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We’ve reached the middle of the year, and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate that milestone than by embarking on a memorable travel experience. Whether you’re seeking the relaxation of a Mediterranean island escape or the adrenaline-fuelled excitement of an outdoor adventure, our favourite June holiday ideas offer the ideal escape from the gloom of Australia’s winter months:
From the excitement of Monte Carlo to the low-key luxury of Cap d’Antibes and the superyachts of Saint Tropez, the Côte d’Azur has long enjoyed a reputation for glitz and glamour. May on the French Riviera is less busy than the peak summer months of June to August, although major global events like the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix ensure that there’s still plenty of buzz. Whether you’re strolling the Promenade des Anglais in Nice or celebrity spotting in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, there are endless opportunities to add a little sparkle to your South of France experience.
If you prefer a more low-key style of holiday, the Côte d’Azur has an endless supply of hidden gems where you can soak up the tranquillity and beauty of this destination. Go hiking along winding coastal trails or drive up into the mountains to explore charming Provençal villages like Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Lourmarin. Follow in the footsteps of famous artists on the medieval streets of Mougins or take a day trip to the island paradise of Sainte Marguerite.
June marks the beginning of the second dry season in the east African nation of Rwanda, which means ideal conditions to see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Volcanoes National Park is one of just three remaining wild havens where you can see these incredible animals up close on a gorilla trekking adventure – it’s a truly awe-inspiring experience.
In the vibrant capital of Kigali, a visit to Kigali Genocide Memorial provides a poignant view of the country’s sometimes turbulent past. Browse the city’s markets, sample local cuisine, or go on a scenic drive to Akagera National Park to see more amazing wildlife, including the Big Five: elephant, lion, leopard, black rhino and buffalo.
From hiking the slopes of Europe’s tallest active volcano to lazing on some of the most stunning beaches in the Mediterranean, Sicily packs an incredible amount of scenery, culture and adventure into one spectacular island destination. If you’re a history buff, there are countless ancient sites to explore, including the Greek temples at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and the UNESCO World Heritage listed city of Syracuse. Sicily’s coastline is at its most spectacular during the long summer days of June. Its coves, cliffs and beaches are best appreciated from the water, either on a beach-hopping day trip or in conjunction with a visit to the Aeolian Islands.
If you’re an avid foodie, exploring the bustling markets and restaurants of Sicily’s vibrant capital city, Palermo, is a must. You can indulge in mouthwatering local specialities like arancini (stuffed rice balls), cannoli, and granita, then enjoy a restorative nap on one of the region’s stunning beaches: San Vito lo Capo and Mondello are among our local favourites. The pretty Baroque town of Modica produces a chocolate that’s quite unlike anything you’ve tasted elsewhere. You can learn about how it’s made, and the history of chocolate making in this part of Sicily, at the town’s iconic Chocolate Museum.
A visit to the Marsala region, is a chance to dive into Sicily’s rich wine culture – you can tour local vineyards, sample food and fine wine, and learn about the island’s centuries-old winemaking traditions.
Scotland enjoys some of the longest daylight hours in the Northern Hemisphere summer, with mild, settled weather that is ideal for enjoying its stunning wild spaces. In the most northern parts of the country, the sun rises between 3 and 4 am and doesn’t set until almost 11pm. You can go kayaking on the serene waters of a tranquil loch, hike the quiet trails of a remote highland valley or play an evening round of golf on a coastal links course.
The vibrant wildflowers which carpet the countryside during a Scottish summer provide a stunning backdrop for a variety of memorable wildlife encounters, from ospreys circling over a heather-clad hillside to puffins nesting on the rocky cliffs of the Outer Hebrides Islands.
June is the beginning of Scotland’s festival season, with Highland Games taking place across the country. You can witness traditional sports like caber tossing, hammer throwing, and experience authentic Scottish traditions such as Highland dancing, bagpipes and haggis.
