Destination Jeddah
Destination Riyadh
Destination Sharqiya
Destination Listing
Tired of the scorching temperatures of the Arabian Gulf? Want to cool off this summer and experience lower temperatures? Well, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best holiday destinations on every continent for exactly that. So, chill out and take your pick.
1. Machu Pichu, Peru
As it’s one of the wonders of the world, the lost Incan city of Machu Picchu is a site to behold. With its awe-inspiring location, it is the most spectacular archaeological site in all South America. Travel back in time and trail the ancient valleys in this misty and mysterious land.
Visa requirement: apply at Peruvian Embassy
Average flight cost: SR8,800
Expected temperature: -3°c (July)
2. Arusha, Tanzania
This unending savannah in East Africa is rumored to be the inspiration behind Disney classic “The Lion King” so release your inner Simba (lion in Swahili) by going on safari on the Serengeti or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest mountain.
Visa requirement: purchase on arrival
Average flight cost: SR3,500
Expected temperature: 17-20°c (July)
3. Ushuaia, Argentina
If you’re really looking for a unique skiing trip, the mountainous region of Patagonia is the perfect haven. This resort town on Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego is close to the Arroyo Grande grasslands, the Castorera, the Chico River waterfall, and, most importantly the famous Cerro Castor ski resort.
Visa requirement: apply at Argentinian Embassy
Average flight cost: SR9,300
Expected temperature: -1-2°c (August)
4. Kathmandu, Nepal
Photo Credit: brightsuntravelonline.wordpress.com
This historic city lies beneath the Himalayas and if you’re the active type then you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to hiking tours. Visit the ancient temples, fascinating villages and mingle with the welcoming locals for an unforgettable trip.
Visa requirement: apply at Nepalese Embassy
Average flight cost: SR1,500
Expected temperature: 19-22°c (July-August)
5. Ilulissat, Greenland
Visitors can embark on week’s walking tour through the secluded icebergs, glaciers, and rivers with helicopter rides between each location. If you just want to chill, check into the Hotel Arctic and stay in a luxury igloo on the edge of the fjord.
Visa requirement: apply at Danish Embassy
Average flight cost: SR18,500
Expected temperature: 5-8°c (June-August)
6. New Hampshire, US
Bretton Woods, New Hampshire offers a cool summer climate that make outdoor activities less sweaty and more fun for families. Soar through the cool air and enjoy the view on a zip line or ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway and take in the scenery on your way to the top of New England’s highest peak – and wear layers – it will be cold at the summit!
Visa requirement: apply at VFS Global
Average flight cost: SR2,300
Expected temperature: 20-23°c (June-July)
7. Vancouver, Canada
Metropolis meets nature with eagles whirling overhead as you gawp at the sunset framed beaches in a backdrop of mountain diorama from Stanley Park’s breathtaking seawall. An ideal city break with plenty of natural charms.
Visa requirement: apply at Canadian Embassy
Average flight cost: SR2,200
Expected temperature: 16-19°c (June)
8. London, England
If you’re a fan of wet weather mixed with some sun and wind then look no further than London where you can experience all four seasons in the space of an hour. Visit the historic sites and excellent museums in the British capital and shopaholics are recommended to hit the West End.
Visa requirement: apply at British Embassy
Average flight cost: SR1,300
Expected temperature: 14-22°c (June-July)
9. Cape Town, South Africa
With the traditional summer months coinciding with their winter, Cape Town is a wonderful place to cool off. You can seek out the flora, fauna and wildlife, visit the pristine white beaches or combine the two with Boulders Beach, home to colonies of African penguins waddling about on the rocks.
Visa requirement: apply at South African Embassy
Average flight cost: SR1,600
Expected temperature: 6-8°c (August)
10. Stockholm, Sweden
Have I gained your trust yet? Well, it might just be a case of Stockholm syndrome and that’s handy as this is our next summer getaway. Enjoy swimming in the fresh water in the Swedish capital or sail on a ferry between islands and explore the plethora of activities on offer throughout the Scandinavian city.
Visa requirement: apply at VFS Global
Average flight cost: SR2,300
Expected temperature: 15-19°c (July)
11. Auckland, New Zealand
Explore the largest Polynesian city through Maori treasures and experience the lives of 19th-century settlers at Howick Historical Village. Adrenaline junkies can get their fix from bungee jumping, kayaking or sailing.
Visa requirement: none required
Average flight cost: SR3,700
Expected temperature: 8-12°c (June-July)
Sitting on the mouth of the Red Sea, it would be almost criminal to not utilize our amazing seabed for a bit of fishing. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an angling novice, try it out and you’ll be hooked!
If you haven’t had enough of the seaside then take a trip to Obhur’s amazing open beach where you can sunbathe to your heart’s content, play a bit of volleyball, have a family barbecue or pop into the Sheraton Red Sea Resort where you can treat yourself to a relaxing spa.
Bored of fish and the ocean? Didn’t think so! Head on down to Fakieh Aquarium where you can be entertained - yet educated – up-close with hundreds of aquatic creatures. Families can also enjoy the impressive dolphin and sea lion show every day.
The competitive among you will be able to keep those juices flowing through the hot summer months without melting outside. Get your nearest and dearest together and check out Jeddah Lanes bowling alley. If you get tired of whooping your friends at bowling then switch over to billiards, table tennis or the arcade area. This can be thirsty work so you can replenish yourself at the snack bar.
Looking to cool off but keep moving at the same time? Al Shallal Theme Park, at the end of Sari Street, has the largest ice rink in the city and it’s a brilliant place for a group to go out and chill (pun intended). Book a VIP booth that overlooks the skating rink for the best experience. If you want to avoid a crowd, go during the week.
Fayfa Garden is a lovely play area and mini zoo with monkeys, snakes, exotic birds and cute puppies too. The plants on show at the garden are extraordinary so if you ever find yourself on Tahlia Street with time to kill, remember we told you all about it. Some of the animals on show are also on sale to visitors and their gift shop has some quirky gardening items. Take the kids along too; there are small rides to keep them amused if they get bored of the wildlife on show.
Next up is Darat Safeya Bizagr where you can learn to draw and take a look back through the history of the kingdom through this Jeddawis’ exquisite art. Enjoy the fantastic exhibitions in every medium from oil to watercolor and see real traditional costumes and body adornments on display. The gallery also hosts sporadic visiting exhibitions featuring works of local and international artists you need to contact them before visiting.