If you’re living in Asia you're probably experiencing summer! Everyone is feeling the heat, and temperatures in certain parts of India are already at 40 degrees Celsius! This makes it the perfect time to go on holiday somewhere more pleasant. Here are our summer travel ideas for destinations to beat the heat!

1. South Africa

Watch penguins walking across Boulders Beach near Cape Town

As it’s located in the Southern Hemisphere, South Africa experiences seasons opposite to most other countries. So, while we’re burning in the heat, South Africa is enjoying good weather. Best game viewing months for most parks are between May and September. For safari-goers, this is the perfect time to plan a trip to Kruger National Park. Wildlife lovers should also visit Boulders Beach near Cape Town where you can see African penguins walking across the beach! Also at Cape Town, catch stunning views on a sundowners cruise across the V&A waterfront, or enjoy the nightlife at the many bars in this area.

Our CEO captured this photo on a safari in South Africa

2. Bhutan

Bhutan has many quaint villages like these

It’s spring in Bhutan and flowers are in bloom. After autumn, this is the best season for trekking in Bhutan. Beautiful rhododendrons and wildflowers can be seen scattered across trails, making for some very rewarding scenery. However, it is quite cloudy so you might not get clear views of the mountain peaks but there are possibilities of catching glimpses. Birding enthusiasts will be glad to know that birdlife is active and abundant during this season. It is recommended that you do your research and travel to areas where you can avoid the heat, as temperatures tend to soar at lower altitudes.

You can meet monks-in-training at monasteries

3. Botswana

Botswana’s lions are so big they’re known to hunt elephants! Photo captured by our Director on his trip to Botswana

If you want to explore Botswana’s popular route of Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta, and Moremi Game Reserve, late May to August is the best time to visit. The dry winter season experiences a decline in vegetation leading animals to congregate near watering holes and resulting in easy game viewing opportunities for travellers. Considering the vast wildlife area that Botswana offers, even peak tourist season doesn’t feel crowded (Chobe being the exception). If you’re looking for something different, try a mobile safari in Botswana.

Botswana is known for its population of the endangered African wild dog

4. Namibia

An areal view of Namibia’s unique coast

Namibia experiences some of its best weather between April and May when the temperatures are moderate and the landscape is green. Any trip to Namibia wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its incredible sand dunes at Sossusvlei! The dunes that rise over 300 metres into the air, leave travellers spellbound. But there’s more to Namibia then just the Namib Desert. The country has a beautiful coastline where you can see unique views of sand dunes by the sea! Portuguese sailors once called the Skeleton Coast the “Gates of Hell”. As a testament to the name, you’ll see many shipwrecks along the beaches here. Adventure lovers can also go white water rafting at the Kunene River nearby.

Get lost in the Namib Desert

5. Australia

Find Nemo at the Great Barrier Reef

Just like South Africa, Australia experiences opposite climates to most other countries. It’s currently autumn down under, which means most places are free of extreme climactic variations. Considering how vast the country is, you’re advised to carefully plan your trip to Australia. If you have time on your hands, you can cover most places of interest on a three-week trip. However, if you’re pressed for time, choose your holiday style (beach, outback, city breaks) and focus on one coast/territory.

Don’t want to walk? You can visit Uluru on a camel ride

6. French Polynesia

You’ll never want to leave the beautiful InterContinental Tahiti Resort!

May to October is dry season in Tahiti and Bora Bora, making it the best time to visit for a relaxing beach getaway. Want to do more than just laze on the beach (don’t see why you would, though)? Go on an excursion into Papenoo valley in Tahiti to see beautiful tropical flora and gushing waterfalls. You can also visit charming markets and gardens here. At Bora Bora, hop on a small boat and go looking for sharks! If you’re not one for diving but want to see the wonderful underwater world of Bora Bora, go on an aqua safari. All you need to do is wear an oxygen helmet tethered to your boat and take long walk along the seabed!

Bora Bora offers stunning areal views

Have we missed out on your favourite summer travel destination? Let us know about it on Facebook, Twitter, andLinkedIn.