With their diverse, otherworldly landscapes and rich cultural traditions, these Central Asian nations share a reputation as two of the world’s most fabulous, up-and-coming travel destinations. Set along the ancient trading route known as the Silk Road, they share a proud nomadic heritage that is infused with a variety of other cultural influences, including Persian, Mongolian and Russian.
This multicultural legacy remains very much on display in the historic Kyrgyz city of Osh, where you can still roam the bustling bazaars and enjoy traditional dishes such as laghman (noodle soup), samsa (meat pastries), and plov (pilaf).
June is the beginning of the summer season in the rugged Tien Shan mountain range, which stretches across Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and neighbouring Uzbekistan. It’s a great time to experience a variety of adventure sports like rock climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, and whitewater rafting, while animal lovers will be enchanted by the sight of wild horses grazing on mountain pastures.
A nation that’s renowned for its love of gardening, England is at its most beautiful during the month of June. In London, the expansive park spaces and quiet squares are bursting with lush greenery and fragrant blooms. From boating on the Serpentine in Hyde Park to picnicking in the peaceful Kew Gardens, you can fill your days with an endless variety of blissful summer activities.
Head to the nearest rooftop restaurant or riverside pub to sample the best of London’s vibrant al fresco food scene while enjoying stunning views of the city skyline. During the last week of June, performers trade their West End stages for the open space of Trafalgar Square to take part in West End Live: an epic (and free) celebration of music and arts.
Cornwall is almost as far from London as you can travel without leaving England entirely. It’s tucked away in the most south-westerly corner of the country: a rugged peninsula of wild moorland, picturesque fishing villages and spectacular golden beaches. It’s here that you will find gardening paradise on a whole new scale: from the 200-acre expanse of the Lost Gardens of Heligan to the iconic Eden Project. The transparent domes provide an otherworldly backdrop to the Eden Sessions: a music festival that runs across several weekends throughout June and July, showcasing a variety of big-name performers each year.
The Cornish region is rich in history and heritage, with ancient castles, historic mines, and neolithic sites just waiting to be explored. Hike the scenic South West Coast path, explore the ruins of Tintagel Castle, or take in an open-air performance in the spectacular cliffside setting of Minack Theatre.
San Sebastian, known as Donostia in the Basque dialect, is both the geographic and cultural heart of northern Spain’s Basque region. It’s also renowned as a culinary mecca, claiming more Michelin stars per capita than any other city in the world. Eating a slice (or two) of heavenly burnt Basque cheesecake at a café in the Old Town (Parte Vieja) features highly on our list of essential bucket list experiences for 2024. After exploring the narrow cobblestone streets, you can find a table in a sunny plaza and enjoy this delicious dessert, best served alongside live music and tasty pinxtos.
The city’s iconic La Concha Beach is a sheltered, crescent-shaped bay of golden sand that is wonderful for sunbathing and swimming, while the oceanside expanse of Zurriola Beach is a popular spot for surfing and other water sports.
June marks the beginning of the dry season in Bali, with sunny days, clear skies and low humidity providing ideal conditions to enjoy its diverse landscapes. Peak visitor season is still just around the corner, which means there are likely to be smaller crowds at the most popular tourist spots.
Spend lazy days lounging on Bali’s beautiful beaches and soaking up the sun. Seminyak and Jimbaran are popular for their trendy boutiques, chic cafes and open-air beach clubs, while spots like Bingin and Padang Padang offer a more serene, laid-back beach experience.
The island’s interior is a tranquil wonderland of lush forests and stunning waterfalls. You can cycle through lush rice terraces in Ubud, watch the sunrise from the summit of Mount Batur or treat yourself to a spa escape at a tranquil eco-resort.
Whether you’re looking for an excuse to escape the Australian winter or an opportunity to enjoy quality family time in a memorable destination, our favourite June holiday ideas are designed to provide all the inspiration you need. If you’re ready to start planning your mid-year holiday escape, talk to one of our travel experts.
We at Travel Managers Australia recognise the traditional owners of the country where we live and work. We recognise and celebrate the diversity of Indigenous people and their enduring cultures and connections to the land and waters of New South Wales.
