Top 5 Summer Destinations South of the Equator
March 20, 2012 | Top Travel Lists, World travel
5) Cairns, Australia
The largest tourist destination for those who want to The Great Barrier Reef, Cairns in far from most tourist destinations, over 1,000 miles North of Brisbane. That shouldn’t stop you from exploring the rest of the country while you are there since domestic flights in Australia are available in abundance. The Great Barrier Reef is considered by many to be one of the 7 Underwater Wonders of the World and is one of the world’s largest natural landmarks visible from space. Take our word for it and visit it up close for an aquatic experience you will never forget.
4) Cape Town, South Africa
For those who visited our sale last week on South African Airways’ fares, you may have wondered what attractions the country offers. The most desirable locations throughout the country are for the thrill-seekers and the adventurous souls. Soaring ocean-side cliffs provide truly unique views from land while the lengthy, 1,000 mile coastline provides plenty of opportunity for surfing and other watersports. The country also hosts more traditional activities for those looking to go on safari or a trip through one of their national parks. Cape Town boasts a favorable cost-of-living for those looking to travel on the cheap and is reachable by direct flight or from Johannesburg.
3) Valle Nevado, Quilpué, Chile
It might not be ski season for the northern hemisphere, but it sure is in Quilpué. Valle Nevado is the southern hemisphere’s largest ski resort, one of many notable ski resorts in Chile. Just three hours West of Santiago, you have the opportunity to experience the country’s largest city on your way to the slopes. You will see peak season here begin and June and last through August which makes it a perfect “summer” destination for those above the equator and unable to travel in the winter.
2) Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland, New Zealand
New Zealand’s largest city is never short on variety. Receiver of numerous awards for quality of living and livability, Auckland has the unique geographic characteristic of access to the Pacific Ocean to the West and the Tasman Sea to the East. This simple fact has developed the city’s love for the water to near-unparalleled heights. According to the New Zealand Herald, the city owns over 200,000 water vehicles–that includes jet skis and windsurfers–which attest to the enviable weather. With an average temperature through August between 45 and 60 degrees, you can still experience the water during those months.
1) Montevideo, Uruguay
Uruguay is one of South America’s best kept secrets. The country has less than 4 million inhabitants and is dwarfed by neighbors Brazil and Argentina. The city itself is a microcosm of the entire country: an eclectic mix of traditional South American culture and a heavy influence from many European cultures. The overall atmosphere is as temperate as the weather, with a consistent temperature during the months of June and July of between 50-60 degrees. You may leave your swimming trunks at home but there will be plenty of time spent outdoors at that temperature. The icing on the cake is their favorable exchange rate which makes vacations in Uruguay easy on your wallet too.
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[...] you read last week’s post on the Top 5 Summer Destinations South of the Equator then we don’t have to sell you on the merits of Uruguay. Its partner in crime in travel is Buenos [...]
[...] written about South Africa’s beautiful coastline before and we knew it wouldn’t be the last time. Chapman’s Peak Drive isn’t as extensive as [...]
[...] feel like traveling to other countries to celebrate your American pride then there are plenty of destinations south of the equator that are excellent for early July. Whether you stay in the Land of the Free or travel to another [...]