Before the full-on heat of summer really kicks in (assuming we have another summer like last year’s), now’s the time to head off on a break and enjoy the sunshine. You’ll also miss out on the price hikes of next month’s school holidays.
And if you can’t get away until September, we’ve also got a few ideas to inspire you.
Go now
Tuscany
Hole up in the Chianti hills near Siena, where you’ll be surrounded by the scent of cypress trees and pine forests. To Tuscany has an attractive farmhouse complex of 10 villas in a hilltop hamlet near Gaiole, where a one-bedroom apartment is available for £515 for the week of 15 June. There’s a large shared pool in secluded gardens, and all the villas have their own patios for al fresco meals.
Copenhagen
Enjoy long sunny days in Denmark’s capital, where, if you visit from 7-10 June, you'll arrive in the midst of its annual carnival. Base yourself in the central district of Nansengarde and surround yourself with fun boutiques, bookshops and buzzing cafes. I-escape has three nights throughout June at the funky Ibsens Hotel from £375 per night, B&B.
Dorset
Soak up marvellous views of the sea from Portland Bill on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast in one of two neighbouring Grade II-listed cottages. Set beside the 18th-century Old Higher Lighthouse, the two-bedroom cottages share a heated pool and a hot tub – as well as access to the lighthouse observatory. Sykes Cottages has a week’s rental in each cottage from 28 June for £828.
Namibia
Get to know northern Namibia’s spectacular landscapes and wildlife on an eight-day camping tour offered by Rainbow Tours. Get (safely) close to cheetahs while discovering the work of the Africat Foundation, then head off to Etosha National Park, the Skeleton Coast and the country’s highest mountain, the Brandberg. Departing 12 and 26 June, the holiday costs from £2,395pp and includes flights, internal transport, accommodation, guides and most meals.
Book now for September
Menorca
September will still be beautifully sultry in Menorca, where you could have wonderful views of the island’s longest beach if you stay at Villa Bellamirada. The three-bedroom villa offered by Villa Select is in walking distance of the resort of Son Bou and has its own pool, barbecue and outdoor shower. A week’s rental costs from £1,309 in September and includes a welcome hamper.
China
If you’re looking for an introduction to China, you can scratch the surface on a nine-day tour offered by Explore. Start in Beijing with tours of the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square before a walk on the Great Wall and a sleeper train to Xian and the Terracotta Warriors. A bullet train then whisks you away to Shanghai. The starting price of £1,455pp is for a 13 September departure and includes flights, internal transport, guides and breakfast.
Uzbekistan
Eastern promise: Inside the walled city of Khiva, Uzbekistan, now easier to reach (Simon Calder)
This fascinating Silk Road country has had a surge in popularity since it relaxed visa regulations earlier this year. Move quickly to get one of the remaining places on the Essential Uzbekistan tour offered by Regent Holidays. This eight-day tour takes in the splendours of Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara – and all via train. The tailor-made holiday costs from £1,850pp and includes flights, internal transport, guides and breakfast, for departures throughout September.
Mary Novakovich is editor at large at 101holidays.co.uk
