Journalism of Courage
For every family — especially those with kids, Summer vacations are the most awaited part of the year. Schools and colleges close around mid-May, and that usually means packing your bags, locking the house for at least 10-15 days (if not for the whole month and a half of vacation time), and heading out. Now, though meeting up with grandparents and cousins is the tradional way of spending one's Summer holidays, more and more families are now using the time to travel to more unfamiliar destinations. From hitting the tropics or escaping the heat by heading off to the hills, or simply making good use of your credit cards by choosing a shopping destination, there is much to choose from. Which is why we got the experts to help out. Whether domestic or international, Manmeet Ahluwalia, Marketing Head, Expedia India, suggests exciting destinations for you and your family to go to this Summer. Choose from tropical, beach, shopping, mountains and kid-friendly destinations. (Source: Thinkstock Images)
TROPICAL DESTINATIONS
Las Vegas, US:
Aside from attracting high-rolling tourists, Las Vegas also has a burgeoning arts and entertainment area downtown. It is a spectacular landscape of gorges, red rocks, mountains and desert scenery. It is a great place to visit during summers; its cooler winter temperatures and amazing nightlife gives you a tremendous experience. (Source: Thinkstock Images)
Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
One of the most popular vacationing destinations of India, Andaman and Nicobar is exuberance of the highest order. It has an astonishing ambience, the vast diversity and a top-notch marine life clubbed along with some amazing adventure sports, Andaman and Nicobar should definitely be a part of your itinerary this Summer. (Source: Thinkstock Images)
BEACH DESTINATIONS
Lido di Jesolo, Italy:
Lido di Jesolo is a purpose-built beach resort in northeastern Italy, on the Adriatic Sea close to Venice. It's miles of sandy beach, rows of sunbeds and the night-time entertainment attracts thousands of holiday-goers every Summer. With the exception of the long day trip to Venice, there are no cultural attractions, but if you want a good, long beach and a resort atmosphere, it's the best choice. (Source: Thinkstock Images)
Candolim Beach, Goa:
Candolim Beach is among the most beautiful beaches in India. The white sandy Candolim Beach is naturally beautified by the scrub-covered dunes draws a lot of tourists during summers. The beach offers various water-sports activities-right from parasailing to water skiing, wind surfing and so on. It is one of the upscale areas of Goa and the beach reflects it. (Source: Thinkstock Images)
SHOPPING DESTINATIONS
London, UK:
London remains one of the best places in the world to go shopping. Renowned Emporiums such as Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Hamleys, Fortnum & Mason and Liberty are both sightseeing attractions in their own right and temples for shopping devotees, while streetside boutiques and lively markets abound. (Source: Thinkstock Images)
Singapore:
From niche luxury boutiques to streetside flea markets, shopping doesn't get any better than here in the shopping paradise that is Singapore – whatever your budget. Whether you are looking to indulge, scout for uncommon threads, or simply add that stylish piece to your wardrobe, you can find it all in fashion-forward Singapore. (Source: Thinkstock Images)
MOUNTAIN DESTINATIONS
Banff, Alberta, US:
A stunningly situated wilderness retreat, the best time to visit Banff is during summers. While visiting this beautiful place, one can explore local wildlife habitats, kayak on Lake Louise or hike to neighboring Lake Agnes; the track includes a charming teahouse cabin where hikers can relax and take in the grand vista while enjoying snacks. (Source: Thinkstock Images)
Kasol, Himachal Pradesh:
Kasol is situated in Parvati Valley, on the banks of the Parvati River, between Bhuntar and Manikaran. Kasol has recently transformed into a hub for backpackers, who are attracted to the scenic valley, untouched hills, low population and good climate throughout the year. Kasol is also known as Mini Israel in Himachal Pradesh because of the high number of Israeli backpackers in the area. (Source: Thinkstock Images)
KID-FRIENDLY DESTINATIONS
Cedar Point, Ohio, US:
One of the roller-coaster capitals of the world, this amusement park on the shores of Lake Erie anchors an area flush with nature preserves, nautical villages, and small coastal islands are perfect for kids. The best time to plan a vacation to Cedar point is during April to July. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
Munnar, Kerala:
Steeped in beauty, it seems a good idea to visit Munnar with kids. The place allows one to step-aside from the maddening rush of city life and spend time in the lap of nature. One might like to take their kids for short as well as long treks as you can find plenty of them here. (Source: Thinkstock Images)
