Wanderlusters, it's time to start planning for your June vacations.
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Be it beautiful European summers, tropical island getaways or exploring urban cities, we've rounded up the best places for you to spend your post-Ramadhan holidays, with exciting events too ?
1 - Bali, Indonesia
Pack up your sunnies, hat, and camera - it’s time for a much-needed Balinese vacation ?
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June is one of the best times to visit Bali (not that there’s any bad time to go there). Find yourself not just in a beautiful tropical island getaway, but also a place full of culture and tradition to explore!
Take a stroll along tropical white beaches, visit the gateway to heaven, or admire rice terraces at Tegalalang. Explore dozens of activities to do in Bali, and munch on delicious local food after! Or just laze in beautiful villas and have a relaxing holiday ?.
But June 2019 brings a little extra for your trip. Once you're done with the usual Bali adventures, drop by its annual arts festival to immerse yourself a little more into the Balinese culture.
Bali Arts Festival (16 June - 14 July)
Credit: @baliartsfestival on Instagram
The month-long festival introduces and promotes Balinese art and culture. Drop by Taman Werdhi Budaya Arts Centre in Denpasar and check out dances, puppetry, fashion, and Balinese food stalls.
The festival ends with a ceremony featuring a traditional ballet dance known as ‘sendratari’, which is typically held at the Ardha Candra stage.
2 - Redang Island, Malaysia
June is the perfect time to visit Redang Island when water is at is calmest ?
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You don’t have to travel far for beautiful white beaches, and the island is filled with activities and stunning beachfront accommodations.
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There are no major events going on in Redang in June but that doesn't mean you can't plan your own things to do. Enjoy the calm waters and snorkel with beautiful tropical fish, visit a turtle sanctuary or kayak out into the crystal clear water. For the daring, pick up a scuba diving course and get certified as an Open Water diver in a 3 to a 4-day course. With every snorkel or dive, you will appreciate our amazing ocean life even more ?.
And if you want to explore Perhentian Island and Tioman Island too, here's our guide to conquering Malaysia's East Coast Islands.
3 - Singapore
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Similar to other places within the region, Singapore will be a little rainy but a little rain can't stop you from enjoying South East Asia's little gem! Between the fun and exciting theme parks, shop-filled Orchard road and the picturesque Gardens by the Bay, Singapore is a place with neverending things to do. Even the locals are always on-the-go discovering new places.
Once you've explored the must-sees of Singapore, why not allocate some time to check out these events in June.
Dragon Boat Festival (7th June)
Credit: Singapore Dragon Boat Association on Facebook
Singapore's Dragon Boat Festival is an event you wouldnt want to miss! The Festival represents the culture of the people and the Chinese influence over Singapore’s past. Watch beautifully adorned boats racing through the river, creating a festive carnival-like atmosphere. The infectious energy of the racers and the crowds cheering is sure to keep you entertained and amazed!
The Singapore Great Sale (June 21st to July 28th)
Shoppers, this one's for you - drop by any major mall in Singapore (here's some to start with) and shop till you drop ?! With the plethora of air-conditioned shopping malls, bustling roads and night markets, Singapore is a shopaholic’s dream.
Even the toughest of shoppers need to re-energize for the next mall. Drop by these picturesque halal dining places before your next spree.
4 - Bangkok, Thailand
Another favourite for the cultured shopper ?. There are no major events going on in Bangkok in June, but hey, there’s always something to do in Bangkok.
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Thailand is a place filled with culture. Explore ancient temples, admire the intricate designs at the palaces and eat delicious Thai food! If it's your first trip to Bangkok, we've got you covered with this 4D3N Bangkok itinerary.
Another shopping haven (what's a vacation without shopping, right?) for the international shopper! Shop like a pro with at these 16 places, with halal food nearby to refuel. And the best part about shopping in Bangkok? They're are all walking distance within each other.
5 - Hong Kong
There’s more to this urban jungle than delicious dim sum and affordable street markets. You’d be surprised to know that this island is beaming with unique cultural experiences that will surely make you want to come back for more.
