Top 10 Last Minute Summer Holiday Ideas

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School’s out, summer is here, and all we can do is think about holidays (OK, that last one is pretty standard). But if you don’t have anything planned for a summer holiday yet it’s still not too late. We’ve checked out which destinations are still offering a good deal this summer – time to get packing!

1. Majorca

Despite being a firm summer holiday favourite, somehow there are still fab deals available to Spain‘s Majorca this August. Grab a gang of mates and go wild with Magaluf’s non-stop summer party, or head to quieter coasts with the family. Bustling C’an Picafort, beachy Santa Ponsa and northern Puerto Pollensa are just three of the options available. But it’s hard to find a bad location on this picturesque island.
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2. Fuerteventura

The quieter of the Canaries’ main islands is our top tip for bargain last-min summer sun. And the fact Fuerteventura contains some of the islands’ best beaches is an undeniable bonus. The sea breezes which draw windsurfers to the island in droves mean you’re not going to be uncomfortably hot even at the height of summer. And although Fuerteventura has a reputation as the peaceful island, there’s still plenty to do: Acua Waterpark and exploring some gigantic sand dunes for starters!
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3. Koh Samui

Thanks to an inconvenient timing with monsoon season, a lot of tropical destinations aren’t at their best during the summer holidays. However Koh Samui off Thailand’s east coast is in the middle of its dry season (though as with anywhere tropical you should always expect a shower or two). The island is known for its partying almost as much as its beautiful palm fringed beaches. But as Thailand’s second-largest island there will be something to suit all holidaymakers here.
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4. Kefalonia

Kefalonia isn’t the cheapest of Greek islands, but that stunning scenery which shot it to fame in Captain Corelli’s Mandolin more than compensates for a few extra pounds. And we happen to think these prices are pretty amazing for a peak season getaway. Explore the island’s incredible beaches, from striking beauty and sheer cliffs at Myrtos to an unusual red sand shore at Xi.
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5. Costa Brava

The resorts that line Spain’s Costa Brava vary in scale from large family friendly resorts like Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar to intimate coves off the beaten path and still-working fishing villages. You’re more likely to find bargain package deals at the bigger resorts, try Blanes for one of the longest beaches, or Tossa de Mar which mixes a modern holiday resort with a historic old town.
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6. Orlando

We know some young folk who will be pretty thrilled to have this destination make the list! If you do too, and you want to make them very happy indeed, the good news is there are still some good deals about. You’ll need to factor in car hire too, and look out for combo tickets which will allow you access to several of the theme parks. You don’t even have to spend the whole trip with Mickey and co. The Everglades and the beaches in Florida make for fun day visits.

Image © Kamira / Shutterstock.com
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7. Sunny Beach

If you want somewhere beyond the usual for this year’s summer holiday, how about Bulgaria? As the name suggests, Sunny Beach on the Black Sea coast has all the holiday essentials. To be specific there are 10 kilometres of golden sand, and an average of 12 hours of sunshine per day in August. Bulgaria isn’t part of the Eurozone, so you’ll find your spending money goes a lot further here too.
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8. Albufeira

There’s still space in the Algarve’s biggest resort this summer. If you’re sticking in Albufeira expect to get caught up in the bars and restaurants of the lively strip and relax on several beaches in the immediate vicinity. But Albufeira is also in a great position for exploring more of the Algarve. Hire a car and within 45 minutes you can be on the immaculate golf courses at Vilamoura, wandering the quaint old town at Faro, or exploring the pretty inland town of Silves.
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9. Corfu

Corfu’s party town Kavos is looking cheap this summer – grab one of these deals and you could be dancing on the beach for sunrise at open-air club Atlantis in next to no time. But if staying up until dawn doesn’t sound like a holiday to you then Corfu has plenty more low key options. Try Sidari for its family friendly Blue Flag beach, or Agios Stefanos which has a peaceful backdrop of gentle hills and olive groves.
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10. Dubai

So, how hot do you like your summer holidays to be? If the answer is scorching then you’re a great candidate to take advantage of the bargain prices to Dubai during August. With temperatures reaching up to 41°C, really the only thing to do is hit the beach… You can also explore the malls; you’ll be splurging in air-conditioned grandeur. And if things really get too hot you can always cool down on the indoor ski slope at the Mall of the Emirates.
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