning beaches and wild party scene are also attracting increasing numbers of British tourists. But Miami Beach isn’t just about the hedonistic lifestyle – there’s also a thriving art scene, and you’ll love exploring the historic Art Deco district, with its beautiful 1920s architecture. Florida’s delicious Cuban-influenced food, glorious weather and laid-back atmosphere make for the perfect relaxing holiday.
For those who prefer a fun city break to relaxing on the beach whilst sipping on ice-cold mojitos, Toronto is the place to be this summer. This dynamic, modern city offers fantastic nightlife and culture – the Art Gallery of Ontario here is the largest in Canada. Vogue even named its trendy Queen West district – full of artists’ studios, hipster cafés and vibrant street art – one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world! Canada’s freezing temperatures might be hitting the headlines now, but its climate in summer is the opposite, with comfortable mid-twenties temperatures and plenty of sunshine.
You may have not thought about it or wasn't fascinated by it but nestled in the heart of Europe, Slovakia may not offer beaches, but there’s more than enough to make up for it. Once you’ve floated in its luxurious hot springs, you won’t miss the beach at all! Slovakia’s mountains are great for hiking; its dramatic landscapes are full of eerie caves, towering waterfalls and lush forests dotted with fairytale castles. The historic cities of Bratislava and Košice are also big draws for British tourists, with stunning Gothic and Baroque architecture.
Forget Mexico – this summer, Belize is the place to be. Nestled on the eastern coast of Central America, it’s the only country in the region with English as an official language, so no wonder British tourists are flocking to it.
It offers stunning and diverse natural scenery. From dense rainforest inland to the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere, and spectacular ruins from the pre-colonial Mayan civilisation. Its delicious and varied cuisine – with Mexican, Caribbean, Mayan and African influences – will have you craving for more.
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