Credit: Ryan McManimie on Unsplashed
It will be a little bit rainy in Hong Kong but it’s one of the best times to visit because of the Dragon Boat Festival (14th to 16th June)!
Credit: Samuel Wong on Unsplashed
Hong Kong's Dragon Boat Festival is similar to Singapore's but on a much larger scale. Watch hundreds of thousand Hongkongers cheer for the boat racers! Featuring vibrant boats and pulsating drum performances, the event features ornately carved boats that measure up to 10 metres long and carries 20-22 paddlers!
The festival also features a man-made beach and a fun-filled splash area for everyone to bask under the sun in Hong Kong's city centre. Bring your picnic snacks and watch the dragon boat race at the Central Harbourfront this year (venue may change annually). Walk through the Street Food Gala serving local and international bites, and enjoy the Artisanal Market - showcasing creative talents from local artists and craftsmen. Definitely, an event not to be missed!
#HHWT tip:Learn some Cantonese phrases to make your trip easier since English is not widely spoken in Hong Kong.
6 - South Island, New Zealand
Beautiful, beautiful New Zealand. Land of jaw-dropping sceneries and amazing adventures. Lord of the Rings wasn't filmed in this country for no reason - it's natural wonders are almost unparalleled!
But New Zealand in June brings you a different kind of adventure - a Kiwi winter! On both the North and South islands, the mountain ranges experience snowfall, providing picture-postcard scenery as well as great skiing opportunities.
There are many places to ski in the South Island such as Nelson, Canterbury, Otago, Queenstown, and Wanaka. Make your way to these snowy peaks and ski or snowboard through New Zealand's awesome slopes!
P.S.: Up your Instagram feed at these stunning New Zealand locations while you're at it.
7 - Perth, Australia
Planning to visit Western Australia but not sure where to go? How about a trip to its capital, Perth? ? Beyond the endless sunshine and pristine beaches, a wonderful adventure in one of the liveliest cities in the world awaits you with the numerous interesting attractions that can’t be found anywhere else in Australia.
Here's a 5D4N itinerary to get you started on your next trip to Perth! And while you're there, check out these family-friendly events happening in June too ☺️
The Toodyay Fibre Festival (2nd June)
Credit: The Toodyay Fibre Festival on Facebook
The Toodyay Fibre Festival is an annual event that celebrates fibre arts and craft! This family-friendly event promotes natural fibre made of earth and plant. The event also intends to preserve the tradition, craft techniques, and expand boundaries through new skills and ideas.
Drop by and join one of their many activities such as a fashion parade, Mad Hatters Tea Party, children's activities, food and more!
Perth Upmarket (23rd June)
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Shop locally designed and made Western Australian goods with the highest quality at Perth Upmarket! Perth Upmarket is Perth's original and best design market, featuring more than 180 of Perth's most talented artists, designers, craftsmen and foodies all at The University of Western Australia.
8 - Paris, France
We can’t include a June vacation list without including a Parisian summer!
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Summer in Paris is full of incredibly beautiful sights and activities. Its perpetual glam is amplified with sunny days and striking flowers on all windowsills and sidewalks. But more than that, June also brings the Paris Summer Sale (yay!) and the Paris Air Show!
Paris Summer Sale (26th June - 6th August)
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SALE! Sometimes even up to 80% ?! France only allows shops to put their merchandise on sale certain times a year (which so happens to be in June and July). If a store wanted to have a sale outside those pre-ordained acceptable times, they are required to do a lot of paperwork so most of them aren't bothered to. Instead, find yourself in a shopping frenzy with other shoppers as every shop in the country slashes its price at the same time!
Paris Air Show (17th - 23rd June)
With over 140 aircrafts performing displays and exhibited, this is one event not to be missed. The Paris Airshow at La Bourget Parc is held only once every two years to showcase the latest aviation technology. Be mesmerized colourful displays in the sky or be amazed by giant planes at the exhibition. Many of them show their skills during the daily flying demonstrations in the afternoon which gives exhibitors the opportunity to demonstrate their technical expertise to the public.
Note that the first four days are only open to trade visitors, but the last three days are open to the public.
And once you're done, hop over to one of these halal Parisian restaurants for a good meal ?.
