Summer Vibes

wanderlust

It is summer! And do you know what that means? Vacay time! Summer is without a doubt the most popular time for most of us to travel, escape, and disconnect for a few days or weeks. Just the mere mention of vacation conjures up images of sandy beaches, poolside parties, picnics in the park, sightseeing and so much more. It is one of the best ways to take a break, unwind and have a fun-filled, stress free time with your family or friends! To make things easier, this week, You! has compiled a list of some of the most gorgeous vacation spots that are visa-friendly, a little easier on the pocket but absolutely worth visiting ...

Baku, Azerbaijan

Baku is a port city which is the cultural, industrial and political capital of Azerbaijan and is considered as one of the world’s most beautiful cities found at the joint of Europe and Asia. This is probably the best time to visit the ‘City of Winds’ since it has recently simplified its visa process. Whoever is willing to take advantage of this opportunity will enjoy a cosmopolitan with affordable capital of good eats and incredible architecture.

You can stroll at the seafront, enjoy some of the best cuisine and ride the funicular from the seaside to the incredible Flame Towers. Baku’s famed medieval walled-city was termed as the World Heritage Site in 2000. Its roots date back to at least the 12th century and include sites such as Maiden Tower, Juma Mosque, Hamam Mehellesi public baths, and Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Another thing that’s great about Baku is that its currency value is almost the same as Pakistani rupees, which means that you won’t have to spend a lot of moolah to have fun.

Seychelles, East Africa

The Seychelles is a popular tropical tourist spot, located on the Indian Ocean and is northeast of Madagascar. The group of 115 islands is home to some of the world’s most beautiful and the most photographed beaches, including the famous white powder of Beau Vallon on Mahe and Anse Lazio on Praslin. The amazing pink sands and boulders of Anse Source d’Argent has led many to call it the most gorgeous beach on Earth. You must be thinking that a place as gorgeous as this would cost a fortune. Wrong! There are plenty of hotels that offer pocket-friendly prices with a priceless view! While the location makes for a perfect romantic getaway, you can also enjoy water sports like scuba diving, snorkelling, and fishing with a group of friends. Hike along the shoreline savouring the breathtaking scenery which will take about 1.5-2 hours, and visit Vallee de Mai which is a national park and world heritage site. Planning vacation to the Seychelles islands in holidays is definitely worth it.

Mykonos, Greece

Greece’s most famous cosmopolitan island, a whitewashed paradise in the heart of the Cyclades, has a lot to offer in terms of activities and view. The main attractions in Mykonos are the beaches, where you can relax, soak up the atmosphere along the lively waterfront and admire a fleet of fishing boats casting colourful reflections in the azure waters. Paradise Beach is a favourite tourist spot where many enjoy taking a walk on its soft sands. Away from the beach, you can tour Panagia Paraportiani in Chora, photograph the Windmills, or visit the island of Delos for its archaeological finds. Travellers also love Little Venice for its restaurants, shopping and postcard views. As for accommodation, Mykonos has a range of hotels that offer deals and discounts for a couple of nights which you can easily find online.

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is a major city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosporus Strait and boasts cultural influences from many empires that once ruled it. The city is liberally scattered with glorious remnants of its long and illustrious history, and the sightseeing here will impress even the most monument-weary visitor. The four must-see sites include Aya Sofya, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. After you are done exploring them, there is a dazzling array of other things to do throughout the further reaches of the city. A trip to Istanbul will definitely not be complete without a cruise over the Bosporus River. There plenty of cruises that you can choose from including shorter ones if you are pressed for time. Visit the local markets where you will receive a warm welcome from the stallholders. Also, if you’re up for a little adventure, head on over to Anatolia for a hot air balloon ride, it’ll surely be a memorable experience!

Bali, Indonesia

There is something for everyone in Bali. You can enjoy the spectacular beaches of Kuta, Nusa Dua and Seminyak, head up to the cultural area of Ubud for the scenic rice terraces that offers tourists a splendid sight of nature and a valuable insight on the locals’ culture and customs. Tourists can explore around the location, breathing fresh village air, while interacting with locals. Bali’s west coast has tapering ranges of mountains covered in lush forests, wet rice fields and bountiful vegetation. Its attractions also comprise historical sites and buildings that have stood the tests of time. These range from royal palaces to museums and art galleries, each offering a different glimpse of Bali.

Pakistan

While there are a few visa-friendly countries like the ones mentioned above, the most hassle-free country to visit is perhaps your own. You don’t have to worry about money exchange or the agonising documentation process. Even a spontaneous idea to explore can transform into a fun-filled, budget-friendly trip. Last year, Pakistan saw a rise in local tourism which is not only highlights the positive side but also boosts our economy.

The best spots to explore are some of the valleys located in the north like Naltar Valley near Hunza, Shangrila resort in Skardu, Neelam Valley, Azad Kashmir, Gorakh Hills in Sindh and the princely state of Bhawalpur are just a few of the many sites to explore in the country.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for an adventure!