9 - Istanbul, Turkey
Filled with stunning architecture, rich culture and tons of scrumptious delicacies, it’s no wonder why Istanbul is one of the best cities in the world. Spend your days exploring the exotic streets of Istanbul, and awe at the majestic and iconic Hagia Sophia. There's just so many things to do in Istanbul!
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Shoppers, the month of June is meant for you because Istanbul also has its own shopping festival!
Istanbul Shopping festival (the whole of June!)
Credit: Miguel Virkunnen Carvalho on Flickr
The mission of the festival is to make Istanbul the shopping, culture and entertainment centre of the world. There's more than shopping too. You can enjoy fashion shows, art and design workshops, watch concerts and competitions, and most importantly - enjoy countless shopping privileges!
This 3 days itinerary in will give you a head start since it includes Istanbul's Grand Bazaar.
10 - Mykonos, Greece
Move aside Santorini, Mykonos is the place to be! A whitewashed paradise located in the heart of the Cyclades, Mykonos is one of the most happening islands when compared to the rest. It’s a great place to meet new people from all around the world as the Island is a must visit during the summer months to take advantage of the stunning beaches!
Credit: Mathieu Lebreton on Flickr
Admire gorgeous Cycladic architecture as you stroll around narrow marble streets, surrounded by whitewashed houses with colourful doors and window frames! The beautiful purple bougainvillaea trees are simply the cherry on the top as you find yourself snapping away pictures at every corner! Be sure to try the pepper flavoured kopanistí, a soft cheese widely known as the island’s trademark food! Yumsss! ?
Credit: @jingchang0414 on Instagram
There are no major events happening in June, but Mykonos IS Mykonos - you don't need an event to visit. The Greecian summer itself is more than enough reason to visit. Discover the Windmills of Chora, have a stroll by the colourful houses of Little Venice, take a boat trip to archaeological sites, or just explore and shop in Mykonos town.
11 - London, UK
London, oh London. The iconic British accents, British Museums, and London architecture - A must-visit for every traveller! We've even got you covered if it's your first time to London. On the days you're feeling a little cultured, drop by their museums, or do some (or a LOT) of shopping at these places with halal food nearby.
But set aside some time for these June activities too!
Trooping the Colour: The Queen's Birthday Parade (8th June)
Credit: Rick Goodenough on Facebook
Get your cameras ready for this. In June each year Trooping the Colour, also known as 'The Queen's Birthday Parade',takes place on Horse Guards Parade in London. A sight you won't want to miss - a parade of over 1400 officers together with 200 horses and more than 400 musicians. The parade route extends from Buckingham Palace along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall and back again.
Open Garden Squares Weekend (8th - 9th June)
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For one very special weekend in June, London's hidden green spaces open their gates for public enjoyment and discovery. Open Garden Squares Weekend is a weekend where many usually closed private beautiful gardens are opened to the public, with a bunch of activities and experiences for the family!
12 - New York City, USA
In New York, the city where dreams are made of!
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New York City is more than just skyscrapers, yellow cabs, and amazing street food carts. Its made up of five boroughs; Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island are each treasure in its own form, and there’s no underestimating what they can offer you! Find your dreams there with this 6D5N itinerary.
Museum Mile Festival (the whole of June)
The Museum Mile Festival is an annual event that offers free admission to some of the world's finest art collections during extended evening hours. Museums along the fifth avenue includes El Museo del Barrio, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, the Jewish Museum, Neue Galerie and the Museum of the City of New York.
There are plenty of outdoor festivities like face painting, chalk drawing, live music and other block-party-type events.
Met In The Park (multiple events throughout summer, dates TBC)
Each summer the Metropolitan Opera decamps from Lincoln Center for greener pastures in all five boroughs, with a series of free outdoor recitals taking place in locations such as Central Park, Clove Lakes Park in Staten Island and Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Bring some snacks and drinks to one of the parks, lay back, and enjoy the free show!
That's it!
June is one of the best times for you to travel. Time to plan your post-Ramadhan holidays to one (or more) of these spectacular locations. Neverending shopping, Dragon Boat Festivals, Museums, Recitals, you name it!